Shopping

Custer [1] is a small town and most of the shopping is located in the downtown area along Route 16/385 (Mount Rushmore Road). A Walk in the Woods (506 Mt. Rushmore Rd., 605/673-6400, www.walkwoods.com [2], summer daily 9 a.m.–9 p.m., winter daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m.) is one of the largest gift shops in town and features country-style home decor and gifts. On the second floor is a very nice gallery of local artwork.

Fun and quality are the keywords for a charming set of shops right in the heart of downtown. Look for Surroundings (529 Mt. Rushmore Rd., 605/673-2278 or 888/495-6368, www.surroundingssd.com [3], Memorial Day–Labor Day Mon.–Sat. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., winter Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.), a contemporary shop whose owner Sarah believes that the unusual should be a component of any shopping experience. The shop features the work of local jewelers and potters, as well as hand lotions, jukeboxes, and pinball machines.

The success of Surroundings encouraged her to open a second store, Azuki Bean (529 Mt. Rushmore Rd., 605/673-2278, www.azukibeanshop.com [4]), at the same location (and with the same hours!). It’s a fun spot for kids (and adults, too), full of interesting and brightly colored toys, stuffed animals, games, and clothes.

Just in case all that shopping and browsing wears you out, there is a great little dining spot, the Black Hills Pie & Bistro, tucked into the back corner of the square. The Bistro features soups, sandwiches, and, of course, pies and pastries for around $7.

Cabin Fever (430 Mt. Rushmore Rd., 605/673-3933, summer daily 9 a.m.–8 p.m., winter Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., closed Sun., closed Feb.–Mar.) is another upscale shop featuring jewelry, artwork, and collectibles leaning toward Western-style decor.

There are two rock shops in Custer [1]. Scott’s Rock Shop (1020 Mt. Rushmore Rd., 605/673-4859, summer daily 8 a.m.–p.m., winter Tues.–Sat. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., closed Sun.–Mon.) has a small museum featuring rocks and minerals in addition to agates, jewelry, and jewelry-making supplies. Ken’s Minerals and Ken’s Archery (12372 Hwy. 16A, 605/673-4935, Apr.–Sept. daily 9 a.m.–7 p.m., closed Oct.–Mar.) features Diamond bows and other archery equipment in addition to rocks, minerals, and fossils.