Hello from the beautiful Custer State Park! Yesterday was our first full day here and it was the kind of day that we will never forget. This state park, which easily could be a national park, is one of the most awe-inspiring places to experience in the USA.

For us - it is the ultimate family road trip. A 7 hour drive brought us into a land so different from where we live. 

Custer State Park has an incredibly rugged, unspoiled landscape. The wildlife here will make your jaw drop. The locals are warm and generous with their time and knowledge. And there's so much to do! 

We stayed in a cozy state park resort cabin on Legion Lake. It has a wonderful sleeping porch where you could easily get lost in a book. It overlooks the lake.

Next we stopped by to say hi to the presidents. This was my third time seeing Mt Rushmore and it felt just as monumental and special as the first! The little town of Keystone is so cute and has some wonderful restaurants! We ate at the Ruby House Restaurant and it was incredibly charming. Cy tried Sassporilla for the first time! 

Then we headed back into Custer to meet up with the good folks at Blue Belle Stables.

They are a real top-notch operation. They were wonderfully warm and accommodating. The trail ride was a highlight of our trip and a definite must-do! The scenery was incredible. You splash right through fresh streams and walk through a beautiful pine forest with mountains in the backdrop. We loved our guides - Alura and Addy. Arlo talked Addy's ear off for an hour straight! Afterwards he declared that he wants to be a cowboy when he grows up!

After the ride we headed across the street to the Blue Belle Lodge where I had the most delicious encrusted Walleye! A fabulous restaurant right in the park. There was a wild buffalo grazing out back! 

And finally we rode the Wildlife Loop just as the sun was starting to set. You can't get much better than that! Another item to add to the must-do list. 

Thanks again for taking the time to read about our trip to this beautiful area. We feel so grateful to be South Dakota Tourism's guests! It is a true honor!

 Love,

The Emmer's