4-9 September 2023
Our next adventure is in what has become my favorite place in the USA; Custer State Park and the Black Hills of South Dakota. If this scene looks familiar it's because it's the same place my website cover photo was taken. I was here for one day a couple of years ago and fell in love. If it wasn't for the brutal winters I could live here. Alas, I'm a southern girl through and through and would never survive the cold and snow.
My girl was not feeling the news it was a travel day. She's okay once we get going but doesn't relish being in the truck for hours. We had a couple of free days between our TRNP and Custer reservations so we stayed in Sturgis SD to restock and rest. Luckily for her it was only about 1.5 hour drive from there.
If you want to camp at Custer SP you need to book early! I was extremely lucky and got 5 nights because of a cancelation. We stayed at Stockade Lake North campground which was very convenient to the town of Custer. Some of the sites have electric (which we had) and water spigots are available to fill your water tank. The campground sits in a grove of Ponderosa Pines which fills the air with a sweet scent. Some people say it smells like vanilla and others say butterscotch. To me it's definitely butterscotch; and yes I did get up close and personal sniffing the trees!
This had to be one of the most challenging campsites I've ever had to back into. The road was one way so it was narrow and not only did I have these huge pines I had to navigate around, but the site itself was on a narrow hill. It took a few tries but I got in there and was pretty proud of myself.
After setting up, Sage and I took a drive around to see what we could find. Custer is another place with excellent wildlife viewing. There's an 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road where you can see a little bit of everything.
Burros were once used as pack animals to carry visitors from Sylvan Lake Lodge up to the summit of Black Elk Peak. When those tourist trips ended, they were released into the wild and have roamed the park ever since.
Mama and baby burro. I was surprised this was the only baby I saw.
Although feral, they're not shy and have earned the nickname "begging burros". The park asks you don't feed them but they'll eat anything offered to them.
These prairie dogs were adorable. I love how the last one is sitting. For some reason they reminded me of Alvin and the Chipmunks. They just look mischievous.
There are several herds of bison here too but I never got caught in a jam while at the park.
We came across a herd of female and baby big horn sheep. This field was filled with at least 70 of them.
Notice some have radio collars they use to track the herd and learn more about their movements.
Mama and baby big horn sheep.
Custer has a really large and nice dog park so I took Sage there to play and then we went downtown. I needed to find a zip up hoodie because it was cooler than I expected but not cold enough for my heavy jacket.
All along the main drag there are bison statues painted by local artists. These are some of my favorites. I especially love the one with the mountain goats climbing it.
We drove over to Crazy Horse Memorial but couldn't go in anywhere because dogs aren't allowed. I got one picture and left. I was going to go back later but never got the chance. Can you tell how smoky the air is? Those wild fires from Canada haunted me.
This was the sunset back at Stockade Lake. The smoke from the fires made the sun look blood red. I couldn't decide if it was beautiful or creepy! What do you think?
This native stone and wood lodge, now called The State Game Lodge, was once the Summer White House for Calvin Coolidge's family and staff. President Eisenhower also used the lodge in 1953.
Deer were all around the lodge.
One of the out buildings near the lodge was taken over by these big horn sheep
This girl was munching away
Further down the road these wild turkeys ran out in front of me. Luckily I was driving slow and had time to get a couple of shots.
Sylvan Lake, the "Crown Jewel" of Custer State Park. It's actually a man made lake but it's the most gorgeous lake I've ever seen. The scenery is stunning and so peaceful.
Sage and I took the 1-mile hike around the lake. I didn't have a chance to do that last time I was here.
These chipmunks drove her crazy! If she wasn't on a leash she would've chased them all over.
Every evening in the summer they have a lighting ceremony at Mt Rushmore where they honor military veterans.
There is a 45-minute inspirational program led by a ranger, focusing on the presidents, patriotism and the nation's history.
At the end of the presentation they ask all veterans to join them on stage to honor them for their service and sacrifice. The standing ovation was enormous. I was so proud to see so many fellow service men and women representing all branches of the military (although Air Force is the best 😉).
The Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Highway are so much fun to drive. The views are spectacular! Together they're known as the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Highway. Peter Norbeck was a SD Governor and Senator that championed Mt Rushmore and the Badlands. He was instrumental in securing funding to carve Mt Rushmore and establish it as a national memorial. He also helped design and build both the Needles and Iron Mountain Highways.
The Needles Eye is the narrowest tunnel at 8 feet wide. I had to bring my mirrors in so they wouldn't scrape the sides.
Beware of the Stormtroopers! This guy dressed up and "guarded" the tunnel. I have no idea why, but thought it was epic.
Panorama of the Cathedral Spires along Needles Highway. These granite "needles" are very popular rock climbing spots. Pictures truly do not do this place justice.
My beautiful girl
Doane Robinson Tunnel on the Iron Mountain Highway frames Mt Rushmore perfectly.
To end the day and this visit, I took the wildlife loop on the way back to the trailer. I came across the baby burro and family again. She's just so cute!
The bison were out in force...
And the Darwin Award goes to this woman who walked around taking pictures of them!
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Custer State Park but it was time to move on. I still have a couple of weeks left in South Dakota and you don't want to miss it! Next time, we'll be visiting a nearby National Park so stay tuned. See you then.
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