Hill City
"Heart of the Hills"
Population: 650 • Elevation: 4,974
The scent of pine, the whistle of the 1880 Train and a skyline of granite greet visitors to historic Hill City. Saunter down Main Street and find an Old World charm mixed with true Western hospitality. Discover a dinosaur, board a train, visit an art gallery, meander through a mountain meadow, hike a trail, pan for gold, listen to music or watch American Indian artisans create beautiful works in galleries. In Hill City, you're close to it all. The little town is centrally located in the region, set smack-dab midway between Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse in a picturesque mountain valley.
Hill City offers over 28 motels, 5 campgrounds and two restaurants for their guests. Local attractions include Everything Prehistoric, 1880 Train and Prairie Berry Winery.
George S. Mickelson Trail
Join the 109-mile-long Mickelson Trail at Tracy Park Trailhead in Hill City. Follow the historic Deadwood to Edgemont Burlington Northern rail line where South Dakota's first rails to trails project is enjoyed by hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Fourteen trailheads, over 100 converted railroad bridges, four hard rock tunnels and numerous services along the trail. Gentle slopes and easy access.
Harney Peak - Highest Point in the Black Hills
Just south of Hill City is Harney Peak. At elevation 7,242 feet, this summit is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Black Hills. Several trails will lead you to an old lookout tower at the top of the highest mountain east of the Rocky Mountains.
Carving a Mountain-Size Tribute to a Famous Warrior
Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski went to work on June 3, 1948 creating his 563 by 641-foot sculpture of an Indian man atop a spirited warhorse. Now years after Korczak started carving, and his death in 1982, work still continues on Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest sculpture. The story of Korczak and his mountain is told in the $1.6 million Crazy Horse Orientation and Communications Center located eight miles south of Hill City on Hwy. 385.
Pigtail Bridges, Cathedral Spires and Rock Tunnels
The Southern Hills is laced with specially-engineered, super-scenic highways. The 70-mile Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway has been named as one of the 10 Most Outstanding Byways in America. The Needles Highway (SD 87), Iron Mountain Road (US 16A) and Horse Thief Lake Road (SD 244) make up this oval-shaped route through the most rugged real estate in the Black Hills. Besides well-known Mt. Rushmore and Custer State Park, the Byway includes picturesque lakes, towering granite formations, six picture-perfect tunnels, tight hairpin curves, spiral "pigtail" bridges, mile-high overlooks and wildlife ranges. There are many photo stops, picnic areas, climbing rocks and alpine brooks that add to the fun.
Mountain Climbing for All Ages and Abilities
Experience the summits with friends and family. The very popular Needles-Sylvan Lake District climbing area of the Harney Range is technically rated from Easy 5.0 to Extremely Difficult 5.14. Sylvan Rocks Climbing School and Guide Service in Hill City provides professional instruction and equipment for rock climbing made fun and safe for everyone.
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