$20 is fair admission for how much there is to see here, and is good for a whole week. I took the wildlife loop twice so the number of cars and people dwindled down. There were more bison in one place than I've ever seen (remember to not get out of your vehicle - they are dangerous, even when just grazing). A lot of people brought carrots and fruits to feed the burros. There are a bunch of pull-outs so you can stop for photos. The lakes are breathtaking but lots of people. If you like the water, consider staying at the lodges. The overlooks are beautiful. There's a good amount of signage. Park rangers do patrol in case you need help. Needles Highway requires patience. Read your maps so you know if your vehicle can make it through. I've visited Sylvan Lake before so I skipped it this time and went to Legion Lake instead. The Bison Center is finally open and, though small, packed with information and people willing and able to answer your questions. Please come and learn why conservation for the wildlife here is so important.

We loved this Park! Hadn't heard much about it but thoroughly enjoyed all the wildlife, breath taking views of the landscape and the pigtail, scenic drives. We saw herds of Buffalo, wild burros, pronghorn, deer, turkeys, rabbits, and prairie dogs all in the span of a few hours.

We drove through the wildlife loop in April. It was cold out, but the animals were not affected at all! We saw many bison, antelope, and even some deer! It's a beautiful place! Highly recommend!

You are going to enjoy the beautiful view, take a couple of days here for there is a lot to see. My favorite was kayaking. I could stay there for hours. Get there early to get a stop or go later in the day. The park is open 24/7. You have to pay to get in but the pad is $20 for 7 days. There is wildlife in the area so don’t go near or feed the buffaloes. Don’t forget to go downtown and take with the painted buffaloes. Super cool.

Take the wildlife loop and the needles highway/Sylvan lake route! If you take the loop, there are tons of bison on the east side of the halfway point. Then the needles highway loop is beautiful with some challenging hikes. The cathedral spires trail looks simple but is no joke. Bring water and be prepared to climb. You're on the honor system to purchase a week or annual pass at one of the automated kiosks.

A must see! The wildlife alone makes it worth the drive and minimal cost, but the views are just chefs kiss! We saw over 100 bison and babies, dozens of pronghorn, elk, prairie dogs, donkeys and big horn sheep. Simply amazing!

This place is breathtaking. You're going to need plenty of space in your device for pictures. You're also going to need plenty of time to drive. There are several places along the highways to pull off safely for pictures. Go South for the Wildlife Loop, or go North for the Eye of the Needle. Personally, the Needle was my favorite. There are also plenty of lodges with dining available. However, they were all closed for the winter season during our trip.

Custer State Park is hands down the greatest state park in the United States. For my money, it has more attractions than some of the national parks. In the south, do not miss the Wildlife Scenic Road to view the largest bison herd outside of Yellowstone. Along the road you may spot wild turkeys, pronghorn and elk. In the fall, try to visit during the bison roundup, that is quite a site to see. In the northern part of the park be sure to drive the spectacular Needles Highway. From Sylvan Lake you can hike one the incredible trails to the best area in the Black Hills and South Dakota. Cathedral Spires, Sylvan Lake Trail, Sunday Gulch and Little Devil's Tower are incredible hikes to see. This park is worth 2-3 days for a more extensive visit. The campgrounds in the park are also very nice for being close to the sites of the park. The Needles Highway is closed during the winter so check conditions.

We stayed at the Blue Bell camping cabins the last week in June 2023. These cabins are AMAZING! We normally tent camp, but for an extra $10 a night, this was money well spent! Our week was wonderful! Weather could have been a little more cooperative, but hey can’t predict that! Extra shoutout to our camping hosts Mark & Kathy!! They were so awesome & patient with us on our last day!! These cabins would easily sleep a family of 4! I would highly recommend Custer State Park! The beauty & the wildlife, can’t be put into words!! I have NEVER stayed at a park that was kept this clean! Even the pit toilets were very clean! South Dakota, Mt Rushmore, Crazy House & the Badlands are must sees!! Every employee that we came in contact with were friendly, helpful & just a joy! Again highly recommended!!! 10 Stars!!

20$ entry for some excellent wildlife viewing. You can also go up to sylvan lake and the needles parkway. The wildlife loop was great. We saw deer, Prarie dogs, bison, a badger, and much more.

What a fantastic state park! The scenery is absolutely gorgeous! There are do many things to see and do in this park. We saw bison, deer, prairie dogs and so many birds. This is someplace you could really spend an entire week exploring and enjoying the beauty of the area.

Loved it! Great park. So well taken care of. We rented a ATV and drove through the park. Worth every second. So much to see! Ponds, rock formations, scenic views, trails, animals, ect. If you have the time go through the park.

Custer State Park is National Park worthy! Do yourself a favor and see this park. Be sure and take the jeep tour to see many scenic views and did I say buffalo! Wow! We ended up in the middle of a herd of about 200! It was amazing! Just go!

You can never go wrong w Custer State Park. The wildlife loop, scenic drives, picturesque lakes, rock formations...so much to see and experience! We loved the easy walk around Legion Lake. Watch the Buffalo from your camp site at the Game Lodge. Quintessential Black Hills fun.

Loved visiting this park!!! Although not a national park, it could easily be one given the scenic beauty and wildlife!! I highly recommend hiking the Sylvan Lake and Cathedral Spires trails. The wildlife loop offers great opportunities to view Bison, Prairie Dogs, and even some begging burros. One should definitely visit this park if visiting the Black Hills!

Beautiful park with breathtaking rock formations. Things to know : $20 temporary parking fee good for 1-7 days or you can purchase an annual pass. America the beautiful national parks pass does not cover parking fee.

Beautiful park. Many trails to hike and gorgeous views to see. Highly recommend looking into the different difficulties of hikes before going so you’re not caught unawares. Also, the Buffalo Safari Ride was worth it for the informational part about the park and animals.

I love Custer State Park. The campgrounds are beautiful and spacious. The lodges and cabins are rustic and welcoming. By far one of our favorite places to stay in the Black Hills. If you love the outdoors and viewing wildlife this is the place to come.

Had a great time a Custer! The wildlife loop didn’t disappoint; and the northern end of needles hwy was a sight to behold. Great views and cool tunnels. Lots of wildlife around: we saw bighorn, bison, and deer. Great time .

Custer State park is a park that is worthy of being a national park. Good on South Dakota for keeping it local. This place is nothing short of Amazing. The views the Bison and the scale. This place is huge. This is a must visit spot if you're in the area or even close by. This will be a family favorite for years to come.

We went in May and had a great turnout for our first road trip and camping with our dog. The views were beyond amazing. Campsite staff were great and bathroom were always clean. Stores had nice merch and necessity selection. We hiked trail 9 up to Black Elk Peak and down. We did Lover’s Leap. We took trail 9 up to Black Elk Peak, but took trail 4 down the second time. Needles Highway, Iron Mt Road, and the Wildlife Loop Road are all worth the time. If no animals, at least a mostly peaceful drive, if not too busy. We had 3 full days, but I recommend more!

We did two different loops at Custer State Park. Wildlife and iron mountain loop saw at least three different lakes. Lakota has faces in the rocks. There are lots of areas to pull over to take in the views. Go slow! It's worth taking it all in. We stayed at Morning Star Lodge just outside of Deadwood SD

Went here with my brother and mom and it did not disappoint! It took us a bit of searching to get there, but once we did it was well worth it. We saw plenty of animals after going on the animal loop road. If you want to see some cool animals with your family close up this is the place to go!

We stayed in the Tatanka cabin at Custer State park. The cabin was absolutely beautiful and perfect for our huge family. Custer Park was very beautiful especially with the light snow that we had. The wildlife on the wildlife loop was especially cool to drive through!

Breathtaking! I recommend stopping at the visitor center first to watch the short video and talk to the staff. It was snowing when I visited so the gentleman was helpful in knowing what roads were closed due to weather and where the best place to see the wildlife were. I drove the wildlife loop road in the morning and ended up coming back in the evening to do it again. I can’t wait to visit again during the season to take advantage of what I missed!

Best state park I've ever been too. I can't believe this doesn't have 5 stars. The hikes are phenomenal and the terrain is so diverse. Even if you aren't into hiking there's a lake, scenic drives, plenty of visitor centers, easy walks, and a huge nature loop where you can see hundreds of bison. We also had some fantastic barbecue food at Sylvan lake. If you're in South Dakota, you have to visit this park.

This area was so fabulous! We went here yesterday (In February). It was a gorgeous day with multiple herds of buffalo around and some bighorn sheep. We also saw burros, antelope, and deer. The scenery was breathtaking with the rolling hills and forests. If you like to take a nice drive, I would absolutely recommend it.

If you want to see some cool bison up close, this is the place to go. They are impressive. Depending on what direction you take into the park, the road can be very windy. There is a fee, so be prepared to pay. The visitor center is sort of helpful although the park ranger gave us wronng directions to the bison and set us back about a half hour.

We loved Iron mountain road into Custer, Needles highway was also great. We saw lots of wildlife; bison, big horn, mountain goats and wild turkeys. Sylvan Lake was awesome, we're headed back tomorrow, pictures don't do it justice.

It takes around 30-60 minutes to walk around the whole lake, depends on how much time you take photos and breaks. Very scenic lake.

Sylvan lake was gorgeous! We enjoyed the hike around it. The parking lot was quite busy, but we managed to find a spot.

We visit this lake during spring, what an amazing experience with the lake half frozen and beautiful reflections of the stone. Must visit if you are around Rapid city.

I love the walking paths and the views! I would highly recommend that you visit this place. It is $20 to get into the park, and the gift shop is overpriced, but otherwise Sylvan was a very pleasant experience. I also recently found out that Sylvan lake was used in movie called National Treasure 2. You can find the rock that they filmed on in one of the pictures I attached.

Hard to beat Sylvan Lake when exploring Custer State Park in the Black Hills. Sylvan Lake was created when Theodore Reder built a dam across Sunday Gulch Creek in 1882 and offers wonderful picnic areas, rock climbing, small boat rental, and beautiful rocky vistas. Also a great base camp to explore Black Elk Peak and The Needles. Check it out!

If you are going to Custer State park, go to Sylvan Lake. Parking could be a challenge but it is a beautiful place to visit. There is a loop trail around the lake and other trails nearby.

Beautiful place! The entrance fee is $10 per car that you can use for 7 days. If you have any of the National passes they don’t apply here. The visitor center seems a bit empty and the bathrooms were somewhat dirty when I was there later in the day- in the evening. I think they were having trouble with the bathrooms because there was water by the bathroom door and the smell was unpleasant. The parking was okay as far as cars since it was a bit rainy one day I was there. You can do a hike around the lake which is gorgeous. You can climb the huge rocks on the water too. Went another day with better weather and the parking lot was full. There’s other trials you can do/ including Black Elk Peek.

This is a beautiful lake in the Black Hills of South Dakota. An easy hike will let you experience the entire beauty of the lake.

Really beautiful especially when the water is clear and reflective. There's a lodge with food and amenities here and you can spend some time hiking around the lake. It's along the needles highway so hit up both!

Very quiet relaxing stop. The hike around and behind the lake is more moderate than beginner and definitely not wheelchair accessible. There are several other hikes available, plenty of parking, cabins for rent, as well as a gift store and restrooms.

My favorite lake in America! So pretty and the rocks for climbing are super fun. Rock climbing tours available if that's your thing or doing it alone is very possible. Climbing up and the view of the lake is just as awesome. If I am in Custer this is a must stop for me even if it's just for a look!!!!!

I went with my girlfriend and dog over a long weekend. The lake was frozen over, but it was beautiful. Would highly recommend going during the winter as there were hardly any other hikers out on the trails.

Definitely a beautiful place to see. It was off season so I didn't experience what others are saying of too crowded. Clean bathroom to use before heading to Needles Hwy. It was very peaceful and calm.

My favorite thing to do is kayaking and Houston enjoyed the water also. We saw other people kayaking and paddle boarding. Some were jumped off the cliffs into the water. It was beautiful. The Park has other lakes to kayak at so we plan on doing those also.

Located just inside the entrance to Custer State Park, Lake Sylvan is one of the most picturesque and scenic areas I've ever been to! The only downside is that it attracts a lot of people, but we spent the day swimming/paddle boarding/hiking/fishing and just taking in the scenery in this beautiful area.

It's not an easy hike, not a baby stroller walk. Magnificent view. It could have a better sign to guide the direction. We were briefly lost in the wood, thanks for the holiday, there are plenty of tourists around.

One of our favorite stops while exploring Mount Rushmore area, Custer State Park and all. The scenery is spectacular, and there is a handicapped accessible trail around the lake. Nice gift shop with refreshments, and clean restrooms.

A very scenic lake in Custer SP. The hike around the lake is scenic and an easy hike for families. The view today in the snow was spectacular.

Pretty lake with hiking trails. The trail around the lake gets confusing when you get to a crossroads with another trail. You have to climb up a lot of rock steps, and once on the top, there's hardly any indication of where to go. I climbed back down and back up, and I finally saw a hint of blue paint on a rock. I followed that and did a little rock climbing and found where the trail continues. Definitely needs a new sign at the top of the rocks. It was frustrating trying to figure out where to go and carrying my dog down and back up the steps. The store was closed for the season.

If I could live on this lake… I would. It was so peaceful and beautiful! I love Custer state park so much and when you pay for a entrance fee it’s good for 7 days and that’s awesome because we did go back again and again!

Words can not describe just how amazing the Needles Highway is. This thrilling road runs through Custer State Park, but the entry fee is worth every penny. I entered the Needles Highway off U. S. Highway 385 just a few miles from the Crazy Horse Memorial. Soon after entering the park the amazing views began. Do not do this drive unless you have plenty of time because you will be constantly stopping for photos and to take in the wonderful views. Sylvan Lake great but just a prelude to what is to come as you wind your way through the rocky landscape toward Cathedral Spires. Along the way you will move slowly through the Needles Eye Tunnel which is simple unbelievable. The road handles traffic in both directions but the tunnel is only one lane, so there may be a considerable wait during peak tourist season. The tunnel is a little over 8-feet wide and about 12-feet tall so it is a tight fit, but I did witness a full size tour bus make it through with inches to spare. I traveled the Needles Highway all the way through from Highway 385 to U. S. Highway 16-A. Even Though it is only distance of about 20 or 25 miles the journey took me a little over two hours as I was treated to spectacular beauty at every turn and kept stopping for pictures. Along the way, I saw a variety of wildlife including deer, a bear and buffalo. This is one of the most amazing drives in the country and should be done when you have plenty of time.

Of course it didn't match Instagram hype 😂 but we pretty much had the needles highway to ourselves so the tunnels and views were awesome. We loved the whole trip and Custer SP exceeded our expectations.

Oh my GOSH! This was exciting. We not only saw a huge tour bus get through that tiny tunnel (to applause I might add), when we started to enter there were two mountain goats waiting for their photo opp. Beautiful!

Very cool to drive through and experience. O ly one vehicle at a time and check size, no big RVs or large trucks will fit. Highly recommend and beautiful.

Absolutely beautiful! We drove the loop, we hiked to the Cathedral Spires and it was amazing!! One of the most beautiful places ever!

Thunderstorms and a deluge of biblical proportions met us at the Wyoming/South Dakota border, and didn’t ease up until the following morning. Regardless, the scenery is astounding! Straight outta vintage black&white cowboys and Indians films (or Jarmuschs’ Dead Man). Hordes of tourists and vehicles is the only downside.

Definitely a place to stop and look around. Take your time to get on some of the rocks and take pictures. Read about Needle Eye. Drive through the tunnel. Enjoy the fresh air. A must see place.

The best part of driving along the scenic driveway is going through the needles tunnel, which is truly unique. The tunnel is a one lane section of the road that passes right through granite rock. The tunnel is quite narrow. Make sure that you check out the size restrictions. The tunnel is less than two miles from Sylvan Lake Lodge. It is a great picture spot.

This entire area is stunningly beautiful. The tunnels on this road are crazy... they're one lane, and the drivers can make some interesting decisions, so use caution. It's a great trip.

The drive was very long. But once you got to it, it was so beautiful. If you go park and walk around it nice

Tunnel is just along the needles highway! The worse you are as a driver, the more exciting it is. If you're a good driver it's just ok. For me it was exciting.

One of the coolest places - so many photo ops right there. More to explore than just the tunnel - which is awesome. My kids loved going through it multiple times in our suv. Pretty sweet place.

This was so cool. When we started the drive I had no idea we would see this kinda stuff.

The Black Hills is a very special place. With each turn it seems to get better. The Needles Eye is a place where you can grab a chair and just gaze at the surroundings for hours and enjoy it's spectacular views.

Beautiful area in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This is a must-see if you are in this part of the country. Expect slow-moving traffic and do not attempt this road if you have a larger than normal vehicle without checking clearance first.

This was a very fun ride for our family to ride down this road after we left Mt Rushmore. Be sure you stop at the pull offs and check out the tunnels on the Needles Highway

Beautiful scenery! Very narrow road with 2-way traffic. The 2 tunnels are single lane only however, we found people to be very patient & willing to take turns. We saw numerous deer & a mountain goat (next to the road on top of a rock pinnacle). Take time to stop at the different pullouts - the views are stunning! We went thru the tunnels with our Winnebago Travato without any difficulties.

Beautiful and scenic! The scenery is just breathtaking. Loved our time exploring this national park! Definitely be sure to give yourself bample time for exploring, we only drove through and stopped at several of the overlooks.

If you're looking for an amazing scenic drive in South Dakota, Needles Highway in Custer State Park is a must-do. And if you're lucky enough to visit during the fall, the Needle Tunnel is a truly special sight. As you approach the tunnel, you'll be greeted by towering rock formations that resemble giant needles. The tunnel itself is narrow and winding, with walls that are just inches away from your car on either side. But it's the views from inside the tunnel that are truly breathtaking. As you drive through, you'll feel like you're on another planet. The rock formations are so otherworldly, and the fall colors are simply stunning. The tunnel is also a great place to see wildlife, such as mountain goats and deer. If you're looking for a truly unique and memorable experience, I highly recommend visiting Needle Tunnel in Custer State Park during the fall. It's an experience you'll never forget. Here are some specific things I loved about Needle Tunnel: * **The amazing views:** The views from inside the tunnel are simply incredible. You can see towering rock formations, lush forests, and meadows filled with wildflowers. * **The feeling of being on another planet:** The rock formations in Needles Highway are so unique and otherworldly. It really feels like you're driving through another planet. * **The beautiful fall colors:** The fall colors in Needles Highway are absolutely stunning. The leaves on the trees turn a brilliant red, orange, and yellow, creating a truly breathtaking sight. * **The massive rocky boulders:** The boulders in Needles Highway are simply massive. They're some of the largest boulders I've ever seen. If you're planning a trip to Custer State Park, be sure to add Needle Tunnel to your itinerary. It's an experience you won't soon forget.

My husband and I went on a tour today it was over an hour long and amazing! The tour guide had so much knowledge and really took his time to explain everything!!! It was also a great workout 🏋️‍♀️ 🤣 lots of stairs. This was our top favorite experience. Highly recommend! It’s a must see! We will be bringing our kids next time 🥰. No masks required. A few people wore 😷 masks. Would recommend good walking shoes and a sweatshirt or jacket. Nothing is allowed into the cave ( no maps / info sheets / water ) they have bathrooms before you enter. They are trying to protect the caves natural habitat so some rules apply. Light trails around the area checks these out very pretty 🤩

Beautiful cave and nice tour. Wish the discovery tour was longer but for the price I cannot complain! Our tour guide Connie was super nice and had answers to all of our questions! The small trails nearby were also well maintained and provided history and great views

I did the Garden of Eden tour and wish I had time for more! It is a very easy walk with only a few sections that have stairs / are not flat. There is so much history here, and I appreciated that during the tour, Lakota history was included as it is a sacred place for many. The short loop above the caves was so beautiful and worth the walk even in the winter.

Gotta go see it. How can you skip on the 3rd longest tunnel system in the world? Let your kids get their junior ranger badges. Scenic tour is great, but don't expect to be able to stop and take a lot of photos as there are a lot of stairs. Enjoy the moment as you are in it with your friends and family.

Note: Be sure to visit the historical site to see the original cave opening. It's just down the hill and is free. Be certain that you get there early or make reservations during peak season because tours fill up quick. We arrived at 1pm and tours were sold out for the day which is 5:30pm and that includes the 20 min mini tours. Note, no cellular service here. Has a nice video about the creation and exploration of the cave system. Has a cave science museum section of the information office.

Loved the cave! Such a cool experience...both literally and figuratively. Cave is a constant 49 degrees. Plan to wear a hoodie or jacket. Anything you bring in must fit in your pockets. Our tour guide for the 8:20 tour on 6/7/23 was knowledgeable about the cave. However, he would greatly benefit from some staff development in public speaking. I don't mean to sound unkind. He, like many people, don't speak loudly, clearly, or concisely enough when speaking to groups. "Um" should be eliminated from your vocabulary when in these situations. Aside from that, I do highly recommend visiting Jewel Cave! It's fascinating!

A beautiful stop for our family. Our guide Ranger Megan was excellent and we learned so much but we were not overwhelmed by the information, it was delivered at the right level and te right tone. Our tour lasted for an hour and a half, so just perfect to keep the kids attention. I was worried about the 734 stairs up and down but it went really well. We are an active family and we found that the pace relax, there were many stops to learn about different rooms and you get plenty of time to “recover” to climb the next flight of stairs. At the lowest point, we were at 380 feet below the surface, really cool! The highlight was when Ranger Megan close the “lights” for a few minutes for the group to feel what is like in the dark…it was pitch black and we kept silence for a minute to listen to the water dropping and it was a neat experience. For 48$ for the family, an amazing deal!

Limited tours are available daily. Took a weekday Scenic Tour, which is guided and lasted 1 and a half hours. Adult tickets are $16, youth $8, and under 5 free. This is a tour that requires climbing and descending several flights of stairs, low ceilings and navigating narrow winding passages. Now, all this may make you ask why Jewel Cave? This was the most interesting cave tour I have ever taken. Brad was not only interesting, he was knowledgeable and pointed out the highlights and history of the cave. There are large open rooms that facilitated the exchange of information and allowed photo opportunities. An elevator will take you 240' down to the cave floor and return you 260' at the end to the visitor center. Well worth the time and money!

Bob was an excellent guide on our discovery tour. Very friendly and funny as well. I enjoyed the visitor center. The cave decor is wonderful and I loved learning about the bats on the interactive screens. I got a passport stamp as well! I even got to see a couple big horn sheep near the parking lot. The bathroom was clean and I loved the smell of the hand soap!!

During our visit we took the Discovery tour, this and the Lantern tour are the only two tours available because the park is renovating the elevator. (August 2021) Although the tour was short, it gave us a glimpse of the world below. The cave is fascinating with many colors and formations decorating the walls of the cave. Our ranger guide was excellent, enjoyed her knowledge of the cave during the whole tour. Giving this 4 stars only because of the elevator renovation, it is definitely a 5star location, just giving myself something to look forward to in the future.

By far, the scenic tour at Jewel Cave was WAY better than Wind Cave. The pace was good, the formations - AMAZING. And the size of the cavernous rooms - stunning. If you only have time to do one of the caves in the Black Hills, make it this one. But make reservations ahead of time! We didn't, so we actually made two trips to the park, making it on the second tour of the day. Your reservations must be made 48+ hours in advance.

Cave tour was an special experience. Wildflowers on Canyon trail during early July was gorgeous too

We did the Historical Lantern Tour. The hike was challenging, but able to be done by most people in relatively decent shape. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. It was an experience that everyone visiting the Black Hills should do.

Did not take a tour of the caves; extra cost and a wait time. The exhibit in the welcome center was informative. The bathroom house was clean. I only stopped here to get a National park passport stamp (I'm cheap)

We visited November 9th. There must have been 4 cars in the lot when we arrived. Off-season is the way to go, if the weather cooperates 😉 The visitor center is informative and well set out. We had reservations thru the recreation.cov site. We did both the tours, the Discovery and Scenic tour. First covers more history and second a walk thru the caves. If you have been to Carlsbad or Mammoth caves you may be underwhelmed. But, this is an entirely different geological setting. These caves, though formed by dissolving the local limestone were re-coated with calcite crystals, everywhere! Lots of stairs and viewing platforms on the longer tour. But the pace is easy and the tour guides are informative. Narrow passages and hudge cathedral rooms to encounter. We also explored the Canyon Trail. Visited the original entrance and CCC cabin. If you can arrive early do the trail, 3+ miles. Amazing canyon and you may see some wildlife.

we really enjoyed jewel cave, especially since our tour of wind cave was cancelled due to elevator issues. our ranger led scenic tour was very informative and fun! there are a lot of steps, though mostly going down and plenty of stopping to rest and take photos. jewel cave truly is a jewel of a place! interesting history and geology!! i highly recommend getting your tickets for the tours ahead of time online rather than showing up day of. when we went to check in to our tour, it was the first one offered so we got there right when they opened and there was a massive line to buy tickets day of and we heard they then sold out! i am not surprised as the tours are excellent and small groups as to minimize disruption.

Intresting National Monument worth visiting. We took a short tour, " Discovery Tour." Bought some souveniers in the gift shop.

Jewel Cave was a really great stop for my family. There were five of us, two adults and three kids (14, 11, 9)- we had no issues with the quantity of steps and stairs, which are about 700, however are 60% down and 40% going up and not all at once but in manageable chunks (according to our ranger). The Scenic Tour lasts for 1.5 hours and was enchanting. All the different cave formations and passages were really amazing to see. If you are able, then I would definitely choose the Scenic Tour over the Discovery Tour as the DT only goes to the first large room in the cave while the ST goes throughout different areas. I would love to do the lantern Historic Tour if we ever return but that is only offered in the summer so wasn't an option for us. Book your tour online ahead or you will be waiting in a very long line to get tickets, if you can get them at all.

The cave itself was great, although it's not exactly the gorgeous stuff you see in the videos. Points: 1. Our ranger (Jeffrey?) didn't seem like he wanted to be there that day. If you can't answer questions (O2 content 400' below surface? Seismic recordings?) at least follow up on the surface with a geologist. 2. Tour rangers should not only be able to answer questions about THIS cave, but show interest in cave geology in general. Our guide said it wasn't his job to know anything about other caves. 3. Too many people per tour. The folks at the end couldn't hear our ranger at all. 4. There were folks on our tour who were in poor physical condition and struggled with the gazillion steps. 5. If you're in good shape you will actually enjoy and appreciate the steps. The tour was priced fairly. IMPORTANT: Get there early enough to watch the video BEFORE you take the tour. No reservations required for the 22 minute video, which was very informative

One of my favorite national monuments. The tour was spectacular. After visiting wind cave, we thought we’d be disappointed with Jewel, but it way WAY better. Go on the tour, you won’t be disappointed!

Ranger Don was an awesome, fun guide through this beautiful cave system. The cave is such a majestic natural wonder! The walkways, stairs and platforms are professionally installed and very easy to navigate. Awesome experience!

Amazing location, it’s soothing to drive among the trees & feel the breeze. The Mount Rushmore view is great from the top. when we entered to the forest, we got so much relaxed by the breeze, weather and so much peace.

Extraordinary views with an amazing scenery of the Buffaloes! Black Hills National Forest is located in southwestern South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, United States. The forest has an area of over 1.25 million acres and is managed by the Forest Service. The forestry personnel are NOT FRIENDLY AT ALL!!! Go figure that one out… almost ruined my vacation considering I drove from Miami Florida!!

Great place to drive around so much to see and do. A lot of great hikes for inexperienced people like me😅 very beautiful place. Needless Highway is a must! There is a lot of curves when driving, so if it makes you sick take something before you start driving. The views are so impressive.

We didn't know what to expect visiting here and it was breathtaking. If you have time, explore the needles highway (which goes through the state park nearby too). Check out the hiking throughout the black hills forest. It is gorgeous! I could have spent days just hiking and driving around taking in this beautiful site.

It is one of the most beautiful places. Camped there for a few days. Even got the pleasure of seeing a mountain goat as it was going up the mountain. Didn't realize they could climb so well. Amazing to see. We were there twice last year and would love to go back. There were some beautiful flowers too.

Loved driving through it. Lakes are beautiful and clean. A great spot and there is so much to do. Do carry a map to make sure you are visiting all points of interest and you can choose where to take a stop as well. Pactola lake in Black Hills Forest is one of the most beautiful lake. There are trails, paved driving route as well. Hiking, driving, boating, kayaking, swimming, photography, pickniking and so much fun..

This was absolutely breath taking!!!! Weather was amazing the day I went and getting to see the animals up close and personal was awesome!!! One of the highlights of my time living in South Dakota. Can’t wait to eventually go back! Totally recommend a trip through here.

Nice lush green away from hustling city life... it's an escape from all chaos of life. We went to Custer and from there went to visit black hills. Morning sunrise views are mesmerizing. Also we took hot air balloon ride to see black hills forest from top. Would definitely recommend visiting. Very peaceful, quite since not much crowd like California.

An area of intense green very beautiful to the eye with a lot of roads crossing it and even multiple roads encircling it allowing to drive around to contemplate the beauty of the nature that grew in that area compared to the surrounding areas. Almost as an oasis in the desert.

This is a beautiful forest with healthy, beautiful trees, and some amazing views. Our visit was fabulous.

Stayed at free campsite on spring Creek road and it was nice scenery and dusty. Beautiful stolen land and rich in native Lakota history.

We went to a few parts of the Black Hills. The most impressive and scenic is more by Mount Rushmore. We did a bit of a trail and we did some birdwatching. The rock formations are really neat.

Beautiful!! Just WOW!!! If you love wildlife and pretty rocks and a view you won't ever forget, you must see in person! Loved it!! We will definitely be making another trip back there.

Fantastic flight! Knowledgeable about the area, very smooth pilot, and a great tour overall. I definitely recommend stopping in for a flight. No reservations required!

This was a special part of my “Gramma Grandchild” trip this year. I was able to give my grandson an experience he thought he would never do in his lifetime. Not only was it one of his favorite parts of our trip but we were both able to check it off our bucket list. Black Hills Aerial was also the least expensive we found in the area with out having to drive a distance. We stayed in Keystone, SD and it was literally across the road from our hotel.

My Mom and I took Tour #4 (Mt Rushmore, Crazyhorse and Black Elk Peak) Yesterday. We had to wait a day for the right weather conditions but it was well worth it! All of the Staff were Very Helpful and Friendly. I've had 2 Helicopter Rides before. Those were Great, This one was the Best! Our Pilot, Sammie, Sure Knew Her Job. It was a Very Smooth Ride. It happened to be a very calm day over the Black Hill. Other days might be more bumpy, but we were never scared. Mom walks with a walker, but she was up for it and they helped her, in and out, very courteously and safely. Thanks for a Great Adventure!!

Would give it more if I could, amazing service and the employees really care. We did the basic package and for only $49 per person it was well worth every dime. Make sure not to miss this place on your next trip to South Dakota!

It was a great experience! Our bubble copter experience is checked off of our bucket list. Great way to see the Crazy Horse Monument. They have different tours depending on your style and price point.

We literally just left this place and can’t stop talking about it. It was our first time flying so we we’re a bit skeptical but omg it was well worth it!!! It was a bit windy but our flight got upgraded at no charge so another gentleman could ride with us. The staff were all very professional. Our pilot was very professional and nice. He made our flight go really smooth especially since it was windy. He was an awesome pilot! I hate that I ddnt ask for his name again but we will never forget this adventurous moment. 9/25/22 we hope to come back again!

We took the #6 Ultimate aerial adventure tour, my first time in a helicopter and it was absolutely AMAZING!!!! Nathan, our pilot was fantastic!!!!! If you're going to do it, do it right, and spend the money! The 50 minute tour was 100% worth it! I promise it won't disappoint!

Had a very enjoyable flight. Very knowledgable pilot. Great wat to see the Black Hills. The R66 is an amazing machine. Owner was very friendly and enjoyable to talk with.

This was an amazing experience. Our pilot Ben was so great and knowledgeable. He let me sit “shotgun” and it was epic! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! Do it. You will not regret!

I'm afraid of heights, and yes, it was highly suggested that I take a helicopter tour. I'm so glad I did. Everyone we encountered was extremely friendly and helpful. I'm sure I tested our pilot, Sam's, patience with my fear of heights. He was so kind. Sam walked us through everything he did while flying. He pointed out the sights for us. The experience was more than I expected. The views were amazing. I would do this again and highly recommend it!!

Wow what an experience!!! Having flown in and piloted small airplanes I was expecting a much rougher ride, however it was as smooth as could be! Our pilot was awesome, all I can remember is his nickname is Tuna, he was super knowledgeable and answered every single one of our questions. We have been to the Black Hills over 20 times but seeing them from this perspective was breath taking!! I cannot wait to come back and do this again. It was the highlight of our trip!!

I was driving to Mt Rushmore and passed this place with their helicopters so of course had to stop. I took the tour over Rushmore and Crazy Horse and it was amazing. Pilot was professional and ride was very smooth. Didn't make reservations, just walked in and only waited about 20 minutes till the tour start.

Awesome spot to start for three hikes. Cathedral Spires, Little Devils Tower, and Black Elk Peak. Total elevation for all three was about 2,115 feet and took about 3.5 hours. I hiked at a 25 minute per mile pace.

This is by far the most awe-inspiring trail I have ever done. The views of the surrounding area and the rock formations are breathtaking. The photos can't truly capture the beauty here. The trail was a bit more difficult than we expected. A couple spots are a little steep and there are a couple rock scrambles that weren't too much of an issue for younger people but were tough for us older folks. Parking at the trailhead can be a challenge. A little patience goes a long way here. Just know that whatever effort you put into getting on the trail, it will be worth it.

This is an amazing trail that is a must do. Most can complete this up and back trail in 2 hours. The walk through the rock formations is the treat. The ending at the top does not have a view, just a simple sign that you made it. Hike is uphill, but we’ll maintained trail. Two sections where you scramble over boulders, but young and old can do it: Make time for rest breaks and photo stops.

This is a great trail. About 1.6 miles from the trailhead to the end of trail marker. There are a few scrambles across rocks. Doable, but if you have limited mobility probably not the trail for you

Absolutely amazing trail and highly recommended..! Only one spot is tough or technical - but the views at the top are worth it!

Giant hoodoo's in beautiful landscape, pines and birches in color. Gorgeous!

Was a great hike and had amazing views at the intersection of the Cathedral Spires Trail and Trail 4. Was much closer to moderate than strenuous. Was relatively muddy from the melting snow.

Did a drive through memorial weekend of 2023, and it was gorgeous. Didn't get a chance to do any real hiking there cuz our dog bear wasn't feeling it. Lol . Next time bears staying home. Lol.

Beautiful hike with amazing views all around. We saw some wild raspberries along the way which were delicious. Hike may be difficult for some due to the rocks/terrain, but overall not bad.

Easy hike. Round trip around 1hr no break. We did 3hrs round trip hitting both cathedral spires and little devil tower with breaks and lunch break. Definitely worth the hike.

An amazing hike in Custer. Past the needles eye tunnel, Parking is easy but can fill up fast so get there early. The hike starts off with pretty intense. Not difficult but it will get your heart pumping. It starts off shaded so you can get chilly but bring layers. The second half open into this amazing clearing with the spires all around you. It is awesome. There are connections to other trails.

Beautiful trail! It might get a little challenging in spots for certain people where you gotta get up and around some rocks. If you're a big hiker, you'll probably find the length underwhelming. You can extend it some by going up to Little Devil's Tower (adds .8 mile), or you can even get on the Black Elk trail. Short hike or not, the views here are awesome!

Very nice place to stop if you have kids. Make sure to check with them and get their activity schedule as they schedule different kids activities different days and times so that you can plan accordingly.

Fun place to stop for the kids. They enjoyed the various activities and exhibits. Nice building, well maintained.

Great place to stop with kids of all ages. Even my 11 year old didn't want to leave. Not huge, but a lot of hands on things for the kids to do.

Very friendly attendant, excellent displays, and clean bathrooms.

Very cool.place lots of history open friendly staff something for everyone. Restrooms available kid friendly.

Great little educational place to stop for the kids.

Staff is amazing

Unfussy is true something for all styles and ages this populated area has fishing hiking swimming camping cabins minutes from Custer and needles highway and the wildlife Loop iand State game Lodge this centrally located spot has something for everyone including gift shop & restaurant restrooms and small boat rentals.

Great lake with a nice hike and decent fishing

Definitely should check it out

Did a very fast stop at this pretty lake. Today, it was 48 degrees at the picnic table, but just listening to the birds and frogs made it a fun moment to eat. I wished I had taken photos maybe next time.

Great place to bring the kids for a dip in the lake.

We loved our Legion lake experience. We stayed in the cabin. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Cabin was very nice, everything worked inside. Walking distance to the lake. Lots of places to explore and rocks to climb. This lake is a lot quieter than some of the other so it's nice for kids and to do water activities (kayak, SUP, fish, swim, etc.) without being too crowded. The kids are already talking about wanting to stay again next year.

Beautiful, peaceful, perfect lake with a fun, easy hiking trail. Paddleboards and kayaks to rent. So worth a relaxing day. The restaurant and its Staff were just incredible. General Manager, Christopher, along with waitress "Jak" and Host "Lincoln" were absolutely friendly and welcoming and the food was delicious. Sitting out on the patio was the best treat.

We are yearly visitors and normally I would give a 5 star review...not this year. I rented kayaks for 5 people $135 ish. I opted to hang out and watch dock side. After a bit I wanted food and 2 beverages $25.00 I asked if she could deliver them? No. But I could leave and come back? I asked if I could just wait? I mean it's 2 drinks and fries. Reluctantly she agreed. I tipped her for literally handing me 2 bottled drinks. Went outside. After 30 minutes i needed to see my phone screen for a rental so I went back in, took a corner spot for maybe 3 minutes when i was asked to leave for paying guests......of course I said something and was thrown out. I NEED A REFUND....terrible customer service! DISAPPOINTED AND BASIC SKILLS NEED WORK.

It is a must see for how far this country has come and how some things don't change!

This could be such a cool place! It needs some TLC. I understand the buildings are old. That is the one thing that is so neat about it, but the buildings are really dirty and cluttered. A little cleaning up and organizing would make it wonderful. The people there are very nice and give you a nice history. It was very interesting but we were a little disappointed.

Pleasant surprise! Very authentic and interesting. So many buildings and cool things in each. In the store up front huge books of historical information was across the back.. The owner was so sweet and friendly, telling us the story of the place. Highly recommend it, totally worth the $6 entry fee.

This was one of my friends and I’s favorite places to visit! We had a blast hearing about the history and getting to roam the 1800s town. The ladies working were the sweetest and the history is to die for. 10/10 would recommend for anyone and everyone!

Lots of interesting stuff here. Close stopover near jewel cave

Very creepy cuz when we first got out of the car we passed a rain barrel and looked in and there were 2 dead kittens in it..horrible..we told the owner and she didn't seem like it was a big deal..so she preceeded yo tell us the history..lots of old artifacts but buildings alittle scary.

We had so much fun wandering this "town"! The proprietors are insanely nice and we would recommend going!!! Some of our favorite buildings were the butcher shop and the sweet shop that showed so many old items. The church was amazing as well! If you love old furniture and history, then this place is for you!! They have about 80 buildings and we spent at least an hour and a half looking and reading the informational signs!

I've seen open air village museums before. Usually they are in really "good" condition: Even thought the items are old, they look like they are in good shape and the buildings are well maintained. This place is going for more of a ghost town appearance. The town is more abandoned and not cared for. The floorboards are coming loose, the paint is fading, weeds are popping through, etc. Some may not like that kind of vibe, but I think it's pretty cool. For me, this was worth a visit.

Such an amazing place to visit! the lady was so sweet at the entrance! She told us the whole story of 4 mile old west town when we first got there! My grandma and I enjoyed visiting all the buildings and reading all the historical facts. So many little details she thought of!

It was a really cool Old Town. A lot of history some of the buildings had to have repairs done to them. And you have to be careful walking on the boards but overall it's a pretty cool place to visit.

GREAT EXPERIENCE to see & feel what it would have been like to live 100+ years ago. AMAZING DISPLAY of yesteryear. The family host is a wealth of knowledge and so welcoming. Don't miss this Wonderful attraction ! ! ! Dale & Janene

My family really enjoyed going here, lots of things to see and learn about. It was pretty cool to see the jail in it's original form from so many years ago. The staff were great and very informative.

My wife and I stopped here for a few nights on our way from wind cave up to teddy. We loved it here and had zero complaints. Grounds and facilities were spotless and the staff was super friendly and helpful. We enjoyed the pool and hot tub but we were most impressed by how nice the bathrooms are. Great way to take a brief break from your tent!

Clean, quiet, nicely maintained green lawns and gravel drives. Welcoming staff that aims to please. Huge grounds, like camping on a golf course! Up away from highway noise in trees with distant views of granite. Generously layed out sites. Beautiful pools, clean laundry rooms. Great coffee in lounge/store. Stayed a week in late September with 32’ fiver and couldn’t ask for more. Big rig friendly.

This is the best resort in the southern Black Hills! Several types of accommodations to choose from. The amenities are exceptional. Pool area is perfect along with poolside bar and consessions. You will not find a nicer place than Buffalo Ridge Resort.

Glamping tent was really nice. It rained every day and our tent stayed completely dry. The beds and linens were comfortable. There were two multifunctional lamps and a mini fridge. The best parts were the propane fireplace since it got down to 50 degrees at night and the fan which we are used to sleeping with at home and it provided white noise. My family of 5 all slept great! The pools are heated and the views from the pool are really beautiful. We didn't get to use the hot tub because of a group that hogged it. The bathroom was a typical campground bathroom with a wet dirty floor and a few spiders, but the showers were pretty clean. We didn't choose the option of a tent with a bathroom in it. It was a fun experience.

It looks to be a friendly location. I have not been there yet but will be making reservations come next spring. I spoke with the staff and was impressed with their friendly attitude and the information I received. The Black Hills has always been a favorite location for us to spend our time at. We're there every spring and will continue to do so.

We enjoyed our 7 days stay in the heart of the Black Hills. Buffalo Ridge has very spacious RV pull through sites with all the amenities and is minutes away from some of the best landscape anywhere. Custer has all the feel of a small western town with everything you need when traveling.

Beautiful campground!! We absolutely will return. Every amenity you could think of...store, laundry, showers, rentals, firewood...the list goes on. Very friendly helpful staff. So peaceful! Close to Crazy Horse, Mount Rushmore, and Custer State Park. Along with lovely little towns...Custer, Hill City, and Keystone. You want it..they've got it!! Can't wait to plan our next trip!

This campground is great! The facilities are fantastic with individual full bathrooms in the bath house. Great pool with a resort feel. They are also located centrally for all the sights to see. We used it as a base camp for a week and enjoyed a full day just loafing around the campground as well. Would highly recommend to anyone and would certainly stay here again. Thanks for helping create a memorable visit to your great state!

We stayed in a luxury teepee with a bed and furniture. Was very cool. Bed was comfy. Nice teepees. Bathhouse was nice very and clean. Mice poop on our towels in the drawer. I know it’s outside but could check that stuff before people arrive. Otherwise it was a great place to stay!!

Have stayed at this campground before and was one of our favorites...until yesterday. Booked a reservation for 7 days last week and was given a choice of two sites. We chose site 609 as it had a nice view and some privacy. I was called by alex the day b4 we were due to arrive and asked if we would change sites so some people could camp together. We liked our site so we declined. He said oh bummer and hung up. When we arrived the next day he had changed our reservation and moved us to accommodate them. New spot bottom of hill, no paved patio, not a very good view no privacy. Last straw those campers they gave our spot to..left the day after we arrived. At $395.00 a week I expected to be treated better.

We stayed here a little over a month. Nice convenient location for visiting everything in the Black Hills. Service was amazing - always friendly and helpful any time we needed something or just went in to pick up packages. As the sites are gravel, they could use a bit of work to make them more level, but overall a great campground.

We stayed in the glamping tents. Propane stove worked great, we had hot water on demand, the staff members were more than accommodating (Nikki at the concession stand was by far our favorite person while there). The pool was a great amenity! I would highly recommend this place. The weather was phenomenal (August trip). We will be back!

We don't usually camp at "resorts". This was such a treat for us while in the Black Hills area. The location was perfect. The facilities were top notch. The pool and hot tub area was amazing. We loved our time here. It was worth the higher camping cost compared to our state park campgrounds we usually stay at.

Our family loves it here!! The kids look forward to going back every time!! Always clean, quite, and staff is wonderful!! Cannot wait until we go back.

First time camping at Buffalo Ridge. Great location to enjoy all the attractions while in Custer City. They have 2 pools and a large play ground for the kids. Great amenities showers restrooms and a snack bar on site. Easy check in process. The cleaning staff does an excellent job with the facilities. Location is perfect , close to Crazy Horse, Mr Rushmore and Custer State Park. They offer full hook up 50 30 amp service and water. Dump station is also available. Felt very safe there as well. Clean grounds, quite at night. Views of the Black Hills from my camp site and the stars at night. You will enjoy your stay there. 🇺🇸😊

We had a beautiful RV space with a view of the campground. It was very peaceful and quiet. The restrooms with showers were clean and well taken care of. We will definitely come again.

We rented a cabin for the harvest festival it said on website they had heater to rent as it was to be below freezing. When we tried to get one they said they were all out there was nothing they could do! We didn’t want to drive back to town so we spent all night calling around looking for a hotel room that would accommodate our dogs with no luck! We ended up freezing in the cabin all night miserable almost had to sleep in car. They should not advertise they have heat available if they don’t especially when it’s going to be below freezing. Staff did not seem to care about issue was very disappointing stay!);

The budget cabins were pretty nice at the time we went as it was still cool. I would imagine they would get pretty hot in the summer so bring fans. The beds could use some more padding but were serviceable. Showers and bathrooms were great. There was a decent pool that was heated and a small playground.

It was a very interesting place to vist we had a good time.

Awesome museum! Honestly didn't think it would have so much information about Custer! Super interesting history of the city. Definitely kid friendly, the kids can do a scavenger hunt too. People should really see this museum while in Custer.

They are now open for the summer season ! Yay! I was excited for this and it was so cool to see stuff! Decent admission prices is a bonus. They have alot of stuff on early pioneers. Lots of stuff on local tribes, with native things actually marked as by specific tribes! Displays on logging,mining, taxidermy, government etc. I thought it was cool how detailed they are on the history of the artifacts. You can tell alot of work has gone into preserving this place. Yes, they do indeed have General Custers rifle.

Great museum. Wonderful staff. Lots of interesting local pieces. Elevator for us old folks.

Super friendly staff provided scavenger hunt activities for our kids. They especially enjoyed the jail and the stagecoaches out back.

Custer County Courthouse Museum provides excellent artifacts from the area. It provides a multitude of items from Custer and gives the mind the matetial to seem like a return to yeaterday. Great displays and outstanding information relevant to the saga of Custer. Highly recommended to family and friends!

Awesome local museum with extreme displays about local events from old days and not so old Knowledgeable staff Good for kids

Very nice museum. A lot of history here. Well worth a stop.

I was really looking forward to seeing it but it was closed when I was there. I hear it's one of the oldest buildings in the Black Hills and one of the few remaining structures from the time of the area's early settlement. Well, maybe next time. There is a wonderful restaurant across the street and a lot of nice little shops too. Fun town!

9 to 5 was a really fun play to go to. The venue is awesome. Really good acoustics and visibility. The acting was good as well as the production. All in all it was an extremely fun experience. I highly recommend this play to everyone other than children!!! If you're visiting the Black Hills or if you're a local, you need to go to the Playhouse as see one of their productions.

My husband have been coming to the Black Hills Playhouse for the last 10 seasons. The shows are wonderful every season with amazing actors and beautiful sets. We are looking forward to so many more seasons with this beautiful establishment!

We saw a great performance there, "The Drowsy Chaperone." Over the years, I've seen other great productions, including "Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," "Sherlock Holmes," & others. The offerings in the gift shop/snack bar have been reduced over time, but I suppose that makers it easier to manage.

All shows this year are at the New Freedom outdoor stage. They only have metal folding seats, so be sure to bring a good cushion or your own (non-lounger) lawn chair. The speakers are VERY loud, so you may want to take earplugs if your ears are sensitive. There are no indoor provisions if it rains. We saw the Marvelous Wonderettes and the cast and crew did a marvelous job!

The location is beautiful! Scenic country and the theater it's rustic. The need for alternate routes was met well online. The play was wonderful. I have to admit I was a little leery of an updated version of Cinderella and it was totally Charming.

The Black Hills Playhouse is always worth a visit. The performances enchant us every year. 3 - 4 plays, mostly musicals, are offered every summer. The mix of young and old actors coupled with the wonderful location in the Black Hills makes this summer stock theater so desirable.

A local playhouse with a talented staff. Offer a great variety of shows throughout the summer season. If you are traveling through the area, this is a must for evening entertainment. Support local arts and enjoy a scenic location. This is an old CCC camp and is a beautiful area to visit.

What a lovely playhouse! Nestled in the Black Hills inside Custer State Park, there are no bad seats in the house. The popcorn is delicious and the talent is Grade A. If you are near Custer State park and are looking for a fun evening, enjoy a play at the Black Hills Playhouse!

We try to attend at least one performance per year. This year "9 to 5" was absolutely wonderful. Great venue, great talent. Well done!

Attended a presentation of "Something Rotten," last night. Excellent and professional cast, presentation and of course, the playhouse itself was worth the drive. Staff and Linda Anderson make it a wonderful and organized experience. Previous to the presentation, they also sent out an email notifying us of construction on the route we would have taken and gave us an alternative route. I was very appreciative of this. Really enjoyed our time last night. A bonus was the beautiful full moon on the drive home!

The drowsy chaperone was a wonderfully funny show and the cast did a great job of portraying there characters. Thank you for a great show!

Nice 1.5mi hike to the top of a fairly neat overlook. No climbing necessary. You can do it with only two feet. I did it with a 6yr old and two small dogs

This is another great hike in the area. The majority of the trail is relatively easy. At the very top, if you want to get on top of the peak you'll need to scramble over rocks, possibly using your hands often for stability. Give it a try!

This trail is 3 miles round trip. It is a workout, but was our favorite trail. Great views and a fairly safe ascent. We saw a couple mule deer as well.

Quick hike uphill to the spur. Just look for the blue trail markers. Someone kindly labeled the trail at the spur to ensure that you are going the right way.

Passed by this Trailhead as I was hiking the Elk Peak Loop. Room for maybe around 30 cars or so along with two public bathrooms. Lot is well maintained and road leading to it is paved as well. You have several options from here, can go to Devils Tower and Elk Peak or even to Sylvan lake as well.

Excellent mix of easy, moderate and difficult terrain. Trails are marked and well maintained. The views were astonishing. Tons of rose quartz along the trail, if you’re into gemstone collection. Water and good shoes recommended.

Great trail, wide gravel path most of the way and easy to follow the signs. The last bit is a hands-and-feet climb up clefts in the rock to the summit. Suitable for children under supervision.

Such an awesome trail! Not very long, not very difficult for 3/4 of the hike. The last stretch is basically rock climbing, it will be tough for small children and older adults, however the views are worth it. You are closer to the center of the park, so the views are different from Black Elk Peak. At the top you can see black elk peak, the fire tower and cathedral spires. 10/10 would highly recommend including this as part of your next Custer State Park hiking trip.

Good trailhead right off the road. Can hold probably 15 vehicles. Good access to the shortest route up Black Elk Peak

Great hike connects to a bunch of other hikes! I would suggest making sure you a well equipped for this one. Lots of rock scaling and hill. Can be kinda tight in some places. Good shoes and water are a must! The view at the top is amazing.

Awesome trail that gets you to to Little Devils Tower, which you can add on Cathedral spires that makes it a 4 mile hike. The trail can be combined to go to Black Elk peak and loop in Sylvan lake. Parking area fills up quick. Saw deer, lots of birds, chipmunks, and saw two cougars prowling about.

Somewhat short hike; it is not the 4 to 5 hour excursion that the signs warn you about. Head east from the parking lot on the trail marked by the large sign of warnings and precautions. Gradual incline on a dirt path that becomes more steep and rocky. As you plateau and start heading north, signs and blue blazes will keep you on the right path. Once the trail takes a sharp left into the rocky crevice (pictured) and the blue markers are spray painted onto the rocks, the hike becomes more challenging and fun. The rest of the hike is climbing up very grippy rock until you're at the top, complete with spectacular views of rock formations, helicopters below you, and Custer off in the distance. Very high reward for the relatively short hike.