Written on July 29th, 2020
Founded in 1875 near the site where gold was first discovered in French Creek, Custer is the oldest established town in the Black Hills. It was named for Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, whose Black Hills Expedition helped ignite gold fever. This small community is considered one of the most beautiful in the Black Hills, with an extensive network of trails and backcountry roads left behind by early pioneers, ranchers, and loggers. It’s conveniently located within a short driving distance of popular attractions such as Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Jewel Cave National Monument.
History is on full display in Custer at the 1881 Courthouse Museum, home to one of the region's most extensive collections of historical artifacts. Exhibits are devoted to Native Americans, mining and minerals, Victorian life, ranching, forestry, and military artifacts from the Revolutionary War through Operation Desert Storm. The Four Mile Old West Town Museum provides visitors with an authentic Old West experience and the opportunity to explore 50 open-door buildings, including a church, butcher shop, and candy shop, on a self-guided tour. Each includes period furniture and artifacts. Still haven't gotten your fill of history? Stop by the Gordon Stockade, a replica of an 1874 log fortress built to protect the Gordon Party from attack during the Black Hills Gold Rush.
If you'd prefer to get a close-up look at some of the area's scenic trails, Rockin' R Trail Rides offers guided horseback rides in the Black Hills National Forest. The owners have over 40 years of combined experience in the trail ride industry and their gentle, seasoned horses will do all the legwork for you!
Golfing is popular in the Black Hills, and few courses offer the unparalleled natural beauty of Rocky Knolls Golf Course. This 9-hole, par-36 course features fairways lined with majestic Ponderosa pines and a course rating of 35.9. The onsite pro shop carries a large selection of equipment, and there's a bar and grill that offers hungry golfers tasty food and cold beverages.
Visitors looking for a more rustic adventure than a motel can provide can choose from a variety of lodges and cabins at Custer State Park Resorts. The secluded settings may scream "nature!" but the modern amenities will ensure comfort and convenience throughout your stay. Best of all, you're likely to see the park's famed bison and other wildlife right from your front door. You might even choose to book a Buffalo Safari Jeep Ride or enjoy an authentic Chuckwagon Hayride, complete with cowboy fair and country music, for a truly memorable experience!
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