Even though we officially open around the end of April each year, our first celebration takes place the weekend before Memorial Day Weekend. For three days, all travelers can enjoy free entrance to Custer State Park and free fishing, where no park license is required (camping fees and fishing regulations still apply).
Stop out to Custer State Park for live music, demonstrations, special programs, and the annual Buffalo Chip Flip contest, which takes place at the Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center each year.
The weekend's events & scheduled entertainment are finalized a few weeks prior. Check out the 2023 and 2024 schedules to get an idea of what to expect, and mark your calendars.
Friday, May 16 - Sunday, May 18, 2025
We invite you to stop in to the pancake feeds at Legion Lake Lodge from 8am to 10am on both Friday and Saturday morning of Open House Weekend. All donated proceeds support a different designated local charity each year. Come one, come all and this year will be the biggest donation yet, as you enjoy some of the only lakeside dining offered in the Black Hills.
Past charity recipients include the Custer Store House, Custer Food Pantry, and Custer County Search & Rescue.
Stay at any of our four resorts in Custer State Park between opening day and Open House Weekend for some of the biggest savings offered all year. Stay two (2) nights save 15% and stay three (3) or more nights and save 20% on most lodge rooms and cabins. Limited exclusions apply. Inquire for details or book online today.
A great spot for wildlife watching with all of the comforts and accessibility of a hotel room stay.
Tucked along Grace Coolidge Creek, just 200 yards from the State Game Lodge. Creekside Lodge is open year-round.
What a view! Perfect for a small family of up to five, we have just three of this cabin type, all nestled behind Legion Lake Lodge. Peaceful, private lake views.
Tucked in the trees near French Creek Nature Area and the Wildlife Loop, these spacious chinked log cabins with private decks at peaceful Blue Bell Lodge can't be beat.
At the top of Needles Highway, as you turn in to Sylvan Lake Lodge, this loop of cabins sits at 6,145 feet elevation...as if they were always meant to be there.
These original log chink cabins are conveniently located within an easy walking distance to Coolidge Store.