The Black Hills of South Dakota

Have you ever gone to a city and wondered what sites you should visit? Do you wonder if you are missing anything important? Here are some of the most popular tourist spots in the Black Hills, as well as some other "less famous" places to visit.

1. Mt. Rushmore - Mt. Rushmore is a national park and is run by the U.S. Dept. of the Interior. It is a presidential monument that represents the first 150 years of the history of the United States. It is open year round (winter season and summer season) and is closed only on Christmas day. Each season has different hours, so check their website for more information. There is no cost to visit Mt. Rushmore, but there is a $10 parking fee, which is good for 1 year.

2. Keystone - This tiny tourist town is a fun place to shop on your way to Mt. Rushmore. Your trip to Mt. Rushmore isn't complete until you stop here to buy a T-shirt or a bag of freshly pulled taffy from the taffy shop, or maybe even trying a buffalo burger! Feeling adventurous? Get an eagle's eye view of Mt. Rushmore by helicopter!

3. Crazy Horse Memorial - Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski and Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear officially started Crazy Horse Memorial June 3, 1948. The memorial's mission is to honor the culture, tradition and living heritage of North American Indians. Crazy Horse was chosen because he was a fearless war leader and participated in the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876.

4. The Needles - The Needles of the Black Hills of South Dakota are a region of fantastically eroded granite pillars, towers, and spires. Popular with rock climbers and tourists alike, the Needles are accessed from the Needles Highway, which is a part of Sylvan Lake Road . The Cathedral Spires and Limber Pine Natural Area, a portion of the Needles containing six ridges of pillars as well as a disjunct stand of limber pine, was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1976.

5. Custer State Park - Nearly 1,500 bison, commonly called buffalo, roam the prairies and hills of Custer State Park, which they share with elk, pronghorn, mountain goats, and burros. There is an 18-mile wildlife loop that winds around the southern edge of the park. Climb Harney Peak, or enjoy kayaking, canoeing, camping, chuckwagon suppers, fishing, and more.

6. Deadwood - This historic " wild west" town was established in 1876 during the Black Hills gold rush. Chinese immigrants lived there while working on the railroad. Visit muesums and Mt. Moriah Cemetery where Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok are buried.

7. Tatanka: Story of the Bison - Created by Kevin Costner, Tatanka is a place to see larger-than-life bronze statues of 14 bison being pursued by 3 Native American horseback riders in the outdoors just outside of Deadwood. There is also a hands-on interpretive center, a snack bar, and a gift shop.

8. The 1880 Train - The first steam engine was brought to the Black Hills by bull team to the Homestake Mining Company in Lead, SD in 1879. In 1881, the first Home-stake Company created the first narrow-gauge railroad in the Black Hills to haul its cargo and the public from Lead to several gold mining camps. Take a ride on a restored 1880's train at the Black Hills Central Railroad in Hill City.

9. Harney Peak - The highest mountain in the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota, and the highest point east of the Rockies. Use the trail to climb to the top of the 7,244 ft. summit and visit the old fire lookout tower. (It takes the average person about 2 hours to climb to the top of Harney Peak and almost as long to come back down, as it can be pretty steep in places. Make sure you wear good walking shoes!)

10. Pactola Reservoir - Go fishing, boating, camping, hiking, or swimming in this breath-takingly beautiful lake. It is the largest lake in the Black Hills (about 800 surface acres) and boasts a state record lake trout at 27 lbs., 14 oz. caught in 2003.

11. Sheridan Lake - Another beautiful place to go fishing, camping, hiking, swimming, biking, etc. Sheridan Lake is about 380 acres and is at an elevation of 4,600 feet.

12. Wind Cave National Park - In 1903, Wind Cave became the first cave anywhere in the world to become a national park. Cave explorers are still finding new rooms and passages and is the fourth longest cave in the world. Located in Hot Springs, SD, the cave is well known for its outstanding display of boxwork, an unusual cave formation composed of thin calcite fins resembling honeycombs. The park's mixed-grass prairie is one of the few remaining and is home to native wildlife such as bison, elk, pronghorn, mule deer, coyotes, and prairie dogs.

13. Lead, SD - Lead, which is right next to Deadwood, is the home of the famous Homestake Gold Mine. The mine was closed in 2003, but you can still see the "open pit" where most of the mining was done.

14. Sturgis Motorcycle Rally - This famous motorcycle rally is held the first full week of every August. The first rally was in 1938, and since then, thousands of bikers and other motorcycle enthusiasts come from all over the world.

1. Dinosaur Park in Rapid City - This park on top of a hill was constructed in the 1930's. Admission is free and features seven dinosaur sculptures.

2. Storybook Island - Located in Rapid City, Storybook Island is a fun place for young children. Visit Humpty Dumpty, Pinnochio, and other favorite storybook characters on this 8-acre theme park. There are swings and picnic areas, along with a gift shop. The park is free and is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

3. The Journey Museum - This beautiful museum features dinosaur bones, Native American artifacts, things from the pioneering and gold rush days and much more in the variety of collections it contains. The museum's website features a virtual tour.

4. Bear Country U.S.A. - Take a 3-mile leisurely drive in your car through several enclosures and see black bear, elk, reindeer, deer, cougars, bobcats, rocky mountain goats, bighorn sheep, dall sheep, and buffalo. Bear Country is located on Hwy. 16 just outside of Rapid City.

4. School of Mines & Technology Geological Museum - This museum is FREE and offers a wonderful collection of dinosaur bones, flourescent minerals, meteorites, fossils, etc. It is located in Rapid City, and is closed on Sundays and holidays. Check here for museum hours.