Located on the western side of South Dakota, Black Hills is an isolated mountain range. Starting from the Great Plains, it spread across Wyoming. With most of the beautiful peaks across the area, Black Hills is a beautiful holiday destination.
Offering various indoor and outdoor activities, there are numerous things you can take part in. Sightseeing the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and The Crazy Horse Memorial is the best thing you can do here. No matter which area you choose to visit, you will be amazed by its beauty and resources.
Never miss trying out the below-mentioned 20 awesome things to do in Black Hills, SD during your next visit. Let's delve into the article.
1. Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a widely recognized spot nested in the Black Hills. This memorial is an iconic place featuring a granite sculpture of four different U.S. Presidents.
The height of the memorial is above 60 feet and can be viewed miles away from the actual spot. It is one of the most beautiful sculptures that showcases American history to the entire world.
The area of the memorial is the place where you will find the Lincoln Borglum Visitors Center. The historic center entertains you with engaging exhibits and films based on the monument's history.
2. Explore Custer State Park
In the center of Black Hill, you will get this beautiful place where you can enjoy nature. Operating since 1912, the park is spread across 71000 acres.
The park has been a home of various wild animals that you can spot roaming around during your visit. The inside of the park features the Wildlife Loop Road which is perfect to drive while staying close to nature.
During your visit to the park, you get multiple opportunities to watch different animals like deer, elk, and prairie dogs in their beautiful home. Along the way, you will also find various hiking trails leading to a panoramic view of the entire place.
3. See The Crazy Horse Memorial
This mountain memorial has been under construction since 1948. Built as an honor to the Oglala Lakota warrior crazy house, it is near Custer State Park. Both the places can be explored on the same day.
Although the construction is still underway, you can visit the memorial and watch its progress. In addition to this sculpture, the memorial area also has three different museums that provide knowledge on Native American culture and art.
You can attend different exhibits, and events to learn more about sculptor Korczak Ziolowski and warrior Crazy Horse. The area also has a few restaurants and gift shops to end your day with a meal and shopping.
4. Enter The Jewel Cave National Monument
Upon reaching the Jewel Cave National Monument, you will find the world's third-largest cave. It is 200 miles long and was discovered in the year 1900. Since then the monument has been offering visitors knowledge of the cave formation and a chance to visit the cave.
To explore the cave you'll have to join a guided group to be safe during the journey. The Scenic Tour is one of the most popular treks that takes visitors inside the cave for 1.5 hours. This tour lets you explore the cave's chambers and narrow passages.
During this trek, the guides also share knowledge of the cave's geology and natural beauty to keep you entertained throughout. For those seeking more adventure, the upper ground of the cave has few hiking trails to explore the area.
5. Visit The Wind Cave National Park
This national park is termed to be one of the oldest national parks in the United States. Established in 1903, the Wind Cave National Park is home to a vast underground cave and a variety of species including some endangered wild animals.
For someone not much into cave exploration, the park has various other things to do at Black Hills. You can go for a hike, watch wildlife, or enjoy camping in nature. All these activities offer a great way to enjoy the natural beauty.
Apart from that you can just hop on a driving tour of the park to learn more about the rich geological history of the Black Hills. This particular journey is filled with excitement and fun with minimal physical effort.
6. Drive Through Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is a unique location formed over millions of years. The entire park's area is covered with rugged canyons, towering spires, and huge areas of eroded cliffs. Taking a road trip inside the Badlands, visitors will cover a total of 36 miles.
This route offers you some of the best views of the park from various overlooks along the way. During the trip, you could explore various hiking trails and the Ben Reifel Visitors Center. This center is a perfect place to collect information and maps while enjoying exhibits and films about the park.
Operating since 1939, the Badland National Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and geological significance.
7. Hike In Black Hills National Forest
Spreading across 125 miles, The Black Hills National Forest is popular for its diverse landscapes. The forest showcases different shapes of rugged rock formations along with some deep blue lakes and unique caves.
Besides its natural beauty, the forest also provides you with many recreational opportunities. You can option for hiking, biking, or even wildlife spotting. Furthermore, for a more playful adventure, you can go camping with your friends or family.
You can take this journey if you want to experience the overall natural beauty of the place along with some unique activities to participate in.
8. Visit Deadwood
This historic town in the Black Hills was founded in 1876. The place was once recognized as an unlawful place in the United States during the Black Hills Gold Rush days.
As the years passed, the town became more peaceful and has now transformed into one of the major Black Hills attractions. During your visit here, you can explore its rich history through well-preserved buildings, museums, and photographs.
The Adams Museum and the Days of '76 Museum are two popular places to visit. The historic saloons and casinos lined up on Main Street provide another great experience.
9. Experience The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
If you are exploring the Black Hills during August, then attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally can be really entertaining. It is hosted in Sturgis, South Dakota for an entire week.
This rally brings bikers from all across the world together. It offers a fun environment featuring multiple events like motorcycle races, custom bike shows, live concerts, and a ride in the beautiful Black Hills.
During the whole week, you will find the main streets filled with multiple activities and small shops. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a vibrant event, offering an experience of a lifetime to visitors.
10. Drive Through Spearfish Canyon
The Spearfish Canyon is a beautiful place in the northern Black Hills. The canyon is mostly famous for its stunning views and large pine trees. Inside the canyon is the 22-mile-long highway that you can drive through.
This driveway is a perfect place to watch stunning views of huge limestone cliffs, green forests, and waterfalls. Along the route, you can enjoy fly fishing and try catching the trout found in the region.
You can also stop by and explore hiking trails like the Roughlock Falls Trail, and others. During the fall, the canyon becomes more lively with opportunities for leaf-peeping in the vibrant environment. Still, visits during the other seasons are equally rewarding with breathtaking views of the landscape.
11. Take A Day Trip To Yellowstone National Park
Visit this world-first national park if you want to explore geysers, wildlife, and beautiful scenery at Yellowstone. Situated between Wyoming and the Black Hills, the Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872.
Making your itinerary to this place you can make a stop by Old Faithful for watching live eruption and Grand Prismatic Spring for sightseeing. Apart from these, you can also join a group either for hiking or wildlife spotting.
However, the unpredictability of weather can be challenging. You can spontaneously see the changes in weather from warm to rainy and sometime snowy. Make sure you bring warm jackets and rain covers with you.
12. Relax In The Hot Spring
For experiencing natural beauty along with a touch of historic architecture, the Hot Spring town can be a go-to. Exploring this place, you have several natural warm water springs where you can rejuvenate yourself.
Along the way to the springs, you can explore local history at the Mammoth Site, which houses the remains of mammoths. The town's historic buildings add to its uniqueness.
Beyond that, the town also features a golf course covered with scenic backdrops to enjoy a fun gaming day with friends and family.
13. Spend A Day At Bear Country USA
Nestled near Rapid City, Bear Country USA is the closest location you can make a stop by while exploring the beauty of the Black Hills. It is a drive-through park that spans over 200 acres and is home to various wild animals.
The major highlight of the par is the large black bear population, with dozens of bears roaming freely in a designated area. After the drive-through tour, you can explore Babyland to take a closer look at young bear cubs and other small animals.
The Bear Country USA combines education and fun standing as a prominent destination for family trips.
14. Hike To The Top Of Devils Tower National Monument
The another nearest location to Black Hills is Devil's Tower National Monument located in northeastern Wyoming. It is popular for its iconic geological feature and is renowned as the first national monument in the US.
The tower is 867 meters high and has a base of a 1.3-mile loop where you can hike. Taking this adventure, you will witness stunning views of the tower along with the surrounding countryside.
The hiking path features informative signs of the area's geology and culture. For people seeking more adventure, you can also climb the Devil's Tower itself. However, it can be quite challenging.
15. Spend A Funday At Rushmore Tramway Adventures
Rushmore Tramway is the best spot you can pass by if you are looking for a day filled with fun and excitement. Located in the town called Keystone in the Black Hills, the place features many adventurous activities.
Popular ones include alpine slides, sip lines, and scenic chairlift rides. Each one of these offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.
Along with that, you can also go for wall climbing and a treetop adventure. This is one of the best things you can do along with your family while cheering laughter and creating memories.
16. Explore The Needles Eye Tunnel
If you are visiting the Custer State Park, you should not miss out Needle Eye Tunnel. Located within Custer State Park along the Needles Highway, this things to do in the Black Hills, SD merge natural and man-made attractions.
The tunnel is 8 feet wide and takes you through dramatic rock formation, also known as Needles. It is a small stretch covering a short part of 14 miles of Needles Highway. The tunnel offers you stunning views of rock formations.
The Needle Eye Tunnel is a result of the perfect blend of natural wonder and an engineering marvel offering a memorable experience for travelers.
17. Explore The Town Of Hill City
This beautiful city is the oldest city situated 26 miles southeast of Rapid City in Pennington County. It is another historic area established during the Black Hills Gold Rush. The city is home to the earlier-mentioned Mount Rushmore National Monument.
Apart from that, you will find other popular places like the Hill City Museum, the 1880 train depot, and many more. During your visit here, you can join a train ride at the Black Hills Railroad and explore the landscape in a fun way.
The city is also perfect for buying souvenirs and learning about local history. Touring the city, you can try local cuisines at the restaurants lined up on the main street.
18. Discover The Cosmos Mystery Area
Known as a quirky and intriguing attraction near Rapid City, the Cosmos Mystery area offers a glimpse into the world of optical illusions. This unique site features a series of cabins and structures that define the laws of physics. As you embark on a journey of exploration, you encounter multiple mysterious phenomena along the way.
In addition to its indoor mysteries, the outdoor area often hosts interactive activities and exhibits suitable for both kids and adults. The Cosmos Mystery Area makes science learning more fun and intriguing.
Operating since 1952, the site has remained a captivating place that offers a unique and entertaining experience to visitors.
19. Visit The Broken Boot Goldmine
Broken Boot Goldmine is a historic mining site located 41 miles away from Hill City in Deadwood. Visiting this place, you will have a chance to understand the history of gold mining in the Black Hills.
After 1879, the official mining work has been halted. However, as a tourist, you can try old mining practices for fun purposes. The dark and winding tunnel there gives you an in-depth understanding of the challenges and achievements of the early miners.
In around the area, you will find many shops and small restaurants you can stop by. Many tourists love to buy gifts and memorable items like gems and minerals.
20. Hike The Black Elk Peak Trailhead
Offering a challenging and rewarding experience, the Black Elk Peak Trailhead is a suitable spot. This peak was initially recognized as Harney Peak and is 7242 feet high.
Passing through challenging landscapes and hiking trails, you will finally make it to the top in about 2 to 3 hours. From there, you will see panoramic views of different parts of the Black Hills.
A short climb to the view tower at the top named Stone Fire Lookout, gives you more clear sights of the surrounding landscapes, lush forests, and rugged terrain. Make a short hike to Black Elk, if you want to add more fun and adventure to your travel.
