"This was an amazing trip. Probably the best state park I have ever visited. It is by far the biggest with multiple lodges and extremely good wildlife viewing from the Wildlife Loop Road.” — Dan K. 1. CUSTER STATE PARK Experience the rugged beauty of the Wild West where buffalo still thunder across the earth and graze the open plains — especially during the park’s annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival. On the last Friday of September, the ground rumbles as crews drive in the herd of more than 1,400; meanwhile, 150 vendors showcase fine arts and crafts. The park’s 71,000 acres invite you to hike, mountain bike, rock climb, ride horseback, cruise a scenic byway and fish in pristine mountain lakes. Stay in any of the park lodges and be sure to check out the exhibits at the Visitor Center. EAT & DRINK After a day of marveling at Custer State Park’s dramatic granite peaks and vast prairies, refuel at one of the eateries in the nearby town of Custer. Go for gourmet burgers piled with toppings at Black Hills Burger & Bun , enjoy the intimate fine dining of Skogen Kitchen , or opt for creative pizzas and flatbreads paired with craft beers at Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company and Pounding Fathers Restaurant . For dessert, indulge in an ultra-thick milkshake or a slice of just-baked pie at Bobkat’s Purple Pie Place . truly wild STATE PARKS THAT GIVE NATIONAL PARKS A RUN FOR THEIR MONEY Budget Travel 1 Nearby Towns: Custer (14 miles) #1 TravelSouthDakota.com // 5
South Dakota Vacation Guide South Dakota Vacation Guide 2022: Page 5
