Everyone wants the log cabin in the Black Hills. Offering seclusion and all the best the Black Hills has to offer. Rugged tree lined canyons, rock out croppings, and views of cliffs, native grasses with spots of Aspen, oak and a variety of hardwoods. The 2400 square foot log home is in remarkable condition for its age. The owners have kept up with staining and chinking. There is an outbuilding that could be updated to be a great horse facility or storage for UTVs etc. Spend days hiking to enjoy the multiple vistas showcasing the majesty of the southern Black Hills. Add acreage to the offering to own truck accessible high meadows showcasing multiple panoramic building sites and deep canyons that are frequented by white tail, mule deer, turkey and occasional elk passing through. The location of the property provides mild winters, a variety of fauna and flora found in the Minnekahta Valley approximately 30 minutes West of Hot Springs and 30 minutes South of Custer, South Dakota.

First called Minnekahta (hot waters) by the Lakota people, Hot Springs is known as the southern gateway to the Black Hills.

Hot Springs is home to the largest Columbian mammoth exhibit in the world, as well as a wild horse sanctuary—where hundreds of mustangs roam thousands of acres of land. From here, you can visit the pioneer era, tour one of the longest caves in the world, or play 18 holes on one of South Dakota’s premiere public golf courses. Then relax in warm, healing, mineral springs.

With easy access to the area’s greatest attractions, great year-round weather, distinct sandstone architecture, fantastic outdoors activities—and, of course, the signature mineral waters—Hot Springs is like no other Black Hills town.

Founded in 1875 near the site where gold was first discovered in French Creek, Custer is the oldest established town in the Black Hills. This small community is considered one of the most beautiful areas in the Black Hills, with an extensive network of trails and backcountry roads left behind by early pioneers, ranchers, and loggers. It’s conveniently located within a short driving distance of popular attractions such as Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Jewel Cave National Monument.

Attractions

History is a big deal in the Black Hills, and the 1881 Courthouse Museum houses one of the region’s most extensive collection of historical artifacts dating back to Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer’s 1874 Black Hills Exhibition. This former courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features exhibits on Native Americans, mining and minerals, Victorian life, ranching, forestry, and military artifacts from the Revolutionary War through Operation Desert Storm. There’s also an original jail cell, one-room schoolhouse, and collection of antique cars. Four Mile Old West Town allows visitors to experience what life was like in the Old West as they wander through 50 open-door buildings on a self-guided tour. The Gordon Stockade is an exact replica of a log fortress built in 1874 to protect the Gordon Party from attacks by the Sioux during the Black Hills Gold Rush.

No trip to Custer is complete without exploring the outdoor scenery. The Custer Skywalk is a series of short trails that begin at Harbach Park, two blocks off Main Street. Head left for a covered observation point, then continue on the trail to the right to reach Big Rock Observation Point; both offer stunning views of the Black Hills and the city of Custer. The half-mile trail winds through ponderosa pine forests and, while the steep uphill climb may leave visitors out of breath, the views) are well worth the exertion.

Custer State Park may not be within the city limits, but it’s a must-see for visitors to the area any time of the year. This 71,000-acre nature and wildlife reserve offers plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation and features some of the area’s most impressive scenery. You won’t even need to leave the comfort of your car if you opt for a drive along Iron Mountain Road or the Needles Highway. Impressive granite rock formations can be found at Cathedral Spires and Sylvan Lake. Hiking, fishing, camping, and swimming are all popular pastimes. The 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road provides visitors with up-close looks at wildlife such as bison, pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, coyotes, elk, deer, and the park’s famous “begging burros.”

The community of Custer prides itself on being a destination for foodies. After you’re done exploring the attractions, grab a bite to eat or a tasty beverage from one of the town’s excellent restaurants or breweries!

Town information provided by BH Visitors

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