Custer, South Dakota

Located in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, Custer is a charming town surrounded by stunning natural beauty and rich history. As the gateway to Custer State Park, it offers unparalleled access to outdoor adventures, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing amidst rugged landscapes.



Explore the town’s historic Main Street lined with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants, or discover the area’s fascinating past at the 1881 Courthouse Museum. With its welcoming atmosphere and proximity to iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer is the perfect destination for those seeking both outdoor exploration and cultural experiences in the Black Hills.

Top Attractions in Custer

View of lake surrounded by large boulders and pine trees

Explore this expansive park known for its scenic beauty, wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and scenic drives along the Wildlife Loop Road.

Side profile view of Crazy Horse Memorial located in South Dakota

Crazy Horse Memorial

Visit the iconic Crazy Horse Memorial, an ongoing mountain carving project honoring the legendary Lakota leader Crazy Horse, and learn about Native American history and culture at the onsite museum.

Side profile view of Mount Rushmore located in South Dakota

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Discover the world-famous Mount Rushmore, featuring the faces of four U.S. presidents carved into the granite rock face, and explore the visitor center, museum, and hiking trails.

Lady of Justice scale with blurred background

1881 Courthouse Museum

 Learn about the history of Custer and the Black Hills region at the 1881 Courthouse Museum, housed in a historic courthouse building and featuring exhibits on pioneer life, mining, and Native American heritage.

Shallow rock cave with sun shining through large hole and trees

Jewel Cave National Monument

Explore one of the world’s longest caves at Jewel Cave National Monument, where guided tours lead visitors through intricate passageways and stunning cave formations.

Deep rock cave with dim lighting and water coming from rock

Discover the unique geology and diverse wildlife of Wind Cave National Park, home to one of the world’s longest and most complex caves, as well as hiking trails and scenic drives.

Aerial view with very curvy road with lush green pine trees surrounding road

Needles Highway

Take a scenic drive along Needles Highway, known for its narrow tunnels, towering granite spires (the “needles”), and breathtaking views of the surrounding Black Hills landscape.

Road going through the Black Hills surrounding by pine trees and tall rocks

Iron Mountain Road

Experience the beauty of Iron Mountain Road, a scenic byway featuring hairpin curves, pigtail bridges, and tunnels that frame Mount Rushmore in the distance.

Beautiful lake surrounded by mountains full of changing leaves on trees

Sylvan Lake

Relax and enjoy outdoor recreation at Sylvan Lake, a picturesque mountain lake surrounded by hiking trails, rock formations, and picnic areas, perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing.

Close up view of an elk grazing through the field in South Dakota

Take a drive along the Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park to observe native wildlife, including bison, elk, deer, prairie dogs, and a variety of bird species, in their natural habitat.