Custer’s Last Stop is a one-stop shop for food, gifts and more

Custer’s Last Stop has had a busy first couple months in business. They opened on July 4, and have appreciated the steady flow of local to international customers.
“It was an opening we will never forget,” said Owner Marily Norberg. That’s because of a nearby tree at the neighboring 1881 Courthouse Museum that also experienced its “last stand” and fell onto their deck patio during the previous night’s heavy rainstorm. They got the tree cleaned up and had a great opening despite the unseasonably chilly weather that day.
The family-run business specializes in quality retail items and gifts that capture the spirit of the area—they carry the Pendleton line, a selection of handmade  and concealed-carry bags, Ecualama alpaca blankets, apparel and more. In addition to retail, they also have a small menu of classic American fare, which has proven very popular with foreign and local customers alike.
“We try to do an upscale retail store to a certain point. I do have something for everybody, though,” said Norberg. In addition to some of those more upscale items, they also offer some collectible souvenir items and lots of other unique items and gifts, like candles, pillows and dinnerware.
Norberg recently returned to the area with her husband and family. Her husband is retired, but she runs the business alongside the rest of her family. Norberg was born and raised in Minnesota, and moved to South Dakota initially in 2000 before going to Montana. Now, she’s back in the Custer area for good.
“I love the Black Hills. I don’t know why I ever left,” said Norberg.
Upon moving back, Norberg knew she wanted to open a business and that retail was the perfect avenue to pursue that goal since she has a love for it and has done it in the past.
“It’s kind of in my blood to do retail,” said Norberg.
One of the things Norberg enjoys most about owning the business is visiting with the customers, who come from near and far. So far they’ve had customers from Poland, New Zealand, Scotland, Iceland, and all over the world.
Visitors to Custer’s Last Stop also get a glimpse into some local history. The business is located in the historic Garlock Opera House building, and some of the original silent movie posters and old photographs of the theater are on display in the store.
“I love history, and I like to teach [customers] the history about the area,” said Norberg. Several other historic photographs of Custer and the area also hang on the walls of the business. One exciting addition to the interior of the building is a large mural of Pe’Sla (formerly Reynolds Prairie). Pe’Sla is one of several sacred places in the Black Hills for the Lakota people.
Although Custer’s Last Stop started with retail, their food menu has also proven very popular. They serve hot dogs, fresh buffalo sliders, chips and salsa and homemade pizza, which Norberg makes the dough for each morning. They also serve a wide selection of local and craft beers and wine. Norberg says the menu is especially popular with their out-of-country guests.
“All the foreigners have loved it because that’s what they want—the American pizza, burgers and hotdogs. It’s been really interesting,” said Norberg.
Just as she does with the  selection of merchandise and retail items, Norberg wants customers to be impressed with the quality of the food they serve too—that’s why she makes the pizza dough each morning, and the patties for the buffalo sliders are never frozen.
“We want you to love it and think ‘I can’t wait to eat there again,” said Norberg.
As the regular tourist season begins to wind down, Custer’s Last Stop plans to stay open into the winter, transitioning to some more seasonal items. So locals and winter visitors will have a new place to stop for their holiday shopping.  
“I have some beautful Christmas items coming in,” said Norberg.
Norberg plans to stay open until Christmas and is hoping to reopen for next year’s season as soon as April.