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Dog Friendly Activities in Custer, SD

There are 9 dog friendly activities in Custer. Use the links below to get an overview of each one, see pictures, print directions, and even read reviews from other dog owners. Coming from out of town? Get a discounted rate on pet friendly hotels in Custer.

Pet Friendly Custer State Park

Custer State Park

Custer State Park

Custer State Park offers 71,000 acres of amazing views and dog-friendly outdoor experiences in Custer, SD. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park. The 18-mile Wildlife Loop allows pets and humans to explore the park and view the indigenous wildlife from the comfort of the car. There are also many dog-friendly hiking trails where pets are welcome to join the fun. Set out on a hike along Black Elk Peak Loop, a 7 mile route with stunning views of the Cathedral Spires and Black Hills Wilderness. Visitors should note that dogs are not allowed at designated swimming beaches or in any park buildings (including camping cabins, lodges, and comfort stations).

Pet Friendly Crazy Horse Memorial

Crazy Horse Memorial

Crazy Horse Memorial

Leashed pets are allowed to share the Crazy Horse Memorial experience with their human companions. Pets are welcome at the outdoor viewing veranda and outdoor exhibits. Pets small enough to be comfortably carried or contained are allowed in any of the buildings except for the restaurant or the snack bar. Pets are not permitted on the bus rides to the bottom of the mountain.

Needles Highway

Needles Highway

Needles Highway is pet-friendly. This spectacular drive through ponderosa pine and Black Hills spruce forests, meadows surrounded by birch and aspen, and rugged granite mountains can't be missed if you're visiting South Dakota. The name comes from the needle-like granite formations that sprout out of the ground.

Sunday Gulch Trail

Sunday Gulch Trail

Sunday Gulch Trail is a popular hike in Custer State Park. At nearly 4 miles in length, this trail is considered quite difficult as a bit of scrambling is required. The trail will take you near Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park. At the beginning, you’ll traverse over large boulders down a valley to some great views of big granite spires and the northern Black Hills all around you. There are handrails to aid you in your journey along the pathway. You'll be pleased they're there on the way back down.

Little Devil's Tower Trailhead

Little Devil's Tower Trailhead

Little Devil's Tower Trailhead is a pet-friendly hike to take on with your pooch. The trail is 3.6 miles in length and is best used between April to October, ending up at a rocky outcrop. Dogs are welcome on a leash, as long as all mess is cleaned up after them.

Custer Bark Park

Custer Bark Park

Custer Bark Park is pet-friendly. Bring your pooch to this fenced hangout in Custer and make some new canine friends. The park is divided into an area for small dogs and another for large. It's also the only fenced dog park within a 50-mile radius. Humans can hang out under the gazebo when the weather is sunny. Bring your pooch to play, but don't forget to clean up any mess that they leave behind.

Black Hills National Forest

Black Hills National Forest

Leashed dogs are welcome in the Black Hills National Forest in Custer, SD. The forest is made up of rugged rock formations, canyons, gulches, open grassland parks, streams, and lakes. Fido is welcome to hike on any of Black Hills' dog-friendly trails; however, dog owners should be aware that some trails are bike and horse friendly, too. Dogs are not allowed in every Black Hills campground, so guests should check its website for restrictions before planning their stay. The National Forest is open to the public free of charge. Some activities, campgrounds, and parking areas do charge fees.

George S. Mickelson Trail

George S. Mickelson Trail

The George S. Mickelson Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Custer! The map below shows a trailhead where you can pick up the George S. Mickelson Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.

Cathedral Spires Trailhead

Cathedral Spires Trailhead

Cathedral Spires Hiking Trail is a pet-friendly hike in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. This moderate to strenuous hike is just over 1.5 miles in length out-and-back and takes visitors along an enchanting trail with unusual rocky outcrops along the way. This hike is a great place to stop and stretch your legs if you're driving along Needles Highway. Dogs must remain on a leash as the area is frequented by a variety of animals, including mountain goats.

Braeburn Addition Off-Leash Dog Area

Braeburn Addition Off-Leash Dog Area

There is a creek for dogs to play in at this off-leash dog park with friendly dogs and humans alike. Just be careful as the area is not fenced.

Wind Cave National Park

Hot Springs, SD

Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park in Hot Springs, SD is the seventh-oldest national park in the country. The park is home to an array of wildlife including bison, elk and prairie dogs. Leashed pets are welcome on the Elk Mountain and Prairie Vista Nature Trails. Pets may also join human companions at the Ranger Campfire Programs. For the safety of your pet and the wildlife, pets are not permitted in the backcountry. Pets must remain on leash at all times and may never be left unattended.

Professor Samuel’s Old Time Photos

Professor Samuel’s Old Time Photos

Professor Samuel’s Old Time Photos is pet-friendly. The staff are awesome and love shooting dogs in classic clothing. They are open every day of the week from 9am to 8pm.

Black Elk Peak

Black Elk Peak is a pet-friendly trail in Keystone. If you're visiting nearby attraction the Crazy Horse Memorial, spend an afternoon hiking up one of the greatest lookouts in the state. At just over six miles, the trail is no walk in the park, but the stone fire tower that blends into the rock provides unbelievable views from the top and makes the journey worthwhile. The trail is rated as moderate and can be completed in a few hours.

Sick-N-Twisted Brewery

Sick-N-Twisted Brewery

Sick-N-Twisted Brewery is pet-friendly. Leashed dogs are welcome to hang out at this popular brewery. The taps pour a great selection of brews that are crafted for most tastes. They are open Monday through Thursday from 11am to 10pm, Friday to Saturday from 11am to 11pm and Sunday from 11am to 8pm.

Cosmos Mystery Area

Cosmos Mystery Area

Cosmos Mystery Area is a dog-friendly tour in Rapid City, SD, which operates seasonally from April until October. Leashed pets are welcome as long as they are friendly, well socialized and tolerant of children. This is a fun interactive tour of gravity hot spots. Purchasing tickets online in advance is strongly recommended.

Pactola Pines Marina

Pactola Pines Marina

Pactola Pines Marina offers a variety of pet-friendly boat rentals on the crystal waters of Pactola Lake near Rapid City, SD. Float all day with your furry first mate on the largest reservoir in the Black Hills region. If you want a workout on the water, embark on a self-guided standup paddleboard tour with your Terrier or paddle with your pup in a kayak or canoe rental. Dogs are welcome for a fee.

Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway

Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway

Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, also known as Iron Mountain Road, is a figure-eight route designed to highlight the region’s incredible natural beauty. This 70-mile byway built in the 1930s winds through a portion of Custer State Park and a section of Needles Highway with a peek-a-boo view of Mt Rushmore and a chance to drive through Needle Eye Tunnel. Fido can stretch his legs on the way at Cathedral Spires Hiking Trail.

Rush Mountain Adventure Park

Rush Mountain Adventure Park

Rush Mountain is a dog-friendly amusement park just 20 minutes from Mount Rushmore. There is a roller coaster, zip line, ropes course, and cave tour. Dogs are allowed throughout the grounds, but can’t accompany you on the rides or cave tour. If you don’t have someone in your party to watch your dog during the cave tour, there are two free kennels available in the employee break area behind the gift shop.

World's Largest Smokey Bear

World's Largest Smokey Bear

Make a stop in Hill City, SD to see the World's Largest Smokey Bear. This dog-friendly roadside attraction stands 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide, and was created by chainsaw artists in just 10 days. The attraction is open to visitors year-round.

Mount Barkmore Dog Park

Mount Barkmore Dog Park

Take Fido to run, play and make new friends at Mount Barkmore Dog Park in Keystone, SD. The off-leash area is conveniently located off of Highway 16, making this a great pit stop for those traveling with pets. Mount Barkmore Dog Park features a fenced-in grassy area and a water station. Please clean up after your dog.