Catch the Sunshine: Your Guide to Summer in the Black Hills & Badlands

Things To See

From iconic landmarks and national parks to vibrant communities and natural wonders, the Black Hills and Badlands is filled with must-see attractions.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

A patriotic centerpiece with special summer programming, we encourage you to check out an evening lighting ceremony, which includes a brief presentation before the famous faces are illuminated against the Black Hills evening sky. 

Badlands National Park

Take a cruise through Badlands National Park. Cruise the 39-mile paved loop and stop at various lookout points and hiking trails. While visiting, photograph dramatic geology, view abundant wildlife such bison, and set to the trails for an epic sunrise or sunset. 

Crazy Horse Memorial

Crazy Horse Memorial offers a rich history and representation of the Oglala Lakota culture, with seasonal special art exhibits and cultural dance and music shows throughout the summer.

Custer State Park – Grazing bison, scenic drives, and sparkling lakes.

Custer State Park brings you up close and personal to wildlife in the region. Take a scenic drive along the wildlife loop and witness bison grazing in the green prairies and the “begging burros” to your car window. Sit by the crystal lakes or take a swim to cool off on the hot summer days or enjoy the abundant trails in the Park. 

Spearfish Canyon – Lush scenery, waterfalls, and cool retreats.

A vibrant and artsy community, Spearfish is the gateway to Spearfish Canyon, a XX-mile drive through towering limestone and pine-clad palisades. Hike along popular trails and stop along three waterfalls, cooling off in the summer heat.

Must-See Natural Spots

Stockade Lake

Located in Custer State Park, this scenic lake has a large fishing dock, walking path, swimming beach, and camp sites, perfect to relax after a long day. Camping is also available.   

Pactola & Sheridan Lakes

Located along Highway 385, Lake Patola and Sheridan Lake are perfect spots for fishing, swimming, and watersports like skiing and boating. Surrounded by pines and blue, sun-shined filled skies, you can also hike or camp at each location. 

Devils Tower (WY)

Day trip-worthy for climbing, hiking, and Native heritage. 

Spend time in the Black Hills of Wyoming with a trip to Devils Tower National Monument. Peruse exhibits that showcase Native heritage, hike around the base of the monument, or reach new heights and thrills by rock climbing to the top of Devils Tower or a one-of-a-kind view of the Hills. 

Things To Do

Fun for Kids

Splash at waterparks, play mini golf, ziplines, alpine slides, arcades, and dig for fossils.

Outdoor Recreation 

The Black Hills and Badlands is an outdoor lover’s paradise! Hundreds of miles of trails take you on treks that end with stunning panoramic views of the Hills, granite spires, or expansive buttes and pinnacles in the Badlands.

Hiking & Biking:  

No matter the ability level, the region offers family-friendly to more challenging trails in the Black Hills and Badlands. The Mickelson Trail is a non-motorized trail.

Trails vary, offering family-friendly excursions to more challenging peaks.  
 

Water Activities:

Kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, swimming, and fishing at area lakes. 

Area lakes will keep you cool with water activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, swimming, and fishing. Many regional lakes rent watercraft for visitors’ enjoyment.  

 
Camping:

Camping is the perfect way to rejuvenate and connect with nature. Depending on your level of adventure, camping options include tent sites under the stars to full-service RV parks and rustic cabins.  

Scenic Drives:

Needles Highway, Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, Badlands Loop. 

The Black Hills and Badlands are filled with scenic drives that will take your breath away. Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road take you through winding roadways, pigtail bridges, and to sweeping views of granite spires. Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway winds through towering limestone canyons and by Bridal Veil Falls, a photo must! Badlands Loop will take you to several overlooks where you grab the perfect photograph.  

Wildlife Watching:

The region is abundant with wildlife including bison, antelope, deer, and birds. Early morning or evening is best for bison, elk, and pronghorn sightings! 

The best time to catch wildlife in action is early morning or evening, when the temperatures are cooler. We recommend a 70 to 200 mm zoom lens to capture these babes in action, but also exercise caution and keep a safe distance.  

Unique Attractions

When traveling to the Black Hills and Badlands, find fun and unique activities to add to your itinerary.  

Horseback Riding:

Trek along the trails, slow and steady on horseback. Take a guided trail ride through rolling hills and pine forests. End the ride with a chuck wagon dinner - just like the cowpoke!

Gold Mine Tours: 

Step back into Old West and learn more about the rich history of gold mining in the Black Hills. Visit a museum, or take a gold mine tour in Lead and Deadwood and even try to see if you strike it rich panning for your own gold. 

Family Fun:

Waterparks, mini golf, and fossil sites.

Make family memories on your trip. Laugh down the waterslides at waterparks in the region, challenge your kids in miniature golf, and dig for adventure at fossil sites in the area.

Events

Signature Events:

605 Day (June 5): Celebrate all things South Dakota—local pride, food, and fun. 

Favorite activities in the region include hikes, shopping local, and indulging in our local flare at the many unique restaurants. Consider trying the popular Indigenous dish, Native American tacos! 

Independence Day:

Parades, fireworks, Gold Camp Jubilee, and more. 

Independence Day in the Black Hills and Badlands bursts with American pride from firework celebrations, parades, festivals and rodeos! Communities throughout the region host special events like Gold Camp Jubilee, encompassing the town’s culture and history.  

Rodeos:

Watch the bulls and broncs fling dust and mud at an action-packed rodeo event! The Black Hills Roundup in Belle Fourche is a multi-day event held over the Fourth of July Holiday and includes community events like a carnival, parade, and fireworks shows. 

Days of ’76 Rodeo in Deadwood packs a punch. The rodeo has a longstanding history in the state and the history is showcased in the Days of '76 Museum.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally:

Meet us at Legendary Main Street in Sturgis, August 1-10 for the 85th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. From rides to live entertainment to vendors, there’s never a dull moment during the Rally!

Central States Fair & Rodeo:

A classic summer fair with rodeo, concerts, and local flavor held August 15-23. Throw your hands up on a carnival ride, grab a corn dog and lemonade, and try your luck at a carnival game!

Seasonal Festivals & Concerts:

Throughout the summer you can find downtown block parties, arts festivals, farmers markets, and live music across the region. 

Monthly "What's Happening" Snapshot

Each month of the summer offers unique opportunities to explore and make memories in the Black Hills and Badlands.

June

Recreation areas are open and ready for campers and fishing enthusiasts. A highlight of June is the annual Crazy Horse Memorial Volksmarch, where you can hike to the arm of the memorial and get a very up-close glimpse of the carving.

Live music and festivals begin kicking off in the local communities, offering an opportunity to mingle with visitors and locals alike.

July

July is peak festival season, and of course a variety of Independence Day Celebrations!

August

The dog days of summer bring the hottest action with the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and summer concerts. Other annual events include the Central States Fair and Kool Deadwood Nites, a classic car show with live music.  

The Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival is a stunning display of color and wonder. Watch massive hot air balloons come to life as they soar above the Hills.

Places To Stay

The Black Hills and Badlands has lodging for every explorer, accommodating solo travelers, families, group trips, and couples.

Resorts & Lodges:

Full amenities and family packages.

Cabins:

Rustic to luxury set in the hills or lakeside.

Hotels/Motels:

Communities across the region offer hotel and motel lodging, which are great for road-trippers and festivalgoers.

Bed & Breakfasts:

For a charming stays in our smaller towns, book a bed and breakfast.

Campsites & RV Parks:

From tent camp sites to full-service RV parks, there is an abundance of camping options in the region. Be sure to book early for lake and park access.

Booking Advice:

With peak summer months approaching, reserve lodging, tours, and attractions in advance. Check with area attraction websites to see which places require advanced reservations. Booking ahead saves time and money, allowing you to enjoy more of the Black Hills and Badlands. Find additional ways to save with offers from local attractions on the Black Hills & Badlands website.

Crowds not your thing? Summer is a busy time for the Black Hills and Badlands, so if you would like fewer crowds, consider booking a trip for midweek or late August.

Start Planning:

As you begin planning your summer trip to the Black Hills and Badlands, let us help. We have a variety of programs and tools to ease the planning process and showcase the endless opportunities to make memories on your trip. Check out our Black Hills & Badlands Vacation Guide and download maps and itineraries to help plan and guide your trip. 

Visit each of our community’s visitor centers to learn about all the opportunities to explore. When visiting ask for a free sticker, each a different design to collect!

Our website includes a full list of events or you stop by the Black Hills Visitor Information Center for personalized help in planning activities in the region.

With our recommendations, access to downloadable material, and personalized communication at our Visitor Center, we want to help you make the most of your days. Whether you’re seeking thrills, relaxation, or memory-making moments, adventure is always within reach in the Black Hills and Badlands.