Things to do in Custer
Avenue of Flags at Mount Rushmore
The Avenue leads from the Concession Building to the Grandview Terrace. The flags of the 56 states and territories fly below the memorial. The avenue provides direct and easy access to the Grandview Terrace and Presidential Trail, a half-mile walking trail that offers spectacular views of the mountain sculpture.
Black Hills Balloon
Experience the Magnificence of the World viewed from a Balloon! The uniqueness of our area makes this one of the most sought after flights in the world. Drift along, cloud-like, above the peaks as you surround yourself with beauty and total relaxation. Mt. Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Monument, scenic lakes and herds of wild buffalo, elk and deer are frequent sights on these wonderful excursions. What a fantastic way to see the historic Black Hills, while experiencing the oldest form of flight known to man. Enhancing your tour even more, we follow the flight with a traditional champagne celebration, personalized flight certificates and other amenities you will enjoy as well. Call (800) 568-532 for more information.
Black Hills National Forest
The Black Hills National Forest is located in southwestern South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming on 1.2 million ponderosa pine-studded acres ranging in elevation as high as 7,242 feet. Amid the splendid scenery are 11 reservoirs, 30 campgrounds, 32 picnic areas, 2 scenic byways, 1,300 miles of streams, 13,000 acres of wilderness, 353 miles of trails, and much more. As the forest is managed for multiple use, visitors will see mining, logging, cattle grazing, and summer homes on their travels. Call 605-673-9200 for more information.
25041 N Highway 16, Custer, SD
Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour
Take one of our jeep tours and take in the area. Located in Custer, please call for more information. Call (605) 225-4706 for more information.
Crazy Horse Memorial
The work was begun in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski at the request of Native Americans. Korczak died in 1982; his wife Ruth and their family continue the project working with the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation. The Indian Museum of North America, The Native American Cultural Center which was dedicated at the 1996 Native American Day Celebration, the sculptor’s studio, as well as a new 40,000 square foot Orientation Center and theaters opened in May of 2000. Many Native American artists and crafts people create their artwork and visit with guests at the Memorial during the summer season. Crazy Horse Memorial is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota on US Highway 16/385 just 17 miles southwest of Mount Rushmore. Call (605) 673-4681 for more information.
Custer County 1881 Courthouse Museum
Displays on Custer’s 1874 expedition, minerals, the Lakota culture, industry, school, store, ranch, guns and antique coaches to mention just a few Call (605) 673-2443 for more information.
411 Mt. Rushmore Road, Custer, SD
Custer State Park
Custer State Park is located in the Black Hills and encompasses 73,000-acres of spectacular terrain and an abundance of wildlife. Within the park, you will discover a world of adventure! Some great outdoor activities include hiking 7,242-foot Harney Peak, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, fishing, chuck wagon suppers and jeep rides to see the bison. The Park boasts scenic drives such as the Needles Highway (SD 87), which twists and turns its way past towering rock formations and through narrow tunnels. At the end of one tunnel stands the Needles Eye, a granite spire with a slit only 3 - 4 feet wide but reaching 30 - 40 feet in the air. History and culture also abound; walk the banks of French Creek, where Custer’s expedition first discovered gold in 1874. Take in a theater performance at the Blackhills Playhouse or visit the log cabin that was once the home to Badger Clark, South Dakota’s first poet laureate. Call (605) 255-4515 for more information.
Dakota Badland Outfitters
Ride the Black Elk Wilderness Area, located in the center of the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve. Named after the Oglala Sioux holy man Black Elk, this 7-hour ride takes you to the top of the Black Hills - Harney Peak! At 7,242 feet above sea level it is the highest point in the U.S. east of the Rockies. From the historic lookout tower, riders enjoy a panoramic view of four western states. Reservations are required for this fantastic horseback experience. Call (605) 574-2525 for more information.
Dakota Territory Trading Post
The Dakota Territory Trading Post offers for sale many western, American Indian, and pioneer antiques, artifacts and replicas. We have a selection of western antique and civil war era rifles and pistols as well as authentic antique cavalry gear and insignia. We also sell old west antique items such as branding irons, lanterns, wagon wheels, knives, tools and many other unique antique items. Call (605) 673-5496 for more information.
18 N 5th Street, Custer, SD
Flintstones Bedrock City
Bedrock comes alive in this modern Stone Age setting of fun-filled buildings and play areas. Tour Fred's Bedrock City. Ride the Flintmobile and Iron Horse Train. See Mt. Rockmore and enjoy the new Flintstone Trio Show. Choose from a large variety of officially licensed Flintstones gifts, souvenirs, toys, and t-shirts from our gift shop or munch on Bronto burgers and fries, Dino Dogs, Chickasaurus, Rockbusters, ice cream treats, and more. Call (800) 992-9818 for more information.
Four Mile Old West Town Museum
This historic site offers much to the visitor. Come and see the stockade, living history, archaeological site and boardwalk. Experience the yesterday of business and homes where visitors can actually touch the displays. Riding and walking tours are available. Call (605) 673-3905 for more information.
Jewel Cave National Monument
With more than 129 miles surveyed, Jewel Cave is recognized as the third longest cave in the world. Airflow within its passages indicates a vast area yet to be explored. Cave tours provide opportunities for viewing this pristine cave system and its wide variety of speleothems including stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, frostwork, flowstone, box work and hydromagnesite balloons. The cave is an important hibernaculum for several species of bats. Call (605) 673-2288 for more information.
L & J Golden Circle Tours
ake one of our personalized tours that are tailored to what you want to see or enjoy one of our basic tours that include such destinations as Sylvan Lake, Needles Highway, Custer State Park and the Wildlife Loop Road. Visit Mt. Rushmore & Crazy Horse Memorial. We cater to any size group and our guides are fully knowledgeable on the area. We are located in Custer. Please call for tour times and costs. Call (877) 811-434 for more information.
Lincoln Borglum Museum at Mount Rushmore
Rangers provide interpretive walks and talks, including the Evening Sculpture Lighting Ceremony. The lighting program takes place at approximately 9 p.m. nightly (May-September) in the park's amphitheater. The amphitheater is fully accessible via the Avenue of Flags to elevators at the museum.
Other programs being offered include guided walks to the Sculptor's Studio, Presidential Trail walks, talks on the Grandview Terrace, afternoon children's activities and studio talks. Call (605) 574-2523 for more information.
Log Cabin at The Badger Hole
Poetic souls are drawn to The Badger Hole, home of the state's first poet laureate, Charles Badger Clark (1883-1957). After a cabin tour, hike the Badger Clark Historic Trail and read his poetry at quiet stops among the pines.
Mount Rushmore
National Museum of Wood Carving
Enjoy The Wooden Nickel Theater with over 30 scenes created by an original animator of Disneyland. On site you will also find a carving studio, a display of nationally recognized woodcarvers, a national museum gallery, gift shop & snack bar. Call (605) 673-4404 for more information.