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Ultimate 4-day Black Hills Itinerary + Tips For Your Visit

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy .

Look no further for the best all-encompassing Black Hills itinerary for spending up to 4-days in the Black Hills of South Dakota!

This article features the best things to do in the Black Hills as well as details our epic 4-day Black Hills itinerary on where to stay and how to get around this iconic US vacation and sightseeing destination.

With our ultimate Black Hills itinerary , you’ll have plenty of time to experience the best Black Hills views, attractions, family-friendly things to do.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. For more info, see disclosure.

Table of Contents

Black Hills Itinerary: Best Time to Visit

The Black Hills are a small mountain range in western South Dakota that extends into Wyoming, USA.

Because of its varying elevations and four distinct seasons, the weather in the Black Hills can be unpredictable and vary quite drastically from community to community.

The most popular times to visit are during the months of June, July, and August when temperatures are the warmest and children are not in school.

Some feel that the best times to visit the Black Hills are during the months of September and October, and April and May, as crowds and prices are less.

We suggest not planning your Black Hills itinerary during the winter months due to its cold temperatures, frequent road closures related to snow accumulation, seasonal attractions being closed, and fewer hours of daylight.

Click here for a 4-day Black Hills Itinerary that is perfect for seeing the top attractions, from top US family travel blog, Travel With A Plan!  #BlackHills #familytravel

Black Hills Itinerary Ideas

The Black Hills region is a popular road-trip tourist destination for those of us that live in the Midwest. In addition, the Black Hills top the list of most United States family bucket lists for its classic and outdoorsy appeal.

Whether you’re visiting a historic monument, exploring Custer State Park, or spending 1 day in the Badlands , a visit to the Black Hills is iconic, memorable, scenic, and exciting!

We visited the Black Hills area when our boys were 8, 6, and 4 years old. I wouldn’t have gone with the kids being any younger, and we will perhaps go again once they get older.

Several of the attractions in the Black Hills, such as Storybook Island and Dinosaur Park, are definitely suited for younger children.

However, the monuments, parks, and awe-inspiring landscapes will definitely make more of an impression on elementary-aged children up to older adults.

Black Hills Itinerary road sign

All of our top recommended restaurants, landmarks, and attractions are bolded. Their physical locations fit into the flow of this itinerary. If you choose to substitute a restaurant or attraction in their place, be sure to adjust the timing of your itinerary accordingly.

Black Hills Itinerary: Day 1

  • Travel to Rapid City, South Dakota.
  • Stop at the Mitchell Corn Palace along the way.
  • Have lunch at The Depot Pub & Grill in Mitchell.
  • Continue on down the highway and stop to tour the South Dakota Air And Space Museum.
  • Upon arriving in Rapid City, visit the free Dinosaur Park and Storybook Island . Be sure to take lots of photos!
  • Have dinner and drinks at Independent Ale House ; awesome pizza, beer, and a chill atmosphere.

Rapid City, South Dakota

U.S. Interstate 90 is the main route for ground travel into the Black Hills region.

Opting to take this route, we left our hometown in Minnesota at dusk to begin our 8 – hour road trip to Rapid City, SD.

Black Hills Itinerary: Corn Palace

Mitchell Corn Palace

A right-of-passage when road-tripping to the Black Hills, we powered 300 miles to Mitchell, SD to visit the “World’s Only Corn Palace”.

Constructed in 1892, the Mitchell Corn Palace was built as a way to promote local agriculture.

Its crop-art decorated expo hall and uniquely designed corn murals attract more than a half-million visitors a year.

Luckily the Corn Palace is free to visit, as there is nothing overly exciting or intriguing about visiting other than to simply say that you have done it.

Tour the local shops, grab lunch and get back on the road.

Time spent at Mitchell Corn Palace: 30 minutes

Black Hills Itinerary: Air and Space Museum

South Dakota Air and Space Museum

Another free attraction, we found The South Dakota Air and Space Museum to be a real treat to visit as we continued our travels into Rapid City.

Our kids loved the outdoor airpark filled with WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and present-day aircraft.

Similarly, four indoor hangars showcase additional military history and technology displays, as well as include a great gift shop.

Bus tours of the local Ellsworth Air Force Base are available for little cost during limited months.

Time spent at the South Dakota Air and Space Museum: 45 minutes

Read our family-friendly Black Hills Itinerary from top U.S. family travel blog, Travel With A Plan!

Dinosaur Park

As one of the Black Hills’ first tourist attractions, this free family attraction has been open since 1936.

Dinosaur Park is home to giant concrete statues of dinosaurs and is located high up on a ridge overlooking the Black Hills.

Somewhat of a quirky roadside attraction, one can’t help but appreciate its historical age and spectacular 100-mile views.

Be mindful that there are quite a few uphill steps required from the parking lot to the dinosaur viewing area.

Time spent at Dinosaur Park: 30 minutes

Kids at Storybook Island

Storybook Island

Storybook Island is a beautiful children’s park that has whimsical play areas based on storybook characters.

There is not much that is off-limits at this giant play space as children are encouraged to play and climb on all of the character replicas.

Another free attraction in Rapid City, there is, however, a carousel, train ride, and bounce house with tickets for purchase.

Storybook Island is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, daily, from 9 AM – 7 PM, weather permitting.

Time spent: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Black Hills Badlands area

Alternate Option: Day 1

The other option for the afternoon of Day 1 is taking a one-hour drive to East to Badlands National Park.

Badlands National Park consists of a big area of colorful sharply eroded buttes and pinnacles, along with the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States.

The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world to view its dramatic layered rock formations and steep canyons.

Its incredibly unique landscapes and plentiful opportunities for exploration will make this an additional highlight on your family vacation to consider.

Additional planning tip: Looking for a similar experience to Badlands National Park? Consider visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora, North Dakota.

This is another one of our favorite U.S. National Parks!

Black Hills Itinerary: Day 2

  • Grab a coffee at the Pour Bean Coffee House in Rapid City before getting on the road.
  • Travel along Highway 16 out of Rapid City and stop to visit Bear Country USA and/or Reptile Gardens .
  • Make your way to Mount Rushmore and take your time exploring there.
  • Eat lunch onsite at Carvers’ Cafe for excellent food and views of Mount Rushmore.
  • Travel to the Cosmos Mystery Area and have a blast!
  • End the day with a round of mini-golf at Pirate Cove in Rapid City.

Southern Black Hills

Mount Rushmore is the main draw to this area, so it is only fitting to include a visit to Mount Rushmore early in your Black Hills itinerary.

Likewise, if the weather becomes an issue, you’ll have the flexibility to visit on a different day.

Highway 16, the road to Mount Rushmore, is lined with several of the best Black Hills attractions for kids .

You will probably need to pick and choose what you want to stop and experience because this is where the admission costs will definitely start to add up.

Black Hills Itinerary: Bear Country USA

Bear Country U.S.A.

Head down Highway 16 W from Rapid City and in 9 miles you will come across signs for Bear Country U.S.A .

Bear Country is a drive-thru wildlife park that is ranked #8 in terms of things to do in the Black Hills.

Black bears, reindeer, elk, buffalo, and mountain lions can be viewed roaming free in their natural environment from the comfort of your car.

We had gone to a similar attraction before, so Bear Country U.S.A. was not one of our stops, but it is considered to be a slam dunk family experience.

Reviews mention getting there right away in the morning as that is when the animals are most active.

Admission is paid per person, or a maximum vehicle rate of $65.00. Get directions and other visitor information here.

Time spent at Bear Country U.S.A.: 2 – 3 hours

Reptile Gardens

If you would like to consider a different type of animal experience, it’s worth looking into visiting Reptile Gardens.

This Black Hills attraction is the world’s largest reptile zoo and is home to some of the world’s most venomous snakes.

Deemed both fun and educational, Reptile Gardens is ranked #4 in Trip Advisor’s recommended thing to do in the Black Hills and is located only 8 miles from its counterpart, Bear Country U.S.A.

Admission is steep at $18.00 for adults, $12.00 for children ages 5-12, children ages 4 and under are free.

Time spent at Reptile Gardens: 2-3 hours

Mount Rushmore with our kids

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

14 miles further down the highway is the majestic Mount Rushmore.

This is the one attraction you must see in the Black Hills as it tops the list of one of the best places to visit during a South Dakota road trip !

Mount Rushmore features the faces of 4 great U.S. Presidents carved 60 feet high out of the granite mountainside.

After admiring the enormous faces, there are numerous other ways to experience this site and immerse yourself in its surroundings.

Visitors can watch a 14-minute film depicting the history and carving of Mount Rushmore or walk the Presidential Trail to get up close to the mountain sculpture.

Children ages 3 and up can complete the Junior Ranger Program. (Booklets are available at the information desk.)

There is no entrance fee for Mount Rushmore Memorial, however, an $ 11 per vehicle fee is required to park.

Read my post on the Ultimate Guide to Visiting Mount Rushmore to learn exactly what to expect when visiting the memorial!

Time spent at Mount Rushmore: 1 – 2 hours

Black Hills Itinerary: Cosmos Mystery Area

Cosmos Mystery Area

Located 15 minutes from Mount Rushmore is Cosmos Mystery Area.

Known as ‘the strangest location in the Black Hills’ the Cosmos is a physically unforgettable family experience.

This was a highlight of our Black Hills itine r ary and a place that we recommend here at Travel With A Plan.

Read all about the Cosmos Mystery Area and its entrance fees here.

Time spent at Cosmos Mystery Area: 1 – 2 hours

Pirate Cove Adventure Golf

We capped off our day back in Rapid City with a round of mini-golf at Pirate Cove Adventure Golf.

I always like to include one stop at a mini-golf location in all of the ‘tourist-y’ cities that we visit. Pirate Cove was a great choice!

Additional planning tip: If any of these locations do not appeal to you, other places on this route that you could opt for include: Old MacDonald’s Farm , Rushmore Tramway Adventures, National Presidential Wax Museum , and the 1880 Train, among others.

Black Hills Itinerary: Day 3

  • Pack the car and a picnic for an entire day spent exploring the great outdoors!
  • Take time exploring Custer State Park while twisting and turning on Needles Highway , and looping through Wildlife Loop Road .
  • History buffs may want to check out nearby Crazy Horse Memorial . Adventure seekers will like Jewel or Wind Cave . And finally, kids will love the Mammoth Site Museum . All are a great choice!
  • Have dinner at our family favorite, Texas Roadhouse , back in Rapid City.

Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park

Custer State Park

Custer State Park is one of the few truly wild places that remain in this country.

Home to a famous herd of 1400 free-roaming bison, the park is also known for its awe-inspiring scenery, scenic drives, and prairie dog towns.

No trip to the Black Hills is complete without a visit to Custer State Park.

We loved every minute here – and so will you! With so much to see and do once there, you’ll definitely want to read this ultimate guide to Custer State Park !

Time spent at Custer State Park: 2 hours (There is enough to do here for 1 full day, however.)

The Best Things to Do in the Black Hills with your Family featured by top US family travel blog, Travel with a Plan: image of Needles Highway

Needles Highway

The 14-mile Needles Highway within Custer State Park is an absolutely spectacular drive through pine forests and rugged mountains.

The road’s name comes from the needle-like granite formations in which the highway was carved out.

Due to its high elevation, hairpin turns, and narrow passageways, this drive can be a bit stomach-churning. Its beauty is so captivating, however, that even the faint of heart is sure to appreciate it.

When making travel plans, be sure to allow ample time to travel at a safe speed – generally 25 MPH or slower.

Time spent driving Needles Highway: 45 – 60 minutes

The Best Things to Do in the Black Hills with your Family featured by top US family travel blog, Travel with a Plan

Wildlife Loop Road

The 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road takes visitors through open grasslands, red-walled canyons, and pine-covered hills to experience mother nature at its finest.

Depending on the day you might see buffalo, bighorn sheep, elk, whitetail deer, burros, prairie dogs, eagles, and hawks.

At the Loop Road’s southeastern tip, wild burros frequently approach car windows to ‘beg’ for treats. Occasionally, travelers will experience ‘wildlife jams’ as some of the park’s 1,400 roaming buffalo clog up the roadway.

Time spent driving Wildlife Look Road: 45 minutes

Crazy Horse Memorial

Crazy Horse Memorial is the world’s largest mountain carving and has been under construction since 1948.

Considered the Eighth Wonder of the World in progress, Crazy Horse attracts 1 to 1.5 million visitors a year who seek to watch history being made.

People either choose to see Crazy Horse Memorial in conjunction with Mount Rushmore or Custer State Park.

For this 4-day Black Hills itinerary, Crazy Horse Memorial is best visited after or during your visit to Custer State Park.

Time spent at Crazy Horse Memorial: 1-2 hours

The Best Things to Do in the Black Hills with your Family featured by top US family travel blog, Travel with a Plan

Jewel or Wind Cave

For those that are not claustrophobic like me, a trip to the Black Hills area would not be complete without a famous cave tour.

South Dakota happens to be home to some of the longest caves in the world. Likewise, the Black Hills feature two caves that are also National Parks.

Equally beautiful, however, each providing a unique experience, consider a visit to either Jewel Cave National Monument or Wind Cave National Park.

Fellow family travel blogger Allison from Tips for Family Trips provides the following comparison to help you choose.

Both within 25 minutes of Custer State Park, but in opposite directions, map out their locations to determine the most efficient travel plan.

Keep in mind that Jewel Cave is located closer to Crazy Horse Memorial.

On the other hand, Wind Cave is a short 15 minutes from Mammoth Site Museum.

Time spent: 2 hours per cave

Mammoth Site Museum

More than 26,000 years ago, dozens of woolly mammoths and other animals were trapped and died in a pond, which is now Hot Springs, SD.

The site was discovered during excavation for a housing development and is now preserved as an active dig site and public museum.

Mammoth Site Museum is fascinating and definitely worth seeing. There are hands-on dig experiences for children and knowledgeable guides that provide a fun and educational experience for the entire family.

General admission for Mammoth Site Museum is around $10 for adults, $7 for kids ages 4-12, and children 3 and under are free.

Time spent at Mammoth Site Museum: 1 – 2 hours

Black Hills Itinerary: Day 4

  • Visit the DC Booth Fish Hatchery and be sure to feed the fish and ducks while there.
  • Spend the day traveling through Spearfish Canyon stopping at ponds, rivers, and waterfalls.

Northern Black Hills

The last region to hit in this Black Hills itinerary is the region locals call the Northern Black Hills.

Here you’ll find many family-friendly things to do in the towns of Spearfish, Sturgis, Deadwood, and others.

Black Hills itinerary: DC Booth Fish Hatchery

Spearfish-DC Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery

We started off Day 4 by touring the beautiful grounds of the DC Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery.

DC Booth is one of the oldest operating hatcheries in the country dedicated to fish culture and resource management.

The hatchery covers ten park-like acres with paved walkways and lovely landscaping featuring flower gardens and sculptures. The grounds are well-maintained and very clean.

Attractions include ponds and “raceways” full of trout, a museum dedicated to fish culture, the historic home of the Booth family built in 1905, a boat and a railroad car that were used to transport fish, a cute gift shop, two hiking trails, and an underwater fish-viewing area.

Admission to t he hatchery grounds if free though they have quarter machines outside to buy food to feed the fish.

You can also buy bags of fish food in the gift shop for $1 or $2.

Time spent at DC Booth Fish Hatchery: 1 hour and 30 minutes

The Best Things to Do in the Black Hills with your Family featured by top US family travel blog, Travel with a Plan

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

Spearfish Canyon is a deep, but narrow gorge carved by the Spearfish River.

The 21-mile long Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway winds its way through the 1000-ft deep canyon and allows visitors a pristine view of multiple natural wonders.

Rock climbing, biking, hiking, and fishing are just a few of the activities that can be done throughout Spearfish Canyon. Our favorites were the up-close-and-personal encounters with the multiple waterfalls in the area.

Bridal Veil Falls, Roughlock Falls, and Spearfish Falls are all well worth the short walks to get to.

If you really want to discover the canyon off-of-the-beaten path, rent a bicycle or ATV at Spearfish Canyon Lodge.

Time spent: Several hours depending on how many stops you make.

Additional planning tip: To further customize your tour of the Northern Hills region, you can consider alternate stops at Devils Tower National Monument, the Black Hills Mining Museum in the town of Lead, or Bear Butte State Park in Sturgis.

Spearfish Canyon waterfall

Where to Stay When Visiting the Black Hills

Popular cities to lodge in during your Black Hills itinerary include Keystone, Hill City, and Custer , South Dakota.

We chose to stay in Rapid City, South Dakota. Rapid City has a central location, city-like conveniences (fast food, convenience stores, etc.), and an ample amount of lodging options.

Here, there is also a wide range of accommodation choices including family-friendly hotels, cabins, camping at campgrounds , or staying in vacation rentals .

Check here for the best deals on Rapid City hotels .

Black Hills Itinerary: Conclusion

We hope that this itinerary has provided you with fun inspiration for a Black Hills family vacation.

I recommend leaving your hotel by 8:00 or 9:00 AM every day and packing a picnic lunch on most days during your visit.

Similarly, be sure to pack a cooler with water and snacks to keep everyone content along the way.

Any Black Hills itinerary requires spending a lot of time spent in the car getting from place to place. It is worth consulting our essential road trip tips , and road trip food list to keep the kids calm and happy while traveling from place to place.

Would you add any other ‘must-dos’ to this Black Hills itinerary? Please comment below; we’d all love to hear from you! -Jen

*Before leaving, be sure to check our Travel Resources Page to find exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*

If you liked this post on our 4-Day Black Hills Itinerary , click here to check out our Related Posts:

  • 15 Best Things to do in the Black Hills with Kids
  • United States Bucket List: Places to See Before the Kids Leave the Nest
  • How to Master a Family Road Trip and Enjoy It Too
  • Our Ultimate Family Camping Checklist (with FREE printable!)
  • 3-Day Glacier National Park Itinerary For Families

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Jen Brommer is a family travel expert. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network.

A prominent content creator and influencer on Instagram, Jen has over 150K unique monthly blog readers from countries all over the world. She has spent the last 16 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5.

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Wow! This is amazing! I have done a lot of reading on places to go and things to do and this is by far my favorite. Any way you have this in PDF or word document form that I can print or customize/edit to our family? [email protected]

Thank you so much! I am so glad you found our Black Hills itinerary helpful! I don’t have a pdf, but hopefully you were able to take some notes and that you have an AWESOME trip!!

Jen, I’ve shared this post with three other people. THANK YOU for your detail–you are making our vacation plans a breeze!

Awesome! Thank you so much! I am so glad to hear this! Where are you going to next??

Great information! Thank you for adding approximately how long to plan to visit the sites so I can plan our days.

You are very welcome! I hope that you have a fabulous time!!

I am planning a trip out here this summer with my 2 kids. This is exactly what I have needed to finish the details. You have several things listed here that we want to do and now I know what days we should do which adventures!! Thanks so much for putting this together.

You are very welcome! I’m glad you found this article helpful! Have a great trip!!!

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travel black hills

25 Things To Do Black Hills, South Dakota

By: Author Robyn Robledo

Posted on Last updated: March 2, 2024

The Black Hills of South Dakota is a great destination for a vacation and even better for a road trip. One of the best parts of South Dakota’s Black Hills is that a large part of it is easily accessible for large RVs. This guide will help you plan where to go on your vacation, and what cities you can’t miss, highlight key attractions, and give you important beta on which roads to avoid if you do take a large RV into the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Patriotism has never meant more to me than it does right now, which is one of the many reasons we headed to South Dakota’s Black Hills. Plus, rock climbing Spearfish Canyon had been on our bucket list for a long time and we needed to establish residency in South Dakota as full-time RVers .

travel black hills

One reason you might want to consider visiting the Black Hills of South Dakota is for its diversity of outdoor adventures with way fewer crowds than the more popular national park areas like Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park .

South Dakota’s Black Hills

travel black hills

The Black Hills of South Dakota are gorgeous everywhere you look. The deep green forest broken up with towering limestone rock walls and meandering crystal clear blue streams will inspire your deepest sense of self while providing a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

While its mountains may not be as sharp and jagged as nearby Colorado or Wyoming , the mountains in the Black Hills still provide an opportunity to get a birds-eye view of the wilderness and more importantly, are home to a lot of wonderful wildlife.

Things to do Black Hills South Dakota Crow Peak

Who Will Love the Black Hills?

South Dakota was a perfect destination for our entire family. I’ll admit, that many of our previous travels have been hallmarked by a deep desire for intensity and challenge, but this trip was all about creating a travel lifestyle where everyone thrived.

The goal of our South Dakota Black Hills trip was to create a travel lifestyle where everyone thrived.

This meant driving a little less, staying longer in campgrounds, doing more realistic hikes that everyone could do, and finding groundedness and enlightenment in nature.

You can find some hardcore adventures in the Black Hills, but I found that the Black Hills are the type of place you go to nourish your soul and find inner peace.

South Dakota’s Black Hills provided us an escape from the fast-paced, rat-race driven life to a time where life moves in rhythm with the sun, where your wild heart roams free, and people still stop what they’re doing to ask how you are doing.

In this blog I hope to inspire you to prioritize a trip to the Black Hills. We’ve full time traveled for 5 years and it’s taken up this long to get here, but I wish it hadn’t .

How to Get To The Black Hills South Dakota

The Black Hills are bordered on the north by the town of Spearfish, on the east by Rapid City and Keystone, on the south by Hot Springs, and the west by the border of Wyoming. In the center lies Custer State Park and the small town of Hill City. Getting around the Black Hills is easy, even for large RV with two exceptions, highways 16A (also known as Iron Mountain Road) and Highway 87 known as the Needles Highway. 

If you are flying into the Black Hills, the closest airport is in Rapid City, which is home to a vibrant downtown with concerts and outdoor festivals year-round.

You might also want to check prices to fly in and out of Denver, Colorado or Billings, Montana. Victor met us for the South Dakota portion of our travels and we picked him up in Denver and then drove 6 hours to get to the Black Hills. We loved the Black Hills so much that we will be going back in a few weeks and will pick him up in Billings.

Black Hills South Dakota Weather

travel black hills

Things To Do in the Black Hills South Dakota

While for most, it’s the draw of Mount Rushmore that initially puts their attention on the Black Hills, there is so much more to this area than the famous National Monument. The Black Hills National Forest is made up of 1.25 million acres (seriously, that’s a lot of trees!), which means you have a ton of options when it comes to adventures in the outdoors.

1 | Mount Rushmore National Park

Things to do Black Hills South Dakota Mount Rushmore

Head to Mount Rushmore National Monument to see the incredible carvings of the 4 Presidents- Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. The patriot in me felt very moved when I finally was able to stand beneath the four carved iconic faces. You don’t need a lot of time here, but I do recommend hiking the Presidential Trail. It’s only about a mile or so long, but it does require hiking up a lot of stairs.

You may want to time your visit to Mount Rushmore for an evening time this summer to see the lighting of the faces. Check here for the current time of the ceremony.

2 | Jewel Caves National Monument

Jewel Caves National Monument is one of the two cave systems in the Black Hills area This one seemed more interesting to me because of the intricate maze of passages and beautiful colors in the cave. It was closed though so we will have to put it on the bucket list for the next time.

3 | Wind Caves National Park

Unfortunately, tours at Wind Caves National Park were closed due to elevator repairs so we didn’t get to go here either, but we’d love to check out this national park next time. It has the densest cave system in the world, is covered with rare boxwork formations, and is still growing.

Black Hills Travel Guidebook by Nomads With a Purpose

4 | Crazy Horse

The popular monument of Crazy Horse Memorial was cool to see from the highway, however, we again didn’t make time to stop and see it. From the little I researched it, I didn’t think it was worth the cost but others might still enjoy it.

5 | Custer State Park

Wildlife Viewing in Custer State Park

I loved Custer State Park so much that I’ve written an entire blog about it that you can read here .

Custer State Park can easily be crammed into half a day by just driving the Wildlife Loop, where there’s a good chance you’ll see hundreds of the 40,000 bison that roam the South Dakota grassland.

I loved staying inside the park for a few days. We saw so much wildlife just from our campground and the nature is beautiful and relaxing here. The grasslands of South Dakota are a hotspot for wildlife like bison, elk, deer, antelope, and prairie dogs. pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats.

Related Blog: 8 Awesome Things To Do in Custer State Park

6 | Hike at Sylvan Lake

Sylvan lake, Custer State Park

Besides driving the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park, you need to make time to hike at Sylvan Lake. There are two incredible hikes here, Sunday Gulch and Black Elk Peak. I loved them both! If you head that way, be sure to read our blog How to Hike Black Elk Peak and Little Devil’s Tower Loop .

7 | Cliff Jump at Hippie Hole

Cliff Jumping at Hippie Hole

We thought cliff jumping at Hippie Hole was one of the best things to do in the Black Hills. Hippie Hole is just minutes from Keystone and is a great little hike to do even if you don’t want to jump in or get wet.

8 | Drive Spearfish Canyon

travel black hills

The drive between Spearfish and Cheyenne Crossing provides you with epic views, outdoor adventures, fun hikes, and views of 3 beautiful waterfalls. If you are on a road trip, look into staying one night at the beautiful Spearfish Canyon Lodge. In the fall, Spearfish Canyon is a wonderful drive to see all the gorgeous trees changing colors.

9 | Rock Climb

Seriously, this is what brought us here. We’ve climbed all over the world and the incredible limestone rock of Spearfish is AWESOME! Spearfish Canyon isn’t the best for beginner climbers though so if you are just starting, check out the climbing in South Seas which is near Mount Rushmore.

Favorite routes in Spearfish Canyon: Chalk Stone (5.9), Totally Flaked (5.10a), Yippey-Kay-Yay (5.10b) Favorite routes in South Seas: Second Hand Rose Arete (5.6), Solitaire (5.7), Shark Bait (5.8)

Things to do Black Hills South Dakota Rock Climbing

10 | Devil’s Bathtub

A popular, and really fun trail to hike is Devil’s Bathtub. It’s only about a mile hike each way but in spring and early summer, it will require crossing the stream a few times (although on the way back I managed to find ways to avoid getting my shoes wet by crossing on tree branches and scaling the sides of the eroding cliffs). In the middle of summer this parking lot is packed so get here early!

Things to do Black Hills South Dakota Devil's Bathtub

11 | Spearfish Canyon Lodge

Spearfish Canyon is home to some amazing waterfalls and staying in Spearfish Canyon Lodge is a wonderfully romantic destination. It’s also perfect for those craving more adventure (other than rock climbing).

Related Blog: Spearfish Canyon Lodge: The Perfect Adventure Getaway in South Dakota’s Black Hills

Things to do Black Hills South Dakota Roughlock Falls

12 | Mountain Biking

South Dakota’s Black Hills has 400+ miles of excellent single-track trails with way fewer crowds than places like Bend or Moab. Extreme racing is also big here. There’s the Dakota Five-O, Black Hills Back40, and Black Hills Fat Tire Festival — all are renowned for their grueling rides through spectacular terrain. In the winter, try fat biking.

13 | George S. Mickelson Trail

Things to do Black Hills South Dakota Biking Michaelson Trail

This is the old railroad line between Deadwood and Edgemont and has been converted into a 109-mile packed gravel trail. You don’t have to be a hardcore mountain biker to ride this, nor do you have to do the entire thing.

There are 15 easily accessed trailheads. We chose to just ride a small portion of it from Dumont to Mystic trailheads, which was pretty much all downhill. The first section felt very Euopeanesque with rolling hillsides and pastureland and the second part felt like riding parts of Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain with large rock formations and tunnels to ride through.

Note that if you do the same section, getting to the Mystic Trailhead requires driving a well-maintained dirt road. Our 30” motorhome made it no problem however, it is a washboard so it does rattle things quite a bit inside the rig. Taking this back road allows you to see some beautiful areas of the Black Hills.

I only rode it with Gabi and Belle, but I think even Tati, my 9-year-old, could have done it but would’ve been a little slow for us. There’s a $3 daily use fee per person ages 12 and over.

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14 | Photograph Nature of Black Hills South Dakota

Wildlife loop in Custer State Park

We ended up with so many incredible pictures of wildlife and scenic vistas on our South Dakota vacation. Some of the best shots we got were along the Wildlife Loop, where Buffalo would walk up to your car (RV) and lick salt off it. Be careful though!

Other great photo opportunities here at Sylvan Lake, Horsethief Lake, and Cathedral Spires.

15 | Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway

Scenic-Drive-Black-Hills-3

The Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway is the most popular scenic drive in the Black Hills. Highways 16A, 244, 89 and 87 combine to create this route that includes Iron Mountain Road and the Needles Highway. .

Scenic-Drive-Black-Hills-2

If you are traveling in a RV larger than 10’9” wide and 10’9” high, you will need to stay on Highway 244 in order to avoid the numerous tunnels with height restrictions on Highway 87 and 16A.

Tunnels in Black Hills

16 | Black Elk Peak (or other rad trails)

Things to do Black Hills South Dakota Hiking

The Black Hills of South Dakota have a ton of great hikes. Its most famous is Black Elk Peak (formerly known as Harney Peak South Trail) which, at 7,242 feet, is the highest point east of the Rockies and west of the Pyrenees.

Related Blog: Best Hikes in South Dakota’s Black Hills

17 | Go Fishing

Someday we will become fishermen (women). Again, we travel too fast and spend way too much time hiking and climbing that we haven’t made time to learn to fish. However, I wish we had tried fly fishing when we were in the Black Hills.

Fishing is world-class here and takes you to some incredibly scenic destinations in South Dakota.

18 | Explore by Off-Roading

travel black hills

We had a wonderful time staying and playing at Spearfish Canyon Lodge and exploring the many rad off-road trails of the Black Hills of South Dakota. It’s great that you can rent a Razor right there at the lodge and explore so many miles of dirt roads instantly.

19 | Deadwood

Wild Bill Show at Saloon #10

Visiting the historic, wild west towns of the Black Hills is a must when traveling through South Dakota. While Deadwood is a bit touristy, it was still worth visiting for a day. Our favorite things to do in Deadwood include:

  • Days of ’76 Museum
  • Wild Bill shooting at Saloon #10
  • Old West shootout in front of the Franklin Hotel
  • Jacob’s restaurant

20 | Hill City

I also enjoyed the wild west town of Hill City. We had decent burgers at Desperados and there are a lot of great wineries along Highway 385 just a few miles outside of town. I recommend stopping at Prairie Berry Winery. Hill City makes a good home base since it is centrally located to some great hikes as well as Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Sylvan Lake.

21 | Go Camping

Oreville Campground, Best Campgrounds Black Hills, South Dakota

We love camping and the Black Hills has some of the best campgrounds we’ve ever been to. Not only are the national forest and state park campgrounds extremely affordable, and incredibly scenic, and most are spacious enough that they can accommodate large RVs. There are also plenty of resort-style RV parks to choose from. If you stay in Spearfish, be sure to check out our full review of the Spearfish Black Hills KOA .

Related Blogs: Best Campgrounds in the Black Hills of South Dakota

21 | Boat on Pactola Reservoir

Pactola-Lake-Black-Hills-1

One of our favorite campgrounds in the Black Hills is Pactola Reservoir because it fits big RV’s, has cell service, and you can boat on the beautiful lake. Boat rentals are available here too!

22 | Head to the Badlands

Things to do South Dakota Badlands

Last, while this is not technically in the Black Hills, most use a visit to the Black Hills as an opportunity to also explore Badlands National Park. The Badlands is famous for its stargazing and “magic hour” photography. We spent less than 24 hours in the Badlands and were able to capture a beautiful sunset, camp in the national park get in some night photography, and get going early to experience parts of the park on foot. I highly recommend the Badlands but did feel like one day was enough time for me.

23 | Reptile Garden

Reptile Gardens in Rapid City

My kid’s favorite attraction was the Reptile Garden. They loved the 80-year-old crocodile, the alligator pond with dozens of alligators, the prairie dog enclosure, and the huge land tortoises.

24 | Attractions For Kids

We tend to stick to outdoorsy adventures but if you have kids, you may want to check out these other popular attractions in the Black Hills:

  • Pan For Gold at Broken Boot Gold Mine or Big Thunder Gold Mine
  • Play on the ropes course at Rushmore Tramway Adventures
  • See bears at Bear Country USA
  • Younger children would love Storybook Island

25 | Devil’s Tower

Devil's Tower National Monument Wyoming

While not exactly in the Black Hills, if you’re going to visit South Dakota it’s worth the detour to check out this unique rock formation.

Download our Free Adventure Resource Bundle here and Black Hills Travel Guide here .

Best Hotels in the Black Hils South Dakota

Deadwood : Stay at the Springhill Suites by Marriott , which is on Main Street and only a 15-minute walk from the historic downtown area.

Rapid City : Stay at The Rushmore Hotel , a stylish and eco-friendly stay centered amongst the statues, restaurants, and nightlife (room rates from $65 a night in early May, up to $135 starting in June).

Spearfish : Stay in the heart of Spearfish at the Best Western Black Hills and walk to great restaurants.

Hill City: Stay at Harney Peak Inn located next door to a museum with dinosaur skeletons. It’s also a 1-minute walk from Twisted Pine Winery and a 2-minute walk from vintage steam engines at Black Hills Central Railroad.

Keystone: Stay at K Bar S Lodge . It’s a few miles outside of Keystone, but the scenery is gorgeous.

Before you go, make sure you have our Black Hills Travel Guide with free printables, offline maps, and more

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Sybil Blanton

Saturday 18th of March 2023

My husband and I did an 8600 mile trip in 2003 and included the black hills. We drove from Atlanta, GA to Reno, NV through New Orleans, Miss, Ark, Ok, NM, AZ, CA, NV. Stayed with MIL for a week and headed home through OR, Idaho, Wy, SD, Neb, Iowa, Ky, Tenn and then home to GA. We were gone for six weeks. We still talk about the trip. I am telling you this because we loved the traveling and if I wasn't 82 and he wasn't 80 we would do it again. I am so glad your children enjoy the traveling and hopefully they will take their kids. God Bless, Sybil

jim stengel

Friday 13th of May 2022

Wow! I can't believe you didn't stop at Crazy Horse! To really appreciate it you need history and perspective, and you can't get that from just driving by. It's really quite amazing and fun, I go there a couple of times a year and enjoy it every time I go. And don't skip the laser light show they have in the evenings, it's projected onto the memorial and is really quite impressive. Just the sheer size of the monument itself (all of Mt. Rushmore would fit into just the carved face of Crazy Horse) is mind boggling. Please go in next time, see the film they have, spend time in the center learning about it then you will see it all in a different light.

Sunday 22nd of May 2022

Will do! Thanks!

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Ultimate 5-Day Black Hills Road Trip Itinerary

The Black Hills with so many stunning sights to see and fun activities to do is the perfect destination for your next road trip. Ready for an epic adventure? Explore Mount Rushmore, visit charming small towns, and soak in the breathtaking beauty of South Dakota on this incredible 5-day Black Hills itinerary. It’s a classic American road trip!

Are the Black Hills worth visiting?

The Black Hills are absolutely worth visiting. They are known for their stunning natural beauty and variety of activities, attractions, and sights that make the area worth visiting. From exploring the Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park to iconic monuments like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse; there is something here to delight all travelers.

How many days should you spend in the Black Hills?

Depending on what activities and attractions you want to experience, the Black Hills can be enjoyed in as little as three days or as many as seven. The Black Hills are full of natural beauty and alluring attractions, making it hard to fit everything into a single trip.

What is the best time of year to visit the Black Hills?

The Black Hills have a wide range of activities and attractions available year-round, however, the best time to visit is summer. During this time, the days are long with pleasant temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures.

Businesses that close in the winter months are open for summer. You’ll be able to take advantage of all that the Black Hills has to offer in the summer season including exploring the Black Hills’ numerous hiking trails, lakes, and other natural attractions.

Where to Stay in the Black Hills

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Keystone is probably the best town to stay in during a visit to the Black Hills. Not only does it offer an abundance of activities and attractions but also has easy access to the major sites nearby.

Hill City is another great option if you’d like to stay in a small town. With its close proximity to the main attractions, this city boasts an idyllic atmosphere that is free from the hustle and bustle.

Searching for a place with a pool? Look no further than the Deadwood Lodge – it has an amazing water playground that adults and kids will love!

If you’re traveling on a budget or having a hard time finding a place within the Black Hills, then Rapid City just outside of the Black Hills is perfect for you. This is not only the largest town in the area but it also offers plenty of things to do in town.

5-Day Black Hills Road Trip Itinerary

A Black Hills itinerary should include exciting activities and iconic attractions plus time to just relax and take in this magical region. So explore the highlights of the Black Hills in this 5-day itinerary!

Day 1: Keystone and Hill City

Spend the first day of your Black Hills road trip visiting many of the iconic places it is known for.

Start your day at Mount Rushmore National Memorial . Explore the massive granite sculpture of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

Not only does the site offer beautiful views from the Grandview Terrace and Presidential Trail, but visitors can also learn about the history of the monument at the Visitor Center and Sculptor’s Studio.

Mount Rushmore National Monument day 1 of 5-Day Black Hills Road Trip Itinerary

If you are visiting during the warmer months, plan to come back to Mount Rushmore at the end of the day for the Evening Lighting Ceremony.

After you have viewed Mount Rushmore, check out the other sights in Keystone. For history buffs, spend some time at the Keystone Historical Museum, National Presidential Wax Museum, and Big Thunder Gold Mine .

Big Thunder Gold Mine

If you are traveling with kids or are a kid at heart, get an adrenaline rush at Rush Mountain Adventure Park or Rushmore Tramway Adventures. The Rush Mountain Adventure Park offers cave tours, an obstacle course, a mountain coaster, a zip ride, and an arcade. Rushmore Tramway Adventures offers an alpine slide, tubing hill, zipline, and a jump tower.

Once you are finished in Keystone, head northwest to Hill City. Hill City is a small town with a few attractions worth visiting.

The 1880 Train is an iconic attraction in the Black Hills that allows visitors to feel like they are traveling back in time. This vintage steam locomotive departs from Hill City and travels through some of South Dakota’s beautiful Black Hills scenery. After your ride, check out the South Dakota State Railroad Museum to learn more.

1880s Steam Train

The Black Hills Institute of Geological Research is a world-renowned center for the research, exploration, and education of the Black Hills geology and paleontology. The institute displays its impressive collection of fossils and minerals. If you are into bones, you won’t want to miss this!

Black Hills Institute of Geological Research

Day 2: Badlands National Park

Although Badlands National Park isn’t technically in the Black Hills, it should definitely be on your itinerary. It is a spectacular and fascinating landscape located a little over an hour from the Black Hills.

Badlands National Park is home to a variety of geological formations, wildlife, and stunning views.

Start your visit at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Plan on spending most of your day driving around the park and hiking. The park offers enough scenic drives and hiking trails to keep you busy all day.

Make sure to stay late or get there early to see a beautiful sunrise or sunset over the badlands. The orange glow over the landscape is something else.

Badlands National Park Sunrise

If you are into history, the nearby Minuteman Missile National Historic Site might interest you. Dive into the past and explore the fascinating story of the Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missile System, which played a major role in America’s Cold War history. Exhibits and a park film help to understand this captivating period.

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

A very touristy attraction lies in the town of Wall. Wall Drug opened in 1931 and has been enticing tourists ever since. The store has just about everything that you could think of. Kids especially love it.

Day 3: Custer State Park and Crazy Horse Memorial

Start day 3 of this 5-day Black Hills road trip itinerary at Custer State Park . From hiking trails to scenic drives, this 71,000-acre park has something for everyone.

custer state park

Enjoy scenic drives along Needles Highway with its towering granite spires and Iron Mountain Road with its pigtail bridges and tunnels carved through mountainsides. The Wildlife Loop will take you on a journey through the heart of the park where you can observe herds of bison roaming freely in their natural habitat.

Custer State Park Tunnel over road

Hiking enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either. There are trails ranging from easy to strenuous routes to explore the beauty of Black Hills nature up close.

For those wanting to spend some time on the water while visiting Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake is a must. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the beach, renting a non-motorized boat, and fishing.

Sylvan Lake

Once you have explored Custer State Park, head to the Crazy Horse Memorial . Despite being a work-in-progress, this mountain carving honoring Native Americans is stunning! This site also features an enlightening museum, providing visitors with knowledge about Native American culture and history.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Make sure to stay after dark to see the Legends in Light Laser Show. This spectacular display of laser light projections illuminates tales about Native American heritage and culture.

Day 4: Jewel Cave & Wind Cave

Day 4 of this 5-day Black Hills road trip itinerary is exploring two National Park Service cave sites: Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park.

Spend the first half of your day at Jewel Cave National Monument . It is currently listed as the third-longest cave system in the world. Visitors can explore this underground labyrinth on guided tours.

With 734 stairs to traverse, the Scenic Tour will take you on an awe-inspiring 1.5 hours of exploration through one of nature’s greatest masterpieces! This ½ mile loop is a must for any avid caver or explorer looking to see captivating formations.

Join the Discovery Tour for an unforgettable experience that lasts only 20 minutes and introduces you to this wonderful cave. A convenient elevator is available to both enter and exit the cave.

For something more special, sign up for the Historic Lantern Tour ! This rigorous tour lasts roughly two hours and covers about half a mile. You will be led through the historic entrance as your path is illuminated by only one lantern in your hand!

In addition to the cave below, there are also things to do above ground. At the Visitor Center , visitors can explore interactive exhibits and watch a park film about caves.

For hiking lovers, there are two trails to explore. The Roof Trail is an easy 1/4 mile loop that provides a magnificent view of the local wildlife and vegetation. Alternatively, the Canyons Trail presents adventurers with a 3.5-mile journey through an open meadow!

Roof Trail Jewel Cave

For the second half of your day, explore the beautiful Wind Cave National Park . Wind Cave is a stunning natural wonder in the Black Hills. This cave system was first discovered by explorers in 1881.

Wind Cave contains unique geological formations such as boxwork and frostwork which are rarely seen anywhere else in the world. The best way to explore this park is by taking a guided cave tour. The three most commonly offered cave tours are the Natural Entrance Tour, the Fairgrounds Tour, and the Garden of Eden Tour.

Wind Cave National Park

Grab a spot on the Natural Entrance Tour , lasting just over an hour and spanning 2/3 of a mile. Not only will you gain insight into the unique history of this cave system, but marvel at its boxworks – one of its most majestic features.

Take a challenging journey through the highest and mid-levels of the cave with the Fairgrounds Tour. Travel nearly two-thirds of a mile in 1.5 hours on this tour.

The Garden of Eden Tour is a quick, hour-long excursion, encompassing only 1/3 of a mile. They make it as simple and effortless as possible with an elevator to ascend and descend into the cave!

The park also offers visitors spectacular views above ground with its rolling hills, grasslands, and wildlife. It is home to bison, elk, pronghorn sheep, and other animals that roam the area freely. Visitors can explore the park on scenic drives or take advantage of one of many hiking trails for a closer look at this area’s beauty.

Wind Cave National Park Bull Bison

If you have time left in the day, the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs is worth considering. It is an active archeological site with one of the largest concentrations of mammoth remains in North America.

Day 5: Spearfish & Devil’s Tower

For the final day of this 5-day Black Hills road trip itinerary, drive a few hours to Wyoming to see the unique Devils Tower National Monument. It is the first National Monument ever established in the United States and is sure to be a highlight on any Black Hills itinerary!

Devils Tower National Monument Front Entrance Sign

Devils Tower is a geological wonder rising 867 feet. It stands as an impressive monolith of igneous rock and serves as a sacred site to many Native American tribes.

Visitors can explore Devils Tower via hiking trails or take part in ranger-led programs to learn more about its fascinating history and geology. The Tower Trail is an absolute must during your visit! This 1.3-mile paved loop takes you around the Tower in its entirety and offers a spectacular view from all angles.

Once you are done exploring Devils Tower, head back to South Dakota and stop in Spearfish. Learn about the history of the DC Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery , the history of the American West at the High Plains Western Heritage Center , or go for a swim at the Spearfish Rec & Aquatics Center .

 DC Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery

The next thing on the itinerary is to drive and explore the stunning Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway . The 20-mile byway runs from Spearfish in the north to Cheyenne Crossing in the south along Highway 14A.

The Spearfish Canyon Nature Area is a highlight along the byway. It features the breathtaking Roughlock Falls , Spearfish Falls , and the convenient-to-get-to 60-foot Bridal Veil Falls .

Is Deadwood worth a visit?

Deadwood tends to be on many lists of top places to see in the Black Hills. In my opinion, Deadwood isn’t worth a visit if you are planning a trip around outdoor activities and scenery. There are some historic places to see such as the Mount Moriah Cemetery where Wild Bill Hickok is buried or museums such as the Adams Museum. However, Deadwood does not have the outdoor experiences or sights of other Black Hills destinations.

What To Add If You Have More Time

Five days isn’t enough time to see everything that the Black Hills has to offer. If you have more time to explore, there are definitely enough things to do to fill up your itinerary. Check out my article, Things to Do in the Black Hills , for a more comprehensive list of things to do in the area.

Also, I didn’t include Rapid City in this itinerary. Rapid City is next door to the Black Hills and has a long list of great and interesting things to do while there. Consider spending a day or two exploring the town.

If you are more interested in history or vehicles than the outdoors, a day spent in Deadwood and Sturgis might be for you. Deadwood has its Wild West history. Sturgis has the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame , Saab Heritage Car Museum , and Fort Mead .

Final Thoughts on This 5-Day Black Hills Itinerary

This 5-Day Black Hills Itinerary offers a variety of activities for all types of travelers. With so many incredible sights and attractions within such close proximity, it’s easy to see why the Black Hills is one of America’s favorite destinations! So grab your camera, pack your bags, and hit the open road – The Black Hills will amaze you with its natural wonders!

  • For more information on South Dakota, check out these posts.
  • Things to Do in the Black Hills with Kids
  • Visiting Badlands National Park with Kids: Ultimate Guide
  • Laura Ingalls Wilder- De Smet, South Dakota

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Caitlin is a passionate traveler and the founder of Twin Family Travels, a blog helping families with planning trips both big and small. As a mom of twins, Caitlin loves spending time together as a family. She finds joy in discovering new places from day trips to far-away destinations. Hiking beautiful trails and meandering through museums are some of her favorite ways to spend her time. She provides valuable tips and recommendations that assist others in planning wonderful travel experiences.

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40 things to do in the black hills: the ultimate summer guide.

Cathedral Spires in South Dakota

Are you planning a trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota? Get travel inspiration with the 40 best things to do during your summer vacation or road trip. Continue reading for ideas on outdoor activities as well as local attractions, including hiking, camping, swimming, stargazing, sightseeing, touring bucket list national parks, and panning for gold. Plan an unforgettable summer road trip to the Black Hills.

Growing up in South Dakota, the Black Hills is a place I call home. So you are in for a treat. We are sharing all the best things to do in the Black Hills!

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Reason the Black Hills Are Called the Black Hills

First, a little history…

The Black Hills are an island in the sky, meaning they have a higher elevation than the rest of South Dakota and the surrounding prairie Midwest. Though the Black Hills are of higher elevation resembling the Rocky Mountains in ways, they are not geologically part of the Rocky Mountains. In fact, the Black Hills (Hills) have claim as the oldest mountain range in the United States.

From a distance, the Hills are dark and look black. The Black Hills got their name from the Lakota Native American tribe, referring to the Black Hills as Paha Sapa . Paha Sapa translates respectively to “hills that are black.” The Black Hills are home to evergreen pine-covered forests, which gives them a dark look from a distance.

The tallest point in the Black Hills is Black Elk Peak . Black Elk Peak was renamed in 2015 after the Holy Oglala Lakota Medicine Man, Black Elk. Black Elk Peak reaches an elevation of 7,242 feet (2,207 meters). The peak is the highest point in the U.S., east of the Rockies. It is a sacred place to visit in the Hills.

The Black Hills of South Dakota are rich with wild-west history and ancient geology. Spending time in the Hills is truly special. In this article, we’ll talk about all the things to see in the Black Hills and Black Hills National Forest. Now, onto the 40 best things to do in the Black Hills during the summer!

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The Black Hills of South Dakota make for the ultimate summer vacation. There are many outdoor things to do, such as sightseeing, hiking, camping, gold panning, and visiting multiple national parks.

Get your annual America the Beautiful National Park pass before your trip! Save time in the lines and purchase your pass from REI!

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The Black Hills of South Dakota is home to Mount Rushmore National Monument , Jewel Cave National Monument, and Wind Cave National Park. You can check three national parks off of your life bucket list in one vacation!

First, we’ll begin with a guide to the Southern Hills (Hot Springs area) and work our way to the Northern Hills (towards Spearfish).

Black Hills South Dakota Map

Hot Springs Attractions – Southern Hills

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Hot Springs is one of the main towns in the Southern Hills. It is recognized for Evans Plunge, Mammoth Site, and Wind Cave National Park.

1. Soak in the Evans Plunge Hot Springs Pool

Hot Springs, South Dakota, is home to natural hot springs. Spend a few hours soaking and relaxing at Evans Plunge, famed for being one of the Black Hills’ oldest attractions.

2. Hot Springs, SD Mammoth – Visit Mammoth Site

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Mammoth Site is a dig site and museum with fossils of Mammoths from the Late Ice Age. It is an interesting and highly educational place to visit, especially if you’d like to see ancient Mammoth bones!

3. Tour Wind Cave National Park

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It is extraordinary that the Black Hills are home to multiple natural wonder karst and cave systems. Both Wind Cave and Jewel Cave are unique and internationally recognized caves worth visiting on your Black Hills, South Dakota vacation. Go for an unforgettable tour underground and explore Wind Cave .

4. Keep a Lookout for Buffalo

The older buffalo like to hang out in Wind Cave, where there are rolling hills and prairie land. You cannot visit the Black Hills without seeing buffalo!

Local secret – when visiting, if you don’t see buffalo during your visit to Custer State Park, try your luck near Wind Cave .

Next, we’ll head further north in the Hills into the Custer area. Continue reading to learn more about Custer State Park.

Custer Area – Activities in the Black Hills

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Custer is a famous small town in the Black Hills. It is recognized for its “Hollywood-like” Custer sign, Jewel Cave National Monument, and Crazy Horse Memorial.

It is also the gateway town to Custer State Park , full of fantastic hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

5. Visit the Town of Custer

Visit Custer, my hometown. Stop downtown to grab a local bite to eat and walk this historic wild west town.

Custer was established in 1875. It is also famous for being named after George Armstrong Custer, who discovered gold in French Creek. You can walk the Mickelson trail through town along French Creek.

Artsy buffalo art sculptures line the main street along with local shops and restaurants. Be sure to keep a lookout for the buffalo. The sculptures make for fun Instagram photos!

6. Hike to the Custer Sign

Custer has its own version of the “Hollywood sign.”

The Custer sign is an iconic emblem of the town. Be sure to check it out up close or from afar. You can hike to the Custer sign. The sign is such a local icon.

7. Explore Custer State Park

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Custer State Park is home to all kinds of mountain wildlife, such as deer, turkey, elk, bighorn sheep, white mountain goats, and mountain lions.

The park also has feral burros, which used to pack the gear to the Black Elk Peak fire lookout long ago. The most notable things to do in the park are to see the herds of buffalo roaming. Keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready to see these magnificent animals.

Custer State Park has outdoor activities galore such as camping, swimming, fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, and sightseeing. There are many lakes to choose from in the park; a little more on all of this below.

8. Attend the Buffalo Roundup and Festivities

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One of the most unique activities in Custer State Park is the annual buffalo roundup.

Later in the summer or early fall ( depending on how you look at it since South Dakota doesn’t really have a fall ), the roundup has a chili cook-off and outdoor arts festival.

If you’re visiting during late September, check out the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks website for details on where you can attend the annual buffalo roundup.

9. Camp in Custer State Park and the Black Hills

In Custer State Park, there are nine campgrounds to explore. Each campground offers different aspects and views.

There is plentiful camping all over the Black Hills in the Black Hills National Forest as well as in privately owned camping facilities.

10. Camp at Center Lake in Custer State Park

One of the quiet, more secluded campgrounds in Custer State Park is Center Lake. It is close to the Black Hills Playhouse Theater.

11. Have a Beach Day at Center Lake in Custer State Park

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Whether you are camping or just headed to the beach for a day, be sure to check out Center Lake in Custer State Park. It has a beautiful and quiet beach.

12. Hit the Beach at Stockade Lake in Custer State Park

Stockade Lake in Custer State Park is another great lake to spend the afternoon. Enjoy lake activities such as boating, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, or kayaking . There is also a campground. Enjoy this mountain lake close to Custer by the main west entrance to Custer State Park. Stockade Lake is right off the highway, easy to see, and easy to access.

13. Swim and Discover Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park

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Sylvan Lake is another iconic lake in Custer State Park. It is surrounded by large granite rocks and clear mountain water and is the gateway to Needles Highway .

One of the main trailheads for hiking Black Elk Peak and exploring the Black Elk Wilderness Area is also accessible from Sylvan Lake.

14. Hike Black Elk Peak and Explore Black Elk Wilderness Area

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Put hiking Black Elk Peak and exploring the Black Elk Wilderness Area on your South Dakota bucket list. A local favorite, the views and hike to the top of the lookout tower will take your breath away, quite literally, too. As we said earlier, Black Elk Peak is the highest point in South Dakota.

Read more information about hiking Black Elk Peak from Sylvan Lake trail #9 to plan your trek!

Hiking is one of the best things to do in the Black Hills National Forest.

15. Drive Needles Highway

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Take a stunning scenic drive through the Black Hills along the winding road of the Needles Highway.

Keep your eyes peeled for white mountain goats and the famous granite pinnacles. Be sure to stop at the lookouts along the way.

16. Hike Sunday Gulch Trail

While you are in the Sylvan Lake area, hike the Sunday Gulch trail. It is a beautiful hike over streams through the Black Hills forest. It is an excellent alternative if you don’t have time to hike to the top of Black Elk Peak.

17. Enjoy Stargazing in the Black Hills

Whether you are camping or staying in a hotel, condo, Airbnb, or Vacation Rental by Owner (VRBO), be sure to step outside at night and take in the breathtaking night sky.

Since the Black Hills have a fairly rural population, the bright night sky will mesmerize you unless you are in the town lights. Don’t forget to look for the Big Dipper. It is easy to spot!

18. Tour Jewel Cave National Monument

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West of Custer is another natural treasure. Jewel Cave National Monument is the third-largest cave in the world. Don’t miss Jewel Cave on your Black Hills, South Dakota vacation. Take a tour and be awed by one of the natural wonders of the world. Get more information about exploring Jewel Cave and Wind Cave .

I did a college summer internship with the National Park Service at Jewel Cave. It is truly spectacular!

19. Visit Crazy Horse Memorial

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Just north of Custer, you can visit Crazy Horse Memorial . The Memorial has a mission to protect and keep the North American Indian culture alive and protected. Along with the iconic mountain sculpture of Crazy Horse, there is a campus full of history and culture.

Hill City Attractions – Heart of the Black Hills

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Known as the heart of the Hills because it is roughly in the middle of the Black Hills, Hill City is also known for the 1880 train.

It is relatively close to Mountain Rushmore, making it a summer hot spot. There are a few wineries and breweries in the area as well to point out.

20. Visit the Town of Hill City

Bop around the main town strip for local shopping and dining.

21. Ride the 1880 Train

Open seasonally, take a trip along the Black Hill Central Railroad on the 1880 train . Riding the train is fun for folks of all ages.

22. Stop by the Wineries & Breweries in Hill City

Plan a fun afternoon outing and head to Prairie Berry Winery in Hill City for wine tasting. Next door is a brewery. Sit on the patio, enjoy the day, and enjoy the views. Take some wine home to go for later! This is one of our favorite things to do in the Black Hills when we visit.

Keystone Area – Things To Do in the Black Hills, SD

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Specifically known for being close to Mount Rushmore and as an old gold mining town, make visiting the Keystone area high on your list of things to do in the Black Hills.

Drive Iron Mountain Road, wind through the Pigtail Bridges, and tour Rushmore Cave. If you feel the need for speed ( Top Gun movie reference), check out the Alpine slide.

23. Visit Keystone

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As we were saying, Keystone is an old mining town turned resort-tourist town. It is most notably known as the closest town down the mountain from Mount Rushmore. Tucked between the hills and tall evergreens, Keystone has an old-west feel.

Explore the main street, local gift shops, and restaurants with an old wild west gold mining ambiance. The drive to and from Keystone is incredible. Bask in the beautiful Black Hills scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of Mount Rushmore between the trees!

24. Ride the Alpine Slide or Zipline

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Rushmore Tramway Adventures is a tourist attraction in Keystone with a massive slide going through the hills. It is super fun! While you are there, check out the chairlift and zip-line if you are up for adrenaline-filled fun post your visit to Mount Rushmore.

25. Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial

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Mount Rushmore is known for being one of the best things to do in the Black Hills of South Dakota! Check visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial off your life bucket list and see the iconic monument of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Mount Rushmore is more than sculptures on the mountainside. You have to see for yourself!

If you’re visiting during the 4th of July, you might be in for an epic firework display. Check schedules, though. Often the firework display is canceled due to seasonal fire danger.

Mount Rushmore gets super busy. We recommend visiting earlier in the day to beat the crowds.

26. Pan for Gold in the Black Hills

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While you’re in Keystone, book a tour to pan for gold. Panning for gold is an iconic activity and one of the most fun things to do in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Be sure to check out Big Thunder Gold Mine .

27. Drive Iron Mountain Road & the Pigtail Bridges

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Take a scenic drive along Iron Mountain Road. Closer to Keystone and Mountain Rushmore is where you’ll find the pigtails. This scenic drive is full of hidden gems including tunnels, switchbacks, curves, and the pigtails. Add this to your list of things to do in the Black Hills, SD!

28. Tour Rushmore Cave

Closer to Keystone and Mount Rushmore, Rushmore Cave is another cave in the Black Hills known for its stalactites. Privately owned, a one-hour tour through the Pahasapa limestone will show you incredible geologic formations.

Lead-Deadwood Area – Twin Cities of the Black Hills

deadwood-south-dakota

Did you know South Dakota has twin cities? Heading further north in the Black Hills, check out Lead and Deadwood.

Lead is touted for being another “mile-high” city (like Denver), and Deadwood is world known for its wild west charm and gambling scene.

A gorgeous section of the Mickelson Trail goes through this area as well. And if you’re a runner, the famous Deadwood marathon and half-marathon are a must every June.

Plan on visiting in the winter? Well, there is even a local ski resort, Terry Peak.

29. Discover Deadwood’s Wild West Charm & Gambling

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Full of iconic wild-west history, legendary names such as Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok are known to have frequented the area. Spend some time wandering the cobblestone streets or test your luck gambling. In fact, a trip to Deadwood is about as exciting as a trip to Las Vegas .

30. Walk or Bike the Mickelson Trail Through the Black Hills

A 109-mile-long historic trail through the Black Hills is a must-see. You can access the path from 15 different trailheads. Though it runs through the majority of the Black Hills, we put the Mickelson Trail under the Deadwood area for ease of access and the Deadwood marathon summer event.

Check out the map of the George S. Mickelson Trail .

31. Run the Deadwood Mickelson Marathon & Half-Marathon

If you are a runner or walker, add the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon or half-marathon to your bucket list. The race route goes through some of the most beautiful sections along the Mickelson Trail from Rochford to Deadwood, South Dakota.

32. Check Out Terry Peak Ski Resort

In case you visit the Black Hills during winter, there is a ski resort! You can still drive up the mountain and hike around during the summer as well.

Next, we will continue heading further north in the Hills to Spearfish from Deadwood.

Black Hills Travel Spearfish, SD – Northern Black Hills

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You can get to Spearfish going further north from Deadwood or the Rapid City area.

Spearfish is known for the beautiful Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway Drive. Stop and check out the waterfalls while you’re there.

33. Drive Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

Spearfish Canyon is older than the Grand Canyon . Drive the scenic byway and find incredible hikes. Spearfish Canyon is magnificent to drive through during the fall if you’d like to see changing foliage.

34. Visit & Hike to Spearfish Canyon Waterfalls

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Hike to waterfalls in Spearfish Canyon. There are a few hikes to explore. For example, hike to see Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Sturgis Area – Northern Black Hills

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Also located on the edge of the Northern Hills, Sturgis is famous for hosting the annual Sturgis Biker Rally . It is one of the closest towns to Bear Butte and Bear Butte State Park.

35. Head to the Sturgis Biker Rally

Beginning the second week in August annually, if you are into motorcycles, people from all over the world gather and attend the Sturgis Biker Rally . The rally hosts hundreds of thousands of bikers annually, along with headliner music entertainment. If you like to party or are considering getting a tattoo, Sturgis is your place!

36. Hike Bear Butte Sacred Mountain

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For peaceful outdoor adventures, spend an afternoon hiking to the top of Bear Butte . This geologic formation formed millions of years ago in the Black Hills. Bear Butte is an extremely special and sacred mountain for many American Indian tribes.

Rapid City Area – Things to Do in the Black Hills

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Rapid City is the largest city on the western side of South Dakota. It has all your creature comforts, such as the airport, chain shopping, hospitals, schools, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, and the Dinosaur Park.

As you drive south into the Black Hills from Rapid City towards Mount Rushmore, you’ll pass Reptile Gardens, Bear Country USA, and the Cosmos Mystery Area.

37. Visit Dinosaur Park in Rapid City

Check out the Dinosaur Park on the hill in Rapid City. It is a fun local attraction. Seven dinosaurs are overlooking Rapid City.

38. Tour Reptile Gardens

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Reptile Gardens is a neat activity to do whether you are a local with families or are visiting on vacation. It is south of Rapid City, South Dakota. Reptile Gardens transports you to the jungle. It is a conservation home to animals, reptiles, and botanical gardens.

39. Drive Through Bear Country USA

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Though the Black Hills are no longer home to a thriving wild bear population (except for unique and rare visits from other mountain ranges) , you can see bears at Bear Country USA.

It is located on your way into the Hills from Rapid City. Bear County is a neat family-friendly drive-through park.

40. Experience an Optical Illusion at Cosmos Mystery Area

Cosmos Mystery Area will take you touring through optical illusion architecture. You’ll be wondering which way is truly up! Go on a tour and have a unique experience.

Summary: 40 Best Things To Do in the Black Hills

travel black hills

The Black Hills of South Dakota is rich with wild-west history and ancient geology. All in all, spending time in the Hills is incredibly special full of wild west charm and natural wonders.

If you’re looking for an exciting summer road trip destination, the Black Hills of South Dakota should be at the top of your list. This beautiful area is home to some of America’s most stunning landscapes and attractions, including Mount Rushmore National Monument, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park. So, pack up the car and head out on a fun-filled adventure in the heart of the American West – you won’t regret it!

Enjoy your summer trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota!

Ashlee + Pablo

Read More From The Happiness Function

Planning a road trip to the Black Hills?

  • How to Hike Black Elk Peak From a Local
  • How to Visit Mount Rushmore Local’s Guide
  • 10 Best National & State Parks in South Dakota
  • South Dakota Bucket List: 37 Best Things To Do in South Dakota This Summer

We Want To Hear From You!

When are you going to the Black Hills? If you have already been, what was your favorite Black Hills attraction?

Featured Image Credit: keeweeboy/ Depositphotos.com .

things to do in the Black Hills of South Dakota

Ashlee Fechino

16 comments.

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I never knew my state had so many things to do!

Thanks for this article.

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Thank you for reading. Have a great day!

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This post made me so happy! My parents were actually married in the Black Hills, and my family lived in South Dakota when I was born. I’ve been to the Black Hills only once but I was in high school so it’s definitely time for a return visit.

Hi Catherine! What a beautiful share. Thank you. A return visit to the Black Hills with the family during the summer sounds in order!

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Mount Rushmore is on my to-do list so this is a great resource. Thanks!

Hi Jamie – visiting Mount Rushmore will be wonderful. Hope this inspires your trip to the Black Hills!

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This is such a great guide! I am actually planning a trip to South Dakota this upcoming summer, so definitely keeping this article handy. 🙂 It looks so beautiful there.

Hi Taylor – awesome! I hope you have a wonderful trip to visit the Black Hills.

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I love how many things there are to do here apart from visit Mount Rushmore!

Hi Krista! Indeed. There are so many things to do in the Black Hills!

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This is such a great list of ideas! We went to Mt Rushmore a few years ago and had a blast! We were surprised that there was SO much to do!

Hi Megan – It is great you have been to visit Mount Rushmore. There is so much history in the Black Hills.

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What a detailed list of things to do in the Black Hills! We visited Mt. Rushmore, but didnt have enough time to do much else. I know we missed a lot, so I’m hoping to return in the summer. Will use this as a guide – thank you!

Hi Margie – how awesome! Hope you can make it back. There are so many things to do in the Black Hills!

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Wow, what an incredible list of things to do in the Black Hills! A visit to Mount Rushmore is on my bucket list, but it looks like I’ll need a lengthy stay to see the best of the area! There are some incredible hikes listed here, I’d love to try them out to admire the incredible landscape! Thanks for the great guide!

Hi Hannah – thanks for reading. The Black Hills are truly spectacular. Hope you can make it for a visit!

things to do in the Black Hills of South Dakota

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Road Trip: The Black Hills of South Dakota

Let the stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife of South Dakota surprise your senses.

The southwest corner of South Dakota surprises with stunning landscapes, rich history, and abundant wildlife.

For East and West Coasters, South Dakota is squarely within flyover country. But when ground travel was the only option, this was the Grand Central Station of the American West. Lewis and Clark passed through, Crazy Horse fought for freedom, and an 1876 gold rush in the Lakota-owned Black Hills created a miner's camp known as Deadwood that lured frontiers woman Calamity Jane and gunslinger Wild Bill Hickok. After a long, prairie-flat preamble in the east, western South Dakota abruptly changes into two beautiful but distinct landscapes, the striated, fossil-rich sedimentary buttes of the Badlands, and the nearby mountains so thick in evergreens that the native Lakota called them paha sapa —hills that are black. Following a lopsided figure-eight drive of about 350 miles (563 kilometers), with Rapid City at the junction, packs a best-of-the-west itinerary with a variety of sights, Wild West towns, free-ranging wildlife, and the iconic expression of American democracy, Mount Rushmore. Originally carved to get motorists out to South Dakota, the monument draws some three million visitors annually. "People come to see Mount Rushmore but what they discover is how beautiful everything else is," says Mary Kopco, director of the Adams Museum and Historic Adams House in Deadwood.

Start at Rapid City

Heading east from Rapid City on I-90, take Exit 131 to the northeast entrance of Badlands National Park (tel. 1 605 433 5361; www.nps.gov/badl ). The Badlands State Scenic Byway drops immediately beside the park's serrated sandstone spires, which are banded in layers of purple, red, and orange rock that indicate their age. The quarter-mile Window Trail acquaints hikers with the striped sediment, though you'll see more wildflowers and rock-nesting swallows on the less-traveled Castle Trail across the road. The park's Ben Reifel Visitor Center introduces park geology and stories of human habitation, including tales about 19th-century homesteaders who tried to farm the arid land. Tucked below a butte just south of the park border, Circle View Guest Ranch ( www.circleviewranch.com ) offers intrepid travelers a chance to bunk down like a homesteader in a rustic 1889 cabin.

Prairie Dog Town

Most park goers take the exit for the town of Wall back on the highway, but an off-the-beaten-path sight warrants visiting. Follow the gravel Sage Creek Rim Road to Prairie Dog Town, where the social rodents sit perched atop their burrows throughout the day despite the presence of nearby bison.

In Wall, billboard advertiser Wall Drug Store (tel. 1 605 279 2175; www.walldrug.com ) has been attracting drivers with promises of "free ice water" since 1931. The most self-promotional tourist trap in the West now stocks quality camping gear and $500 Lucchese cowboy boots, but you can still get their classic souvenir "jack-a-lope" (a mounted hare's head with antelope-like antlers), polished fossils, and sheriff's badges along with that ice water.

Mount Rushmore National Monument

Heading back toward Rapid City, swing south via Highway 16 to Mount Rushmore National Monument (tel. 1 605 574 2523; www.nps.gov/moru ), where sculptor Gutzon Borglum, the original artist assigned to carve Stone Mountain in Georgia, immortalized Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt on a 5,725-foot-tall (1,745-meter-tall) stone mountain. The Presidential Trail provides dramatic views from the foot of the mountain and passes the sculptor's studio, where rangers offer talks on how 400 men and women blasted, chiseled, and smoothed the monument for 14 years with no fatalities.

Custer State Park

A tangle of winding mountain roads leads to and away from Rushmore, but don't miss Iron Mountain Road (Hwy. 16A), which wriggles around the granite spires and through tunnels that frame the monument in the rearview mirror. The road takes a western turn within Custer State Park ( http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/custer/default.aspx ), 71,000 preserved acres (28,733 preserved hectares) of granite, pine, and prairie. Drive the park's 18-mile (29-killometer) Wildlife Loop Road, where grasslands support a herd of 1,500 bison in addition to pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. About halfway along the route, get out and view the summer wildflower displays from the three-mile (five-kilometer) Prairie Trail.

Needles Parkway

Refuel in Custer, on the western edge of the park via Highway 16, at Sage Creek Grill (tel. 1 605 673 2424), which makes the region's best buffalo burger. Back in the park, drive the stunning 13-mile (21-kilometer) Needles Highway, which threads the namesake granite spires in a series of dizzying twists and turns. Look for the roadside turnoff at the Cathedral Spires Trail for a three-mile (five-kilometer) round-trip hike through ponderosa pines and granite boulders. At the edge of the mountain, enjoy views of 7,242-foot (2,207-meter) Harney Peak, the state's tallest mountain.

Crazy Horse Memorial

  • Nat Geo Expeditions

Emerging from the park, head west to Custer, then north five miles (eight kilometers) to the still-under-construction Crazy Horse Memorial ( www.crazyhorse.org ). The Native American answer to Rushmore commemorates the 19th-century Lakota warrior who fought to preserve traditional tribal values. In the visitors center, tribal craftspeople create and sell beaded jewelry and wood carvings.

Northbound 385 leads straight into the honky-tonk town of Deadwood, where Old Style Saloon #10 (657 Main St.; tel. 1 605 578 3346; www.saloon10.com ) stages daily reenactments (during the summer) of Wild Bill Hickok's murder at the poker table. Visitors can play a hand at the gaming tables themselves.

The winding scenic roads along this route—from the ridge-crossing Badlands Byway to the granite-cut Needles Highway—are engineering marvels, making this part of the state a road-tripper's rapture. If driving is the only way to see the Black Hills and Badlands region, the best way to get there is the small but efficient airport at Rapid City. Four days allow for hiking in these unique landscapes while also hitting the area's many highs. The best times to drive this route are summer, late spring, or early fall. For local weather conditions, see www.weather.com .

—Text by Elaine Glusac, adapted from National Geographic Traveler

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Home » Itineraries » Black Hills Scenic Byway

Black Hills Scenic Byway

Explore paha sapa – hills that are black.

Although the Blacks Hills were the first area of Wyoming to be explored, in many ways they were also the last. Joseph and Francois Verendrye, French-Canadian explorers, visited portions of Montana and northeastern Wyoming as early as 1743, but it wasn’t until the railroad arrived that the area became home to more than a few trappers and stockmen. To these early venturers, the Black Hills seem to rise out of nowhere, peeking their heads out of the vast expanse of the Great Plains. Covered in millions of acres of evergreen trees, the hills appear very dark from a distance, hence the name black; a stark contrast to the serene, open grasslands that spread before you. The beauty belies the 1.8 billion year old volcanic activity, and an untold amount of wind and rain that gave the Hills their signature angles and tilts. Very important in the lives of Native Americans in the area, the Sioux and Cheyenne believe the Black Hills were the axis mundi, or sacred center of the world, and the Lakota assigned the name, “Pahá Sápa,” or “hills that are black.” You can enjoy this incredible landscape on the Black Hills Scenic Byway, 46 stunning miles of panoramic vistas that serve as the western gateway to the Black Hills National Forest. Curve through fantastic rock formations and over tumbling streams as bighorn sheep, American bison, and three-toed woodpeckers pop out from behind the Ponderosa pines.

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My 13 Favorite Stops In The Black Hills Of South Dakota

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  • Destinations
  • South Dakota
  • United States

South Dakota recalls images of heads of past presidents, Kevin Costner’s wild experiences, and blustery long-haired easy riders on noisy motorcycles. All of this can still be found in the Black Hills of South Dakota, but there is so much more.

During a crossroad period during my middle age years of deciding what I wanted to be when I grew up, I moved to Rapid City to be closer to my family. Retirement loomed ahead, and my husband and I began our search for a final home in these beautiful hills full of Ponderosa pines, natural shimmering lakes, and rugged wildlife.

For the next ten years, we followed the Black Hills trend of Sunday afternoon day trips. Along the way, we discovered unique Black Hills places that have been around for many years because the locals love and support them long after the tourist season is over.

Here are a few of my favorite places, in no particular order.

The bison corrals at Custer State Park

1. Bison Corrals At Custer State Park

Ok, maybe I will list my very favorite spot first since the place and event occur only once a year with a short window to see young bison calves frolicking with their mothers up close. The annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival takes place every October when thousands of bison are rounded up the old fashion way, with cowboys on horses. While corralled for a few weeks, the bison are checked for illnesses and new calves tagged before being released to freely roam their 71,000-acre home. The corrals are located on Wildlife Loop drive.

Pro Tip: Many bison roam freely near the corrals until they are all released. Do not feed or get out of your vehicle — they are very protective of their young.

2. Iron Mountain Road Tunnels

On Highway 16A just south of Mount Rushmore is a hair-raising serpentine road named Iron Mountain Road with three mountain tunnels. Take your time and watch for distant views of Mount Rushmore as you leave a few of the tunnels. More of these tunnels are in the nearby Custer State Park.

The Cathedral Spires trailhead at Custer State Park

3. Custer State Park Hiking Trails

Cathedral spires trail.

There are so many wonderful hiking trails throughout the Black Hills area that it is difficult to select a favorite, but the Cathedral Spires trail in Custer State Park is pretty close to perfection. This trail’s difficulty level is strenuous, but the views are well worth the climb up and back for 2.3 miles. The spires are a registered National Natural Landmark and are named for their resemblance to organ pipes in a cathedral.

Sylvan Lake Trail

My next favorite trail is a short hike around Sylvan Lake located also within Custer State Park. This is also a wonderful place to kayak. The trail snakes between mighty rock formations but is an easy path and much of the trail is wheelchair accessible. Take a few minutes to step inside the beautiful Sylvan Lake Lodge for a nice tour of the lobby lined with western art.

The rustic Blue Bell Lodge offers hearty cuisine in cowboy style.

4. Home On The Range Cuisine

If you’re in Custer State Park during lunch, stop at the Blue Bell Lodge located along the Wildlife Loop next to the horse camp. Chuck-wagon cookouts and hayrides have been a tradition for many years during the summer. However, if you’re in between cookouts, stop in the rustic log café for delicious bison chili or rattlesnake sausage, and have a drink at the bar that uses saddles as bar stools.

Historic Fort Meade barracks with Bear Butte Mountain in the background

5. Fort Meade VA Medical Center

A former United States Army post active from 1878 until 1944, Fort Meade is located near Sturgis and is currently the Black Hills Veteran Health Administration. Designated a National Historic District, the prominent red brick buildings scattered over acres between oak and cottonwood trees still tell the story of our military’s role in securing our freedom, for more than one war. It is one of the most beautiful historic forts in the nation, and where the Star Spangled Banner was sung for the first time at a military institution in 1892, long before it became our national anthem. It is the perfect place to relax and eat a picnic lunch while touring the Black Hills.

Pro Tip: The inspirational Black Hills National Cemetery is only a few miles away and also worth a stop to honor our soldiers, especially during Memorial Day when flags are placed on each grave. 

The George Mickelson Trail is a favorite spot for hikers, cyclists, and backpackers.

6. George S. Mickelson Trail

A goal of many South Dakotans is to hike or bike the entire 109 miles of the George S. Mickelson Trail during their lifetime. Using an old railroad track to guide the trail’s direction, the 10-foot-wide trail starts in Deadwood and ends in Edgemont, meandering along the wide-open prairie, shaded mountain valleys, clear cold creeks, and Ponderosa pine forests. There are four hard rock tunnels, abandoned cabins, forgotten cemeteries, and a few ghost mines along the way. The trail is very popular with serious cyclists and backpackers who can purchase overnight permits.

Pro Tip: Grab a detailed map of the trail from the Black Hills Visitor Center in Rapid City.

A curious prairie dog at the Wind Cave National Park

7. Prairie Dog Town

Between the pine forests and amazing rock formations in the Black Hills are many miles of prairie and rolling grasslands that provide food for bison, elk, and other wildlife. Most tourists never realize there are two beautiful caves underneath their feet. Wind Cave National Park is one of them, however, my favorite place at this park is above the cave where prairie dogs rule. It seems like hundreds of little furry heads pop up from the ground, some just a few feet from you. If you are lucky, a black-footed ferret might slip by.

Pro Tip: Take binoculars and quietly stand very still for at least ten minutes as they are shy animals.

8. Sparkling Jewel Cave

Save the cave tour until you reach Jewel Cave National Monument , a true “gem” of fragile brilliantly colored formations that sparkle when touched with light. Considered the third longest cave in the world, over 210 miles of passages have been mapped and surveyed. Don’t worry, the tour is not that long. 

Pro Tip: There are four different guided tours available that are tailored from easy to strenuous and a short path for wheelchair users.

9. Historic Hill City

One of the best-kept secrets in South Dakota is Hill City , known for classy art galleries of area artists centered in a quaint square block off the main drag. Park anywhere and walk to everything. Near the end of the historic district is the Black Hills Institute, famous for finding the largest intact T-Rex skeleton in the world only to have it taken by the FBI late one night. I’ve never been disappointed at any downtown restaurant, but an interesting place for a good steak is the Alpine Inn housed in a Bavarian charming hotel built in 1884. Don’t miss a wine tasting at the fifth-generation Prairie Berry Winery on Highway 385 just outside of town where award-winning wines are made from hand-picked fruit grown in the surrounding prairies.

Pro Tip: During the summer, there is a monthly event downtown. So, watch the Hill City website .

The trout almondine is a signature dish at the Latchstring Restaurant.

10. Latchstring Restaurant Sunday Buffet

Providing excellent food since 1909, the Latchstring Restaurant and lodge began as a necessity for loggers from the Tie & Timber Sawmill. Their Sunday buffets are a big hit, but my favorite menu items are their signature dishes — trout almondine or buffalo stew. Located halfway along the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, just across the street from the restaurant is a nice accessible concrete trail leading to Roughneck Falls.

11. Downtown Lead

Often overshadowed by the nearby town of Deadwood, its neighbor town of Lead (pronounced LEED) is an excellent example of an authentic mining town where the Homestake Gold Mine Company operated for many years. Tours of the stunning Homestake Opera House and the Black Hills Mining Museum both on Main Street are available. On your way out of town where the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway crosses Highway 14A, stop at the rustic Cheyenne Crossing store. Established in 1878 as a stagecoach stop, they serve the best legendary Indian taco in the Black Hills.

Pro Tip: The mine was repurposed into the Sanford Underground Research Facility . Tours are possible, but require an appointment. Instructions are on their website.

12. Mount Moriah Cemetery

Deadwood is a popular place for a wild west experience mingled with gambling, but my favorite place — the Mount Moriah Cemetery — is located a short drive from downtown. On a quiet side street is where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried. Open 24 hours, however, it might be wise to take a daytime guided tour to learn the true story of how the two were laid to rest in the same cemetery but died many miles apart.

Professional staff repairing small cracks on George Washington's head

13. Mount Rushmore’s Secret Place

Everyone must see Mount Rushmore National Memorial, especially the interpretive center. Be sure to take the short boardwalk wheelchair-accessible Presidential Trail and slurp a monumental ice cream cone using Thomas Jefferson’s family recipe. However, my favorite place is not on the memorial grounds, but at the back of the mountain. You cannot walk to this place: when leaving the parking area, make a right and drive just a few miles to a small parking lot perfectly placed as soon as George Washington appears. It is a serene place, and one of the most beautiful views of our beloved George.

Pro Tip: During the fall, specially trained workers “rock climb” on the faces and make repairs to cracks in the rock. Look for dark dots and use binoculars to watch them swinging from ropes on the heads.

For more information on traveling to South Dakota, check out these articles:

  • 12 Incredible Experiences In Yankton, SD
  • 11 Fun Things To Do In Vermillion, South Dakota
  • 8 Places To Explore In Mitchell, SD In Addition To The Corn Palace

Image of Ann Bush

Her past articles can be found within the following publications: Family RVing (FMCA membership magazine); Inspired 55+ (Canada), EastWestNews Service; Lifestyles Magazine, InMagazine, The Tyler Loop, Texas Living, The City Paper Bogota and Bird Watcher’s Digest. Her articles are usually found in the travel, art, history, or cultural sections.

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Adventure Guides

Want to explore and experience the beautiful Black Hills and the mysterious Badlands? This relatively small area is packed with so much to see and do - and everything is within easy driving distance of each other. Learn from the experts - Check out our itineraries and plan to stay a while!

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The April total solar eclipse could snarl traffic for hours across thousands of miles

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Millions of Americans will be looking to the sky during a rare total solar eclipse on April 8, and experts warn the excitement could create dangerous and busy traffic conditions as people pack into the narrow band of the country with the best view.

"Pack your patience, whether traveling a great distance or locally, people will be out and about to catch a glimpse of the eclipse," said Aixa Diaz, a spokesperson for the American Automobile Association.

Roads could be especially packed at the center of the eclipse's path as Americans who want the best view crowd into cities, towns and remote areas, many without the infrastructure to handle big crowds.

A similar scenario played out in 2017 during the nation's last total solar eclipse , where congestion in some areas lasted for up to 13 hours after the totality of the eclipse, according to Transportation Research News , a National Research Council publication. An analysis of traffic patterns from that year suggests that the worst of the traffic — both on big interstates and rural backroads — will kick off after the eclipse ends and everyone tries to exit all at once.

This year, in Ohio's Lorain County, county officials are warning residents to be aware about the increase in visitors, traffic and jammed roads — and possible cell phone signal drops.

“What we could have is crowds here that we’re not used to,” wrote Dave Freeman, the director of Lorain County Emergency Management. “We’re not set up infrastructure-wise for that, we don’t have the roads.”

Where will traffic be the worst during 2024 total solar eclipse?

Roads in states where sky gazers will travel to see the centerline of totality will be most prone to traffic jams.

Even though Oklahoma only has a small corner of the state in the path of totality, the state "is expected to receive an influx of anywhere from 17,000 to 66,000 visitors to watch the solar eclipse," reads an announcement from Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Officials there are warning residents "the large influx of visitors to southeastern Oklahoma could overwhelm and backup the area's road systems," including two-lane highways passing through small towns.

They advise residents to expect hotels and visiting areas at maximum capacity, increased traffic and delays in deliveries.

A coast-to-coast traffic nightmare What will the solar eclipse mean for drivers?

The last total solar eclipse snarled US traffic

Wyoming Department of Transportation spokesman Doug McGee said more than 536,000 cars filled the state's streets after the eclipse in 2017 and the state highway system "was taxed like it’s never been before," The Denver Post reported.

And "travel from Casper, Wyoming, to Denver, Colorado—normally a 4-hour trip—took 10 hours or more," according to an analysis of traffic from Transportation Research News.

The analysis's author Jonathan Upchurch said most sky gazers traveled to the paths of totality by car, "roadways experienced very little traffic congestion on the days leading up to totality" and "almost every Interstate route passing through the path of totality showed red on Google Traffic maps" after the eclipse reached totality.

The 2017 traffic woes followed warnings from officials .

Be careful if you're driving during the eclipse

Texas state officials are also warning drivers to "be on alert for distracted pedestrians looking to the sky." They also say drivers should not wear eclipse glasses, which block out most light, while driving.

What time is the solar eclipse? Search your ZIP code for a viewing guide

Officials there and elsewhere along the solar eclipse's line of totality are recommending drivers keep their headlights on, be mindful of pedestrians on the road and even stock up on essentials like fuel and food ahead of the eclipse.

AAA, which insures drivers across the country, is also warning people that sky gazers looking for a good view of the eclipse will be on the roads. They recommend drivers put their sun visors in their cars down to block their view of the sun and watch closely for pedestrian traffic.

How should Americans prepare for traffic jams?

AAA and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol suggest several ways Americans can prepare for traffic jams related to the solar eclipse:

  • Plan ahead so you don't have to travel to errands or appointments around when the eclipse is happening.
  • Don't pull over on the side of a road or highway to view the eclipse — Find a parking area instead.
  • Fuel up before the eclipse and have some essentials on hand while traveling

When and where can you view the 2024 total solar eclipse?

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon blocks the sun's light , leading to a period of partial or full darkness on Earth.

The path of totality, where the sun is fully blocked, in the U.S. begins in Texas and the eclipse starts around 1:27 p.m. local time.

Cities on the centerline of the April 8 eclipse include Dallas, Texas , Cleveland, Ohio and Buffalo, New York, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Contributing: Ashley May, Janet Loehrke, Ramon Padilla and Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY

Contact Kayla Jimenez at [email protected] .  Follow her on X at @kaylajjimenez.

IMAGES

  1. Enjoying the Outdoors in the Black Hills of South Dakota

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  2. The 5 Most Remarkable Photos of the Black Hills and Badlands in April

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  3. The 5 Most Remarkable Photos of the Black Hills in July 2018

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  4. 14 Things to Do in the Black Hills National Forest

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  5. The 5 Most Remarkable Photos of the Black Hills and Badlands in April

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  6. The 5 Most Remarkable Photos of the Black Hills in September

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    You are only allowed in for 1.5 hours so after that poke around the cathedrals in the Kremlin for another 1.5 hours and take in some icons. Heading out, go peep St. Basil's and Red Square for more architecture. There is a fancy mall/arcade thingy called GUM (pronounced "goom") just to the north of St. Basil's--if you go to the very top floor on ...

  21. My 13 Favorite Stops In The Black Hills Of South Dakota

    2. Iron Mountain Road Tunnels. On Highway 16A just south of Mount Rushmore is a hair-raising serpentine road named Iron Mountain Road with three mountain tunnels. Take your time and watch for distant views of Mount Rushmore as you leave a few of the tunnels. More of these tunnels are in the nearby Custer State Park.

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    Travel Guide. Check-in. Check-out. Guests. Search. Explore map. Visit Elektrostal. Things to do. Check Elektrostal hotel availability. Check prices in Elektrostal for tonight, Mar 21 - Mar 22. Tonight. Mar 21 - Mar 22. Check prices in Elektrostal for tomorrow night, Mar 22 - Mar 23. Tomorrow night.

  23. Adventure Guides

    Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association (605) 355-3700 (Information Center) (888) 945-7676 (Booking Information) Terms & Policies

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    The massive Black Hills National Forest spans more than 1.25 million acres and contains the state's tallest mountain: Black Elk Peak, coming in at 7,244 feet. Located just a few short miles from Mount Rushmore, this summit is the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains. The name was changed in 2016 from Harney Peak.