Bavarian Inn has Best Location
Saying the Bavarian Inn has the best location when you visit the Black Hills is a pretty bold statement. But, I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t believe it.
Our trek into the southwest corner of South Dakota was short and one of the most memorable trips ever. What made it memorable?
Well, it all started with the Bavarian Inn. Read on to find out the reasons why.
Bavarian Inn has flowers everywhere! In window boxes, pots, and hanging baskets with seating nearby to enjoy the view.
Location
855 N. 5th Street
Custer, SD 57730
Contact:
(605) 961-0201
Check In: 3 PM
Check Out: 12 noon
Breakfast: included
Dinner: available for $$ on-site at "On the Rocks Chophouse"
Website:
BavarianInnSD
Ever had double doors on a room? It was a nice surprise and very handy when hauling in gear needed for the long trip with baby in tow.
Ease, Comfort, and Relaxation
The Inn was easy to find, even in the dark and in unfamiliar territory. (I can say "territory" since we were in the west, right?)
Check-in was a breeze but finding our room in a well-lit area was a huge plus for this mother-daughter-granddaughter trio! We felt super safe. Additionally, having our car only 10 steps from the suite doors was perfect.
That’s the 1st reason why this is the best location.
Everything about the room made us smile and relax after a long day, including the colorful toiletries.
Room design was simple however, it was spacious, clean, and very comfortable. We slept like babies—all three of us.
Heated indoor pool for year round use is accessible through the main building. The large heated outdoor pool (open June-August) was closed and covered.
Amenities are Plentiful
Reason #2 is the amenities are plentiful, especially if your stay is longer than overnight. The Bavarian Inn is more like a resort instead of a motel.
Sitting on five scenic acres, guests can enjoy 2 swimming pools, hot tub, 2 playgrounds, a tennis court, basketball court, and a ¾-mile fitness trail.
The Inn’s lobby has classic arcade games available—and games are free. Also available are outdoor game equipment like croquet, tennis rackets, soccer balls and basketballs for use on the spacious property.
When it Comes to Food
When it comes to food, breakfast is included, there is an on site restaurant, and each room has a mini-fridge and microwave. If you need groceries, Custer is just a few miles away.
Incidentally, every day from 3:30-4:30 pm, it’s “Cookies and Milk Happy Hour!” Just drop by the lobby and enjoy fresh baked goodness.
Play area perfect for “littles” with big imaginations.
Room adjacent to the front lobby has free games and sports equipment for play on property.
Outdoor seating is plentiful at the Bavarian Inn. This conversation area adjacent the lobby has a fire pit for those cool summer nights.
Central Location is Key
Reason #3 is accessibility to nearby attractions. The Bavarian Inn is centrally located and minutes, not hours, from historic monuments, scenic byways, hiking trails, and stunning vistas. Location makes the Inn a perfect home base for your vacation.
The map below pinpoints the Inn while the list shows a few major attractions. But there are plenty more. You should see my stack of brochures!
Nearby Attractions with Milage from the Bavarian Inn
Custer State Park
4.1 mi
Crazy Horse Memorial
6.1 mi
Needles Highway
10.7 mi
Jewel Cave
14 mi
Mount Rushmore
18.8 mi
Mammoth Site
33.6 mi
Deadwood
55.2 mi
View of the Inn’s spacious lobby, looking into the game room.
Is Bavarian Inn the Best Location?
I think reason #4 is my favorite one. The Bavarian Inn is laid back. No hustle and bustle—just serene, tranquil surroundings. Our stay there left us relaxed from a good night’s sleep.
The Inn’s employees were our 1st encounter with Custer and the Black Hills. They were gracious, friendly, and ready to help us with trip plans to see the area.
We left wanting to return…and linger. What more could you want from a resort?
About The Bavarian Inn
Opening in the 1970’s, the original owner was from Bavaria. She designed the property to resemble a European chalet-style hotel. Family members helped manage the property after she retired.
The property changed hands in 2014 when Sherry Beck, long time hospitality whiz, purchased the property.
Keeping the Bavarian theme was an important part of the new owner’s plan along with modernizing a bit. Beautiful flowers around the property are courtesy of the owner, as are all the happy messages and signs around every corner.
The Bavarian Inn is a great 1st impression of South Dakota for first-time visitors to the area.
Looking for more amazing places to sleep during your travels? Head over to our "Places to Sleep" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
I love the proximity miles/map! That is great information!
Thanks! Proximity to all the attractions is a big selling point for every business we encountered in Custer. They also point out that Custer is a small town, equipped to handle and very welcoming to visitors. Everyone was friendly, beginning with those we met at the Inn.