Scenic drives, small towns, and peaceful forested roads await visitors in the Black Hills. One picturesque option is Nemo Road, a 13-mile paved highway west of Rapid City that winds through rolling hills and quiet pine forests before reconnecting with Highway 385 just 16 miles north of Lake Pactola. With road improvements underway on a portion of Highway 385, this alternate route offers a perfect way to experience the beauty of the region while still reaching all your favorite destinations.
Take a Hike
Nemo Road offers prime access to hiking, mountain biking, off-road exploring, and fishing. Several popular hiking trailheads are located along Nemo Road, like Creek Caves Trail and 7th Calvary. Several trailheads provide access to the 120-mile Centennial Trail that expands throughout the Black Hills, as well.
Kids – and kids at heart – will enjoy a stop at the Rock Maze, a short trail where you can navigate boulders that have separated and cracked over time creating a fun navigational trail. Near the Rock Maze is the Steamboat Rock Recreation Area with access to picnic areas and camping, so you can enjoy lunch or spend a night under the stars.
Explore the Town Nemo
Nemo Road is a quaint community of the same name. Established in 1877, Nemo flourished when Homestake set up camp in 1898. Homestake harvested timber for use in the gold mine near Lead. Services in Nemo include a general store, gas, food, lodging, post office, church, guest ranch and trail rides. Grab a coffee or snacks before continuing your adventure or spend a night and adventure the area further.
Adventures Galore
Nemo is frequently used as a base for camping, trout fishing, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, deer hunting and back country treks. Nemo also offers off-highway vehicle (OHV) rentals, and an abundance of rugged trails designated for off-road exploration. Take a trail and head to the Nemo Flag, a popular scenic overlook of the Black Hills and prime spot to capture a photo.
Several hidden gems are located just off Nemo Road, from cave tours, fishing, and scenic views. Explore the underground networks of a 60-million-year-old cavern at Wonderland Cave, five miles from Nemo, along Vanocker Canyon Road. Throw in a fishing line at Dalton Lake, a small, picturesque lake tucked in the pines less than 10 miles off Nemo Road. Dalton Lake offers camping and is located along the Centennial Trail.
View a Spruce Fit for the Capitol
Take a turn onto Box Elder Fork Road and in a short, three-minute drive, you will find the location where the 1970 National Christmas Tree was cut, a stunning 78-foot blue spruce. A new tree was planted at the location in the early 2000s as a symbol of renewed hope for peace worldwide. The 78-foot blue spruce endured several tragedies as it made its way to the nation’s capital – including two train derailments. The weekend before the tree lighting ceremony, the tree blew over in high winds and a few days after the tree was lit, lightbulbs on the lower half of the tree began exploding. If you travel to see the tree, be sure to respect the environment and follow all national forest guidelines and restrictions.
After a detour to adventure, you will connect with Highway 385 and continue your journey in the Black Hills.
Highway Improvement Project Updates
Construction and temporary road closures began this spring. Closure C (Sheridan Lake Road to Be Still Road) took effect on Monday, April 28, 2025, and ends Friday, June 13, 2025. A second construction project will take place along a 15-mile stretch of Highway 385, just north of Hill City, in the Black Hills this summer and we’re here to provide you with resources to navigate the popular, scenic route.
While there may be construction along Highway 385, our attractions, businesses, and sites are prepped and eager to welcome visitors to the region.
Visit the Black Hills & Badlands website to learn more about Route Reimagined.