Custer State Park is a must see for anyone visiting the Black Hills. Its’ gorgeous scenery, herds of buffalo, unique rock formations, and scenic drives make it an experience you won’t want to miss during your visit. The park consists of 71,000 acres of rolling hills, beautiful lakes, awesome trails, and campgrounds. Around every corner is something new and different, and one cannot leave the park without a sense of belonging and inspiration. A visit to Custer State Park is a vacation in itself, so if you’re planning a trip to the Black Hills this summer, make sure you plan for several days. Here are some of the wonderful things that we love about the park.
On top of Black Elk Peak
Fun and Challenging Trails
There are many exciting trails to hike in the park, here are some of our favorites. Each trail differs in terrain, altitude, and length and takes you to some of the most unique landscapes in the Black Hills.
Sylvan Lake Shore Trail - A beautiful 1 mile walk around the lake
Sunday Gulch Trail - One of our Favorites. Located behind Sylvan Lake.
On top of Little Devil’s Tower - Black Elk Peak in the distance
Top of Lover’s Leap Trail
The Cathedral Spires Trail
Sylvan Lake Trail to Black Elk Trail - The Ultimate Black Hills Hike.
Grace Coolidge Trail
Wildlife
Custer State Park is known for its animals and this includes buffalo, mountain sheep, mountain lions, pronghorn antelope, deer, elk, prairie dogs, eagles, falcons, mountain goats, burros, and many more. The Wildlife Loop Road is famous for their annual buffalo roundup in the fall, and the herds of buffalo that line the prairie throughout the year. Many visitors get stuck in a “buffalo” traffic jam and are delighted to see these amazing and beautiful creatures up close.
Great photo ops
Pronghorn Antelope
Buffalo taking over the roadway
Marmot around Sylvan Lake
Friendly chipmunk
Curious prairie dog
Beautiful birds
Friendly burrow asking for a snack
Wildlife Loop Road
Gorgeous Lakes
Custer State Park is known for its beautiful lakes, some with amazing backdrops. One of the most famous lakes is Sylvan Lake. It was used in the film National Treasure - Book of Secrets with Nicholas Cage. Other lakes in the park are Center Lake, Stockade Lake, Legion Lake, and the State Lodge Pond. All lakes are used for fishing, swimming, and boating.
Sylvan Lake
Legion Lake
Center Lake
Stockade Lake
State Game Lodge pond - playground, small beach, and the occasional buffalo.
Needle’s Highway
One of the most interesting drives through the park is the Needles Highway. On the highway, you'll drive by the needles eye, around tight turns, through low tunnels, and near the Cathedral Spires. One of the most famous parts of the drive is the Needles Eye Tunnel. This one-way tunnel is only 8′ 4″ wide by 12′ 0″ high so make sure your vehicle will fit through before starting up the highway because once you reach the tunnel, there isn't much room to turn around.
The Needles Tunnel
Needle’s Eye
Another tunnel on Needle’s Highway
Unique rock formations
The highway - just breathtaking
Cathedral Spires
This is in Custer State Park along the Needle’s Highway - It is a group of granite pillars that stand out and is very unique. There is a hiking trail that lets you get up close. It is beautiful any time of year.
Cathedral Spires
Cathedral Spires
Eerie but cool
Scenic Drives
All the roads in Custer State Park are beautiful, Many lead you to gorgeous overlooks, open prairies, lookout towers, and wildlife viewing.
Pull off near Mount Coolidge Tower.
Coming down into Legion Lake
Wildlife Loop Road
Stream along Needle’s Highway
Camping
Custer State Park has several camping options throughout the park and each campground is unique.
Game Lodge Campground - very beautiful campground with stream, pond, playground, cabins, and occasional buffalo.
Game Lodge Campground - Kids favorite when they were growing up.
Center Lake Campground
Lots To Do
The visitors center along Highway 16A is a great place to start your adventure. It’s brand new and features a 20 minute movie about the park in an ultra modern screening room with a wide screen and theater seating. The movie about the park is narrated by Kevin Costner and is a must see while visiting the park. Other activities throughout the park are cookouts, buffalo safaris, nature programs, and ranger hikes.
Custer State Park Visitor Center
This year is extra special at the park since it marks the 100th year anniversary of the park. To learn more about what the park is doing to celebrate, click the below link.
What are you waiting for? Come visit Custer State Park today.
