Custer State Park

For dining near Custer State Park, visitors have several excellent options. The State Game Lodge Restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with American cuisine, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Another popular spot is The Custer Wolf, known for its pub grub and wide selection of beers in a casual setting. For a more eclectic dining experience, Buglin' Bull Restaurant and Sports Bar provides a sports-oriented atmosphere with a variety of American favorites. Additionally, Skogen Kitchen offers a homey setting with American comfort food and a great selection of desserts.

Accommodations near Custer State Park range from modern hotels to rustic lodges. The State Game Lodge is a historic choice with grand rooms and modern amenities. For a more contemporary stay, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Custer offers an indoor pool and free breakfast. The Bavarian Inn provides a chalet-style experience with pools and dining options. Lastly, Rock Crest Lodge & Cabins offers a rustic retreat with free breakfast and an outdoor pool.

Custer State Park offers a wide range of amenities to enhance visitor experiences. The park features several campgrounds, including options for RVs and tents, as well as camper cabins for a more comfortable stay. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, fishing piers, and boat ramps on the lakes. Additionally, there are flush toilets and showers available, though these may be closed during the winter months. The park also provides a dump station and drinking water for campers.

For those interested in water activities, paddleboard, kayak, and canoe rentals are available at Legion Lake and Sylvan Lake. The park's visitor centers offer insights into the park's history and wildlife, and there are also stores and gift shops for souvenirs.

Custer State Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the park's lakes, such as Sylvan Lake, which also offers a beautiful swimming beach. Hiking and biking are popular activities, with trails like Sunday Gulch and Little Devils Tower offering stunning views and diverse terrains. The park also provides opportunities for fishing and horseback riding, with guided tours available for those interested in exploring the park's wildlife and history.

For a more immersive experience, visitors can participate in the Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour or attend the Chuckwagon Cookout, which combines a wildlife tour with a traditional campfire meal.

Custer State Park offers several accessibility features to ensure that all visitors can enjoy its facilities. Many of the park's amenities, including the visitor centers, restrooms, and picnic shelters, are wheelchair accessible. Additionally, some of the campgrounds and cabins are designed to be accessible for visitors with disabilities. However, it's advisable to contact the park directly for specific details on accessibility options and to plan your visit accordingly.

Parking within Custer State Park is generally accessible, with designated parking areas near the visitor centers, campgrounds, and popular attractions like Sylvan Lake. However, parking fees are included in the park's daily admission fee, which is $25 per vehicle for up to seven days. Vehicles traveling through the park on US Highway 16A do not need to pay the entrance fee if they do not stop within the park.

Custer State Park has a rich history and is home to many unique wildlife species. The park was once a summer retreat for President Calvin Coolidge, who stayed at the State Game Lodge in 1927. The annual Buffalo Roundup is a major event that helps manage the park's bison herd, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Additionally, the park's diverse landscape supports a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it a fascinating place for nature lovers and photographers.

Custer State Park is surrounded by several notable attractions. The nearby city of Custer offers a charming downtown area with shops and restaurants. Just a short drive away is Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a famous landmark featuring the faces of four U.S. presidents. Another nearby attraction is Wind Cave National Park, known for its extensive cave system and unique geological formations.

Within the park itself, the Wildlife Loop Road is a must-visit attraction, offering opportunities to see bison, elk, and other wildlife in their natural habitats. The park also features historic sites and scenic drives like the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway.