Things to Do Near Jewel Cave National Monument

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Hayride/Chuck Wagon Cookout

Our old-fashioned hayride takes you on a 45-minute scenic drive on Custer State Park's beautiful backroads to a mountain meadow canyon for a chuck wagon feast. Along the way, you can sing-along to classic country and folk music tunes and look for wildlife along the road. Each paying guest gets a souvenir cowboy hat and bandanna to help you play the part. The meal includes your choice of a steak, burger, or veggie wrap. Reservations are required and must be made by 2 p.m. at Blue Bell Lodge.

Hollingsworth Horses

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.

Old Pine Social

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.

Custer State Park

Few truly wild places remain in this country. Custer State Park is one of them. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the park is home to a variety of wildlife and magnificent scenery spanning 71,000 acres. Nearly 1,300 bison roam the prairies and hills of the park, which they share with pronghorn, big horn sheep, elk and curious burros. Visitors often enjoy close encounters with these permanent residents along the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road that winds around the southern edge of the park.

Jewel Cave National Monument

The third-longest cave in the world features a variety of cave tours below the surface and a 1,279-acre park with nature trails above ground. With a name derived from the crystals that line its walls, Jewel Cave is even more significant as one of the longest caves in the world, with more than 208 miles of mapped and surveyed passages. Located near Custer in the southern Black Hills, this national monument also features three self-guided above-ground trails: the Roof Trail, the Canyons Trail and the Hell Canyon Trail. Plus, there is a visitor center with an information desk, park store, exhibits, a theater, information about the Junior Ranger program and more.

Legion Lake Lodge

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.

Rockin R Trail Rides

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.

Bridle Ridge Horse and RV Camp

Nestled in a pristine, private setting, Bridle Ridge Horse and RV Camp is just seven miles north of Custer and offers some of the most spectacular riding and scenery in the Black Hills. At 7166 ft., it offers 360-degree views of South Dakota and Wyoming. Riders can also catch views of Crazy Horse Memorial from several different locations on numerous trails into the high country. Bridle Ridge offers 18 full hook-up sites, all with water, sewer, 30 or 50 amp electric service, picnic table and fire pit (13 of the sites vary from 65 feet to 100 feet in length and are big rig friendly).  The 22 stall barn features a 12-foot breezeway to conveniently store feed and tack. Reservations are being accepted for the 2019 season (July 15-October 15).

Black Hills Aerial Adventures

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.

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