Travel Destinations South Dakota Black Hills, South Dakota Discover Unforgettable Lodging at South Dakota's Custer State Park Along with epic scenery and plenty of family activities, Custer State Park in the Black Hills offers a resort setup with four memorable areas to stay. By Ginger Crichton Ginger Crichton Ginger Crichton is a contributing editor for Midwest Living and Dotdash Meredith Travel, and has worked for the brands in various roles since 2008. She has more than 30 years' experience as a journalist, including editing and writing for both magazines and newspapers. A native Virginian, she holds a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia. Her passion is travel, and since moving with her family to the Midwest 16 years ago, she has road-tripped extensively throughout the region. When she's at home in Des Moines, you might find her at the gym, volunteering at a food pantry or puzzling over the latest New York Times Spelling Bee. Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 12, 2023 The four resort areas at Custer State Park—South Dakota's first and largest state park—tap into the natural beauty of the surroundings: lakes, creeks, pine-covered hills. At each area, lodge rooms, cabins and campgrounds promise a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Plus Sylvan Lake Lodge, Legion Lake Lodge, Blue Bell Lodge and the State Game Lodge each have special activities to enhance your stay, including horseback riding at Blue Bell, kayaking at Sylvan Lake and Legion Lake, and a wildlife Jeep tour that leaves from the State Game Lodge. Sylvan Lake. Chad Coppess/TravelSouthDakota Sylvan Lake Lodge Set in a forest of pine and spruce trees, Sylvan Lake Lodge sits in a coveted location near both Sylvan Lake as well as the cliff-hugging Needles Highway. The biggest draw to this part of Custer? Behind the lodge, the park's crown jewel, Sylvan Lake, shimmers below towering rock formations. Families picnic along the shore, and dogs hang out next to owners casting lines for rainbow trout. Rent kayaks or canoes to paddle the day away, or just take the family on a leisurely stroll around the lake on a 1.1-mile loop trail. The complex includes cabins as well as a main resort building, which reopened in 2023 with fresh rooms and decor after an electrical fire in late 2021 caused extensive damage. Top 10 Things for Active Travelers to Do in the Black Hills Area Legion Lake cabin. Courtesy of Custer State Park Legion Lake Lodge A 7-year-old from Chicago squeals as a bass glides past his legs in the shallows of Legion Lake. His mom looks around a little nervously, hoping he's not bothering anyone here in the middle of 71,000-acre Custer State Park. No one seems to notice. A family with teens pedals a boat past; a couple in a rowboat glides by soaring rocks on the opposite shore. Kids clamber on the beachside playground. On a hill overlooking it all, beach towels snap like flags on lines outside rustic but remodeled sleeping cabins. Families who stay at Legion Lake cabins are used to squeals now and then—along with the slam of the screen doors. Named for the American Legion Post that leased the land at one time, Legion Lake Lodge includes a main building with the Dockside Grill restaurant and store. At the recently expanded restaurant, tables both inside and outside afford great lake views. But you might just want to order from the picnic menu and take your meal to go for a beachside meal. Legion Lake will appeal most to those who enjoy fishing, swimming, water sports (canoes, kayaks and SUPs) and beach time. Blue Bell Lodge. Jason Donnelly Blue Bell Lodge The saddle stools sidling up to the bar clue you in to what's special about Blue Bell Lodge: A Western theme pervades the decor, food and activities. Navajo-style blankets top comfortable beds made in the lodge's rough-hewn log design, and cowboy cookin' best describes the dining room chow. After iced tea served in Mason jars and grilled bison burgers, families roast s'mores outside log cabins surrounded by spruce trees. All lodging at Blue Bell is in cabins—each with its own outdoor firepit. Most visitors sign up for guided trail rides and Blue Bell's famous Chuck Wagon Cookout. Everyone gets a cowboy hat and bandana; even if that's a first for you, chances are you'll probably know some of the words to "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" when the sing-along starts. Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in the Black Hills State Game Lodge. Courtesy of Travel South Dakota State Game Lodge A sense of history infuses the tall stone-and-timber facade of what was Calvin Coolidge's summer White House in 1927 (Dwight D. Eisenhower also visited in 1953). Wooden chairs dot the wide front porch. A leather couch sits alongside the lobby's stone fireplace, presided over by a portrait of Coolidge. Rooms at the State Game Lodge are smallish by today's standards but feel like just enough in a place where people go to drift away from the present, stare at bison wandering by, eat elk and pheasant in a remodeled dining room and admire wildlife. The lodge, established in 1920, is the park's first and largest resort area. Guests can stay at the main lodge, the nearby Creekside Lodge (opened in 2008) or at cabins. If you crave all the historic vibes, ask for the Coolidge Room or Eisenhower Room, two of the seven original lodge rooms. The popular Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours leave from the State Game Lodge; take an open-air ride to look for buffalo and hear about the park's history and wildlife. Top Things to Do in South Dakota's Black Hills and Badlands Campgrounds Custer also offers 10 campgrounds, many of which accommodate RVs as well as tents. Was this page helpful? 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