Custer State Park, nestled in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. While the park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless recreational opportunities, it also offers a delightful treat for those with a sweet tooth – ice cream.
Visitor Centers: No Direct Ice Cream, But Plenty of Options
Custer State Park does not have ice cream available directly at its visitor centers. However, the park’s various dining options and general stores provide ample opportunities for visitors to indulge in their favorite frozen treats.
Campgrounds: Snacks and Groceries, But No Dedicated Ice Cream Shops
Exploring the park’s campgrounds, you won’t find any dedicated ice cream shops. However, some campgrounds, such as the Coolidge General Store at the State Game Lodge, offer ice cream, groceries, and other snacks for campers to enjoy.
Resort Lodges: Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth
The park’s resort lodges are where you’ll find the most options for ice cream. Here’s a breakdown of what each lodge offers:
| Lodge | Ice Cream Availability |
|---|---|
| State Game Lodge | Coolidge General Store offers ice cream, groceries, and other items. |
| Blue Bell Lodge | No specific mention of ice cream, but the dining room and lounge serve hearty ranch fare. |
| Sylvan Lake Lodge | Sylvan Store offers fast-casual counter food, snacks, groceries, and ice cream. |
| Legion Lake Lodge | Legion Lake Store offers grab-n-go meals, ice cream, and other items. |
Beyond the Park: Local Ice Cream Shops in Custer
If you’re craving something a little more unique, head to the nearby town of Custer, where you’ll find Horatio’s Homemade Ice Cream. This local ice cream shop offers a variety of unique flavors and is located in the historic First National Bank of Dakota Territory building.
Timings and Contact Information
To ensure you can enjoy the ice cream options during your visit, here are the key details:
- State Game Lodge: Open seasonally from May 1 through mid-October. Reservations can be made by calling 605-255-4541.
- Blue Bell Lodge: Open seasonally from May 1 through mid-October. Reservations can be made by calling 605-255-4531.
- Sylvan Lake Lodge: Open seasonally from May 1 through mid-October. Reservations can be made by calling 605-574-2561.
- Legion Lake Lodge: Open seasonally from May through the end of September. Hours may vary; inquire for details.
- Horatio’s Homemade Ice Cream: Contact information and hours are not specified, but it is located in downtown Custer.
Custer State Park may not have ice cream directly available at its visitor centers, but the park’s resort lodges, campground stores, and nearby local shops offer a variety of frozen treats to satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you’re looking for a classic scoop or a unique flavor, there are plenty of options to explore during your visit to this stunning South Dakota destination.
References:
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g60865-zfd9899-Custer_South_Dakota-Ice_Cream.html
- https://www.custerresorts.com/dining
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60865-d19006778-Reviews-Horatio_s_Homemade_Ice_Cream-Custer_South_Dakota.html
- https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/activities-experiences/shopping
- https://www.horatiosicecream.com