and popular wholesale supplier of custom-designed apparel and accessories located in Detroit Lakes , Minn . Norberg works with the company to help design the format and sayings on the shirts and sweatshirts available for purchase .
“ People instantly recognize that brand ,” Norberg said . “ It ’ s quality stuff .”
That just scratches the surface of the retail offerings at Custer ’ s Last Stop — and there are too many to list in their entirety . There are kitchen collectibles , candles , national park trivia games and South Dakota-themed rugs . There are also adorable little buffalo hats for children that are so popular Norberg has trouble keeping them in stock .
Perhaps the flagship items of the store are the Pendelton line of world class blankets , wool clothing and décor . All things Pendelton are very popular , as are the new bags , purses and hip bags , in particular the concealed carry ones . Norberg recalls one woman wanting a concealed carry bag , but asking if she could bring her gun into the store to see if it would fit first . Of course she can , was the answer .
Among the newest additions to the store are the exquisite Native American beaded work and other Native American historical items , such as hatchets , bone knives , turtle medicine bags and spears . This work comes out of Montana , and is among the most unique things at Custer ’ s Last Stop .
There are also mugs , jewelry , Lazy One pajamas , Life is Good T-shirts , pillows , children ’ s clothing and even bedding for people who are staying in a cabin or a vacation rental . In short , if it ’ s quality and you need it , you ’ ll probably find it at Custer ’ s Last stop .
“ I try not to buy anything I don ’ t like . It ’ s so hard because then I want everything ,” Norberg said with a laugh .
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 .
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 . The sliders have become a favorite of locals and visitors alike . Custer ’ s Last Stop also serves a large selection of local and craft beers and wine .
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 .
“ We want you to love it and think ‘ I can ’ t wait to eat there again .” she said .
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 ( later the Harney Theatre and most recently Pizza Works ) 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 ,” Norberg said in a previous interview . 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 . There are is also local artwork , photography by Norberg and works by Paul Horsted on the wall .
As the regular tourist season begins to wind down , Custer ’ s Last Stop stays open into the winter , transitioning to some more seasonal items in the downtime .
Custer ’ s Last Stop is open 10 a . m . to 3 p . m . every day , and extends its hours in the summer months . To order takeout call 605- 673-2621 .
Black Hills Adventure Guide 2024 47