40 Things To Do in the Black Hills: The Ultimate Summer Guide
Are you planning a trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota? Get travel inspiration with the 40 best things to do during your summer vacation or road trip. Continue reading for ideas on outdoor activities as well as local attractions, including hiking, camping, swimming, stargazing, sightseeing, touring bucket list national parks, and panning for gold. Plan an unforgettable summer road trip to the Black Hills.
Growing up in South Dakota, the Black Hills is a place I call home. So you are in for a treat. We are sharing all the best things to do in the Black Hills!
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Reason the Black Hills Are Called the Black Hills
First, a little history…
The Black Hills are an island in the sky, meaning they have a higher elevation than the rest of South Dakota and the surrounding prairie Midwest. Though the Black Hills are of higher elevation resembling the Rocky Mountains in ways, they are not geologically part of the Rocky Mountains. In fact, the Black Hills (Hills) have claim as the oldest mountain range in the United States.
From a distance, the Hills are dark and look black. The Black Hills got their name from the Lakota Native American tribe, referring to the Black Hills as Paha Sapa. Paha Sapa translates respectively to “hills that are black.” The Black Hills are home to evergreen pine-covered forests, which gives them a dark look from a distance.
The tallest point in the Black Hills is Black Elk Peak. Black Elk Peak was renamed in 2015 after the Holy Oglala Lakota Medicine Man, Black Elk. Black Elk Peak reaches an elevation of 7,242 feet (2,207 meters). The peak is the highest point in the U.S., east of the Rockies. It is a sacred place to visit in the Hills.
The Black Hills of South Dakota are rich with wild-west history and ancient geology. Spending time in the Hills is truly special. In this article, we’ll talk about all the things to see in the Black Hills and Black Hills National Forest. Now, onto the 40 best things to do in the Black Hills during the summer!
40 Things To Do in the Black Hills: The Ultimate Summer Guide
The Black Hills of South Dakota make for the ultimate summer vacation. There are many outdoor things to do, such as sightseeing, hiking, camping, gold panning, and visiting multiple national parks.
Get your annual America the Beautiful National Park pass before your trip! Save time in the lines and purchase your pass from REI!
The Black Hills of South Dakota is home to Mount Rushmore National Monument, Jewel Cave National Monument, and Wind Cave National Park. You can check three national parks off of your life bucket list in one vacation!
First, we’ll begin with a guide to the Southern Hills (Hot Springs area) and work our way to the Northern Hills (towards Spearfish).
Black Hills South Dakota Map
Hot Springs Attractions – Southern Hills
Hot Springs is one of the main towns in the Southern Hills. It is recognized for Evans Plunge, Mammoth Site, and Wind Cave National Park.
1. Soak in the Evans Plunge Hot Springs Pool
Hot Springs, South Dakota, is home to natural hot springs. Spend a few hours soaking and relaxing at Evans Plunge, famed for being one of the Black Hills’ oldest attractions.
2. Hot Springs, SD Mammoth – Visit Mammoth Site
Mammoth Site is a dig site and museum with fossils of Mammoths from the Late Ice Age. It is an interesting and highly educational place to visit, especially if you’d like to see ancient Mammoth bones!
3. Tour Wind Cave National Park
It is extraordinary that the Black Hills are home to multiple natural wonder karst and cave systems. Both Wind Cave and Jewel Cave are unique and internationally recognized caves worth visiting on your Black Hills, South Dakota vacation. Go for an unforgettable tour underground and explore Wind Cave.
4. Keep a Lookout for Buffalo
The older buffalo like to hang out in Wind Cave, where there are rolling hills and prairie land. You cannot visit the Black Hills without seeing buffalo!
Local secret – when visiting, if you don’t see buffalo during your visit to Custer State Park, try your luck near Wind Cave.
Next, we’ll head further north in the Hills into the Custer area. Continue reading to learn more about Custer State Park.
Custer Area – Activities in the Black Hills
Custer is a famous small town in the Black Hills. It is recognized for its “Hollywood-like” Custer sign, Jewel Cave National Monument, and Crazy Horse Memorial.
It is also the gateway town to Custer State Park, full of fantastic hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
5. Visit the Town of Custer
Visit Custer, my hometown. Stop downtown to grab a local bite to eat and walk this historic wild west town.
Custer was established in 1875. It is also famous for being named after George Armstrong Custer, who discovered gold in French Creek. You can walk the Mickelson trail through town along French Creek.
Artsy buffalo art sculptures line the main street along with local shops and restaurants. Be sure to keep a lookout for the buffalo. The sculptures make for fun Instagram photos!
6. Hike to the Custer Sign
Custer has its own version of the “Hollywood sign.”
The Custer sign is an iconic emblem of the town. Be sure to check it out up close or from afar. You can hike to the Custer sign. The sign is such a local icon.
7. Explore Custer State Park
Custer State Park is home to all kinds of mountain wildlife, such as deer, turkey, elk, bighorn sheep, white mountain goats, and mountain lions.
The park also has feral burros, which used to pack the gear to the Black Elk Peak fire lookout long ago. The most notable things to do in the park are to see the herds of buffalo roaming. Keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready to see these magnificent animals.
Custer State Park has outdoor activities galore such as camping, swimming, fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, and sightseeing. There are many lakes to choose from in the park; a little more on all of this below.
8. Attend the Buffalo Roundup and Festivities
One of the most unique activities in Custer State Park is the annual buffalo roundup.
Later in the summer or early fall (depending on how you look at it since South Dakota doesn’t really have a fall), the roundup has a chili cook-off and outdoor arts festival.
If you’re visiting during late September, check out the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks website for details on where you can attend the annual buffalo roundup.
9. Camp in Custer State Park and the Black Hills
In Custer State Park, there are nine campgrounds to explore. Each campground offers different aspects and views.
There is plentiful camping all over the Black Hills in the Black Hills National Forest as well as in privately owned camping facilities.
10. Camp at Center Lake in Custer State Park
One of the quiet, more secluded campgrounds in Custer State Park is Center Lake. It is close to the Black Hills Playhouse Theater.
11. Have a Beach Day at Center Lake in Custer State Park
Whether you are camping or just headed to the beach for a day, be sure to check out Center Lake in Custer State Park. It has a beautiful and quiet beach.
12. Hit the Beach at Stockade Lake in Custer State Park
Stockade Lake in Custer State Park is another great lake to spend the afternoon. Enjoy lake activities such as boating, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, or kayaking. There is also a campground. Enjoy this mountain lake close to Custer by the main west entrance to Custer State Park. Stockade Lake is right off the highway, easy to see, and easy to access.
13. Swim and Discover Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park
Sylvan Lake is another iconic lake in Custer State Park. It is surrounded by large granite rocks and clear mountain water and is the gateway to Needles Highway.
One of the main trailheads for hiking Black Elk Peak and exploring the Black Elk Wilderness Area is also accessible from Sylvan Lake.
14. Hike Black Elk Peak and Explore Black Elk Wilderness Area
Put hiking Black Elk Peak and exploring the Black Elk Wilderness Area on your South Dakota bucket list. A local favorite, the views and hike to the top of the lookout tower will take your breath away, quite literally, too. As we said earlier, Black Elk Peak is the highest point in South Dakota.
Read more information about hiking Black Elk Peak from Sylvan Lake trail #9 to plan your trek!
Hiking is one of the best things to do in the Black Hills National Forest.
15. Drive Needles Highway
Take a stunning scenic drive through the Black Hills along the winding road of the Needles Highway.
Keep your eyes peeled for white mountain goats and the famous granite pinnacles. Be sure to stop at the lookouts along the way.
16. Hike Sunday Gulch Trail
While you are in the Sylvan Lake area, hike the Sunday Gulch trail. It is a beautiful hike over streams through the Black Hills forest. It is an excellent alternative if you don’t have time to hike to the top of Black Elk Peak.
17. Enjoy Stargazing in the Black Hills
Whether you are camping or staying in a hotel, condo, Airbnb, or Vacation Rental by Owner (VRBO), be sure to step outside at night and take in the breathtaking night sky.
Since the Black Hills have a fairly rural population, the bright night sky will mesmerize you unless you are in the town lights. Don’t forget to look for the Big Dipper. It is easy to spot!
18. Tour Jewel Cave National Monument
West of Custer is another natural treasure. Jewel Cave National Monument is the third-largest cave in the world. Don’t miss Jewel Cave on your Black Hills, South Dakota vacation. Take a tour and be awed by one of the natural wonders of the world. Get more information about exploring Jewel Cave and Wind Cave.
I did a college summer internship with the National Park Service at Jewel Cave. It is truly spectacular!
19. Visit Crazy Horse Memorial
Just north of Custer, you can visit Crazy Horse Memorial. The Memorial has a mission to protect and keep the North American Indian culture alive and protected. Along with the iconic mountain sculpture of Crazy Horse, there is a campus full of history and culture.
Hill City Attractions – Heart of the Black Hills
Known as the heart of the Hills because it is roughly in the middle of the Black Hills, Hill City is also known for the 1880 train.
It is relatively close to Mountain Rushmore, making it a summer hot spot. There are a few wineries and breweries in the area as well to point out.
20. Visit the Town of Hill City
Bop around the main town strip for local shopping and dining.
21. Ride the 1880 Train
Open seasonally, take a trip along the Black Hill Central Railroad on the 1880 train. Riding the train is fun for folks of all ages.
22. Stop by the Wineries & Breweries in Hill City
Plan a fun afternoon outing and head to Prairie Berry Winery in Hill City for wine tasting. Next door is a brewery. Sit on the patio, enjoy the day, and enjoy the views. Take some wine home to go for later! This is one of our favorite things to do in the Black Hills when we visit.
Keystone Area – Things To Do in the Black Hills, SD
Specifically known for being close to Mount Rushmore and as an old gold mining town, make visiting the Keystone area high on your list of things to do in the Black Hills.
Drive Iron Mountain Road, wind through the Pigtail Bridges, and tour Rushmore Cave. If you feel the need for speed (Top Gun movie reference), check out the Alpine slide.
23. Visit Keystone
As we were saying, Keystone is an old mining town turned resort-tourist town. It is most notably known as the closest town down the mountain from Mount Rushmore. Tucked between the hills and tall evergreens, Keystone has an old-west feel.
Explore the main street, local gift shops, and restaurants with an old wild west gold mining ambiance. The drive to and from Keystone is incredible. Bask in the beautiful Black Hills scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of Mount Rushmore between the trees!
24. Ride the Alpine Slide or Zipline
Rushmore Tramway Adventures is a tourist attraction in Keystone with a massive slide going through the hills. It is super fun! While you are there, check out the chairlift and zip-line if you are up for adrenaline-filled fun post your visit to Mount Rushmore.
25. Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Mount Rushmore is known for being one of the best things to do in the Black Hills of South Dakota! Check visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial off your life bucket list and see the iconic monument of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Mount Rushmore is more than sculptures on the mountainside. You have to see for yourself!
If you’re visiting during the 4th of July, you might be in for an epic firework display. Check schedules, though. Often the firework display is canceled due to seasonal fire danger.
Mount Rushmore gets super busy. We recommend visiting earlier in the day to beat the crowds.
26. Pan for Gold in the Black Hills
While you’re in Keystone, book a tour to pan for gold. Panning for gold is an iconic activity and one of the most fun things to do in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Be sure to check out Big Thunder Gold Mine.
27. Drive Iron Mountain Road & the Pigtail Bridges
Take a scenic drive along Iron Mountain Road. Closer to Keystone and Mountain Rushmore is where you’ll find the pigtails. This scenic drive is full of hidden gems including tunnels, switchbacks, curves, and the pigtails. Add this to your list of things to do in the Black Hills, SD!
28. Tour Rushmore Cave
Closer to Keystone and Mount Rushmore, Rushmore Cave is another cave in the Black Hills known for its stalactites. Privately owned, a one-hour tour through the Pahasapa limestone will show you incredible geologic formations.
Lead-Deadwood Area – Twin Cities of the Black Hills
Did you know South Dakota has twin cities? Heading further north in the Black Hills, check out Lead and Deadwood.
Lead is touted for being another “mile-high” city (like Denver), and Deadwood is world known for its wild west charm and gambling scene.
A gorgeous section of the Mickelson Trail goes through this area as well. And if you’re a runner, the famous Deadwood marathon and half-marathon are a must every June.
Plan on visiting in the winter? Well, there is even a local ski resort, Terry Peak.
29. Discover Deadwood’s Wild West Charm & Gambling
Full of iconic wild-west history, legendary names such as Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok are known to have frequented the area. Spend some time wandering the cobblestone streets or test your luck gambling. In fact, a trip to Deadwood is about as exciting as a trip to Las Vegas.
30. Walk or Bike the Mickelson Trail Through the Black Hills
A 109-mile-long historic trail through the Black Hills is a must-see. You can access the path from 15 different trailheads. Though it runs through the majority of the Black Hills, we put the Mickelson Trail under the Deadwood area for ease of access and the Deadwood marathon summer event.
Check out the map of the George S. Mickelson Trail.
31. Run the Deadwood Mickelson Marathon & Half-Marathon
If you are a runner or walker, add the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon or half-marathon to your bucket list. The race route goes through some of the most beautiful sections along the Mickelson Trail from Rochford to Deadwood, South Dakota.
32. Check Out Terry Peak Ski Resort
In case you visit the Black Hills during winter, there is a ski resort! You can still drive up the mountain and hike around during the summer as well.
Next, we will continue heading further north in the Hills to Spearfish from Deadwood.
Black Hills Travel Spearfish, SD – Northern Black Hills
You can get to Spearfish going further north from Deadwood or the Rapid City area.
Spearfish is known for the beautiful Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway Drive. Stop and check out the waterfalls while you’re there.
33. Drive Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
Spearfish Canyon is older than the Grand Canyon. Drive the scenic byway and find incredible hikes. Spearfish Canyon is magnificent to drive through during the fall if you’d like to see changing foliage.
34. Visit & Hike to Spearfish Canyon Waterfalls
Hike to waterfalls in Spearfish Canyon. There are a few hikes to explore. For example, hike to see Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Sturgis Area – Northern Black Hills
Also located on the edge of the Northern Hills, Sturgis is famous for hosting the annual Sturgis Biker Rally. It is one of the closest towns to Bear Butte and Bear Butte State Park.
35. Head to the Sturgis Biker Rally
Beginning the second week in August annually, if you are into motorcycles, people from all over the world gather and attend the Sturgis Biker Rally. The rally hosts hundreds of thousands of bikers annually, along with headliner music entertainment. If you like to party or are considering getting a tattoo, Sturgis is your place!
36. Hike Bear Butte Sacred Mountain
For peaceful outdoor adventures, spend an afternoon hiking to the top of Bear Butte. This geologic formation formed millions of years ago in the Black Hills. Bear Butte is an extremely special and sacred mountain for many American Indian tribes.
Rapid City Area – Things to Do in the Black Hills
Rapid City is the largest city on the western side of South Dakota. It has all your creature comforts, such as the airport, chain shopping, hospitals, schools, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, and the Dinosaur Park.
As you drive south into the Black Hills from Rapid City towards Mount Rushmore, you’ll pass Reptile Gardens, Bear Country USA, and the Cosmos Mystery Area.
37. Visit Dinosaur Park in Rapid City
Check out the Dinosaur Park on the hill in Rapid City. It is a fun local attraction. Seven dinosaurs are overlooking Rapid City.
38. Tour Reptile Gardens
Reptile Gardens is a neat activity to do whether you are a local with families or are visiting on vacation. It is south of Rapid City, South Dakota. Reptile Gardens transports you to the jungle. It is a conservation home to animals, reptiles, and botanical gardens.
39. Drive Through Bear Country USA
Though the Black Hills are no longer home to a thriving wild bear population (except for unique and rare visits from other mountain ranges), you can see bears at Bear Country USA.
It is located on your way into the Hills from Rapid City. Bear County is a neat family-friendly drive-through park.
40. Experience an Optical Illusion at Cosmos Mystery Area
Cosmos Mystery Area will take you touring through optical illusion architecture. You’ll be wondering which way is truly up! Go on a tour and have a unique experience.
Summary: 40 Best Things To Do in the Black Hills
The Black Hills of South Dakota is rich with wild-west history and ancient geology. All in all, spending time in the Hills is incredibly special full of wild west charm and natural wonders.
If you’re looking for an exciting summer road trip destination, the Black Hills of South Dakota should be at the top of your list. This beautiful area is home to some of America’s most stunning landscapes and attractions, including Mount Rushmore National Monument, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park. So, pack up the car and head out on a fun-filled adventure in the heart of the American West – you won’t regret it!
Enjoy your summer trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota!
Ashlee + Pablo
Read More From The Happiness Function
Planning a road trip to the Black Hills?
- How to Hike Black Elk Peak From a Local
- How to Visit Mount Rushmore Local’s Guide
- 10 Best National & State Parks in South Dakota
- South Dakota Bucket List: 37 Best Things To Do in South Dakota This Summer
We Want To Hear From You!
When are you going to the Black Hills? If you have already been, what was your favorite Black Hills attraction?
Featured Image Credit: keeweeboy/Depositphotos.com.
I never knew my state had so many things to do!
Thanks for this article.
Thank you for reading. Have a great day!
This post made me so happy! My parents were actually married in the Black Hills, and my family lived in South Dakota when I was born. I’ve been to the Black Hills only once but I was in high school so it’s definitely time for a return visit.
Hi Catherine! What a beautiful share. Thank you. A return visit to the Black Hills with the family during the summer sounds in order!
Mount Rushmore is on my to-do list so this is a great resource. Thanks!
Hi Jamie – visiting Mount Rushmore will be wonderful. Hope this inspires your trip to the Black Hills!
This is such a great guide! I am actually planning a trip to South Dakota this upcoming summer, so definitely keeping this article handy. 🙂 It looks so beautiful there.
Hi Taylor – awesome! I hope you have a wonderful trip to visit the Black Hills.
I love how many things there are to do here apart from visit Mount Rushmore!
Hi Krista! Indeed. There are so many things to do in the Black Hills!
This is such a great list of ideas! We went to Mt Rushmore a few years ago and had a blast! We were surprised that there was SO much to do!
Hi Megan – It is great you have been to visit Mount Rushmore. There is so much history in the Black Hills.
What a detailed list of things to do in the Black Hills! We visited Mt. Rushmore, but didnt have enough time to do much else. I know we missed a lot, so I’m hoping to return in the summer. Will use this as a guide – thank you!
Hi Margie – how awesome! Hope you can make it back. There are so many things to do in the Black Hills!
Wow, what an incredible list of things to do in the Black Hills! A visit to Mount Rushmore is on my bucket list, but it looks like I’ll need a lengthy stay to see the best of the area! There are some incredible hikes listed here, I’d love to try them out to admire the incredible landscape! Thanks for the great guide!
Hi Hannah – thanks for reading. The Black Hills are truly spectacular. Hope you can make it for a visit!