Accommodations

State Game Lodge

The State Game Lodge (13389 U.S. 16A, 605/255-4541 or 888/875-0001, www.custerresorts.com [3], $110–310) is a beautiful granite and frame structure reminiscent of the style of early National Parks. Built in 1922, the lodge is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Nicknamed the “Summer White House” after President Coolidge spent the summer season at the lodge in 1927, the lodge is set next to Grace Coolidge Creek and is surrounded by ponderosa pine forest.

The property features seven historic lodge rooms, motel rooms, sleeping cabins, and housekeeping cabins. There is a gorgeous dark wood and stone porch that runs along the front of the lodge and inside, the lobby has hardwood floors, wood-beamed ceilings, a stone fireplace, leather furnishings, and fine art prints on the walls. The rooms are painted in soft colors and decorated with wildlife prints and scenic prints of the Black Hills. All the rooms have television and air-conditioning, and free wireless Internet is available on request.

Creekside Lodge

In 2008 the Creekside Lodge ($195) was added to the accommodations provided at the State Game Lodge and features large rooms with either two queens or one king bed. This property is open in the winter time.

The Game Lodge features its own elegant restaurant. The Peter Norbeck Visitor Center [4] is located across the street from the lodge, and bicycle rentals, fly-fishing lessons, and gold-panning demonstrations are held at this site. The Coolidge General Store and Gift Shop is located here and offers groceries, deli items, fishing licenses, gasoline, camping supplies, and souvenirs. Nondenominational services are held at the State Game Lodge Chapel every Sunday June–August.

Legion Lake Lodge

Legion Lake Lodge (12967 U.S. 16A, 605/255-4521 or 888/875-0001, www.custerresorts.com [3], $130–195) is the most casual of the park’s lodges. The lodge is situated next to Legion Lake, which got its name from the American Legion, which leased the land for years.

Built in 1913, the lodge pre-dates the region’s status as a state park. At the time it was built, the area around the lodge was a game preserve situated within what was then Custer State Forest. Custer State Forest became Custer State Park [1] in 1919.

Close to Needles Highway [5] and to the park exit to the town of Custer [6], Legion Lake Lodge is a quiet area where family picnics, swimming, and fishing are the activities of choice. Sleeping and housekeeping cabins are nestled into the side of the hill behind the lodge, tucked away from sight of the road. It’s very secluded and feels like a summer camp. All of the rooms have air-conditioning. Bicycles can be rented from the lodge, and a casual café and small gift shop are on-site.

Blue Bell Lodge

Blue Bell Lodge (25453 Hwy. 87, 605/255-4531 or 888/875-0001, www.custerresorts.com [3], $140–200) is the southernmost lodge in Custer State Park; its theme is decidedly Western. The main lodge holds the dining room and lounge. Sleeping and housekeeping cabins are located along French Creek, nestled in the ponderosa pine forest.

The lodge was built in the early 1920s by an executive of Bell telephone. The logo for the phone company, a blue bell, inspired the resort’s name. The only horseback riding stable [7] in the park is located here. Hay rides and chuck wagon dinners are offered nightly.

There is a dining room and lounge, general store, and gift shop located near the cabins. There are fire grates at every cabin and free wireless Internet is available. The Blue Bell Lodge is close to the southern entrance of the Wildlife Loop [8] and is not far from Wind Cave National Park [9].

Sylvan Lake Lodge

Perched on the top of a hill with a fabulous view of Harney Peak [10], Sylvan Lake Lodge (24572 U.S. 87, 605/574-2561 or 888/875-0001, www.custerresorts.com [3], $130–205) is within reach of some of the best hiking [11], rock climbing [12], and mountain scenery in the hills. The lodge interior has the feel of a woodland hunting lodge, with high cross-beamed ceilings and hunting trophies displayed on the walls. There are 35 rooms in the lodge, as well as sleeping cabins and housekeeping cabins on the property.

Sylvan Lake Lodge is also the closest location for easy access to Hill City [13], Keystone [14], and Mount Rushmore [15].

Today’s lodge was not the original lodge in this area. The first Sylvan Lake Lodge was built in 1895 right on the shoreline. Unfortunately, the original lodge burned down in 1935. The current lodge opened in 1937. It is about a quarter-mile walk to the shores of Sylvan Lake [16] and that short distance ensures an air of peaceful relaxation on the lodge grounds.

There is a beautiful outdoor stone patio behind the lodge and a dining room and lounge are on-site as well. At the lake, a general store and gift shop provide casual dining, groceries, fishing licenses, and souvenirs. Paddle boats and kayaks are available for rental.