Things to Do Near Jewel Cave National Monument

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.

Located in the heart of the Black Hills of western South Dakota, Crazy Horse Memorial is the world's largest mountain carving in progress. When completed, the depiction of the great Lakota warrior will be 641 feet long and 563 feet high. Crazy Horse Memorial is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, with funding being provided by admission to the memorial and private donations. The purpose of the project is to protect and preserve the culture and living heritage of all North American Indians.

Your adventure awaits! Black Hills Balloons flies the southern Black Hills. Custer State Park and the Custer Valley are the heart of the flying area; just miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial and Wind Cave National Park. Your flight over mountains, valleys, lakes and prairies is a great way to view the area; home to elk, antelope, whitetail deer, buffalo and mule deer. Weather-permitting, flights take place daily at sunrise, May 1-October 31. Reservations 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.

Located just four miles west of Custer, Four Mile Old West town is a place to experience family fun and Western history as you walk through the 50 open-door buildings at the historic site. Step back into yesterday and experience the Old West as it really was. We are open mid-May through early-October.

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.

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.

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.

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.