Custer, South Dakota Travel Guide

Discover Custer, South Dakota – a historic city in the Black Hills offering charming downtown streets, awe-inspiring natural beauty, and exciting outdoor adventures.

Nestled in the heart of the Black Hills, Custer, South Dakota, is a charming city rich in history and natural beauty. Founded in 1875, the city has a deep connection to the gold rush era and offers a glimpse into the rugged life of early American pioneers. As you stroll through the downtown area, you will find quaint shops, local restaurants, and historic buildings that tell the story of this vibrant community. Custer is the perfect base for exploring the stunning landscapes of the Black Hills National Forest. Just a short drive away, you will find the majestic Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where the faces of four U.S. presidents are carved into the granite mountainside. For those seeking adventure, Custer State Park is a must-visit destination. With its scenic drives, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Beyond its natural attractions, Custer also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the popular Gold Discovery Days and the Buffalo Roundup. These events celebrate the city's heritage and offer unique experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Custer provides an unforgettable experience in the heart of South Dakota.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Custer.

Visit Custer State Park early in the morning to catch the wildlife at its most active.
Check the local event calendar for festivals and activities during your stay.
Bring a camera, as the scenic drives and hiking trails offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Stop by the local visitor center for maps and insider tips on the best spots to explore.
Wear comfortable walking shoes; many attractions are best explored on foot.

Explore Custer: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Custer

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Experience the grandeur and history of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a must-visit landmark showcasing America's iconic presidential sculptures.

4.7

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Experience the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a symbol of American history carved into the stunning Black Hills of South Dakota.

4.7

Bear Country USA

Explore the stunning wilderness at Bear Country USA, where North American wildlife thrives in a natural setting, perfect for family adventures and wildlife enthusiasts.

4.7

Black Hills National Forest

Explore the natural wonders of Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

4.8

Best landmarks in Custer

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

Custer State Park

Discover the natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and outdoor adventures at Custer State Park in South Dakota, a top destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

4.8

Black Hills Sauce & Dough

Experience the unique flavors of South Dakota at Black Hills Sauce & Dough, where delicious pizzas and warm hospitality await in Custer.

4.8

Buglin' Bull Restaurant and Sports Bar

Discover Buglin' Bull Restaurant and Sports Bar, the perfect blend of American cuisine and sports excitement in the heart of Custer, South Dakota.

4.3

Jewel Cave National Monument

Discover the majestic beauty of Jewel Cave National Monument, featuring breathtaking formations and rich biodiversity in South Dakota's hidden gem.

4.5

Best restaurants in Custer

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

Black Hills Sauce & Dough

Experience unique flavors at Black Hills Sauce & Dough – where fresh ingredients meet creative cooking in Custer, SD.

4.8

Buglin' Bull Restaurant and Sports Bar

Delight in classic American cuisine at Buglin' Bull Restaurant & Sports Bar in Custer, SD – where great food meets vibrant sports culture.

4.3

Powder House

Experience exceptional dining at Powder House in Keystone - where delicious steaks meet warm hospitality in the heart of South Dakota.

4.6

Purple Pie Place

Discover the sweet side of Custer at Purple Pie Place - where every slice tells a story and every scoop is crafted with love.

4.4

Best bars in Custer

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

Black Hills Sauce & Dough

Experience a culinary adventure at Black Hills Sauce & Dough, where local flavors meet creative dishes in the heart of Custer, South Dakota.

4.8

Buglin' Bull Restaurant and Sports Bar

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious American cuisine at Buglin' Bull, a top dining choice in Custer, South Dakota.

4.3

Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company & Pounding Fathers Restaurant

Discover locally brewed beers and delicious cuisine in a cozy atmosphere at Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company in Custer, SD.

4.2

The Custer Wolf - Food & Drink

Discover delightful American cuisine at The Custer Wolf, a top dining destination in Custer, South Dakota, blending local flavors with a cozy atmosphere.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Custer

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

Buglin' Bull Restaurant and Sports Bar

Experience the best of American dining at Buglin' Bull Restaurant and Sports Bar, offering delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere in Custer, SD.

4.3

Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company & Pounding Fathers Restaurant

Discover the flavors of South Dakota at Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company, where craft beer meets culinary delight in a breathtaking setting.

4.2

The Custer Wolf - Food & Drink

Experience the heart of American cuisine at The Custer Wolf, where local flavors and a welcoming atmosphere await you in Custer, South Dakota.

4.6

Calamity Jane Coffee Shop and Grill

Experience the heart of Custer at Calamity Jane Coffee Shop and Grill, where delicious coffee meets local charm and unique souvenirs.

4.6

Best shops in Custer

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

Purple Pie Place

Indulge in heavenly homemade pies and sweet treats at Purple Pie Place in Custer, SD, a must-visit for dessert lovers and travelers.

4.4

Calamity Jane Coffee Shop and Grill

Experience the warmth of Custer at Calamity Jane Coffee Shop and Grill, where delicious coffee meets local charm and unique souvenirs.

4.6

Lynns Dakotamart

Experience the convenience and local charm of Lynns Dakotamart, your essential grocery stop in Custer, South Dakota.

4.2

Claw Antler & Hide Co

Explore the rich heritage of South Dakota at Claw Antler & Hide Co, featuring Native American crafts, unique collectibles, and stunning jewelry.

4.9

Explore Custer on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Custer, mapped for you.

Custer Essentials

Custer, South Dakota is accessible via Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), which is approximately 50 miles away. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to reach Custer. Alternatively, you can drive to Custer from major cities like Denver or Minneapolis, which are about 6-8 hours away by car.
The best way to get around Custer is by car, as public transportation options are limited. Car rentals are available at the Rapid City Regional Airport and in town. For those who prefer not to drive, local taxi services and guided tours are also available. Biking is another popular option for exploring the city and nearby attractions like Custer State Park.
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available throughout Custer, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when venturing into more remote areas or for small purchases and tips.
Custer is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always best.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Custer has a local police station and medical facilities. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress in layers; weather can change quickly. Casual attire is generally acceptable. Religion: Do respect local customs if visiting religious sites, although Custer is not particularly known for them. Public Transport: Do use car rentals or taxis as public transport is limited. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly hello or handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like bison burgers. Don't forget to tip; 15-20% is standard in restaurants.
To experience Custer like a local, visit the Custer Farmers Market for fresh produce and handmade goods. Engage with locals for stories about the town’s history and hidden gems. Don’t miss the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup, a unique event where you can see a herd of over 1,300 bison. For a scenic adventure, take a drive along the Needles Highway, which offers breathtaking views and unique rock formations.

When is the best time to visit Custer?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Custer

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Custer. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
- GoodbyeSee ya later
  [see yuh lay-tur]
- YesYup
  [yuhp]
- NoNah
  [nuh]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pleez / no prob-lem]
- Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
- Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [par-dun mee / my bad]
- How are you?Howdy
  [haw-dee]
- Fine. And you?Just dandy. How 'bout you?
  [just dan-dee. how bout yuh?]
- Do you speak English?Y'all speak English?
  [yawl speak ing-glish?]
- I don't understandI ain't catchin' on
  [I aint catch-in on]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I take a gander at the menu, please
  [can I take a gan-der at the menu, please]
- I don't eat meatI don't do meat
  [I don't do meat]
- Cheers!Bottoms up!
  [baw-tums up]
- I would like to pay, pleaseI reckon it's time to settle up
  [I reck-on its time to set-ul up]
- Help!SOS!
  [S-O-S]
- Go away!Git outta here!
  [git out-uh here]
- Call the Police!Phone the Sheriff!
  [phone the sher-iff]
- Call a doctor!Get the Doc on the line!
  [get the doc on the line]
- I'm lostI'm turned around
  [I'm turned around]
- I'm illI'm feelin' poorly
  [I'm feel-in poorly]
- I'd like to buy...I'm fixin' to buy...
  [I'm fix-in to buy]
- I'm just lookingI'm just browsin'
  [I'm just brow-zin]
- How much is it?What's the damage?
  [whats the dam-age]
- That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep
  [That's a bit steep]
- Can you lower the price?Can you do better on the price?
  [Can you do bet-ter on the price]
- What time is it?What's the hour?
  [whats the hour]
- It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
- Half past (10)Ten-thirty
  [ten-thur-tee]
- MorningMornin'
  [Morn-in]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
- EveningEvenin'
  [Even-in]
- YesterdayYest'day
  [yes-t'day]
- TodayToday
  [to-day]
- TomorrowTomorrah
  [tom-orr-ah]
- 1One
  [wun]
- 2Two
  [too]
- 3Three
  [three]
- 4Four
  [four]
- 5Five
  [five]
- 6Six
  [six]
- 7Seven
  [seven]
- 8Eight
  [eight]
- 9Nine
  [nine]
- 10Ten
  [ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...
  [wheres the]
- What's the address?What's the street name?
  [whats the street name]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?
  [Can you point it out]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [whens the next bus]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket]

History of Custer

In 1874, General George Armstrong Custer led an expedition into the Black Hills, an area considered sacred by the Lakota Sioux. The discovery of gold in French Creek set off the Black Hills Gold Rush, attracting thousands of prospectors to the region. This influx of settlers led to the establishment of the town of Custer, named after the general himself. The gold rush played a significant role in the settlement and development of the area, though it also resulted in conflicts with the Native American tribes who were displaced by the encroachment of miners.
Custer, South Dakota, was officially founded in 1875, making it the oldest town established by European Americans in the Black Hills. The town quickly grew as a hub for miners and prospectors seeking their fortunes. The early days of Custer were characterized by rapid construction, with tents and log cabins springing up to accommodate the influx of new residents. The initial prosperity from the gold rush, however, was short-lived as richer veins were discovered elsewhere in the Black Hills.
Fort Meade, established in 1878 near Sturgis, played a crucial role in the history of Custer and the surrounding Black Hills region. The fort was established to protect settlers and miners from potential conflicts with the Lakota Sioux, who were resisting the encroachment on their lands. Soldiers from Fort Meade were often dispatched to maintain order and provide security, which helped stabilize the region and allowed for continued settlement and development.
Although the Battle of the Little Bighorn did not occur in Custer, South Dakota, it is intimately connected to the town's namesake, General George Armstrong Custer. In 1876, Custer and his troops were defeated by a coalition of Native American tribes in what is now Montana. This event had significant repercussions for U.S. government policies towards Native Americans and the settlement of the American West. The battle remains a pivotal moment in American history and is often reflected upon by visitors to Custer, who are reminded of the complex and often tragic interactions between settlers and Native American tribes.
Just a short drive from Custer is the Crazy Horse Memorial, an ongoing mountain carving project begun in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski. The memorial honors the Lakota leader Crazy Horse and aims to preserve and promote Native American culture and history. Once completed, it will be the largest sculpture in the world. The project is entirely funded by private donations and admissions, and visitors to Custer often take the opportunity to visit this monumental work in progress, gaining insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Custer State Park, established in 1912, is one of the most significant natural attractions in the area. Spanning over 71,000 acres, the park is home to diverse wildlife, including a large herd of American bison. The park's scenic drives, such as the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road, offer breathtaking views of the Black Hills' rugged landscape. The park also serves as a reminder of the conservation efforts that have been undertaken to preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the region.
The George S. Mickelson Trail, named after a former South Dakota governor, is a 109-mile-long trail that winds through the Black Hills, passing through Custer. The trail follows the path of the historic Burlington Northern Railroad line, which once served the region's mining and logging industries. Today, the Mickelson Trail is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding while providing a glimpse into the area's industrial past.