We had heard from so many people that Custer State Park is just as good as the National Parks. After visiting, we actually thought it was better than quite a few National Parks! Here is our list of what to do in the area. We spent about three weeks here and didn’t even see it all!
Legion Lake Hike and Swim
Camp in Custer State Park or Boondock on North Pole Rd
Soend a day at Crazy Horse Monument and take the $4 bus tour to the base.
Drive the tight tunnels of The Needles Highway
Check out Jewel Cave NM or Wind Cave NP
Check out the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, SD
Hike the Cathedral spires
Sylvan Lake to hike, rock jump and swim
Take the drive on Iron Mountain Rd to see Mt. Rushmore
Stockade Lake for fishing
Visit the town of Custer to explore shops and eat lunch at Custer Wolf
Take a sunset drive on the Wildlife Loop and be sure to take the backroads to see the most wildlife
Bike the Mickelson Trail
Take a side trip to the badlands and hike the Notch Trail or camp at Nomad View
Things we will have to do next time:
Visit Deadwood to see an old west shoot out
Drive through Spearfish Canyon and hike to a waterfall.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the Black Hills?
Mel
