Park Activities
Each of our four lodges offer unique activities for all ages. With our wide variety of activities everyone is sure to find an activity that suites them. Whether you are looking for a way to relax or an exciting adventure, Custer State Park has the perfect activity for you.
You are welcome to participate in any of the activities in the park no matter where you stay as they are open to the general public. We recommend making advance reservations for all activities but you can often make day-of reservations, too.
The following are the activites offered in the park through out the summer:
Horseback Riding at Blue Bell Stables
Located on the Blue Bell Lodge campus, Blue Bell Stables is the premeire guided Trail Riding facility in the Black Hills! Our seasoned wranglers and horses will ensure a safe and enjoyable ride through some of the prettiest back country in the the park. Trail terrain consists of open prairie, rocky paths, moderate hills and several passes through the beautiful French Creek. A serene, yet advenerous way to see the hills! Choose your ideal ride: 1 Hour ride, 2 Hour ride, 1/2 Day ride or a Full Day! Private rides are available upon request, and pony rides are available for children under the minimum age requirement.
Pricing: 1 hour- Adults- $33, Children under the age of 12- $28
2 hour- Adults- $45, Children under the age of 12- $38
1/2 Day (includes lunch)- $120
Full Day (includes lunch)- $195
In order to participate in a trail ride, children must be age 4 and be able to ride alone. All children under the age of 12 must wear a helmet. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled trail ride to complete required insurance related paperwork. Weight limit: 230 lbs. Blue Bell Stables opens May 1st, and closes for the season October 15th (weather permitting).
Call Blue Bell Stables today to make your reservation!!! 605-255-4700
Hayride Chuck Wagon Cookout at Blue Bell
This old-fashioned hayride on a vehicle drawn wagon departs from Blue Bell Lodge, and takes you through the back roads of Custer State Park! After your hour long hayride tour, you will arrive in "Parker Canyon" a mountain meadow canyon, for a chuck wagon feast. Sing along with country/folk music through out the evening. All participants receive a souvenir cowboy hat, and an official Custer State Park Bandanna. Fun for kids and adults alike! A creative and fun option for a family reunion or wedding rehearsal!
Pricing: Adults- $45, Children under 12- $35, Children under 3- FREE
Groups of 10 or more receive a discounted rate of $40 per person.
Reservations are required by 2pm the day of the Hay Ride. Menu choices: 8 oz. Sirloin steak, 1/3 lb. Hamburger, or a vegetarian option- meal choice must be given at time of reservation. Meal sides include: Potato salad, coleslaw, cowboy beans, corn bread and honey, watermelon, cookies, coffee and lemonade.
Times of Departure: May- 5pm June and July- 5:30pm August- September 10th- 5pm September 11th- October 15th- 4:30PM
Total estimated activity time: 2.5 hours
Please arrive a 1/2 hour prior to scheduled departure time for check-in
Call Blue Bell Lodge today to make your reservations! 605-255-4531
Off-Road Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour at the State Game Lodge
Allow one of our Jeep guides to bring you through the back country of Custer State Park! Our open-air jeeps provide the perfect enviroment to enjoy the scenic landscape and view the wildlife. You are almost certain to find the Buffalo herd and get "up close and personal" with them! Learn about the Parks wildlife, foliage, and rich history from our knowledgeable guides. Each jeep can accomadate up to seven people.
Pricing: Adults- $40, Children under the age of 12- $30
Group of 10 or more received a discounted rate of $34 per person
Times of Departure: Jeep tours depart daily from 8AM- 6PM
Total estimated Activity time: 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours
Please arrive a 1/2 hour prior to scheduled departure time for check-in
Call the State Game Lodge today to make your reservations! 605-255-4541
Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour and Chuck Wagon Cookout Adventure at the State Game Lodge
This activity provides the best of both worlds!! Take an off-road Buffalo Safari Jeep tour from the State Game Lodge and end up in "Parker Canyon" for the Chuck Wagon feast!
Pricing: Adults- $78, Children under the age of 12- $58
Groups of 10 or more receive a discounted rate of $68 per person
Reservations are required by 2pm the day of the activity. Menu choices: 8 oz. Sirloin steak, 1/3 lb. Hamburger, or a vegetarian option- meal choice must be given at time of reservation. Meal sides include: Potato salad, coleslaw, cowboy beans, corn bread and honey, watermelon, cookies, coffee and lemonade.
Times of Departure: May- 4pm June and July- 4:30PM August- 4pm September and October- 3:30PM
Please arrive a 1/2 hour prior to scheduled departure time
Total estimated Activity time: 2.5 hours
Call the State Game Lodge today to make your reservations! 605-255-4541
Boat Rentals at Legion Lake Lodge and Sylvan Lake Lodge
Enjoy a day on the water with one of our boat rentals! Explore the solitude of a mountain lake, get your daily exercise, or splash around with the kids while enjoying the beauty of Custer State Park.
Pricing: Half- hour- $9 per person 1 Hour- $14 per person Half-day- $40 per boat Full Day- $80 per boat
Boat types: Paddleboats (capacity 3-5 people)
Hydrobikes (capacity 1 person)
Canoes (capacity 3 people)
Kayak (capacity 1 person)
Boat rentals are available from 8AM- 8PM
Life jackets are furnished and required to be worn. All persons under the age of 18 must have an adult sign for rental with adult supervision while in the water. Walk in rentals available.
Mountain Bike Rentals
Available at the State Game Lodge
Click Here to view our 2011 Activities Brochure with pricing, reservation information, and activity discounts!
