South Dakota
Nature|National & State Parks

Custer State Park Is The Single Best State Park In South Dakota And It’s Just Waiting To Be Explored

Custer State Park in South Dakota is recognized as the best state park in the state for its extensive trails, climbing routes, and wildlife sightings.

Published Jul 7, 2021

Written by 

Annie

It's no secret that South Dakota is THE place to be for outdoor recreation galore, but did you know that we also have some pretty magnificent state parks? Of course, you do! With so many to choose from, how does one decide which is the best of the best? We may finally have the answer.

It's official: According to Travel + Leisure, Custer State Park is the best state park in the Mount Rushmore State!

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TripAdvisor/596Smokey

As per its recent list of the Best State Park in Every U.S. State, there is no beating Custer, with the article citing how the Black Hills attraction has "miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, great climbing routes, and the beautiful Sylvan Lake, which sits beneath granite crags."

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TripAdvisor/Kathy M

In addition to Custer State Park, Travel + Leisure crowned 49 other parks with this prestigious title, including the Palo Duro Canyon State Park (Texas), Itasca State Park (Minnesota), and Eldorado Canyon State Park (Colorado).

First established in 1912 and deemed an official state park in 1919, Custer State Park is a massive 71,000-acre oasis that has grown and expanded since its humble beginnings.

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Kelly Martin/Wikimedia Commons

Named for Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer, Custer State Park welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year, all of whom come from near and far to explore the Black Hills scenery, hike, fish, and camp.

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TripAdvisor/Gary97TJ

As if you needed another reason to visit, Custer State Park is also a mecca for wildlife sightings, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for buffalo, antelope, donkeys, elk, and much more.

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Guimir/Wikimedia Commons

Admission to Custer State Park is $20 per vehicle for a 7-day pass or $36 per vehicle for an annual pass.

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TripAdvisor/mtream

To learn more about Custer State Park - including current conditions and campground reservations - please visit the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks' website.

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TripAdvisor/Jerri L

For even more to see and explore in Custer State Park, check out You Won’t Want To Miss This Outdoor Adventure In South Dakota This Summer.

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Nature|National & State Parks

The Breathtaking Small Town State Park in South Dakota That We Can’t Stop Thinking About

Sturgis is a small town in South Dakota famous for its motorcycle rally, but perhaps it should be famous for its natural wonders like this one.

Published Sep 19, 2024

Written by 

Tori Jane

Crazy-but-true fun fact: South Dakota is home to 63 state and National Park sites. Seriously! That might sound like quite a lot, but given how amazing our state truly is, perhaps it's not all that enormous a revelation. Nevertheless, several of these South Dakota state parks are out-of-the-way and exist only near small towns - like, for instance, Bear Butte State Park.

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The main draw to Bear Butte State Park is, of course, Bear Butte itself, a 4,436-foot-tall summit from which you can see four different states. In Lakota, the mountain's name is Mato Paha, or "Bear Mountain." It is truly an incredible sight to behold.

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Clint/Flickr

Hikers will be thrilled to learn that there are nine amazing miles of trails weaving all over the park, and exploring it on foot is easily one of the best ways to take it all in.

Bear Butte is gorgeous, but the surrounding landscape is utterly awe-inspiring, and together they form an entire work of art on one beautiful canvas. Bear Butte Lake is picturesque at worst, offering crystal-clear, cool water that often reflects the sky above, be it crystalline blue or overcast and grey.

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Traveling skier/TripAdvisor 

This place has enormous cultural significance to this day, and every so often you might find prayer bundles along the trails. Please do not disturb these - they are not litter!

Should you be the camping type, you're in luck (woohoo!) - there are two gorgeous campgrounds near the lake just waiting to be booked. Need more to do once you're checked in? Wander around nearby Sturgis for a little while. Sturgis is famous for its enormous annual motorcycle rally, but I promise the town is wonderful year-round as well.

While you're at it, check out all the fun things to do in Sturgis from our friends at Viator. If you find you can't get enough South Dakota at any given time, check out all the best places to visit in South Dakota next time you have a moment to be fully immersed in all things Mt. Rushmore State.

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Nature|National & State Parks

The Notch Trail Is A Hidden Adventure In South Dakota Worthy Of A Day Hike

Published Jul 8, 2024

Written by 

Tori Jane

Sometimes, all we want to do is get out and enjoy the world - and all the amazing things within it. Lucky for us, South Dakota just so happens to be a wonderland filled to the brim with awe-inspiring views, geological wonders, and more - all of which are worthy of a day trip (or longer). Hidden away in Badlands National Park is one of the best hikes in the entire state. Known as the Notch Trail, this awesome journey is idyllic and magical without being too lengthy. Of all the amazing hikes in South Dakota, this one is among the best!

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Badlands National Park is like something out of a dream - surreal, beautiful, and nearly alien.

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Annmarie Croswell/AllTrails

With 17 incredible trails to choose from, it might be kinda tough to decide which one to play with, so let me help you choose: Do the Notch Trail. I promise it's an incredible adventure.

In the spring and summer, wildflowers abound.

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John Condon/AllTrails

The trail is open year-round, though the warmer months are by far the best times to show up. Just bring plenty of water! You'll have to leave your pup at home, though, as unfortunately, no dogs are permitted here.

Along the way, you'll spot various wonderful geological features sure to fascinate and intrigue.

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Barry Smith/AllTrails

First, you'll meander through a jaw-dropping canyon formed over millions of years of erosion via wind and water. Marvel at the history of this incredible planet on plain display at Badlands National Park - on this incredible loop trail especially.

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Drop-offs are common, so watch your footing - don't fall!

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Kristin Povinelli/AllTrails

Wear sturdy, good. hiking shoes and keep your eyes peeled - the views along this whole hike are truly incredible. There are some spots with decent shade, but not many, so plan accordingly, and arrive early in the day for the best results.

If you've got a fear of heights, well, perhaps this one isn't for you.

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Seth Durbin/AllTrails

But if you ARE up for heights, amazing views, and more... boy oh boy, is this hike for you. Folks can't get enough of this amazing adventure.

Of all the scenic hiking trails in South Dakota, this one is among the best of the best.

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Aaron Glaze/AllTrails

For more information about this incredible hiking trail in South Dakota, check out the official Notch Trail AllTrails listing. Thinking about cranking your hiking game up to 11? Check out all the cool perks that come with an AllTrails Plus subscription!

Do you know of any amazing hikes in South Dakota? Tell me about 'em in the comments!

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