What's the history of Custer?

Custer was founded in 1875 after General Custer’s expedition found gold nearby, sparking the Black Hills Gold Rush and making it the region’s first town.

What is the driving distance from Custer to the nearest large city, Rapid City?

Custer is about 40 miles from Rapid City, roughly a one-hour scenic drive north on US-16.

What is the weather like in Custer?

Custer is a year-round destination. Take advantage of off-season solitude or join summer’s flurry of activities. Spring (April-May): Springtime brings daytime temperatures in the mid-40s to mid-60s. Early spring may bring late-season snow. Summer (June-August): Summer typically features warm and sunny days with daytime temperatures ranging from the 70s to low 80s, and cooler evenings. Fall (September-October): Fall experiences mild, sunny days transitioning to cool evenings. Average daytime highs range from the 70s in September to the 40s in November. Winter (November-March): Winter brings cold temperatures (below freezing in January) and moderate snowfall averaging 5 to 15 inches monthly. Prepare for sustained cold with the occasional, brief warm-ups due to Chinook winds. Learn more about weather and seasons in South Dakota

What is Custer's geography?

Custer sits at over 5,300 feet in the southern region of the Black Hills . It’s in a distinct and isolated mountain range above the surrounding Great Plains of western South Dakota, characterized by rugged, forested hills, granite outcroppings and scenic valleys carved by streams.

What are the busiest times of year in Custer?

Peak season runs from June to August, with July and late September being the busiest.

Who do I contact for more Custer travel tips?

Travel South Dakota: It's the official state tourism website, and the contact center can provide comprehensive travel information for the entire state, including the Black Hills region. Phone: 1-800-952-3625 (domestic toll-free) or 1-605-773-3301 (international) Website: Travel South Dakota Visit Custer: Showcasing the area's attractions, including its proximity to Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park and the Black Hills National Forest. It also highlights local lodging, dining, shopping and recreational opportunities. Phone: 605-673-2244 Website: VisitCuster.com Custer Chamber of Commerce: For local insights, event information and recommendations for accommodations, dining and attractions. Phone: 605-673-2244 Email: info@custersd.com Website: Custer Chamber of Commerce

Custer

Everyone loves the "begging burros" of Custer State Park.

A female hiker stands at the summit of Black Elk Peak overlooking a beautiful scene near Custer, South Dakota. — You'll be on top of the world — or at least South Dakota — at Black Elk Peak.

A classic Western experience, the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup is an early-fall tradition.

A climber atop a narrow rock formation at the Needles in Custer State Park. — Climbers flock to the famed Needles for guided or solo climbs.

Historic farming equipment stands in front of 19th-century buildings at Four Mile Old West Town in Custer, South Dakota. — 19th-century history is preserved at Four Mile Old West Town.

A man stands on a dock on Sylvan Lake during the winter. Custer, South Dakota. — Sylvan Lake is scenic in any season.

A wooden beetle burns while fireworks explode in the sky at the Burning of the Beetle event in Custer, SD. — The Burning Beetle is one of Custer's most unique annual events.

Things to Do in Custer

Get Outside: Hike, Bike, Climb and Drive

Custer provides easy access to endless outdoor recreation opportunities. Nearby adventure awaits in South Dakota’s most famous landmarks, memorials, state parks and caves.

Explore 71,000 acres at Custer State Park — from rock climbing and hiking to canoeing and boating. You can even get prized views of wildlife via the 18-mile Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway. Visitors might see elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep or some 1,300 bison roaming the park. Climb to Black Elk Peak, the highest point in South Dakota, for sweeping views across the Black Hills. Drive the Needles Highway, a scenic byway known for its narrow rock tunnels and spire-filled landscapes. Take the riding or hiking challenge along the George S. Mickelson Trail, a 109-mile trail passing through forest, tunnels and historic mining towns. Or head to Sylvan Lake to kayak, paddleboard, fish and picnic amid stunning rock formations.

Tour Iconic Landmarks

Custer is a landmark hotspot in South Dakota. Visit Crazy Horse Memorial®, the largest in-progress sculpture in the world, and only 4 miles from downtown. Drive 30 minutes north to Mount Rushmore National Memorial to experience the iconic granite faces of four U.S. presidents. Tour Jewel Cave National Monument, one of the longest caves in the world, to experience dazzling mineral formations. Or explore Wind Cave National Park, one of the world’s longest cave systems.

Book a Guided Tour or Take a Self-Guided One

Consider yourself a history buff or wildlife explorer? Get ready for plenty of education in Custer. Learn Custer’s story inside the 1881 Courthouse Museum, the original sandstone courthouse with gold rush and tribal artifacts. Take a Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour with a knowledgeable, friendly guide and ride through Custer State Park’s backcountry spotting bison, elk and pronghorn. Stop by the Custer State Park Bison Center, an interactive museum dedicated to the park’s famed bison herd and management efforts.

Uncover Hidden Gems

Stroll the Custer Skywalk (starting at the south end of Sixth Street) to score magnificent views of Custer and the scenic Cathedral Spires. Enjoy Custer Stampede Buffalo Art, featuring life-sized painted buffalo sculptures displayed throughout downtown. Walk through Four Mile Old West Town, a quirky, recreated frontier ghost town just west of Custer.

Attend a Custer Event

Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival: Watch cowboys and cowgirls drive 1,300 bison across the prairie each September. Then, shop for souvenirs at a festival featuring handmade arts and crafts made by local artists.
Crazy Horse Volksmarch: More than 10,000 people hike to the arm of Crazy Horse Memorial® during this twice-yearly public event that happens in the spring and fall.
Burning Beetle: Celebrate community spirit with a fiery beetle bonfire and torch-lit procession each January.
Gold Discovery Days: Celebrate the discovery of gold in the Black Hills. Join a summer festival of parades, car shows, hot air balloons and more each July.

Butter melts on a thick piece of French toast at Hjem A.M. in Custer, South Dakota. — Fuel up with Scandinavian-style breakfast at Hjem A.M.

Portrait of Skogen Kitchen in Custer's owner and chef, Joseph Raney with kitchen in the background and finished plates on a vintage green countertop — The acclaimed Skogen Kitchen draws foodies to downtown Custer.

Aerial view of the historic State Game Lodge in Custer State Park. — The historic State Game Lodge offers lodging and dining within Custer State Park.

A server holds out a slice of pie at Bobkat's Purple Pie Place in Custer, SD. — A visit to Custer isn't complete without a slice of homemade pie from Bobkat's Purple Pie Place.

Custer Restaurants

Custer's dining scene offers a delightful mix of cozy cafes, innovative eateries and casual hot spots. From Scandinavian-inspired breakfasts to globally influenced dinners and classic American comfort food, there's a flavor to satisfy every traveler's palate in this charming South Dakota town.

Places to Stay in Custer

Need a pool for the kids or pet-friendly options? Looking for a glamping experience or even a treehouse stay? You’re in luck. There are plenty of lodging options in Custer. Customize a Custer stay at a hotel, motel, lodge within the park, camping site, cabin, vacation rental or bed-and-breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions

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