Mount Coolidge Fire Tower, Custer State Park

National GeographicNov 25, 2025

Black Hills and dazzling lakes—the ultimate guide to South Dakota's largest state park

The wild heart of South Dakota, Custer State Park rivals many of America’s national parks in scope and splendour. Just a 30-minute drive from the iconic faces of Mount Rushmore, you’ll discover some ...

tower offers panoramic views of the region

19 things in this story

Needles HighwayTrail14-mile marvel snakes along pine forests
Needles EyeSightnatural granite spire with window-like opening
Iron Mountain RoadTrailroad with 314 bends and 3 wooden bridges
Mount RushmoreSighticonic faces are a 30-minute drive away
Wildlife Loop RoadTrail18-mile drive best for wildlife viewing
Blue Bell LodgeHotelenjoy Western food overlooking French Creek
Badger Clark TrailTrailone-mile loop named after poet laureate
Badger HoleSighthome of poet laureate Badger Clark
Barnes Canyon TrailTrailhistoric mining road through a canyon
Cathedral Spires TrailTrail1.5-mile hike among granite pinnacles
Sylvan Lake LodgeHotelset beside one of the Black Hills' lakes
Sylvan LakeSightperched nearly 6,145ft above sea level
Stockade LakeSightpark's largest body of water
Legion Lake LodgeHoteloffers kayak rentals and beach access
Gordon StockadeSightreplica of 1874 fort
Mount Coolidge Fire TowerSighttower offers panoramic views of the region
Black Hills PlayhousePlaceprofessional summer theatre located within park
Legion LakeSighttranquil waters, spot deer and turkeys
State Game LodgeHoteltry buffalo skirt steak and walleye

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Mount Coolidge Fire Tower

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Black Hills and dazzling lakes—the ultimate guide to South Dakota's largest state park