Things to Do Near Jewel Cave National Monument

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.

Blue Bell is a Western-themed main lodge surrounded by 29 modernized, secluded cabins with kitchenettes, and many with stone fireplaces. There is a general store, plus chuck-wagon cookouts in the valley and hay rides. Horse trail rides and hiking trails originate from this lodge. Experience hearty ranch house dining in the dining room and lounge. We serve up true Western flavor with cattle-drive classics featuring bison, beef, chicken and fish, and even some rattlesnake sausage.

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.

If you've come to the Black Hills for peace and tranquility, you'll find it at Dakota Dream near Custer. The smell of the pine in the air, skies filled with more stars than you can count, and comfortable beds covered in fine linens and cozy lodge quilts. Dream the night away! Book online or give us a call. For those guests trailering their horses on their visit to the Black Hills, Dakota Dream can accommodate 4-legged guests in our 5-stall barn.

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.

Wild Spruce Market in downtown Custer is excited to provide a Black Hills source for specialty food, local produce & products, gluten-free & dairy-free choices, vegan & vegetarian options, and a mouth-watering selection of local grass-fed beef, bison, elk, chicken, and pork products. We also carry an assortment of natural health & beauty products...and we can't forget to mention our kombucha, wine, & beer bar - full of local taps and offering a place to relax. We have rotating local beer taps, an ever-changing kombucha on tap that is made just down the road in Rapid City, and a selection of house wines that can all be enjoyed at the bar or on our cozy patio. Our hours are 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday.

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.

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.