Things to Do Near Jewel Cave National Monument

Named a Top 10 US Safari by MSN, 2015, our Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour will take you where only we can go: off-road. Trek through Custer State Park in an open-air jeep in search of pronghorns, elk and the noble buffalo. Along the way, our guides will share historical and educational facts about the park and wildlife, and help you spot the critters. Tours depart daily from the State Game Lodge, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., May through October. The ride takes about 1.5-2 hours.

Experience incredible theatre in a stunning setting! Since 1946, this cultural gem has been producing theatre on the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp. Join us for musicals, romance, comedy and drama in the rustic beauty of Custer State Park. We offer a casual atmosphere and air-conditioned theater, featuring concessions and lovely picnic grounds. Performances are Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday matinees (2 p.m.), and Wednesday through Saturday evenings (7:30 p.m.). Reservations recommended. See our website for information about tickets, directions, accessibility and group rates. A Custer State Park entrance pass is required.

Rockin R Trail Rides provides guided horseback trail rides in the beautiful Black Hills National Forest. We offer experienced guides and great horses at reasonable rates. We are centrally located in the Black Hills just outside of Custer and close to Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial. We are open late May (Memorial Day weekend) until October 1. Feel free to call or text us for more information.

The Custer Beacon is a restaurant, lounge and live music venue in Custer. We are committed to providing the southern Black Hills with a beautiful space to play, eat and be together. Our hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Since 1976, Medicine Mountain has earned the reputation as one of the finest camps around receiving the highest level of accreditation by the Boy Scouts of America every year since its inception. Medicine Mountain is most well-known for their summer camp operation, however there are numerous events that take place throughout the year. These events include the annual Ice Fishing Tournament, Winter Adventure Days, a Turkey Shoot, corporate events and more.

Pageant Hill in Custer is known as the spot where the annual 4th of July fireworks are displayed. But, it's a busy place the rest of the year, too. From sledding in the winter to disc golf and hiking year-round, Pageant Hill is a great spot to enjoy the outdoors. The area is mostly heavily wooded with some rocky outcroppings. The park is primitive and the disc golf course is ungroomed. There is a shelter and portable toilets, but no drinking water. For more information, contact the Custer Chamber of Commerce.

At the South Dakota Outdoor Shop we will outfit you to be outside doing what you love. Stop in our owner-operated store in Custer and let our excellent staff of outdoor-enthusiasts help meet all your adventure needs. From outdoor apparel and hiking, biking & climbing gear, to camping supplies, water sport rentals and beer & snacks, we’ve got everything you need in one spot so you can “Gear Up and Get Out”! Our hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 12-4 p.m., Sunday.

Want serenity and seclusion? We offer sites that are spacious, level and shaded with both 50 & 30 amp full hook-ups. Primitive tent sites and camper cabins are also available. Our shower-houses and restrooms are sparkling clean. Additional amenities include: Wi-Fi, fire pits, picinic tables, laundry, game room, playgrounds, horseshoes, volleyball, hiking and biking. We're open May 20 - October 1.

Legion Lake Lodge sits directly on the water's edge and features 26 cabins nestled in the surrounding forest (some with kitchens). The Centennial Trail is easily accessible. There is a convenience store to purchase fishing licenses and supplies, a playground, swimming and a hiking trail surrounds the lake. There is nothing fussy about eating at Legion Lake. Our menu features homestyle recipes like burgers and fries and homemade apple pie that you can enjoy on the deck, if the weather is nice.