Miles of Black Hills adventures are waiting for you as you travel from the Heart of the Hills to the Old West! Hill City and Deadwood, located along the southern and northern sections of Highway 385, are two communities are must-see destinations in the Black Hills.
Dubbed the “Heart of the Hills”, Hill City boasts adventures for all ages from the 1880 Train, The Black Hills Institute, shopping, local eateries, the Mickelson Trail, UTV offroad adventures, bike rentals and paddle sport rentals, hiking, and a new taproom and winery to add to the regional tasting trail.
Further north, step back into the Old West, walking along cobblestone streets and visiting the historic buildings of Main Street, Deadwood provides live entertainment, fun dining options. Try your luck at the casinos or trek along the trail to the views from Friendship Tower.
With a 15-mile stretch of Highway 385 under construction near Lake Pactola, visitors will get to explore new routes to get from the Southern to the Northern Black Hills that are filled with stunning scenery, outdoor adventures, and quaint communities to explore!
We’re here to share three adventure routes for your Black Hills excursion.
Highway 44
From Hill city, take Highway 16 to Rapid City, where you can access family attractions, prime hiking trails, and Rapid City’s downtown district. Downtown Rapid City hosts entertainment including live music and movie nights at Main Street Square, urban trail systems, and prime shopping and dining. Spend a night in Rapid City’s many lodging options – from resorts to hotels to camping – and wake up refreshed for a new day’s adventure.
From the Black Hills Visitor Information Center (BHVIC), take Highway 44 west and drive 24.5 miles along a stunning pine-lined roadway. Stop for a hike along Buzzard’s Roost and Falling Rock or take a UTV along the trail at Shanks Quarry. Several small communities – Hisenga and Johnson Siding – provide with stops for food, snacks, and supplies along the way.
Highway 44 connects with Highway 385, one and a half miles north of Lake Pactola.
Nemo Road
Nemo Road is a hidden adventure in itself! From the Black Hills Visitor Center, Nemo Road takes you on a 40-mile stunning adventure through the pines and parallel to the running creek. Nemo Road offers prime access to hiking, mountain biking, off-road exploring, and fishing. Several hidden gems are located just off Nemo Road, from cave tours, fishing, and scenic views. And nestled into the pines is the charming town, of the same name, offering a variety of amenities and a base camp for outdoor adventurers.
Nemo Road ends at Highway 385, 17 miles north of Lake Pactola.
Learn more about Nemo Road here.
Sturgis & Boulder Canyon
From the Black Hills VIC, take I-90 West to Sturgis Exit 30 where you will cruise through Boulder Canyon, a 12-mile scenic stretch of roadway on your way to Deadwood. We recommend spending the day in Sturgis, perusing downtown shops, have lunch, or stay and attend a Wednesday Night Concert Series, a weekly community event with live music, food, kid-friendly activities, and a mountain bike series. Sturgis is also home to an extensive trail system, including portions of the 120-mile Centennial Trail that stretches across the Black Hills.
Which to choose?
The hardest decision is which route to try first!
Erin Loder, Hills City Chamber Director noted no matter the route travelers explore, the Black Hills is prepped and ready for visitors.
“Our entire town is excited to welcome visitors and are already gearing up to do just this,” Loder said. “After all, we are the Heart of the Hills, and we promise that will show during your visit!”
Whichever route you choose to take, you will find adventure and exploration on the way to your destinations. Learn more about alternate routes and Highway 385 improvement projects and Route ReImagined by visiting the Black Hills & Badlands website or stop in the Black Hills Visitor Information Center at 1851 Discovery Circle in Rapid City.