Each fall, the ground rumbles and the dust flies as cowboys, cowgirls and park crews saddle up to bring in the thundering herd at the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. Held the last Friday of every September, the public can view from two areas. For the north, head south from the State Game Lodge area on Wildlife Loop Road. For the south viewing area, head east on Wildlife Loop Road near Blue Bell Campground. Gates open at 6:15 a.m., with the roundup beginning at 9:30 a.m.

An iconic U.S. landmark, there are few who don't know about Mount Rushmore, which features the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. The park is open year-round and includes a half-mile walking trail, museum, gift shop and dining room. For those who want to dive into the artistry, check out the Sculptor's Studio to learn about Gutzon Borglum and his process of carving Mount Rushmore.

The highest point in South Dakota, the towering 7,242-foot Black Elk Peak is surrounded by astonishing wilderness and is one of the state's most popular sites. Hikers from across the country come to climb Black Elk Peak and experience its vast vistas. The most common way to ascend the peak is by taking Trail No. 9, which starts at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park. It's a moderate-to-difficult hike, offering plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views.

The third-longest cave in the world, Jewel Cave derives its name from the calcite crystals that line its walls. The monument offers a variety of highly recommended guided tours, including the Wild Caving Tour —a strenuous four-hour excursion that'll have you scrambling over cave "breakdown" and shimmying between cave walls. For something less extreme, check out the Scenic and Discovery tours.

Nestled in the heart of western South Dakota's Black Hills, Crazy Horse Memorial is the world's largest mountain carving and stands as a testament to the culture, traditions and living heritage of the North American Indians. Experience the Fall Volksmarch, held the same weekend as the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup, which allows you to take a 6.2-mile hike up the world's tallest in-progress mountain carving.

Wind Cave, site of the world's largest concentration of rare, below-ground boxwork formations, was also among the nation's first bison preserves in the early 1900s. Above ground, the park houses a sprawling wildlife sanctuary that's home to one of the most genetically diverse populations of bison to this day. Here, visitors can hike numerous trails, enjoy birding, wildlife viewing and backcountry camping, and take guided tours of the historic cave.

Lounge in luxury surrounded by dreamy wilderness at Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort. Located near Custer State Park, the resort offers an array of accommodations, such as deluxe cabins, glamping tents, luxury tipis and unique treehouses, including the Gold Rush Treehouse, inspired by Custer's fabled mining history. The resort is also conveniently located near many other popular attractions, like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.

Stay in the center of all the action in downtown Custer at EO Bungalows. Surrounded by a gated, rose-quartz-filled courtyard, these colorful chalets offer the privacy and comforts of home. Each of their four bungalows can sleep up to two people. For those who would like a full-service kitchen and dining area, book the one-bedroom bungalow. EO is also within walking distance of numerous restaurants, bars, boutiques and more.

James Beard Award-winning chef Joseph Raney and his wife, Eliza, moved to South Dakota from Southern California with the dream of bringing chef-driven, innovative dining to the small town of Custer. And that's exactly what they did. Savor the flavors of lobster steam buns, foie gras and whole branzino in their cozy indoor dining room or bright outdoor patio. Guests can also enjoy wines from around the world and a robust selection of local craft beer.

Within Custer State Park you have your pick of 101 State Game Lodge units, including cabins (the largest sleeps 28) and both modern and historical hotel rooms. Feel the peace of a park stay while being in the center of the action.