Custer, South Dakota // 3 September
We explored Custer State Park several different times during our week in Custer. The first day we arrived we drove part through part of the State Park and spotted some bighorn sheep on the way to our campground. The campground was super handy to Custer and the State Park and surrounded by the granite peaks which are throughout the area.
Sylvan Lake… This is one of the most popular spots in the park and I can see why – it is stunning! Our plan was to do some kayaking but unfortunately on our first visit we arrived at Sylvan Lake too late to hire kayaks. Instead we did the short hike around the lake and had a quick dip. The lake and walk was stunning with the granite peaks coming straight out of the water. The water is very chilly all year round but as we’d warmed up on our walk we braved the refreshingly cold water. We managed to get back to Sylvan Lake another day in time to hire the kayaks and though we didn’t take our phones with us for photos it was a ton of fun!
Needles Highway… The Needles Highway is a popular route to take in the granite peaks and experience two extremely narrow tunnels carved in the granite. We stopped several times for photos and also to do Cathedral Spires hike.
Wildlife… The wildlife loop road is the main place to spot the park’s bison heard, though wildlife can be spotted throughout the park. The wildlife loop is also picturesque. We found the bison herd, wild donkeys (who are clearly fed by tourists), pronghorn deer, bighorn sheep and of course little prairie dogs.
