Top Things to do in The Black Hills
Top Hotels in The Black Hills
- 1. Bavarian Inn, Black Hills
- 2. Best Western Plus Rapid City Rushmore
- 3. K Bar S Lodge
- 4. Deadwood Gulch Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
- 5. Best Western Golden Spike Inn & Suites
- 6. Comfort Suites Conference Center Rapid City
- 7. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rapid City, SD
- 8. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Rapid City
- 9. The Lodge at Deadwood
- 10. The Rushmore Hotel & Suites, BW Premier Collection
Top 10 Free Things to do in The Black Hills, The Black Hills
Discover the best top things to do in The Black Hills, United States including Spearfish Canyon, Black Hills National Forest, Iron Mountain Road, Roughlock Falls State Nature Area, Chapel in the Hills, Museum of Geology, Storybook Island, South Dakota Air and Space Museum, D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery, Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.
Restaurants in The Black Hills
1. Spearfish Canyon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 775 reviews
This scenic 19-mile drive in the Black Hills that passes cliffs, waterfalls and the Spearfish Creek gives one the feeling they are in the rainforest.
Reviewed By yowsah1 - Lansing, United States
This drive had it all: Tree-covered mountains, picturesque waterfalls and streams, dramatic rock formations, wildlife sightings, the works! It seemed like there was something breathtaking around each bend. There were many spots where you could pull off the road - great for shutterbugs or those wishing to get a closer view of things. A rubberneckers delight!
2. Black Hills National Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 885 reviews
This empty expanse where Native Americans once roamed is now a national forest.
Reviewed By CrankingChick - Tucson, United States
The Black Hills Forest covers a vast area of western South Dakota - more than 1.25 million acres! It's an excellent vacation destination because of the wide variety of attractions and recreation opportunities. One could easily spend a week exploring this beautiful area; we were there for four days and did not do everything, we could have easily filled two more days. We explored the historic main street at Deadwood, visited the DC Booth Fish Hatchery at Spearfish, drove through Spearfish Canyon and were enchanted by three waterfalls, learned about mining at Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center, gawked at the enormous carved faces of four presidents on Mt. Rushmore, drove the scenic Needles Highway through imposing stone pinnacles, navigated the unique pigtail bridges and stone tunnels of Iron Mountain Road (Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway), took a peaceful morning hike around Sylvan Lake, spotted wildlife like deer, prairie dogs, bison and pronghorns at Custer State Park, marveled at the fossilized bones of extinct animals at The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, visited Wind Cave National Park, and took a ride on the vintage 1880 steam train between Hill City and Keystone. We didn't visit the Crazy Horse Memorial or Jewel Cave National Monument this trip. (The above attractions all have separate Tripadvisor pages.) The Black Hills Forest hosts numerous campgrounds and picnic areas, plus there are lakes and streams for fishing, swimming and kayaking. There are many hiking trails of various lengths and difficulties, and also the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Rail-Trail for walking or biking. For those who like a more thrilling adventure, there are zip-lines, water parks, horse stables, and helicopter rides available. Food and lodging are available at the towns of Deadwood, Lead, Keystone, Hill City, Custer and Hot Springs. There is no charge to enter the forest, but some of the above attractions charge a parking or admission fee. Some roads, services, and attractions may be closed in winter.
3. Iron Mountain Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,646 reviews
Reviewed By Jake48009 - Detroit, United States
You need to do it twice one-way then reverse to get Mount Rushmore framed in the tunnels as you pass through -- Absolutely spectacular! Fantastic ride between Custer State Park and Keystone with amazing views of Mount Rushmore as you pass through several cool tunnels and fun twisty roads. Make sure you sound the horn before entering the tunnels! Bring a jacket and some binoculars. Ride the road during the week. If you are visiting the Custer State Park area, Iron Mountain 16A is absolutely a "must see"... This road has to be one of the most scenic highways in America!
4. Roughlock Falls State Nature Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By CruisinSarah - Casper, United States
We loved visiting this beautiful area while riding the hills in our ATV! A must-stop attraction in the Black Hills.
5. Chapel in the Hills
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 625 reviews
Celebrating 50 years in 2019! Replica of the 850-year-old Borgund Church in Norway and has unique architecture and woodcarvings.
Reviewed By CharlesP1904
This place is really beautiful with wonderful wooden chapel structure inspired by the exact replica of Borgund Stavkirke of Laerdal, Norway. It has a prayer walkway. It has a gift shop for souvenirs and products from Norway. I really like the chocolate.
6. Museum of Geology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 351 reviews
We are a natural history museum featuring an excellent displays of South Dakota fossils, minerals from around the world and South Dakota Minerals.
Reviewed By jimmydoe
free to public, parking is difficult... has excellent display of minerals, gems and gold, also fossils from western south dakota....is very disproportionately large for a small museum in a small state. a replica of Sue, the T.rex fossil that was found in the area is on display, as are other dinosaur bones... a place for both kids and adults
7. Storybook Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 803 reviews
We are a non profit childrens park. 8 1/2 acres of outdoor fun! We have a train, carousel and Bippity Boppity Bounce, the cost is $2 per person for each of these. We have concessions on site as well as a gift shop. We are free admission in the summer, a $1 per person donation is recommended. We DO NOT allow outside food, drink or pets. We open for the summer season on Memorial Weekend and Close on Labor Day.
Reviewed By desiprincess
If you are ever in South Dakota, do not miss an opportunity to visit Storybook Island! Although this is not one of the commonly noted tourist attractions, it is one of the best things to do with children in the area. Storybook Island is a colorful, intricate, deeply detailed playground full of every fairy tale character you can imagine. Disney characters, Cat in the Hat, Sesame Street characters, Wizard of Oz, and more fill this space with wonder! A carousel, train ride, numerous slides, play houses, a tree house, and various vehicles including a boat, helicopter, and train are only some of the play structures on Storybook Island. Ice cream, slushies, and other quick, fun snacks are available for purchase. If you are in the process of planning your itinerary for a South Dakota trip with children, consider planning at least 3-4 hours here. You will be so glad you didn’t rush through this magnificent, magical park! There are many incredible things to do in South Dakota. Storybook Island is sadly missed by many tourists who prioritize other attractions. Take my advice- go to Storybook Island and enjoy a kids’ paradise!
8. South Dakota Air and Space Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 904 reviews
Aircraft that have been flown throughout the eras are on display at South Dakota's premiere free aviation museum! The museum has two major static display venues: First, a outdoor air park filled with WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Cold War, and present day aircraft lets you get close to & touch history. This includes the currently flown B-1B Lancer. Secondly, four historical hangars showcase military history & technology,space tech & EROS, SD aviation, and EAFB local military history in a fresh and immersive walk-through. Mid-May through Mid-September bus tours of nearby Ellsworth AFB and the Minuteman II missile training silo are offered at a nominal fee. You will be able to go inside the silo and on base for a 50 minute guided tour of the only MMII silo open to the public. Make sure you bring your ID or Passport (Non-US) to enjoy the tour!
Reviewed By 107drewg - Rapid City, United States
In a city no larger than Rapid City, the museum at Ellsworth AFB far exceeds expectations if you are interested in military aviation history. Bombers, B-1 and B-29, among others are on display as is General Eisenhower's personal transport from WWII. The indoor portion of the museum is also well prepared and includes a B-1 cockpit.
9. D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 418 reviews
Reviewed By travelnuts1998
This FREE stop was a delight! Beautiful setting filled with history and education. The nearby city park and walking trails and creek and well cared for and inviting.
10. Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 926 reviews
Reviewed By antikat - Winnipeg, Canada
It only takes a couple of hours to drive the byway but you will want to get out of your car to admire the beauty of the area. Short hikes on well maintained trails take you to Spearfish and Roughlock Falls while Bridal Veil Falls is located right on the byway and is visible from your vehicle. We saw a sign directing us to something called The Devil's Bathtub but after a 15 minute hike along the creek, we discovered it was on private land and opted not to continue.
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