Overview

Custer County is a rural county in the Black Hills region of southwestern South Dakota. The county seat is the city of Custer. Created in the 1870s, the county has a history tied to the Black Hills gold rush, frontier settlement and changes affecting Indigenous peoples in the region. For maps and a basic location reference see county map and for state-level context consult South Dakota information.

Geography and natural features

The landscape combines forested ridges, granite outcrops, prairie pockets and notable karst terrain. Large tracts of the Black Hills National Forest lie within the county, and several nationally and state-managed parks and monuments protect important geological and biological resources. Visitors are drawn to cave systems, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing; additional park and geology resources are available at park and geology resources.

History

Custer County was created in 1875 and named for Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer. The discovery of gold and subsequent settlement in the Black Hills brought prospectors, railroads and ranching. Those changes had long-lasting effects on the Lakota and other Native peoples. The county evolved from extraction industries toward conservation and tourism as primary economic drivers.

Economy, recreation and communities

The modern economy depends largely on tourism, outdoor recreation, visitor services, and small-scale agriculture or ranching. Key attractions include large state and national parks, cave tours, wildlife areas and historic sites that draw year-round visitation. The county seat, Custer, plus several small towns and unincorporated communities provide lodging, museums and services for travelers. Latest demographic and planning information can be consulted through census and local data pages at local data.

Government and public services

County government manages land-use planning, local roads and cooperation with state and federal park agencies. For administrative contacts, services and official notices, see the county government site at county government.

Notable features

  • Extensive portions of Black Hills National Forest and several protected parks
  • Prominent cave systems and karst features visited by tourists
  • Scenic drives, trails and wildlife viewing opportunities, including large prairie and forest habitats