Custer, South Dakota, stands out as a fantastic base for exploring the Black Hills. With its mix of outdoor adventures, scenic vistas, and unique experiences, it’s a small town packed with big things to do.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful morning floating over the forest in a hot air balloon or an immersive self-guided drive through wild bison herds, Custer offers activities that cater to a variety of interests.
Our favorite? The Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Black Hills—nothing beats drifting high above the forest at sunrise for an unforgettable view.
While Custer’s charm lies in its outdoor appeal, it’s also a perfect starting point for exploring nearby parks and caves. You’ll find something for every traveler here, from scenic drives to underground adventures. With this guide, you’ll get a well-rounded look at the best ways to experience Custer, helping you plan your trip with confidence.
Quick Overview
This list features four top-rated activities in Custer, balancing breathtaking aerial views, scenic self-guided drives, and underground exploration. First up is the Hot Air Balloon Flights—offering spectacular sunrise views in a serene, champagne-toast setting (see more here).
Next, the Black Hills Hot Air Balloon Flight at Sunrise provides an intimate, small-group experience with stunning vistas (details here).
For a more hands-on exploration, the Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Custer State Park lets you discover wildlife and scenic routes at your own pace (learn more here).
Finally, the Wind Cave National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour offers a fascinating underground adventure with engaging narration to bring the cave’s secrets to life (check it out here).
1. Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Black Hills
A hot air balloon ride over Black Hills is one of those bucket-list experiences you won’t forget. This tour offers a chance to soar gently above Custer State Park at sunrise, which is arguably one of the most beautiful times to see the landscape. Booking in advance through the Black Hills Balloon ensures you avoid the stress of last-minute arrangements and guarantees a spot on this popular flight.
The experience begins early, with a short safety briefing and balloon inflation at a centrally located meeting point in Custer. Once airborne, you’ll enjoy approximately a 1-hour flight over the forest, valleys, and lakes of the Black Hills. What really makes this tour stand out is the serenity and silence of floating high above the treetops — a stark contrast to the usual hustle of sightseeing.
Your pilot will share stories about the area’s history and the tradition of ballooning as you toast with champagne upon landing, creating a memorable ending.
Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 388 reviews, travelers praise this experience as “breathtaking” and “a highlight of the trip.” It’s perfect for those seeking a peaceful, scenic perspective of the Black Hills with minimal physical effort. The price of $375 per person reflects the exclusivity and quality, making it a worthwhile splurge for a truly special morning.
Bottom Line: If you want a calm, awe-inspiring way to see the Black Hills at sunrise, this balloon adventure delivers on both scenery and experience.
2. Custer: Black Hills Hot Air Balloon Flight at Sunrise
At number two, the Custer: Black Hills Hot Air Balloon Flight at Sunrise offers a wonderfully personal and intimate ballooning experience. With only up to 12 passengers, this tour emphasizes a small-group atmosphere, heightening the sense of adventure and connection.
The flight lasts about an hour, with the added bonus of witnessing a spectacular sunrise over mountains, valleys, lakes, and prairies.
This experience is unique because it combines the thrill of soaring with the tranquility of dawn, giving you a chance to spot local wildlife and enjoy panoramic views that are hard to match. As with the first tour, a champagne toast caps the flight, making it a celebratory way to start your day.
What makes this tour stand out is its emphasis on a personal, less crowded experience. Many travelers find this small group size more relaxed and engaging. The reviews are glowing, with a perfect 5/5 rating from 26 travelers, emphasizing how memorable and well-organized it is.
Bottom line: For a more intimate balloon experience with prime sunrise views, this tour offers excellent value and a truly memorable way to see the Black Hills from above.
3. Discover Custer State Park A Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
If you prefer the freedom to explore at your own pace, the Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour is a fantastic choice. For just $16.99, this tour covers the Wildlife Loop Road, Needles Highway, and panoramic viewpoints like Mount Coolidge. It’s designed for drivers who want to soak in the scenery without the constraints of a large tour group.
The tour includes stops at the Wildlife Station Visitor Center, where you can learn about the park’s history before heading out to watch bison, pronghorn, deer, and other animals roam freely.
The Needles Highway features narrow, winding roads through towering granite spires—an iconic Black Hills route—and Mount Coolidge offers panoramic views from 6,023 feet. The narration provides interesting stories about the park’s ecology and history, enriching the experience.
With only one purchase needed per vehicle, it’s a great way for families or small groups to enjoy a flexible, educational adventure. Reviewers highlight how easy the app is to use and how much they learned during their drive. This tour suits those who want to blend scenic driving with insightful commentary, making it a cost-effective and rich experience.
Bottom line: If you enjoy driving and want the flexibility to stop where you like, this self-guided tour offers a comprehensive look at Custer State Park’s highlights.
4. Wind Cave National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour
For those intrigued by underground worlds, the Wind Cave National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour provides a fascinating day’s worth of exploration. This tour is perfect if you’re interested in geology, cave formations, and natural history, but prefer to explore at your own pace.
The tour includes stops at the historic Cold Springs Schoolhouse, a log school built in 1887, and scenic hikes like the Sanctuary Trail, which winds through prairie grasslands. The highlight, of course, is Wind Cave itself, one of the world’s longest and most intricate cave systems.
The GPS-triggered narration guides you through the cave’s formations, the story of its discovery, and the cultural significance of the cave to native tribes. The Rankin Ridge Nature Trail offers panoramic views above ground, rounding out the experience.
Spending 6 to 7 hours, you can tailor your adventure to fit your interests and energy levels. The tour is ideal for nature lovers, geology enthusiasts, and families seeking an educational experience. While reviews are not yet available, the detailed narration and extensive exploration options make it a worthwhile investment.
Bottom line: For an underground adventure that combines natural beauty with storytelling, this self-guided cave tour is a compelling choice.
How to Choose
Deciding between these activities depends on your interests, budget, and time. If soaring above the Black Hills appeals most, both hot air balloon options offer breathtaking views at sunrise, with the smaller group option (#2) providing a more personal experience. For those who prefer exploring at their own pace, the self-guided Custer State Park Drive combines flexibility with educational narration.
And for cave enthusiasts, the underground Wind Cave Tour offers a deep dive into Custer’s mysterious subterranean world.
Budget-conscious travelers may find the self-guided driving and cave tours more appealing, while those seeking a memorable splurge might opt for the balloon flights. Consider your physical activity level—balloon rides require no effort, but some hikes or driving may suit others better.
Booking early is especially wise for balloon rides, as they fill quickly at sunrise, and weather can affect availability.
Final Thoughts
Custer offers a range of activities that appeal to adventure seekers, nature lovers, and curious explorers alike. For an awe-inspiring aerial experience, the Hot Air Balloon Flights can’t be beat, especially at sunrise when the scenery is most striking. If you value flexibility, the self-guided drives through Custer State Park provide a rich, personalized experience at a very reasonable price.
And for underground wonders, Wind Cave’s self-guided tour offers a captivating look at one of North America’s most impressive caves.
No matter your choice, booking early and choosing the activity that aligns with your interests will ensure a memorable trip. With so many options, you’re sure to find something that will make your time in Custer truly special.