Ten Favorite Free Things to Do in the Black Hills (or very nearly free anyways)

Duration:

Four days

Traveling with families, some sort of budget is ever present, it has to be with so many mouths to feed and potential gift store purchases because its one for all, whatever that one may be. Vacation costs can become exponentially out of control if its not at least floating in the sub-conscious of one of the the controlling parties. That's the nature of the game but certainly never one that should prevent travel and quality time together.

A great thing about the Black Hills and Badlands is they are home to a bevy of stops and attractions, and a strong selling point for the region is how affordable so many are. Some even no-strings-attached free!

So as a father of two and with the married with children demographic in mind, presented here are ten favorite free things to do in the Black Hills (or very nearly any ways) in no particular order. Of course, these are just a some of the free or inexpensive things to do in the Black Hills. With so many national & state parks, city parks, trails and otherwise, one can fill five days with amazing experiences including every town in the Black Hills while still holding to a budget (miserly or loosely).

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Black Hills Round-up Parade, Carnival & Rodeo! The "Roundup" is one of the oldest continuously held outdoor rodeos in America. For over 100 years, five exciting days surrounding the July 4th holiday weekend, thousands of regional residents, and people from across the country and abroad, come to Belle Fourche to celebrate. Watch the cattle drive down main street, attend the carnival, then hoop and holler for the cowboys and cowgirls at the rodeo!

D.C. Booth Historic Natural Fish Hatchery and Spearfish City Park, Spearfish - The heart of Spearfish is very much evident to anyone who’s come across the park and D.C. Booth on a zippity-do-da sunny day. The area is beautiful and the kids (and adults) love skipping stones in the stream and feeding the fish in the Hatchery with a $1 or $2 bag of fish food from the gift store.

Roughlock Falls State Rec Area, Spearfish Canyon - I always mention this one as its a favorite stop of my family for years now and we’re not alone in that sentiment. Park at Spearfish Canyon Lodge and take the easy Roughlock Falls Trail up to this serene waterfall. All ages appreciate the beauty of this place.

Mount Moriah Cemetery, Deadwood - The history and heritage of Deadwood is a colorful collection of western lore for sure, much of it now (hopefully) resting at Mount Moriah overlooking this legendary town. Granted its not a playground and could invoke discussion on some heavy concepts for young inquiring minds plus it costs a whopping $2 apiece for entry. But pony up the dough because its location and chance to hear/share some good western stories about Wild Bill, Calamity Jane, Seth Bullock, and others make it a must-see.

Deadwood Alive Shootouts, Main Street Deadwood - These "Gunslingers" are looking for trouble - and they find it every day during the summer (May -September). While real old-west shootouts weren't usually planned - these are! There are three Main Street Shootouts which are historically accurate re-enactments of Deadwood’s past. They take place three times daily, Monday through Saturday. The shoot-outs and re-enactments are FREE to watch. They're entertaining and family-friendly. Do plan to attend the Trial of Jack McCall as well. The play is based on the actual trial which took place in the mining camp of Deadwood after Jack McCall murdered James Butler "Wild Bill” Hickok. There is a small charge to attend the trial, but we're pretty sure you and your family will have a great time. You might even be called to be a juror!