Continuing Our South Dakota Road Trip: From Mount Rushmore to Custer State Park
Our visit to Custer State Park with kids was a continuation of our summer South Dakota road trip, where we had already spent two days exploring iconic sites like Mount Rushmore and Rapid City. After experiencing the history and charm of those destinations, we were excited to dive into the natural beauty and outdoor adventures that Custer State Park offers. With kids in tow, we knew this part of the trip would be full of family-friendly hikes, scenic drives, and activities to keep everyone entertained.
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What is Custer State Park? A Brief History and Overview
Custer State Park is one of South Dakota’s most iconic destinations, spanning over 71,000 acres of beautiful wilderness in the Black Hills. Established in 1919, it’s named after Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer and is known for its diverse wildlife, scenic landscapes, and outdoor adventures. The park is home to one of the largest publicly owned bison herds in the world and offers a wide range of activities like hiking, swimming, and scenic drives. One of the park’s most popular routes is the Wildlife Loop, where visitors can spot bison, pronghorn, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Our Stay at Sylvan Lake Lodge: Cozy Cabin Living
For our two-night stay, we booked a Sleeping Cabin at Sylvan Lake Lodge. While the cabin was a little tight for our family of five with 2 queen beds and 1 bathroom, the location more than made up for it. Being so close to Sylvan Lake allowed us to maximize our time outdoors, and the short hike to the lodge was perfect for grabbing a quick meal.
Dining at Sylvan Lake Lodge: Convenient but Pricey
Speaking of meals, we had dinner at the lodge’s restaurant on our first night and breakfast there the next morning. The food was good, and the staff was friendly, but it was pricier than we anticipated. In hindsight, we would have packed more food to prepare ourselves. Still, the convenience of dining close to the cabin was hard to beat.
Exploring Sylvan Lake with Kids: Sunset Hikes and Scenic Views
After dinner, we took a short hike down to Sylvan Lake, the crown jewel of Custer State Park with kids. The 1.6-mile loop around the lake is flat, easy, and perfect for families. We did the hike at sunset, which gave us beautiful views and fewer crowds. If you’re visiting with kids, sunset is the ideal time to enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of the lake.
Needles Highway: A Must-See Adventure in Custer State Park
The next day, we set off to explore Needles Highway—another must-see in Custer State Park with kids. The rock formations are stunning, and the drive through the famous tunnel was a big hit. The kids had a blast climbing the rocks, and we stopped at Cathedral Spires Trail for a short hike. While this trail is more advanced, even the short portion we did with the kids offered some incredible views.
Legion Lake: A Relaxing Hike and Visit to Custer Town
From there, we made our way to Legion Lake. The 1-mile loop trail around the lake is another easy hike, great for families. Though not as scenic as Sylvan Lake, it’s still worth doing if you have time. After hiking, we headed to the nearby town of Custer for lunch at Maria’s Mexican Restaurant. We recommend it for tasty Mexican food at more affordable prices than some of the other restaurants in town.
Paddleboarding and Swimming at Sylvan Lake: A Family Favorite
That afternoon, we returned to Sylvan Lake for some swimming and paddleboarding. We brought our own paddleboard, but rentals are available at the lake. If you’re planning to visit Sylvan Lake with kids, we recommend going later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and parking challenges. Our oldest loved jumping off the rocks into the water, and this turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip.
Bonfires and S’mores: Ending Our Stay on a Sweet Note
We wrapped up our stay at Custer State Park with kids by making a bonfire at our cabin and roasting s’mores. The combination of stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and family time made our stay at Custer State Park unforgettable.
Looking Ahead: The Wildlife Loop and What’s Next on Our Journey
While we didn’t have time to explore the Wildlife Loop on this visit, it’s definitely on our list for next time. After leaving Custer State Park, we continued our South Dakota road trip with stops at Wall Drug and Badlands National Park. If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination with plenty of outdoor fun, Custer State Park is a must-visit!
