With its central location, Hill City is flourishing as the visitor crossroads. The mountain landscape that surrounds the small town is why it’s known as the “Heart of the Hills”. It is recognized for its artistic downtown lined with galleries and gift shops. Ride the 1880 Train at the Black Hills Central Railroad, visit the Museum at Black Hills Institute of Geological Research which attests to the area’s prehistoric past, hike or ride the George S. Mickelson Trail, take an afternoon jaunt to the local wineries. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park and Crazy Horse Memorial are within 15-20 minutes away.
One of America’s most enduring patriotic symbols, Mount Rushmore National Memorial was completed in 1941. The faces of U.S. Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, representing the first 150 years of our nation’s democracy, will greet you with pride and glory. The serene and beautiful surroundings will refresh your senses and revitalize your patriotism.
See, hear and feel the historic carving effort at Crazy Horse Memorial. Learn about the legendary Lakota leader and the historic and living cultures of North America’s Indian people.
Beneath the swaying prairie grasses of the southern Black Hills is the sixth longest cave in the world. Wind Cave National Park was established by Theodore Roosevelt in 1903. Explore the area with ranger-guided tours where you will experience the barometric winds at the cave entrance and a rare cave formation called Boxwork.
Custer State Park is a magnificent wilderness reserve, with towering pines, swift flowing creeks, massive cliffs and rock ridges as well as a free-roaming herd of buffalo. Other frequently spotted wildlife includes deer, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs and coyotes. Enjoy outdoor activities such as geocaching, hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and swimming in the park.
The most unique geology can be enjoyed on the Badlands Loop in the Badlands National Park, where it’s wide-open and wild. You can look for miles and see no sign of civilization. There is an abundance of fossils and diverse wildlife in this spectacular, protected prairie ecosystem.
With more than 165 miles of passageways, Jewel Cave National Monument ranks as the third longest cave in the world. Guided tours showcase the beauty of the cave, highlighting the unique colors and formations.
The 1.2 million acre Black Hills National Forest is home to the region’s most beautiful scenery including dramatic rock formations, gorges, pine-forested hills, lakes, streams and prairies. Spearfish Canyon National Forest Scenic Byway and Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway offer 90 miles of outstanding scenery. The land is home to deer, elk, turkeys, and a variety of trout and warm-water fish and contains miles of trails, 29 campgrounds, 11 reservoirs and dozens of picnic areas. Enjoy popular activities such as hunting, fishing, boating, rock climbing, camping, hiking, biking, atving, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
Enjoy the backyard patio, complete with tables & chairs, gas & charcoal grills, 8-person hot tub and fire pit. Start your day with coffee or relax at the end of the day with a glass of wine in the chairs perched high on the hill side.
NATURE VIEWING
The four seasons offer amazing opportunities to view and enjoy nature in the Black Hills National Forest. In the springtime, flowers abound on the forest floor. Fall colors brighten the hills and white winter snow illuminates the surroundings. Forest lakes glisten bright blue on summer days, and summer nights offer magnificent opportunities for star gazing.
SCENIC DRIVING
The Peter Norbeck and Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byways showcase 90 miles of the Black Hills’ most scenic highways, although one will find that all roads in the Black Hills are scenic drives! Venture out on a day trip with a picnic lunch and don’t forget you camera.
HIKING
For Backpacking and Day Hiking, the forest has 450 miles of hiking trails ranging in length and difficulty. Several trails will lead to the old lookout tower at Harney Peak, the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains and west of the French Alps, at 7,242 feet!
SPELUNKING
Of all the caves in the United States, none contain the vast variety and abundance of rare formations and passageways as found in the Black Hills caves. Six Black Hills caves are open to the public. Every cave offers unique formations and its own window into the underground cavern system, so visit as many as you can while you are here.
BIKING
There are hundreds of miles of trails and roads accessible by mountain bike on the Black Hills National Forest. Roads that wind through the forest are ideal for cycling and trails take riders on an exploratory journey. Bike rentals are available in Hill City.
ROCK CLIMBING
There are hundreds of plotted climbing courses for all different skill levels throughout the Black Hills. Several area businesses provide guides and training.
HUNTING
Hunters hunt the Black Hills for both big and small game species, including: turkey, deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, mountain lion, rabbits and game birds. It can be a rewarding experience! A license is required to hunt in both South Dakota and Wyoming.
FISHING
Several species of game fish, including brown, brook, and rainbow trout, as well as northern, perch, walleye and crappies can be caught in the Black Hills area. A license is required to fish in both South Dakota and Wyoming.
ROCKING HOUNDING
Mineral deposits and rock beds can be found throughout the forest and prairie, featuring quartz, copper, silver, lead, mica, feldspar and many other naturally occurring geological finds. People come to the Black Hills for exploration and mineral claims on gold, uranium, pegmatite minerals, and limestone.