Enjoy The Beauty of South Dakota’s Black Hills
Custer State Park is located in the heart of South Dakota’s Black Hills, a region known for its rugged beauty and rich history. From the towering granite spires of the Needles to the iconic faces of Mount Rushmore, this area offers a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural landmarks that are perfect for family exploration.
Spending a day in Custer State Park with your family is a fantastic way to experience the beauty and wildlife of South Dakota.
Tips for a Smooth Visit
To make the most of your day at Custer State Park, consider starting your day early to avoid crowds, especially on popular scenic drives like Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. Pack a picnic lunch and plenty of water, and bring your camera to capture the incredible wildlife and scenic vistas.
Here’s an itinerary to help you make the most of your visit. We camped in the park for 2 nights on our way to Yellowstone – check the Yellowstone post for more details.
Morning: Start Your Adventure at the Visitor Center
Begin your day early by stopping at the Visitor Center. From here, take the Wildlife Loop Drive in a clockwise direction. This drive takes you through the park’s grasslands and rugged hills, offering the chance to see bison, pronghorn, mule deer, elk, coyote, and prairie dogs. The Wildlife Loop Road encircles the southern part of the park and features numerous turn-outs where you can stop to enjoy the views of both the animals and the stunning landscapes. We were lucky we encountered a large number of bisons as soon as entering the Wildlife Loop and we had them for ourselves.
Late Morning: Scenic Drives and Hikes
Next, head onto the Needles Highway, a gorgeous drive that offers stunning overlooks of the park. One of the highlights is the Needles Eye Tunnel, the narrowest tunnel in the park. Many visitors stop here to walk through the tunnel and photograph the nearby Needle’s Eye spire so it can get you stuck for long time. Going early in the morniny made a big difference for us.
Continue your journey to Sylvan Lake. On your way, consider a short hike on the Cathedral Spires Trail. This hike offers beautiful views and a chance to stretch your legs before arriving at Sylvan Lake. It is under 20 minutes hike well worth it, but if you are not early in the morning it may be hard to find parking on the side of the road.
Midday: Enjoy Sylvan Lake
Spend some time at Sylvan Lake. You can take an easy stroll on the Lake Shore Trail or try paddle boarding. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic lunch, surrounded by serene views of the lake. We definetly found a great spot!
Afternoon: Journey to Mount Rushmore
After lunch, backtrack down the Needles Highway and take A61 towards Mount Rushmore. Drive along Iron Mountain Road, a route known for its 14 switchbacks, 3 tight tunnels, 3 pigtails, 314 curves, and breathtaking views of Mount Rushmore. Along this drive, you might also spot bison, deer, and bighorn sheep. We didn’t see much wildlife, but the road is AMAZING…if you are not stuck behind other cars.
Late Afternoon: Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Arrive at Mount Rushmore National Memorial to see the large-scale mountain sculpture by artist Gutzon Borglum. The figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt are carved into the granite and took 14 years to complete.
Spend 30 minutes walking up the Avenue of the Flags and taking in the view from the Grand Terrace. For a more in-depth visit, walk the Presidential Trail, watch a film about the construction of Mount Rushmore at the Visitor Center, and enjoy some ice cream at Carver’s Marketplace. We spent more than 2 hours and barelly has time to learn about this amazing construction.
From late May through the end of September, you can also watch the 45-minute ceremony where the faces of the four presidents are illuminated starting at 9 pm. Note that there’s no entrance fee, but there is a $10 parking fee per vehicle. No dogs are allowed inside, except service dogs.
Evening: Visit the Crazy Horse Memorial
On our way back to the campground, we planned to stop by the Crazy Horse Memorial, but we were to hungry, so we skipped it. You can view the monument from afar or take a van ride for a closer look. This brief visit can add a perfect finishing touch to your day.
With its diverse wildlife, scenic drives, and historic monuments, Custer State Park offered a day full of adventure and learning for the whole family. Embrace the freedom of the open road, enjoy the great outdoors, and create memories that will last a lifetime. I hope this inspired you to want to visist Custer State Park. We will be definetly looking forward to another longer visit to be able to explore more of the BlackHills.
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