EXPLORE

custer

discovery & Adventure

CUSTER

Let Custer be your launchpad to adventure and discovery. Immerse yourself in the history of our community and be swept away by the sights and sounds of the area.

Custer can be a treat for your sense of taste, too. Make sure to check out the variety of flavors that our locals are serving up. We’d also like to invite you to our 100th annual Gold Discovery Days Celebration. We hope you can join us!

100 Years of Discovery

Custer’s history is steeped in the history of the Gold Rush.

2023 marks 100 years of the community coming together to celebrate the discovery of gold near the town in 1874. On July 21-23 the community of Custer will celebrate the occasion with a carnival, a car show, one of the largest parades in the Black Hills and so much more. Mark your calendars for the 100th annual Gold Discovery Days Celebration. You won’t want to miss it.

100ft wide streets

Custer’s 1 100-foot wide streets were designed so that ox teams pulling covered freight wagons could make U-turns.

Saloon Sermon

The first known sermon in Custer was given in a saloon! History doesn’t tell us which one, but there are plenty of lively places that fit the bill.

Custer State Park

Custer State Park is home to one of the world’s largest bison herds. There are about 1,400 bison in the park.

Adventure is waiting

Custer’s rich history goes hand-in-hand with the discovery of gold. But there’s more treasure to be found in this pristine community.

Population: 1,949 (2022)
Elevation: 5,315 feet

discover adventure

It was the land that first brought settlers to Custer when gold was discovered. Perhaps you want to experience the area around Custer like the first settlers did? There is no shortage of trails for hiking and horseback riding near town.

In fact, there are dozens of miles of trail in our area. We also have multiple access points to the 109-mile-long Mickelson Trail.

Need more adrenaline in your adventure? Rentals in town will get you the highspeed rush you’re seeking. We have slingshots available to whip around corners or rugged ATVs, UTVs or jeeps to traverse miles of trail with agility and power.

You can also book a Jeep tour through Custer State Park and get up close to the wildlife.

Nearby Sylvan and Stockade Lakes are the perfect place for all kinds of water sports. Enjoy kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding. The craggy granite peaks around the banks provide beautiful backdrops no matter what sport you choose.

A bite to eat

Downtown Custer is a foodie’s paradise. Cuisine of almost any variety can be found here. Mexican, Italian and more can all be enjoyed in the idyllic surroundings of our town. From one of the best burgers you’ll ever taste, to an elevated fine dining experience, you’ll be sure to find whatever you’re craving.

We’re also the home to Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company. Make sure to sample some of these suds while visiting.

And don’t skip dessert! Grab a slice of pie or some ice cream to make your dining experience complete while visiting Custer.

through the air

The majesty of the Black Hills — and especially the granite formations that surround Custer — is only amplified when seen from the air. Hop in a helicopter and get ready to see the outdoors from a breathtaking new perspective. Cruise past Mount Rushmore and wave at the presidents, or get up close and personal with Crazy Horse; this aerial adventure won’t disappoint!

Prefer to experience nature at a more leisurely pace? The Black Hills has a long history with hot air balloons, and there is no experience quite like floating in a wicker basket. Drift along and catch the currents at daybreak to see the beauty surrounding Custer on all sides.

Regardless of your preferred mode of exploration, we’re excited to host you while you explore. Custer is the best base for your adventures from all perspectives; whether they be on land, in the water or through the air.