Sylvan Lakeshore Trail

Exploring Custer State Park

Exploring Custer State Park

For a non-hiker, a day at South Dakota’s Custer State Park could include an early morning drive through the wildlife loop. Then drive along Needles Highway, stopping for pictures at each pullout. Enjoy the afternoon at Sylvan Lake - stroll around it and then rent canoes. Head to Mt. Rushmore before the sunsets and enjoy the lighting ceremony.

Hikers may want to start the morning at wandering around the Sunday Gulch Trail, then cool off at the beach in Sylvan Lake. Enjoy an evening drive around the Wildlife Loop. A second morning could be spent driving along Needles Highway, and parking at the Cathedral Spires trailhead. Scramble up to Little Devil’s Tower, and then hike up to Black Elk Peak. Enjoy the evening at Mt. Rushmore.