What's so special about the Black Hills?

Simply put, the unique topography including eroded valleys and granite peaks; outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, and biking; and renowned attractions like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and restored Old West towns.

Locals say that the Black Hills are like an island rising from the plains, a forested area full of rugged rocks and thick Ponderosa pines in an otherwise flat and unassuming landscape. You know when you enter them as the prairie grasses become shadowed by the trees and the road begins to snake upward into the hills and around massive boulders.

From a distance, this "island" of hills and trees can appear dark or black, which may have inspired the name. There are many stories about how the name originated, including the Sioux's Paha Sapa which literally means "black hills."

The Black Hills are a wonder in themselves and one could spend weeks hiking scenic trails, kayaking across stunning lakes, and visiting historic sites. The most popular of these? Mount Rushmore to be sure, and likely Sylvan Lake located inside Custer State Park. Then there's Harney Peak, the highest point in the Black Hills at 7,242 feet above sea level. Maybe not the most popular, but our favorite hike, Sunday Gulch — the trailhead can be found right behind the towering rock wall at Sylvan Lake.

Spanning approximately 5,000 square miles, the Black Hills are not only a natural wonder but also home to several bucket-list attractions

Black Hills parks, activities, and attractions

The Black Hills of South Dakota offer a diverse range of attractions and natural wonders, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, families, and couples looking for a romantic getaway.

Custer State Park

Spanning over 71,000 acres, Custer State Park is a natural paradise with rugged terrain, pristine lakes, and a combination of wildlife you likely won't find elsewhere, including bison herds, wild donkeys, mountain goats, and pronghorn sheep. We strongly recommend driving Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, and Wildlife Loop Road, which offer some of the most breathtaking views in the region. Iron Mountain Road, in particular, provides a framed view of Mount Rushmore through narrow tunnels along the road.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

This iconic American landmark features the carved faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The museum on the grounds is a must-see, and the gift shop, onsite book store, and ice cream shop are very popular! The lighting ceremonies also get rave reviews from visitors to the monument.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Crazy Horse Memorial is a colossal mountain carving in progress. It aims to showcase the cultural heritage of Native American tribes and commemorate the legacy of Crazy Horse. Onsite, you'll find a museum, film about the carving, and regular demonstrations and performances.

Wind Cave National Park

Known for its intricate cave system and unique boxwork formations, Wind Cave National Park offers guided cave tours underground, and hiking trails above ground. This is where we tell our guests to check out the bison of the Black Hills. They're often close to the road and in sizable herds. When driving through the park, it's common to see pronghorn antelope and prairie dogs as well.

Jewel Cave National Monument

As one of the world's largest cave systems, Jewel Cave is a subterranean wonderland with stunning calcite formations. When you book a guided tour, you'll discover what makes this cave unique and learn the history behind it.

Spearfish Canyon

This scenic byway is gorgeous! Vegetation flourishes in spring and summer. The leaves turn into a stunning gold and red autumn display and the waterfalls can freeze over into works of art in the winter. Spearfish Canyon is also known for its hiking trails, and pristine wilderness. It's a haven for photographers and those looking for some quiet solace in nature.

Historic Deadwood

Deadwood is the place to go when you want to catch a glimpse of the Old West. The town has been mostly restored and is a beautiful mix of historic sandstone architecture, other restored structures, and modern amenities. In the summer months, you can venture up for a festival or to enjoy vibrant weekend nightlife. While there, take time to learn about the town's notorious past and the characters who shaped it.

The Mammoth Site

Located in Hot Springs, The Mammoth Site is a world-renowned active-dig site that's constantly unearthing more mammoth remains from a prehistoric sinkhole. As an active research facility and educational center, The Mammoth Site provides a constantly evolving window into the Ice Age, rotating displays, gift shop, and a few kids' activities.

Sturgis

We can't forget to mention Sturgis. Aside from the world-famous motorcycle rally at the end of each summer season, Sturgis is known for historic sites like Fort Meade and other outdoor activities and events.

Where are the Black Hills?

The Black Hills are located on the western edge of South Dakota and into the east side of Wyoming. Some of the key gateway cities and towns in the Black Hills include:

• Rapid City. Often considered the gateway to the Black Hills, Rapid City is the largest urban center in the area and provides easy access to many attractions. It's a bustling city with a vibrant downtown area, restaurants, activities, and accommodations. When in Rapid City, make sure you make a stop by Bear Country USA, and plan to stay a while.
  

• Hot Springs. Located in the southern Black Hills, the town of Hot Springs is known for its thermal springs. The town is built around the historic sandstone buildings downtown, and offers a relaxing atmosphere and is an excellent base for exploring the region. While in Hot Springs, take a walk down the Freedom Trail and browse our local shops.
  

• Custer. This charming town sits near the entrance of Custer State Park and offers a quaint, historic atmosphere. You'll find some great restaurants, unique shops, art galleries, souvenir shops, and places to rent ATVs and Sling Shots to explore the surrounding area.
  

• Hill City. Known for its art galleries and museums, Hill City is a delightful stop while on a Black Hills vacation. It's home to the 1880s Train, which offers scenic train rides through the hills, for fun shopping, and some good food. Walking the historic main street in town is a beautiful and picturesque way to spend an afternoon.
  

• Deadwood. Famous for its Wild West history and gambling, Deadwood is a unique destination filled with historical sites. It's the final resting place of Wild Bill Hickok who was shot and killed in Deadwood; Calamity Jane who requested to be buried next to Hickok; and Seth Bullock, the first elected sheriff of Deadwood. Visitors can explore historic Main Street, tour old mines, and try their luck at the casinos.

What are some things to do in the Black Hills?

The majority of the people who visit the Black Hills have one complaint in common, "We didn't stay long enough." We didn't either the first time we came through or the fifth. Then we moved here, opened our own resort, and continued exploring. We've been here for years now and still haven't seen all there is to see, but we continue to explore and are happy to make recommendations to others. From rock climbing and hiking to kayaking and off-roading — there's no shortage of outdoor experiences through this picturesque landscape.

Embrace the rush of mountain biking along the Mickelson Trail or relish early mornings by fishing at Stockade Lake or any number of other lakes and streams that pepper the region. The Hills offer something for everyone.

Immerse yourself in the Black Hills

From iconic landmarks to hidden treasures, the Black Hills of South Dakota invite visitors to not only immerse themselves in its past but also partake in various experiences amidst its breathtaking landscapes. It's a place where legends and nature intertwine.

Plan your visit and prepare to be amazed by the beauty and history of this remarkable region. Book a stay at Highland Meadows Resort and view more attractions in the Black Hills.