Caralee’s guidebook to the Black Hills

Caralee
Caralee’s guidebook to the Black Hills

Sightseeing/Places to go/Things to do

Take the scenic route back to the camper by coming out by Sylvan Lake/Needles hwy https://www.nps.gov/moru/index.htm
288 locals recommend
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
13000 South Dakota 244
288 locals recommend
Take the scenic route back to the camper by coming out by Sylvan Lake/Needles hwy https://www.nps.gov/moru/index.htm
Fishing/swimming/beach/playset/hiking
Stockade Lake South Campground
12677 Stockade Lake Dr
Fishing/swimming/beach/playset/hiking
Grill and beer/variety of drinks. Kayak/paddle board rentals. Beach/playset/covered picnic/hiking path. Great for kids!
Legion Lake Lodge
12967 US HWY 16A
Grill and beer/variety of drinks. Kayak/paddle board rentals. Beach/playset/covered picnic/hiking path. Great for kids!
Fun lake, beach access https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/places/center-lake
Center Lake
Fun lake, beach access https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/places/center-lake
Cute little fishing spot, nice trail around the lake. No custer state park license required, $4 day pass https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/blackhills/recarea/?recid=25973
Bismark Lake Campground
Cute little fishing spot, nice trail around the lake. No custer state park license required, $4 day pass https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/blackhills/recarea/?recid=25973
Kids love it. My favorites are the tortoises. Love them! Educational and fun https://www.reptilegardens.com/
110 locals recommend
Reptile Gardens
8955 US-16
110 locals recommend
Kids love it. My favorites are the tortoises. Love them! Educational and fun https://www.reptilegardens.com/
Great fly fishing...lots of places to get your feet wet or go for a little dip
Blue Bell Campground
12882 N Lame Johnny Rd
Great fly fishing...lots of places to get your feet wet or go for a little dip
Souvenirs, boat rentals, swimming, rock jumping into water, beach access, fun trail and trailhead access. https://custerresorts.com/lodges-and-cabins/sylvan-lake-lodge/
10 locals recommend
Sylvan Lake Lodge
24572 SD-87
10 locals recommend
Souvenirs, boat rentals, swimming, rock jumping into water, beach access, fun trail and trailhead access. https://custerresorts.com/lodges-and-cabins/sylvan-lake-lodge/
really cool swimming hole watch for poison ivy
10 locals recommend
Cascade Falls Park
10 locals recommend
really cool swimming hole watch for poison ivy
great hike, fun swimming, fishing. watch for poison ivy
Horse Thief Lake
great hike, fun swimming, fishing. watch for poison ivy
https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/trip-ideas/story/wildlife-loop-state-scenic-byway?utm_actcampaign=62980&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvKCX-Lex6gIVwsDACh1TAwPOEAAYASAAEgI9P_D_BwE
17 locals recommend
Wildlife Loop Road
17 locals recommend
https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/trip-ideas/story/wildlife-loop-state-scenic-byway?utm_actcampaign=62980&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvKCX-Lex6gIVwsDACh1TAwPOEAAYASAAEgI9P_D_BwE
2021 - The cave is open, but with limited access this summer as they are renovating and improving the experience. https://www.nps.gov/jeca/index.htm
Jewel Cave National Monument Visitor Center
2021 - The cave is open, but with limited access this summer as they are renovating and improving the experience. https://www.nps.gov/jeca/index.htm
https://www.ironmountainroad.com/
11 locals recommend
Iron Mountain Road
24631 Iron Mountain Road
11 locals recommend
https://www.ironmountainroad.com/
https://www.visitrapidcity.com/things-to-do/scenic-cruising/needles-highway
25 locals recommend
Needles Highway Scenic Overlook
South Dakota 87
25 locals recommend
https://www.visitrapidcity.com/things-to-do/scenic-cruising/needles-highway
Enjoy a ride on a locomotive! A fun experience! https://www.1880train.com/
44 locals recommend
1880 Train - Hill City Depot
222 Railroad Ave
44 locals recommend
Enjoy a ride on a locomotive! A fun experience! https://www.1880train.com/
https://www.facebook.com/livingoutreachchurch/ Love my church family! Come experience the love of Jesus through His people
Living Outreach Church
25189 U.S. 385
https://www.facebook.com/livingoutreachchurch/ Love my church family! Come experience the love of Jesus through His people
I think this is about $9/person. A fun little course. I've always wondered if they will give you a discount if it's raining.
Grizzly Gulch Adventure Golf
231 Mt Rushmore Rd
I think this is about $9/person. A fun little course. I've always wondered if they will give you a discount if it's raining.

Food scene

Best food ever. Reservations strongly recommended. https://www.skogenkitchen.com/ Reopening August 18, 2020
50 locals recommend
Skogen Kitchen
29 N 5th St
50 locals recommend
Best food ever. Reservations strongly recommended. https://www.skogenkitchen.com/ Reopening August 18, 2020
Food/Drink https://custerresorts.com/lodges-and-cabins/legion-lake-lodge/ Legion Lake is located on the southern portion of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway near Mt. Coolidge and Badger Hole.
Legion Lake Lodge
12967 US HWY 16A
Food/Drink https://custerresorts.com/lodges-and-cabins/legion-lake-lodge/ Legion Lake is located on the southern portion of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway near Mt. Coolidge and Badger Hole.
Great food, full bar, try some rattlesnake sausage! https://custerresorts.com/lodges-and-cabins/blue-bell-lodge/dining/ Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Blue Bell Lodge at 605-255-4531. https://d35uaygzzhdfjw.cloudfront.net/assets/uploads/general/BBL_Limited_Menu_2020.pdf Blue Bell is located north of French Creek along the Wildlife Loop and right next to the Horse Camp.
6 locals recommend
Blue Bell Lodge
25453 SD-87
6 locals recommend
Great food, full bar, try some rattlesnake sausage! https://custerresorts.com/lodges-and-cabins/blue-bell-lodge/dining/ Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Blue Bell Lodge at 605-255-4531. https://d35uaygzzhdfjw.cloudfront.net/assets/uploads/general/BBL_Limited_Menu_2020.pdf Blue Bell is located north of French Creek along the Wildlife Loop and right next to the Horse Camp.
Good pizza, think it delivers to the campground as well https://www.pizzamillcuster.com/ 605-673-3306
6 locals recommend
Pizza Mill
904 Mount Rushmore Road
6 locals recommend
Good pizza, think it delivers to the campground as well https://www.pizzamillcuster.com/ 605-673-3306
Outdoor seating, good pizza https://pizzaworkscustersd.square.site/ 605-673-2020
Pizza Works
429 Mt Rushmore Rd
Outdoor seating, good pizza https://pizzaworkscustersd.square.site/ 605-673-2020
delivery and drive up. download the app for easy ordering and special deals 605-673-3330
Pizza Hut
549 Mount Rushmore Road
delivery and drive up. download the app for easy ordering and special deals 605-673-3330
great fish and chips. other food is good, too. good beer! http://www.custerwolf.com/ (605) 673-9653
17 locals recommend
The Custer Wolf - Food & Drink
506 Mt Rushmore Rd
17 locals recommend
great fish and chips. other food is good, too. good beer! http://www.custerwolf.com/ (605) 673-9653
yummy burgers...beef, chicken, veggie and bison. closed on sundays (605) 673-3411 https://www.blackhillsburgerandbun.com/
80 locals recommend
Black Hills Burger and Bun Co
441 Mt Rushmore Rd
80 locals recommend
yummy burgers...beef, chicken, veggie and bison. closed on sundays (605) 673-3411 https://www.blackhillsburgerandbun.com/
decent mexican :) (605) 440-2269 721 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730 https://www.facebook.com/Mariasmexicancustersd/
6 locals recommend
Maria's
721 Mount Rushmore Road
6 locals recommend
decent mexican :) (605) 440-2269 721 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730 https://www.facebook.com/Mariasmexicancustersd/
Laid back, patio type seating inside, live music/karaoke venue, stick with drinks and a menu item that you couldn't screw up if you tried (like a brat). Billiards, fun hang out spot. Summer activities (605) 673-3800 351 Washington St, Custer, SD 57730 https://custerbeacon.com/
14 locals recommend
The Custer Beacon
351 Washington St
14 locals recommend
Laid back, patio type seating inside, live music/karaoke venue, stick with drinks and a menu item that you couldn't screw up if you tried (like a brat). Billiards, fun hang out spot. Summer activities (605) 673-3800 351 Washington St, Custer, SD 57730 https://custerbeacon.com/
yummy!! 429½, Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730 (605) 515-2132 https://dakotabbq.wixsite.com/dakotabbq
Dakota BBQ LLC
yummy!! 429½, Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730 (605) 515-2132 https://dakotabbq.wixsite.com/dakotabbq
good food, cool building https://custerresorts.com/lodges-and-cabins/state-game-lodge/
Custer State Park Resort
13389 US Hwy 16A
good food, cool building https://custerresorts.com/lodges-and-cabins/state-game-lodge/
donuts are my favorite here. https://www.bakersbakery.biz/ order online https://bakersbakery.kulacart.net/ 541 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730 (605) 673-2253 owner is a little gritchy, but the rest of the staff has been amazing.
12 locals recommend
Baker's Bakery & Cafe
541 Mt Rushmore Rd
12 locals recommend
donuts are my favorite here. https://www.bakersbakery.biz/ order online https://bakersbakery.kulacart.net/ 541 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730 (605) 673-2253 owner is a little gritchy, but the rest of the staff has been amazing.
Dakota Broasted, LLC
86 Centennial Drive
Just opened...tell me what you think!
Sasquatch Sandwich Co.
437 Mount Rushmore Road
Just opened...tell me what you think!

Rentals and experiences

UTV/ATVs are street legal!
6 locals recommend
Adventure Rentals
444 US-16
6 locals recommend
UTV/ATVs are street legal!
Enjoy a chopper tour!
Rushmore Helicopters Inc
313 Speck Center Rd
Enjoy a chopper tour!
Zipline, alpine slide
26 locals recommend
Rushmore Tramway Adventures
203 Iron Mountain Rd
26 locals recommend
Zipline, alpine slide
Rides and Caves!
21 locals recommend
Rush Mountain Adventure Park
13622 SD-40
21 locals recommend
Rides and Caves!
Rent bikes, kayaks, paddleboards and shop for clothing. They sell beer/wine for your pleasure and will even help design your activities while you're in town!
South Dakota Outdoor Shop
632 Mt Rushmore Rd
Rent bikes, kayaks, paddleboards and shop for clothing. They sell beer/wine for your pleasure and will even help design your activities while you're in town!
Get a view of the buffalo and other wildlife in our area from an experienced tour guide in a Jeep. This got great reviews from a family who recently did it.
Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour
13389 US Hwy 16a
Get a view of the buffalo and other wildlife in our area from an experienced tour guide in a Jeep. This got great reviews from a family who recently did it.
On the corner kitty corner to Lynn's dakotamart, next to the truck full of antlers. Get up early and see the hills in an unforgettable hot air balloon ride.
Black Hills Balloons Passenger Meeting Location
747 Mt Rushmore Rd
On the corner kitty corner to Lynn's dakotamart, next to the truck full of antlers. Get up early and see the hills in an unforgettable hot air balloon ride.
Trail riding 605-673-2999 Located just north of Custer, south of Crazy Horse
Rockin R Rides Inc.
1 Mount Rushmore Road
Trail riding 605-673-2999 Located just north of Custer, south of Crazy Horse
Trail riding 605-255-4700
Blue Bell Stables
13389 Lame Johhny Rd
Trail riding 605-255-4700

Services

Local Laundromat 242 Mt Rushmore Road Custer, SD 605-673-2932 Hours 8am to 8pm daily, minus holidays
Lost Sock
242 Mt Rushmore Rd
Local Laundromat 242 Mt Rushmore Road Custer, SD 605-673-2932 Hours 8am to 8pm daily, minus holidays
Grocery store - everything you'll need right in town. Has some good fried chicken for a last minute meal.
9 locals recommend
Lynns Dakotamart
800 Mt Rushmore Rd
9 locals recommend
Grocery store - everything you'll need right in town. Has some good fried chicken for a last minute meal.

Traveler advice

Getting around

All Trails App

If you are into hiking, the alltrails app offers info on most any trail in our area (and everywhere)