Discussions

I see in another discussion the black hills were suggested as a vacation destination. What is there to see and where did you stay? Would love to hear from anyone who has traveled there.

Heading there this summer for 3 nights can't wait looks like a lot for people/families to do

We spent a week there and never ran on of things to do. Stay in Rapid City, SD as home base. Call South Dakota tourism, they will send up piles of information.

I lived there for a couple years amd I can say that there is something for everyone...Spearfish Canyon, Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway will give beautiful drives with sights along the way. The Wildlife Loop is best avoided say many locals, as the drive goes on forever and it is rare when you do see something.  
 
I liked the natural sights and historic places. I enjoyed Roughlock Falls, Cathedral Spires, caves, & Wild Bill's graveside in Deadwood, the very historic look of many of the buildings in the small towns.  
 
The less travelled caves (like Windcave in Custer State Park) are less expensive and are wonderful.  
 
Mammoth Dig in Hot Springs is very pricey and so is Evans Plunge. If you want to swim in the naturally warm water, take a drive south of the town to a natural swimming hole. I heard it was changed some and I have not been back to see what it is like. It used to be nice...and free. At the bridge south of the Plunge, you will see large goldfish hiding in the weeds. These are not native to the area, but interesting.  
 
Here is a link to National Geographic:  
 
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/road-trips/black-hills-south-dakota-road-trip/  
 
Here is a link to lakes and reservoirs:  
http://www.howtoenjoytheblackhills.com/recreation/lakes-and-reservoirs/  
 
Sylvan Lake is beautiful as is the reservoir at Hot Springs (NW of the town). I would say to check out a winding trail to the west of Evans Plunge. There is a beautiful park out that way. While you are exploring, check out their cemetery. It is absolutely stunning and the epitaphs are interesting.  
 
There is a hike you can take to the highest point in the Black Hills, Harney Peak. I never went on it but I have heard it is rewarding.  
 
Here is a link to the trails: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/recreation/hiking/?cid=stelprdb5190237  
 
There are a lot of tourist traps, many gimmicky, but if you choose carefully, you might find some are worth going to. It all depends on your tastes.  
 
There are rattlesnakes and black widow spiders in some parts, so be aware and alert.  
 
Interact with rhe locals, ask questions about hidden treasures (they are often the best) & have fun!

I second staying in Rapid City. We stayed there for a week and went out from there everyday. All the towns you want to go to were all less than an hour away if I remember correctly. There's so much to do.....Bear Country, Mount Rushmore, cave tours, Cosmos, reptile gardens, just to name a few. Loved this trip!

Have been several times and thoroughly enjoyed it. Stayed in Rapid City, also Deadwood.  
Deadwood is fun for old west entertainment, gambling, riding the trolley cars downtown.  
In addition to other attractions mentioned, the Medora Music Festival is enjoyed by a lot of people.  
I would avoid the Aug. long weekend as I believe that is the Sturgis Bike Rally and it's really crowded.

I cannot even remember the name of the town, not far from Rapid City. They put on a play of "The Last Supper". I had no notion of wanting to go, but my travelling partner did (we got tickets a head of time). Religious, not religious it was the most awesome play I have ever seen. Outside a night, great seats.....beautiful. (maybe Spearfish) yes, Black Hills Passion play - although don''t know if it still runs.  
 
We also went to a cowboy supper (got tickets ahead of time for this also). I was a lot of fun. Bean and Dogs cooked by the cowboys and served in metal containers.  
 
Unfortunately, I could have given you piles of info., but my pictures, ticket stubs, programs were in the basement when the houses in South end had the sewer back up a few years ago and my book fell in the sewer water.  
 
Definitely as I said before get Tourism South Dakota to send you out information.  
 
Edited by Brenda, 2016-05-01 18:22:27

If you're planning on going, I can already tell you that you're gonna have a great time! There's so much to do there! We went last year in May & stayed for 5 days. We also stayed in Rapid City. I felt like the 5 days wasn't enough time to do everything we wanted to do. But in those 5 days we had done/seen a lot! I have small children (1 & 5 at the time) but there's still lots for kids to do. I highly suggest bear country!! If you have small children, they'll love it! Some of the places we went to were: Mount Rushmore, Bear Country, Reptile Gardens, Black Hills Maze (so much fun for me & my 5 yr old), Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park (we've seen ALOT of animals driving through here), Flinstones theme park, and a few other places, can't think of the names off the top of my head. Some of the places we didn't get to see but really wanted to was Devils tower & the Badlands. We're definitely going back! Oh & another thing, the scenery is AMAZING!

I don't think I would do that drive again, never thought it would end and dizzy!