Park Activities
Each of our four lodges offers 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 have the adventure of a lifetime, 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 as well.
The following are the activites offered in the park throughout the summer:
Woyatan Wacipi Dinner Show
Custer State Park Resorts is proud to present our NEW 2012 ACTIVITY!
The State Game Lodge valley will echo with the soul-penetrating sounds of drums vibrating against the rock structures, and the hills will be awakened to the celebration of tradition and culture. In the 1700s, the Lakota Nation thrived in the Black Hills, including the area known today as Custer State Park. The unique cultures of the Sioux tribes were partially based on the abundant buffalo herds that roamed the plains. The ancestors of these buffalo continue to roam in Custer State Park, and the rich culture of the Lakota people continues to thrive through traditional practices, including drum and dance. Custer State Park Resort recognizes and respects the influence of the Lakota Nation's history and culture. We are privileged to host the Woyatan Wacipi Drum and Dance Group in Custer State Park, and we are thrilled to offer a venue for park guests to experience the eternal beauty of the Native American culture. Please join us in our weekly celebration to honor the culture, history, and tradition of the people who discovered the unique beauty and spirit of the sacred Black Hills.
The dinner show features a one-hour traditional Native American dance and drum performance, followed by hearty fry-bread Indian Taco feast. The evening is complete with an unlimited s'mores dessert buffet around our group fire pit. With the perfect combination of entertainment, cultural enhancement, and authentic food, this show is sure to please!
Show Dates: The dinner show takes place on Thursday evenings throughout the summer. The first show is May 24, and the last show is September 6. There will not be a show on August 9 due to rally activities.
Show Time: Guests must arrive by 6:00 p.m. for registration. Show Location: The beautiful open-air Pavilion on the State Game Lodge Campus.
Reservations are required by 12:00 noon the day of the event. Walk-ins will be permitted based on availability. Seating is limited, so we encourage you to make your reservations today!
Pricing: $35 adults, $32 children, and children under the age of three (3) are FREE. Group Pricing: Tickets are $32 each for groups of 10 or more.
Prices are subject to 8.5% tax
Please call 888.875.0001 to make your reservation today!
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, creating a serene yet advenerous way to see the hills!
Choose from a 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 at least four (4) years of age, and 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 the required insurance-related paperwork. Weight limit: 230 lbs. Blue Bell Stables opens May 1 and closes for the season on October 15 (weather permitting).
Call Blue Bell Stables anytime beginning May 1 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 throughout 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. Group Pricing: Groups of 10 or more receive a discounted rate of $40 per person.
Reservations are required by 2:00 p.m. on the day of the hay ride. Please arrive a 1/2 hour prior to your scheduled departure time for check-in.
Departure Times: May: 5:00 p.m. June and July: 5:30 p.m. August through September 10: 5:00 p.m. September 11 through October 15: 4:30 p.m.
Total estimated activity time is 2.5 hours.
Menu choices: 8 oz. sirloin steak, 1/3 lb. hamburger, or a rotating vegetarian option. Your meal choice must be given at time of reservation. Meal sides include potato salad, coleslaw, cowboy beans, cornbread with honey, watermelon, cookies, coffee, and lemonade.
Call Blue Bell Lodge anytime after May 1 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 carry 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 park's wildlife, foliage, and rich history from our knowledgeable guides. Each Jeep can accomadate up to seven (7) guests.
Pricing: Adults: $40, children under the age of 12: $30. Group Pricing: Groups of 10 or more received a discounted rate of $34 per person
Departure Times: Jeep tours depart daily from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Total estimated activity time is 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Please arrive a 1/2 hour prior to scheduled departure time for check-in.
Call the State Game Lodge anytime after May 1 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. Group Pricing: Groups of 10 or more receive a discounted rate of $68 per person.
Reservations are required by 2:00 p.m. the day of the activity. Please arrive a 1/2 hour prior to your scheduled departure time.
Departure Times: May: 4:00 p.m. June and July: 4:30 p.m. August: 4:00 p.m. September and October: 3:30 p.m.
Total estimated activity time is 2.5 hours.
Menu choices: 8 oz. sirloin steak, 1/3 lb. hamburger, or a rotating vegetarian option. Your meal choice must be given at time of reservation. Meal sides include potato salad, coleslaw, cowboy beans, cornbread with honey, watermelon, cookies, coffee, and lemonade.
Call the State Game Lodge anytime after May 1 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 natural 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 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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 are available.
Mountain Bike Rentals
Available at the State Game Lodge
Click Here to view our 2012 Activities Brochure with pricing, reservation information, and activity discounts!
