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Nature|National & State Parks

Everyone From South Dakota Should Take This Awesome State Park Vacation Before They Die

Published May 21, 2017

Written by 

Catherine Armstrong

Have you started planning your summer vacation yet? It not, you might consider spending some time at this beautiful state park - it's the perfect spot for recreation, relaxation and tons of memory making.

Custer State Park is located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. It includes 71,000 acres of natural beauty and plenty of recreation opportunities.

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Carole54/Tripadvisor

If you're looking for a place to truly relax and enjoy nature, this is it.

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It's the perfect place to reconnect with nature and breathe some fresh air while witnessing some of the country's most gorgeous scenery.

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You'll find tons of hiking trails here, ranging from easy to difficult. This is the Cathedral Spires Trail, a moderate trail that's 1.6 miles long.

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Sarah T./Tripadvisor

Spend a day at Sylvan Lake. You'll find even more gorgeous hiking trails here.

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Drive through the Needles Eye Tunnel.

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The "Begging Burros" will come right up to your car, begging for food. Bring some carrots, and make a few new friends.

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Legion Lake is a great spot for kayaking, paddleboarding and other water sports.

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Travel the 18-mile long Wildlife Loop Road, where you'll see...tons of wildlife, of course!

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northwoodsorbust/Tripadvisor

Approximately 1,300 buffalo live in Custer State Park, so you'll definitely run into a few at least.

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Jan R./Tripadvisor

You might even round a bend on a hiking trail to find this guy waiting for you.

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You might even see some cowboys (and cowgirls!) wrangling 'em. The annual Buffalo Roundup takes place every September.

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The bison aren't the only wildlife in this park...everywhere you go, you'll spot another beautiful creature.

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Several campgrounds offer you a place to stay overnight. You'll find everything from tent and RV sites to cabins. This cabin is located at the South Stockade Campground.

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For more information about Custer State Park's campgrounds, click here.

The night skies here are unpolluted by light - you'll see millions of stars.

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Have you vacationed at Custer State Park? Tell us about it!

Explore more of South Dakota with a day trip to this town!

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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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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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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.

A scenic landscape featuring rugged rock formations, green grass, and a dramatic sky filled with clouds.
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.

A vibrant yellow flower field under a dramatic sky with dark clouds and rugged rock formations in the background.
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.

A scenic view of rugged rock formations and green grass, with a group of people walking along a path under a blue sky.
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.

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

A rugged landscape of eroded rock formations under a blue sky, showcasing dramatic cliffs and valleys.
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.

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

A scenic view of rugged, eroded rock formations under a cloudy sky at sunset, with green vegetation in the valley.
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.

Sunset over rugged, eroded rock formations in a canyon, with soft clouds in the sky and greenery below.
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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