Things to Do Near Jewel Cave National Monument

Enjoy horseback riding in the Black Hills. All rides are personalized and we match the horse and rider to riding skills. We can accommodate groups of up to eight riders. Your ride is only with your group, not strangers. Our unique unguided riding is an option after riding the first hour with the wrangler and depends on your skill at controlling the horse. We are located near Custer in the southern Black Hills and are open year-round. Advance reservations are required.

Come visit our shop just 10 minutes west of Custer. All Black Hills Candle & Tallow candles and buffalo tallow products are handmade by us, here on site. The buffalo tallow used in our bath and beauty collections is sourced exclusively from Wild Idea Buffalo, another business local to the region. We have a special collection of destination candles, inspired by South Dakota landmarks, which are the perfect gift or memento from your visit. We pride ourselves in making only non-toxic products of the highest quality. From our luxuriously moisturizing buffalo tallow sunscreen to soaps to whipped body butters, healing salve, and more - we know you won't leave disappointed. If you're visiting in August, don't miss the opportunity to come see our sunflower field, which will be in full bloom. We're a founder-owned and -operated business; every visitor makes a difference to us. We're open in the summer, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

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.

If you are looking for a rad thing to do in Custer, we are it! Old Pine Social will be axe-throwin', Bocce ballin', and Hammerschlagen-in' Friday through Wednesday. Come enjoy our selection of local craft and domestic beers on tap and a more than decent wine list. We will have tasty bites to enjoy while you kick it on the best patio in Custer. Also feel free to bring food in from one of our amazing Custer restaurants. All ages are welcome. Our hours are 2-9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday; 12-9 p.m., Saturday; and 12-7 p.m., Sunday.

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.

Known as the Summer White House, the historic State Game Lodge has 101 units, including cabins (the largest sleeps 28) and modern and historical hotel rooms. We offer Buffalo Jeep Tours, Chuckwagon Cookouts, trail rides, hiking, fishing and endless possible wildlife encounters within the 71,000-acre park. Our elegant restaurant features local game and casual breakfast and lunch dining with a more formal ambiance for dinner. It is open seven days per week, end of April through the end of October.

The Black Hills cover an area that is 65 miles wide and 125 miles long. Most of the area is in western South Dakota, with a small part in northeastern Wyoming. There are 11 reservoirs, 30 campgrounds, 32 picnic areas, two scenic byways, two scenic overlooks, and 353 miles of trails within the forest. Both the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve and the Black Elk Wilderness are also part of the forest. Hiking, bicycling, fishing and horseback riding are among the many opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Overland America provides outdoor adventures specializing in Jeep and Overland Trailer rentals. We are based in Custer and provide service to the areas surrounding the majestic Black Hills. Western South Dakota is an outdoor recreational paradise. There are 1.2 million acres of National Forest allowing off-road and overlanding enthusiasts access to thousands of miles of trails by using the Black Hills National Forest Motorized Trail System. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, and features many spectacular landscapes that provide a calming escape into nature. Overland America rental options include Jeep Wrangler Rubicons, a Jeep Gladiator, a Ford Bronco, camping trailers and camping equipment. Renters must be at least 25 years old.