Things to Do Near Jewel Cave National Monument

What is now the 1881 Custer County Courthouse Museum and Bookstore was once the hub of Custer County development from 1881 to 1974. Since then, it has been preserving and displaying Custer County history through the efforts of the Custer County Historical Society with the help of many volunteers. Constructed of bricks kilned locally, the building is of Italianate design. It has been a museum since 1976. Closed during the winter months, the museum opens for the season in early May.

Black Hills Aerial Adventures offers flightseeing tours over the breathtaking Black Hills and Badlands. Flights are available seven days a week, 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m., May through October. Our heliports are located near Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial and Badlands National Park. Reservations are not required, but are welcome. Our helicopters can accommodate 3-4 passengers. With prior arrangement, we can accommodate most requests for customization. See our rates on our website.

Located 3.5 miles west of Custer in Black Hills National Forest, the 19-acre Beaver Lake Campground has great rates, family camping and spacious, level, shaded and open sites to suit any size RV or tent. All sites have picnic tables and fire rings, and all tent sites have rain shelters. We also offer nine cabins as well as shower and laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi at the office, heated pool, playground, horseshoe pits, volleyball and basketball courts, dog park, and more. We are open April 1-November 1 and offer discounts for extended stays.

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.

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.

Located one-half mile from Custer State Park’s west entrance, the campground is situated on the location where General Custer's expedition camped in 1874. Custer’s Gulch features basic and deluxe camping cabins, a family cabin, tent spots, and spacious, full-service RV sites with 20/30/50-amp back-in or pull-thru options. Resort amenities include free Wi-Fi, a clubhouse with kitchen facilities, store, shower house, flush toilets, dump station, laundry facilities, picnic tables, and fire grates.

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.

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.

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.