Custer, SD Summary

In little CUSTER, five miles west of the park on US-16, the Bavarian Inn on the main highway has classic German dining and rooms (tel 605/673-2802 or 1-800/657-4312; $75-100), while the Custer Motel, 109 Mount Rushmore Rd (tel 605/673-2876; $50-75), is one of the cheapest in the Black Hills. Of many garish campgrounds, Flintstones Bedrock City (tel 605/673-4664), with its own small theme park, manages to steal the show. The visitor center is at 615 Washington St (tel 605/673-2244 or 1-800/992-9818, ). Twelve miles west of Custer is the Jewel Cave National Monument (daily 8.30am-6pm; $8-20 for 1-4hr tours; tel 605/673-2288, ) where spelunkers are sure to receive a layer of manganese dust; call ahead for tour details.