Megan & Adrian

June 27, 2025 • Custer, SD
35 Days To Go!

Megan & Adrian

June 27, 2025 • Custer, SD
35 Days To Go!

For The Coffee Lovers

For a lot of us, starting off the day with a good cup of joe is a necessity. Below is a list of some of the best local coffee shops that will have you starting your day off right!

Calamity Jane Coffee Shop and Grill

512 Mt Rushmore Rd #1930, Custer, SD 57730, USA
(605) 673-2269
Website

Miner's Cup

1021 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730, USA
(605) 673-3882

Hjem A.M.

308 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730, USA
(605) 981-9047

If You Love To Eat Good Food

One of the best things about exploring a new (or even familiar) place is the food! If you're wanting to try some of the best food in the Black Hills, below is a list for you to check out!

Gold Pan Saloon Custer

508 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730, USA
(605) 673-8850

If you're looking for that old-Western-style feel to your dine-in experience, then the Gold Pan Saloon is the place to be!

The Custer Wolf - Food & Drink

506 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730, USA
(605) 673-9653

Enjoy hearty American food at The Custer Wolf. A warm and casual eatery spot that offers American pub food, sandwiches, and beer on tap. A laid-back and cozy atmosphere that anyone will enjoy!

The Custer Beacon

351 Washington St, Custer, SD 57730, USA
(605) 673-3800

Doubling as a gathering space/live music venue, The Custer Beacon gives you the real taste of the Black Hills that will have you begging for more!

The Touristy Things

As much as we don't want to admit it, sometimes the touristy things are the most fun! That's why we highly recommend checking out some of the must-see touristy attractions here in the Black Hills to enhance your experience in this beautiful part of the world!

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

13000 SD-244, Keystone, SD 57751, USA
(605) 574-2523

You can't stay in the Black Hills and *not* see the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Here you will find plenty of sightseeing, gift shops, photo opportunities as well as some light hiking for all of your nature lovers!

Deadwood, South Dakota

Deadwood, SD 57732, USA

One of the best places to explore is the historic Western town of Deadwood! Don't let the name fool you, this town is far from dead. Known for its 1876 Gold Rush, gambling, celebrity bars, and western flare, Deadwood is a definite must-see while you're here.

Bear Country USA

13820 US-16, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
(605) 343-2290

Bear Country is the best place to explore if you want to witness all of the beautiful nature that the Black Hills has to offer. Within Bear Country, you will have plenty of opportunities to spot wolves, bears, elk, and other North American animals along with admire all of the lush forestry surrounding you.

For Camping Lovers

If you're a big fan of camping and being in the great outdoors, the Black Hills is the perfect place to be! Below are some of the best campsites to check out if you want to experience the outdoors in a completely new way.

Custer Crazy Horse Campground

1116 N 5th St, Custer, SD 57730, USA
(605) 673-2282

Custer's Last Chance RV Park & Campground

1500 Washington St, Custer, SD 57730, USA
(605) 728-4292

Fort Welikit Family Campground

24992 Sylvan Lake Rd, Custer, SD 57730, USA
(605) 673-3600

Bike Riders Unite!

Wanting to explore the Black Hills outside of your car is completely normal and actually encouraged! Below are a few of the best bike rental spots to explore the local area with style and convenience!

Black Hills Power Bikes Rentals & Boutique

1029 Mt Rushmore Rd # A, Custer, SD 57730, USA
(605) 673-2405

South Dakota Outdoor Shop

632 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730, USA
(605) 673-2240

If You Like Hiking

Hiking the Black Hills is a whole different experience that you need to try at least once (if you haven't already). Below are some of the best and most favorite hiking trails in the Black Hills area that will have you getting your workout in, while simultaneously enjoying all of the beautiful outdoor scenery.

Mickelson Trail Heads

SD-89 Scenic, Custer, SD 57730, USA

Length: Long! While most typically bike only sections of this trail, the entire Michealson stretches roughly 109 miles!


Difficulty: Low-medium. This trail boasts a full forest, long winding streams, and long stretches of flat gravel trailhead!


Views: While not the same views you might find at the top of Crow Peak, the Michealson holds historic beauty and random peaceful overlooks of Lead-Deadwood.

French Creek Trailhead

13329 US-16A, Custer, SD 57730, USA

Length: Long! This trail goes on for 12.8 miles and takes about 4.5 hours to complete! Definitely not for the inexperienced hikers.


Difficulty: Hard! Enjoy beautiful forest scenery and greenery while walking which may make this long hike worth it!


Views: Enjoy the surrounding foresty and scenery and even some wildlife, so be careful and come prepared!


Sunday Gulch Trailhead

Custer, SD 57730, USA

Length: Fairly short, the Sunday Gulch Trailhead is a 3-mile loop!


Difficulty: Hard! The beginning of the trail is much harder than the remainder of the trail. Walking over some large slippery boulders and demanding terrain makes this trail more difficult, but there are the provided handrails that make it a bit easier to endure!


Views: The Sunday Gulch Trailhead is at Sylvan Lake yet it's a rather quiet trailhead. You can find moss-covered granite walls along with other natural rock formations that are just breathtaking to witness.