hill city sd tourist attractions

HILL CITY: THE PERFECT SPOT FOR YOUR BLACK HILLS VACATION

FEED YOUR SPIRIT (AND YOUR APPETITE) WITH OUR GREAT EVENTS

Things to Do in Hill City, The Heart of the Black Hills

In Hill City you are just minutes from creating great memories, finding adventures and encountering the unexpected! We have fun for the entire family, including your furry friend. Most Hill City businesses are pet-friendly.

Attractions and Adventures

Mount Rushmore National Memorial , Custer State Park and Crazy Horse Memorial are just minutes away. Enjoy the Black Hills Central Railroad/1880 Train and the Museum @The Black Hills Institute .

You can experience history at the South Dakota State Railroad Museum or the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum . You can even try your hand at gold panning, explore a mine or visit one of the area’s many caves.

Outdoor Recreation

The possibilities are endless! With seven nearby lakes, plenty of campgrounds, hiking, bicycling, horseback and ATV riding, fishing, golfing and even rock-climbing, Hill City offers adventures for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Hill City Events

Hill City is home to major events such as the Black Hills Film Festival , Fine Arts In the Hills Show & Sale , Wine-Brew & BBQ , Hill City Quilt Show , Girlfriends’ Weekend and live music performances, too. With something happening every month, our events make Hill City a year-round town.

23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Hill City (SD)

South Dakota’s Hill City is a municipal city filled with many spots offering many recreational activities.

This beautiful city, despite its size, entails several attractive spots such as beautiful parks, museums, railroad, dinosaur fossils, festivals, and an old steam train preserved since the 18th century.

Aside from being referred to as the “Heart of the Hills,” Hill City is also known as the city on the foot of the well-known Black Hills.

Aside from the parks and ancient beacons found in Hill City, SD, this small city is also vibrant in terms of arts and crafts.

Are you making preparations for a fantastic travel experience? Visit Hill City and witness the goodness of the significantly underestimated location.

Some amenities you can find in Hill City, SD, are pubs, lots of eateries, wineries, and more to ensure a fun-filled time during your visit.

Hill City SD has a thrilling treat for everyone, whether you visit alone or with friends and family.

If you are planning an exploration of Hill City, Here are the best things to do in Hill City, SD.

Things to do in Hill City, SD

1. black hills central railroad/1880 train.

Upon your arrival at Hill City, SD, take a trip back in time by making your first stop at the 1880 Train/ Black Hills Railroad or 1880 train, as popularly known amongst the locals.

The 1880 train is one of the recommended locations to visit to witness the beautiful natural environment of South Dakota in the rare sight of over a hundred years old trains.

This steam-powered train conveys people from Hill City to Keystone town over a distance of 32.187 kilometers giving tourists a chance to learn about the history of the area and its mining activities in past times.

Passengers/ tourists can see South Dakota’s unaltered beauty in the forests, rivers, and mountains while on the 1880 train.

A visit to the 1880 train is worthy of being on your list of top things to do in Hill City, SD. The attraction functions from 9 am through to 3 pm every day.

Address: 222 Railroad Ave, Hill City, SD 57745, United States

2. Museum @ Black Hills Institute

Did you know that the Museum @ Black Hills Institute has a set of well-arranged fossils of a Tyrannosaurus-Rex? Amongst the fossils of other prehistoric animals, rocks, and plants, you can see the Tee-Rex named “Stan.”

The Museum is a famous spot among folks intrigued by fossils of prehistoric life forms and people who would like to have better insight.

Aside from the well-assembled collection of the Tyrannosaurus-rex petrified remains called Stan in the Museum, there are other fossils of plants, meteorites, minerals, and prehistoric life forms of the marine world.

The Black Hills Institute, the group behind this Museum, has played a vital role in different paleontological excavations dating back to the 70s and, as such, remains the chief distributor of fossils to other museums.

A visit to the Museum @ Black Hills institute is one of the fun things to do in Hill City, SD. The Museum opens at 8:30 am and closes at 4:30 pm daily.

Address: 117 Main St, Hill City, SD 57745, United States

3. Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Have you always wanted to see the mega-sized face stone sculptures of Roosevelt, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Washington in real life? If yes, visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial which is located in Keystone, SD.

Learn about the deep secrets of one of the iconic monuments of America, an essential part of their culture and history sculpted on the rocky mountain.

The idea of Mount Rushmore belonged to Doane Robinson, popularly referred to as the father of Mount Rushmore. However, Gutzon Borglum, a renowned sculptor, handled the construction.

The principal aim of Doane Robinson’s idea was to utilize the monument to attract tourists worldwide to his country. Since then, countless tourists have been visiting the site to date.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial goes beyond just being an iconic site attraction where you can take memorable photographs. Visit Mount Rushmore, which is about 19 minutes from Hill City, if you are a history lover or just curious about the details of this famous monument.

Address: 13000 SD-244, Keystone, SD 57751, United States

4. Major Lake

Major Lake is a beautiful natural environment along George S. Mickelson’s 109-mile trail that extends north of Hill City to Custer City.

Major Lake is originally a fishing site but also serves the park’s purpose as it features a conducive space for many outdoor recreations.

The Lake is home to a variety of fish species and some birds as well. You can almost always find Ospreys lurking around while fishing, and you can feed them if you like.

Though Major Lake isn’t a vast Lake, one can be confident they will make good catches as the Lake has fish in abundance.

If you love fishing and want to try a serene environment, fishing at Major Lake would be one of the best things to do in Hill City, SD. Being next to the Ranger field track makes the Lake easy to locate.

Address: 301 Major Lake Drive, Hill City, SD 57745, United States

5. Hill City’s Memorial Park

Like most recreational parks, Hill City’s Memorial Park is a great place to relax and engage in outdoor rejuvenating activities.

The Park offers a sizable open area with sufficient sporting amenities, like a baseball pitch and a soccer field.

The park has picnic tables, barbeque stands, shelters, and restrooms for your convenience.

Additionally, the campground is close to Spring Creek, a well-liked fishing spot, giving you access to even more outdoor activities. Hill City’s Memorial Park is open from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening all week.

Address: 12480 Old Hill City Road, United States

6. Hill City Arts Council

Hill City Arts Council is a hardworking body that plans events and sets up workshops and samples to showcase its love for art through education and promoting arts in numerous innovative ways.

The Arts Council aims to encourage art in the community through the enjoyable and inexpensive events it holds from time to time.

They regularly hold musicals, fine arts, and written word activities in Hill City, which caters to locals and people around the Black Hills.

Thanks to the Hill City Arts Council, locals, and tourists near the Black Hills experience fine arts, written and spoken words, musicals, and other fun activities regularly.

The annual art-based festivities and other events play a massive role in keeping Hill City, SD, lively all year round. If you love fine, applied, and performed art, then the Hill City Art Council is your place.

Address: 280 Main Street, Hill City, SD 57745, United States

7. Black Hills Film Festival

Every February in Hill City, a yearly event is famous amongst the locals called the Black Hills Film Festival.

Tourists and locals can find the biggest group of prospective filmmakers in South Dakota and the Black Hills, where they present their entries.

It’s similar to South Dakota’s Cannes Film Festival, where people can view delightful but profound individualistic films.

In addition to the film festival, the organizers also provide workshops, seminars, and discussions where people may learn more about filmmaking and related subjects.

The fact that the filmmakers recorded some films shown at the festival in South Dakota and others shot elsewhere makes it more intriguing.

The festival’s award ceremony, during which the best student film, short film, people’s choice, featured documentary, and short documentary awards are issued, is its high point.

Attending the Black Hills Festival is among the fun things to do in Hill City, SD if you are looking for a special kind of entertainment.

Address: 280 E Main St #15, Hill City, SD 57745, United States

8. Desperados

The nostalgic feeling you get just by seeing the design of the Desperados Restaurant makes it famous among natives and visitors.

After completion in 1885, the Desperados restaurant building was previously used as a saloon by its former landlord “Camillo Von Woehrman,” a local merchant.

The structure has showcased exceptional civil engineering in its ability to stand to date despite suffering several fire outbreaks.

The Desperados restaurant building has been recorded as a historical landmark by the National Registry due to its role in the City’s History and the nature of its maintained old western design.

It also serves delicious American-style food and beverages. The Desperados restaurant at 301 Main St, Hill City, SD is more than capable of satisfying your hunger and leaving you wanting more.

The restaurant is not only famous for its beauty, but its American cuisine and beverages taste good enough to make you look forward to your next meal.

Address: 301 Main St, Hill City, SD 57745, United States

9. South Dakota State Railroad Museum

Another spot in Hill City, SD, you would love to visit is the Railroad Museum of South Dakota, especially if you love history or are just fascinated by trains and railways.

The Museum is brimming with fascinating artifacts relating to trains, people, places, and railroads of the 1800s.

For a complete experience, stop by the South Dakota State Railroad Museum after you have enjoyed your time on the 1880 train.

Additionally, there are train models, souvenirs, antiques, and a massive 75-foot mural called a “TimeRail” throughout the Museum.

Daily hours for the South Dakota State Railroad Museum are 10 am to 3 pm. Being sited near the 1880 train makes Railroad Museum relatively easy to locate.

  Address: 222 Railroad Ave Building A, Hill City, SD 57745, United States

10. Prairie Berry Winery

The Prairie Berry winery has been given numerous awards over the last two decades. Among other top things to do in Hill City, SD, is to taste exquisite wine at the famous Prairie Berry Winery.

Without going to the Prairie Berry Winery, which has been serving superb diversities of wine for the past 146years, your trip to Hill City, SD, would be incomplete.

The Prairie Berry Winery is a family-run winery business that only uses fruits harvested from South Dakota’s prairies.

They come highly recommended since they offer complimentary wine tastings from a massive selection of wines.

Wines that are crisp, fruity, dry, oak-aged, and robust can all have diverse flavors and aromas that will leave your palate with a unique taste.

 Additionally, you can order delicious cuisine from their menu to go with your wine. The Winery is available daily from 10 am to 6 pm.

Address: 23837 US-385, Hill City, SD 57745, United States

11. Hill City Public Library

The museums in Hill City, SD, aren’t the only places to learn about the city’s history. You can also read about the town from the Hill City Public Library books .

If you are interested in the city’s history or love reading books, visiting Hill City Public Library should be on your list of best things to do in Hill City, SD.

This library is home to a well-kept substantial collection of books, memorabilia, photographs, and essential records on Hill City.

Hill City Public Library has an ongoing project aimed at creating room for new sets of books. The library is open by 8 am and closed by 5 pm daily.

Address: 341 Main St, Hill City, SD 57745, United States

12. Tracy Park

Tracy Park is one of best places to visit in Hill City, SD, especially if you like to go on long walks.

Tracy Park is the entranceway to George S. Mickelson’s 109-mile-long trail, which is just suitable for hiking.

The George S. Mickelson trail cuts across several parks and forest reserves towards the southern region, offering a better adventurous experience.

Tracy Park is a beautiful and peaceful natural environment with a large playground for kids, restrooms, picnic shelters, and tables that make it very conducive for outdoor relaxation in the open air.

The park is suitable for fun games such as sac racing, playing tag, yoga, and other open space recreational activities with friends and family.

Address: 512 S Newton Ave, Hill City, SD 57745, United States

13. George S. Mickelson Trail

If you’re looking for what to do in Hill City, SD, and you’re up for an adventure, go hiking or biking on the long George S. Mickelson Trail. This Trail has its entrance in Tracy Park, so it is Ideal to check it out after you have spent some time in Tracy park.

The Trail travels southward, passing through Custer, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and the Black Hills National Forest.

Due to its sports-related recreational opportunities involving sports such as cross-country skiing, horse riding, snowshoeing, and biking, the Trail is where the majority of outdoor fanatics in South Dakota visit.

The trail was formerly a railway taken out of use in 1983. Since then, it has become a well-liked hiking trail in Hill City and the nearby towns and cities.

The trail entails the magnificent Black Hills, over one hundred bridges, and a few tunnels. If you need to stop and rest for a while, there are many shelters with seats on the other gateways along the trail.

14. The Farmer’s Daughter 

The Farmer’s Daughter is a versatile store with friendly staff, located just across from the famous Alpine Inn. This highly recommended store has been running for about 17 years straight from 9 am-8 pm from Monday to Saturday, and 10 am-7 pm on Sundays.

Several customers in their review referred to it as a gift shop, while others said it was a fun store; this is no surprise as The Farmer’s Daughter always meets the needs of tourists seeking gifts for their loved ones.

This beautiful store organizes the most exciting treasure hunts. It sometimes hosts giveaways on its anniversary where customers can come with their moms to receive gifts.

The store is very customer friendly, and their staff will always try to put a smile on your face before you leave, which they always succeed in doing.

The Farmer’s daughter has something for both sexes and people of all ages at favorable prices. This cute store is worth the stop if you want a place to stock up on presents for your friends and family.

Address: 164 Main Street Hill City, SD 57745, United States

15. The Alpine Inn

The Alpine is one of the famous tourist locations of Hill City, SD, previously called Harney peak Hotels.

Alpine Inn is a perfect place to rest after your daily adventures if you are wondering where to stay while in Hill City, SD.

The Inn, established in 1884, has been functioning in good condition. The rooms at this famous Inn maintain the design of the old days to give you that nostalgic yet sophisticated feel. 

Guests do not have to go elsewhere to get food because the Inn also has a magnificent restaurant that is well known for giving customers a wonderful experience.

Aside from being a renowned inn in Hill City, the Alpine Inn is a documented monument that holds great importance to the city’s background.

Address:133 Main St, Hill City, SD 57745, United States

Also check out our list of  things to do in Custer  ,  things to do in Keystone , and  things to do in Mitchell , for a fun vacation in South Dakota.

16. Jon Crane Gallery

Feed your eyes with colorful artworks by renowned artists at the Jon Crane Gallery in Hill City, SD.

The Jon Crane Gallery, which showcases the work of the local artist, Jon Crane, is in the heart of the Black Hills, close to Mount Rushmore.

Jon Crane has spent more than 42 years meticulously watercolor-painting America’s rural environment and structures.

Other incredible artists in the Gallery include Carey Denman, JK Dooley, Peggy Detmers, and Joel Bielstein.

Aside from displaying works of recognized artists, the Jon Crane Gallery also offers custom frames.

The Jon Crane Gallery in Hill City, South Dakota, offers exquisite artwork, a welcoming environment, and helpful service.

Address: 256 Main St, Hill City, SD 57745, United States

17. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum

As its name implies, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum is tasked with preserving the history of Hill City and the Black Hills alongside their relics and artifacts.

The Museum, established in 2009, is nestled in a 728-square-foot building where it showcases ancient artifacts from Hill City and the Black Hills.

The Museum primarily serves those interested in the history of the CCC, offering information on the Great Depression, among other topics, and other historical events.

The CCC is a group that was first established in the 1930s to create job opportunities for the locals of South Dakota jobs at the time of the Great Depression.

The second objective of the group was to protect the rural regions from being exploited for their natural resources. The life-sized bronze statue outside the Museum honors their work today.

Address:23935 US-385, Hill City, SD 57745, United States

18. Twisted Pine Winery

Treat yourself to palatable wines among the fun things to do in Hill City, SD. There are several vineyards and wineries in Hill City.

When you visit its wineries, please take advantage of the opportunity to taste distinctive wines unique to Hill City, SD.

One of the best wineries to visit is the Twisted Pine Winery. Its tasting room possesses a collection of wine only available in South Dakota.

Twisted Pine Winery is one of the top wineries renowned for its broad range of wines, Italian olive oils, and balsamic vinegar cultivated and produced in its vineyard.

Address: 216 Main St, Hill City, SD 57745, United States

19. Things that Rock

As the name suggests, Things that Rock is a store with a wide selection of unusual crystals, gemstones, beading supplies, jewelry, herbal remedies, spiritual instruments, and other distinctive goods.

This shop appears to have everything for everyone, from its extensive essential oil area to its jewelry and aromatherapy sections.

Customers can visit this store’s extension at 257 Main St., which is situated between the handbag and Harley businesses.

The owner remodeled the inventory area in 2019 to make space, allowing for adding more things to give customers more options.

Their collection of tarot cards, oracle cards, novels, and other paranormally inclined products will have something to cheer you up.

Address:257 Main St. Hill City, SD 57745-800, United States

20. Warrior’s Work & Ben West Gallery

Another fantastic art gallery you can visit in Hill City, SD, is the Warrior’s Work & Ben West Gallery.

A large selection of artwork by about 36 local and regional artists is available and on show at Warrior’s Work & Ben West Gallery.

Randy Berger, the artist responsible for the invention and crafting of the mirrors and attractive leather frames seen all over the Gallery, is the profound owner of the Gallery.

Today, leather jackets, caps, men’s and women’s apparel, jewelry, and accessories have been added, giving visitors a chance to see and wear them.

If you want a place to get uniquely designed gifts for friends and family, you can check with the Warrior’s Work & Ben West Gallery.

Address 277 Main St, Hill City, SD 57745-8907, United States

21. Granite Sports

The first store in the Black Hills to rent and sell necessities for outdoor activities, such as equipment for campers, hikers, and rock climbers, is Granite Sports.

The Granite Sports Staff comprises specialists in rock climbing and outdoor enthusiasts who are entrusted with trying out and reviewing products.

Before traversing George S. Mickelson’s Trail and other outdoor recreational areas, most novice hikers and climbers shop at the store for high-quality equipment suggested by specialists on climbing and other outdoor adventures.

Tourists and residents can access the store daily from 10 am to 7 pm, including weekends.

Visitors are always invited to browse the extensive selection of apparel and equipment needed for various activities.

Address: 201 Main St, Hill City, SD 57745-8907, United States

22. Jewel of the West

The Jewel of the West is a store in the old town of Hill City, SD, that sells an incredible variety of Native American, turquoise, and sterling silver jewelry.

The store offers a wide range of additional jewelry designs for women in addition to an extensive assortment of shoes, apparel, boots, scarves, handbags, and other accessories.

The male section of the store has clothes, belts made of buffalo leather, wallets, and a wide variety of knives.

The Jewel of the West sells bespoke hats and a fantastic collection of pillows, blankets, candles, glasses, and other homely items.

Jewel of the West best things to do in Hill City, SD if you plan to get presents for your loved ones on your vacation.

Address: 208 E Main St, Hill City, SD 57745-8914, United States

23. Hill City Cafe

Hill City Cafe is a local, ancient Greek-styled restaurant in Hill City, SD, that offers a vast range of home-cooked meals. Customers can satisfy their hunger at any time of the day at the Hill City Café.

Browse their menu and try out the shrimp and steak. Hill City Café provides drinks and daily deals to help you unwind after a long day of traveling and sightseeing.

The South Dakotan ancient styled Restaurant will teleport you to a simpler era, giving you a fantastic experience.

Is there anything more delicious than a meal made from scratch? What about a hearty South Dakotan restaurant where you may eat a home-cooked dinner and instantly feel at ease?

Are you planning a surprise romantic dinner for your date? If yes, bringing your date to Hill City Café should be the first item on your list of best things to do in Hill City, SD. 

This traditional restaurant in the hills has long been a favorite destination for diners. Treat yourself to a lunch out where you may select from various menu items or the buffet.

Address: 209 Main Street. Hill City, SD 57745, United States

Meet the top attractions in South Dakota, here is a guide on the top things to do in Aberdeen ,  things to do in Sioux Falls , and the  things to do in Spearfish .

Plan Your Trip to Hill City

These and many other fascinating activities are available in Hill City, further illuminating why South Dakotans refer to it as the “Heart of the Hills.”

Hill City qualifies as a place worth visiting as it features museums and recognizable monuments to educate you on early American history and culture, exotic parks to offer the ideal setting to unwind, vineyards to sweeten your stay, and many fun and exciting regions to bring you excitement.

• Deadwood/Gamble
• Custer State Park
• Mt. Rushmore
• Trail-heads
• Family Attractions
• Family Events
• Sturgis Rally
• County Fair
• Bed & Breakfast
• Campground/RV
• Air BNB/VRBO
• Family Favorites
• Wineries & Breweries
• Coffee & Roasters
• Others (Outliers)
• Native Culture
• Cowboy Culture
• Arts/Museums
• Town/Community History
• Native History
• Cowboy History
• Facts (Local/State)
• Area Communities
• Deals/Special Offers
• Maps/Driving Info

Visit Hill City

Hill City originally attracted gold miners when it was founded in 1876 but had better luck with tin in the 1880s, and later, the railroad industry. Once notorious for the boisterous antics of its tin miners, who sought refuge from a hard day’s work in one of the town’s many saloons, Hill City today attracts arts lovers and adventure seekers. 

Attractions

The  Black Hills Central Railroad 1880 Train  is a year-round draw for visitors of all ages seeking a vintage steam train experience. Two-hour narrated tours whisk guests from Hill City to Keystone and back aboard one of several restored passenger cars, each with its own unique feel. Popular special events include a Wine Express, Oktoberfest, Train Appreciation Day, Old West Shootouts, and the Holiday Express. There’s even a grown-up version of the latter, complete with spiked hot cocoa. 

The  South Dakota State Railroad Museum , located adjacent to the 1880 Train depot, was established in 1994 to preserve, educate, and promote railroad history. The museum houses an extensive collection of educational displays, railroad equipment, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits, including an operational model train. The  Civilian Conservation Corps Museum of South Dakota  is dedicated to the memory of the CCC workers who built many of the Black Hills’ most enduring structures, including dams, bridges, and the famous “pigtail bridges” on Iron Mountain Road. Photos, documents, and artifacts related to these projects, all of which were created between 1933 and 1942, are on permanent display. If you prefer displays that are fluffier,  Teddy Bear Town  holds the Guinness World Record for “Largest Teddy Bear Collection.” It contains over 10,000 teddy bears in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. The  Museum @ Black Hills Institute  includes natural history exhibits featuring dinosaurs, mammal and marine fossils, minerals, meteorites. It’s the home of Stan, the second-largest and second-most complete Tyrannosaurus Red skeleton ever discovered.  

The  High Country Guest Ranch  offers an authentic Old West experience. Lodging options range from cowboy cabins and Native American sleeping cabins to fully appointed vacation homes, and guests can participate in activities including guided horseback rides, UTV rentals, and a chuck wagon show complete with a delicious cowboy dinner and Western-themed entertainment. Looking for a perfect souvenir of the Black Hills?  Dakota Stone Rock Shop  sells a wide variety of rocks, stones, and geodes. Gem panning, gold panning, and a mine treasure hunt make this a must-stop for the kids. With a thriving local arts scene, be sure to stop by one of the town’s galleries.  Warrior’s Work & Ben West Gallery ,  Jon Crane Gallery & Custom Framing ,  insideout ,  Dakota Nature and Art , and  Sandy Swallow Gallery  all offer unique artwork, as well as custom gifts suitable for the home or garden. 

Hill City is also an important stop on the Black Hills Wine Loop. Whether you prefer reds or whites, dry or sweet, traditional grape or unique fruit wines, you can try samples of local and regional favorites at several stops in town.  Prairie Berry Winery ,  Naked Winery ,  Twisted Pine Winery ,  Stone Faces Winery , and  Firehouse SmokeJumper Station  all offer wine tasting and bottles to go. 

Hill City hosts many family friendly events, beginning on January 1 with the  First Day Hike  at Custer State Park. Dress for the weather! Additional ranger-guided snowshoe hikes take place throughout the winter; check the park’s website for listings and dates. The annual  Breakin’ the Winter Blues Chili Cook-off  in January brings local businesses together to compete for top honors. Guests can sample from more than 20 vendors and vote for their favorites, and may even walk away with a door prize! The  Tour de Chocolate  is the perfect lead-up to Valentine’s Day; this annual event attracts chocolate lovers from around the region who come to sample a variety of sweet treats and enjoy in-store specials at participating businesses. Also in February, the  Black Hills Film Festival  screens independent films produced and shot in South Dakota, as well as other national and international entries. 

Every April, the  Spring Fling Fun & Glow Egg Hunt  at Rush Mountain Adventure Park provides kids with fun activities such as face painting, games and prizes, and photos with the Easter Bunny, as well as a tour of Rushmore Cave, where they can count the glowing eggs and enter a Grand Prize drawing. Local artists gather every June for  Sculpture in the Hills , an art show that allows guests to meet and talk with the artists, enjoy sculpture exhibits, and buy artwork direct from the source. 

Rodeo fans can enjoy barrel racing, bull riding, team roping, saddle bronc and bareback riding events, and more at the  Mount Rushmore Rodeo  at Palmer Gulch. There are several dates throughout the summer; check their website for listings. Another popular summer event is the  Hill City Wine, Brew & BBQ , a weekend-long event in August that gives barbecue lovers a chance to sample creations from the region’s top Pit Masters and BBQ enthusiasts. There is plenty of local wine and craft beer to help wash it all down, as well as live music and kid-friendly entertainment. The  Hill City Quilt Show & Sale  in September showcases a featured artist; visitors can view more than 200 beautiful quilts, enjoy fiber arts demonstrations, and take home that perfect quilt if they are so inclined. 

Come Halloween, kids can participate in two fun activities: the  Merchant Trick-or-Treat & Boys & Girls Club Annual Halloween Carnival  and the  Children’s Boo Bash & Pumpkin Festival . Both events are safe, family friendly alternatives to going door-to-door.  Hill City Girlfriends’ Weekend , held every November, offers women an exclusive opportunity to take advantage of sales, samples, classes, giveaways, and entertainment. Popular events include a fashion show, inspirational speakers, and a fun walk. 

Hill City kicks off the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving with the  Olde Tyme Christmas Parade & Celebration Kick-off , a month-long event that features visits to the North Pole aboard the 1880 Train; the Trees & Trains exhibit at the South Dakota State Railroad Museum; a lighted parade preceded by roasted chestnuts and hot apple cider; and photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Also taking place the weekend after Thanksgiving is the  Kris Kringle Homemade Kraft Fair & Bazaar , a great place to pick up unique homemade local gifts for those hard-to-shop-for people on your Christmas list. 

Note: During the COVID-19 pandemic, certain events may be postponed or canceled, and attractions may not be open as regularly scheduled. We encourage you to check with each venue before planning your visit.

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25 Things To Do Black Hills, South Dakota

By: Author Robyn Robledo

Posted on Last updated: May 11, 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 .

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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)

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!

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

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

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.

Save Time and make Better Travel Memories with our E-Guidebook!

Download our travel guidebook and get everything you need to know about traveling through the Black Hills of South Dakota!

14 | Photograph Nature of Black Hills South Dakota

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

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. .

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.

16 | Black Elk Peak (or other rad trails)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

South Dakota Tourist Info

Hill city attractions.

Hill City may be a small town, but it is filled with big adventures. Chainsaws, trail rides, wine tasting, and concerts just to name a few. These Hill City attractions are sure to make your Black Hills vacation memorable.

HIGH COUNTRY GUEST RANCH

12138 Ray Smith Dr., Hill City, SD 57745 Your western adventure begins here! High Country Guest Ranch is centrally located in the Black Hills and combines the secluded wilderness with many modern comforts. We offer a variety of beautiful cabins from fully furnished vacation homes to authentic log cabins and camper cabins. Our place will make you feel right at home while allowing you to experience the excitement of the outdoors. Also, the new location for Circle B Chuckwagon & Cowboy Music Show. Please see our website for more information. www.highcountryranch.com – Email: [email protected] – 888-222-4628 or 605-574-9003

NAKED WINERY

23851 US-385, Hill City, SD 57745 The grapes for our red varietals (Syrah, Cabernet, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera and Merlot) are orgasmically grown in the hot and dry Apple Gate and Columbia Valley regions of Oregon and Washington respectively. While our other varietals (Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Muscat and Riesling) benefit from the cool pacific marine layers of the Willamette and Illinois Valley’s to produce subtle and complex wines. The vines in Washington’s Columbia Valley struggle with just enough drip irrigated water to produce exceptional fruit for our big bold Chardonnays. www.nakedwinerysd.com – 605 574-2454

DAHL’S CHAINSAW ART

100 Main Street Hill City, South Dakota They both have their own areas of expertise and special interests. Jarrett likes to carve big, and the 25 foot Indian warrior with arms stretched skyward holding an in-flight eagle is absolutely a phenomenon. It’s one of the five largest chainsaw carvings in the world, and is currently on display at Keystone. Jordan is a master at carving life into bears and giving each a unique and distinct personality. They are so adorable that it’s almost impossible not to bring one home with you. You’ll hear more about Jarrett and Jordan and their art, as they are everywhere, MN, SD, CA, Alaska, MO, PA, and Wisconsin. www.dahlschainsawart.org – 320-226-3581 or 320-226-3582

High Country Guest Ranch, 12138 Ray Smith Dr, Hill City, SD 57745 The group is one of the top-selling Native American adult/rock music groups and has chalked up impressive CD sales (over 1 million worldwide). Brulé has released 21titles in 20 years and has been named “Group of the Year” five times by the prestigious Native American Music Awards, earning seven NAMMYs since 2002. Their annual performance schedule takes them extensively throughout the U.S., touring the casino, performing arts theatre, arena, corporate and festival circuits. www.brulerecords.com – 605-400-9931

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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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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 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

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.

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.)

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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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South Dakota tourist attractions combine sightseeing and science

HOT SPRINGS, S.D. – Family vacations with school-aged children are a time for fun and increasingly a time for learning.

Most tourist attractions have always offered some kind of cultural or historical education opportunities. But there is an emerging appetite to engage with science and research at a deeper level. Some sites hope to capitalize on that attention and inspire the next generation of South Dakota's science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) workforce.

One of the first examples in the state was unearthed 50 years ago.

In 1974, heavy machine operators leveling land for a Hot Springs housing development uncovered a 7-foot tusk. Further excavation found an unprecedented number of mammoth fossils. The landowner, Phil Anderson , donated the fossils and property at cost to create the Mammoth Site .

The active research location is enclosed in a visitor center, which is also home to a museum and a variety of educational programs.

"If the site in '74 had been done like a lot of traditional paleo digs, they probably would have come in, removed everything, and the construction project would have continued," said Chris Jass, lead researcher at the Mammoth Site. "Here, because we have the building, we can take our time. And as new analytical techniques come along, as new methods of understanding the past come along, we can actually apply those to the site."

For example, researchers initially believed the site to be about 26,000 years old, he said. More recent work suggests the site could actually be at least 140,000 years old.

"Because of that, revisiting the age of the site, we're going back and evaluating some of the questions that were asked in the past. But we're doing it with new information," said Jass.

The Mammoth Site sees more than 100,000 visitors a year. Presston Gabel, chief operating officer, said it partners closely with regional tourism associations.

"There's millions of visitors that come to the Hills every year," he said. "And 90% of our funding, even though we're a nonprofit, comes from tourism. It comes from admissions, it comes from gift shop sales and things like that."

Although the site offers programming for large tour groups and senior citizens, family programming has been especially attractive to visitors, Gabel said.

"Our family dig program we started a couple years ago has grown tremendously popular," he said. "That happens four times a day, and it allows families to dig together in a mock bone bed environment."

The site also offers summer classes and dig camps.

"One of the great things about paleontology in general is that it's a great kind of gateway science into the broader world of science for kids," said Seth Vandenberg, science educator at the Mammoth Site. "They see dinosaurs and mammoths and they get really, really excited."

Learning on the road

South Dakota Secretary of Tourism Jim Hagen sees the potential in educational opportunities at attractions like the Mammoth Site, Badlands National Park and a host of other local offerings, whether families are nearby or from all corners of the nation.

"We're really only limited in our reach by resources in terms of our marketing dollars," he said. "We have a product that I would argue not many states have, in terms of having universal appeal across the entire country."

That appeal, anchored by Mount Rushmore National Memorial and other Black Hills attractions, has expanded to curiosity about other regions of the state, Hagen said.

Families make up a bulk of that audience.

"It's your traditional mom and dad, kids in the home," he said. "They have always been our bread and butter."

To that end, the Travel South Dakota website features a kid-friendly vacation guide with attractions across the state.

Hagen's department also offers its own educational resources. In 2020, it released online lesson plans based on local points of interest, including a lesson on prehistoric animals like the fossils found at the Mammoth Site. Other entities, such as the South Dakota State Historical Society and the South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center offer educational road trip itineraries for a variety of age groups.

More: Season ends at Casino Speedway with two-night Autumn Classic

Inspiring the future scientists

A couple of hour's drive north of the Mammoth Site, underground research of a different kind is ongoing at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead. Leaders there hope to entice families with the educational opportunities it offers and to inspire future STEM professionals at the same time.

SURF occupies the former Homestake Mine, once the deepest gold mine in the Western Hemisphere. Scientists are able to use the mile-deep caverns to conduct delicate research into neutrinos, dark matter and other unsolved questions about the building blocks of the universe.

The Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center hosts year-round exhibits explaining the history of the gold mine and details of the ongoing experiments.

The lab's annual Neutrino Day, a community-wide free science fair, drew in 2,200 visitors this year, said center director Kelly Kirk. The event includes presentations and activities for a variety of age groups, including young kids. The rest of the year, the center welcomes field trips and provides tours in the summer tourist season.

"One of SURF's missions is to inspire learning across generations," Kirk said. "We like to think that when we visit with students of all ages that, in inspiring their wandering curiosity, they might come back as the next science intern, the next engineering intern. They might participate in an experiment at their university that brings them back to SURF to go underground."

It's a belief shared by Mike Headley, laboratory director at SURF.

"As a father of a 16-year-old, wanting to have opportunities for her to grow up in a state where there's great STEM opportunities was really a big deal for me," he said.

Most people in the Black Hills are familiar with the work happening in Lead, but that's often not the case East River, Headley said.

Cross-state partnership

SURF recently partnered with the Kirby Science Center at the Washington Pavilion, which is nearly 400 miles from the lab in the state's largest city, Sioux Falls. It sits at the intersection of the state's two interstate highways, key thoroughfares for cross-state travelers, and also is an arts and entertainment hub for local families in the southeast corner of the state.

The partnership yielded the H2O Workshop, an interactive space for children to experiment with the physics of water. Nicol Reiner, SURF's director of education and outreach, said the exhibit fulfills the organization's mission of fostering "intergenerational learning."

"Parents might learn how to interact better with kids, like how to ask questions or how important hands-on play is," said Reiner, "The kids might learn something about cause and effect. Like how doing a certain motion impacts a ball or where the water goes or how to solve a problem."

It's a resource that serves local families and visiting families alike, along with the Mammoth Site and many other attractions across the state. Kirk is enthusiastic about offering opportunities to inspire young learners and capture their natural curiosity.

"The students that we're visiting with today are the STEM and technical workforce of tomorrow who are going to be the ones who further answer the mysteries of the universe that the experiments underground are currently probing," she said.

More: Your guide to fall events and festivals in the Sioux Falls area this season

How to watch 'South Dakota Focus'

The next episode of "South Dakota Focus" airs on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 8 p.m. Central time / 7 p.m. Mountain time. It can be viewed on SDPB-TV1, Facebook, YouTube and SD.net.

The episode includes:

A recent high-school graduate's passion for leading tours at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center in Lead

How the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs is unique from other paleontological dig sites in the area.

A partnership between the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead and the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls provides an interactive exhibit to capture children's curiosity for science

This story is part two of a series that Jackie Hendry , host and producer of South Dakota Public Broadcasting's "South Dakota Focus," will write to preview the upcoming show on South Dakota News Watch , an independent, nonprofit news organization. Read more in-depth stories at sdnewswatch.org and sign up for an email every few days to get stories as soon as they're published. Contact us at [email protected] .

This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: STEM tourism explodes in South Dakota

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