The Best Small Town Getaway In South Dakota: Best Things To Do In Custer

With so many sights to see and things to do in Custer, South Dakota, there may not be a better town in the state that is as well suited for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. What is Custer known for? Plenty! As the heart of the southern Black Hills, it's the gateway to the largest state park in the Lower 48 and Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and many other Custer attractions. Families, couples, and adventurers all flock to this charming SoDak town, and you should definitely consider it for your next small-town getaway.

From the coast of Oregon to the mountains of Pennsylvania and everywhere in between, there are countless charming and captivating small towns across America worthy of a weekend getaway. Curated by our team of local travel experts, you’ll love our 2024 Small Town Getaways.

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History Of Custer

Custer, South Dakota, is the oldest non-native settlement in the Black Hills. It was first settled in 1875 by trespassing gold prospectors and ultimately named Custer after the infamous U.S. Army officer. An expedition led by Custer had been the first to discover gold in the area - east of the modern town - thus subjecting the Black Hills to a gold rush. Although never the boomtown that its neighbors to the north, Deadwood and Lead, were, Custer's economy was based on mining and extractive industries for much of its early years. The gold eventually gave way to a tourism boom, which is the driving economic force today.

Is Custer Worth Visiting?

If you love nature and history flavored with health doses of Native American culture, Wild West mythology, and Americana kitsch, then you'll find that Custer, South Dakota, is definitely worth visiting. Monuments like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse offer insights not only into the ideologies of the sculptors but also into the human need to bend the natural landscape to its will. On the other hand, places like Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Custer State Park, and the wilderness and forest areas of the Black Hills are perfect for adventurers and nature lovers, alike. If you're willing to venture a little farther afield, both Badlands National Park and Devils Tower National Monument are less than two hours away from Custer. Between all the history and nature, you'll find plenty of Custer, SD attractions and amusements to keep the whole family entertained.

How To Get To Custer

Custer, South Dakota, is located in the far western part of the state, near the Wyoming border. It's about an hour and a half west of Badlands National Park, and around 45 minutes southwest of Rapid City, which is where you'll find the nearest commercial airport (RAP), as well as the nearest interstate, I-90. The main roads into Custer are U.S. Routes 16 (east-west) and 385 (north-south), which intersect in the town. Tap or click on the Google map above to start a route to Custer, SD from your location.

Getting Around Custer

Downtown Custer, SD is a very walkable place. The main street is broad, and most of the businesses and attractions catering to visitors are concentrated over a few blocks. However, much of what Custer, SD is known for lies outside of town, so you'll definitely want to have a personal vehicle when you visit. As most visitors make Custer a road trip destination, this shouldn't be a problem. Those arriving by other means, such as flying into Rapid City, will definitely want a rental vehicle.

Best Time To Visit Custer