Have you ever wanted to roam with the buffalo? Then come visit Custer State Park in South Dakota’s Black Hills just 25 miles south of Rapid City on US Hwy 16A. The Park offers four distinct resorts, each with its own personality and packed full of things to do that the whole family will enjoy.

One resort is the State Game Lodge nestled in the ponderosa pines. Built in the 1920’s, it served as the “Summer White House” for President Calvin Coolidge. Grace Coolidge Creek, known for its excellent fishing, meanders nearby through the valley of birch, oak and aspen trees. Accommodations range from cabins to stately lodge rooms to a modern motel. While you are there, book a buffalo jeep safari and observe the mutli-ton animals in their natural habitat.

The famous Frank Lloyd Wright designed Sylvan Lake Lodge on Hwy 87, was built after the original Victorian lodge burned in 1935. Located at the base of Harvey’s Peak off the Needles Highway, this resort connects with many hike and bike trails and access to the beaches of the lake for fishing, swimming or just relaxing.  The Lakota Dining Room features tasty game dishes.  For the more rustic in nature, cabins situated in the spruce and pine forest are also available

The Blue Bell Lodge, also on Hwy 87, offers visitors a more rural Western flavor with trail rides and chuck wagon cookouts as some of the activities. The facilities are in a guest ranch style.  Each cabin has its own fire ring for telling ghost stories or playing the harmonica at the end of the day

Legion Lake Lodge, located on Hwy 16A, sits directly at the waters edge of Legion Lake. It boasts comfortable sized family cabins and recreational sports such as swimming, boating and fishing.  Named because it one hosted the American Legion, this site has access to the Centennial Trail right from the Lodge’s back steps. Be sure to include a hike along the Badger Clark trail in your list of things to do.

There are many attractions in Custer State Park.  Wildlife Loop Road allows visitors to view animals such as bison, prairie dogs, burros and deer from the convenience of their cars. The best times for viewing are early morning and early evening when the animals are most active. Don’t forget to look up. You may spot an eagle.

The Annual Buffalo Round Up and Art Festival is held each year at the end of September, when the autumn foliage is spectacular. Spice up your mouth for the chili cook-off, or watch in awe as hundreds of bison are corralled for branding and vaccinations by cowboys and cowgirls.  Western activities are available for young and old alike. Local artisans let you view their skills and purchase finished works.