Long after the end of summer tourist season, there is still fun to be had in South Dakota’s winter wonderland. In the western area of South Dakota in the Black Hills region, Custer State Park is one of the state’s most popular parks, famous for their rock climbing and hiking opportunities, striking geological formations, sprawling woodland forests, and herds of bison and other wildlife. Head to Custer State Park and the surrounding area for a winter getaway that you’ll never forget.
There is no way to feel closer to nature than by roughing it out and camping in the wilderness during the winter. Unlike the summer months, you’ll have nearly the whole State Game Lodge Campground to yourself as visitors drastically decrease in the winter. The facilities available are more limited, but that only makes the camping experience more authentic!
The Little Devils Tower trail stretches slightly over one mile in length and can be found one mile west of Sylvan Lake on Highway 87 or Needles Highway. This hike is perfect for the winter, as it is relatively short but still provides marvelous views of Black Elk Peak, Cathedral Spires, and the expansive Black Hills forests. The trail does require some climbing over granite boulders and rocky paths, so walk with care during icy and snowy weather conditions.
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If you’ve never snowshoed before, this winter at Custer State Park is the perfect opportunity to learn this new skill! The park offers organized snowshoe hikes in January, February, and March in which hikers are provided with all the equipment then guided through a two-mile hike along Grace Coolidge Creek. These hikes are free, however payment for park entrance is still required. If organized group hiking isn’t your cup of tea, grab a pair of snowshoes and go blaze your own path.
Fishing is a year-round affair in Custer State Park! The bodies of water in the park are famous for their abundance of northern pike, walleyes, bluegills, crappies, and trout. The ice fishing season usually begins around mid-December once the ice grows to a safe thickness. The best ice fishing spots in the area are Center, Legion, Stockade, and Bismarck Lakes. Fishing licenses are required for all public ice fishing areas.
Skiers in Custer State Park can go off the beaten path and explore the wilderness of the park that is rarely explored in the winter months. These trails are almost never crowded, and the heavy snowfall makes for perfect skiing conditions.
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Before a long and chilly day of exploring snow-covered Custer State Park, head into the nearby quaint town of Custer for warm and filling food to fuel up! Baker’s Bakery and Cafe in the heart of downtown is open for breakfast and lunch and offers a little something for everyone. They are known for their homemade bread and buns, which are famous around town. The menu includes favorites like omelets, pancakes, breakfast burritos, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, and kid’s items.
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Visit the highest rated performance in Custer at the Buffalo Ridge Jamboree! This original country show is full of musical talent and comedy. The nationally recognized cast features four generations of the Potter family. They offer four unique shows nightly so there is plenty of time to catch one of these award-winning, toe-tapping and knee-slapping performances!
Step back in time to when the Black Hills was settled by rough and tumble gold miners and prospectors at the Four Mile Old West Town, located only four miles west of Custer between the town and Jewel Cave. The site includes 50 different open-door buildings that give visitors a glimpse into what life was like over a century ago. Admission is only $6 per person, making it one of the best ‘bang for your buck’ attractions around.
The Custer Wolf is a warm and welcoming pub that provides a much-needed relief from the chilly South Dakota winter. Food available includes starters like onion rings or nachos, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, fish and chips, pork chops, or salads. The varied drink menu has something to fit all tastes and budgets. This establishment is closed on Thursdays and Sundays.
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Denial South Dakota is a quaint bistro known for their delicious fare and authentic wild west atmosphere. Situated in an unforgettable blue and old-fashioned building, the menu includes favorites like paninis, soup, chicken, sandwiches, chili, filling bread, as well as beer and wine for the adults.
