The Happiness Function

Are you planning a trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota? Get travel inspiration with my list of things to do during your summer vacation.

I grew up in South Dakota and called the Black Hills home. I’m sharing the most popular attractions and outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, swimming, stargazing, sightseeing, touring bucket list national parks, and panning for gold.

First, a little history…

Why Are The Black Hills Called “The Black Hills”

The Black Hills are an “island in the sky,” meaning they are higher than the rest of South Dakota and the surrounding prairie Midwest.

Though they are of higher elevation, resembling the Rocky Mountains in ways, they are not geologically part of the Rocky Mountains. In fact, the Black Hills (just called “the Hills” by locals) are claimed to be the oldest mountain range in the United States.

The Black Hills got their name from the Lakota Native American Tribe, which referred to them as Paha Sapa. Paha Sapa translates 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, which 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). It is the highest point in the U.S. east of the Rockies and is sacred to the Tribes in South Dakota.

The Hills are rich with Wild West history and ancient geology. Spending time here is truly special.

Things To Do in the Black Hills

Summer in the Hills is my favorite because the weather is spectacular for being outdoors.

We’ll begin this guide in the Southern Hills (Hot Springs area) and work our way to the Northern Hills (towards Spearfish).

Black Hills South Dakota Map

Below is a map of the Hills to help visually orient you on the towns and cities discussed in this guide.

Hot Springs Attractions – The 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. It has a cute downtown with boutique shops you can explore.

Here’s a little more on the places you should check out.

Soak in the Evans Plunge Hot Springs Pool

Spend a few hours soaking and relaxing at Evans Plunge, famed for being one of the Black Hills’ oldest attractions.

Growing up, we loved coming here to swim. It has an indoor pool with two slides, and it is a cool place for kids and adults. There is also an outdoor pool.

Visit the Mammoth Site

Mammoth Site is a dig site and museum with fossils of Mammoths from the Late Ice Age. It is an interesting place to visit, especially if you’d like to see ancient Mammoth bones.

The first time I ever visited as a kid, all I could think of was the movie The Land Before Time (1988).

Tour Wind Cave National Park

If you like checking national parks off your bucket list, go for a tour underground and explore Wind Cave.

It is extraordinary that the Black Hills are home to multiple natural wonder karst and cave systems. Both Wind Cave and Jewel Cave (near Custer) are internationally recognized places worth visiting.

Keep a Lookout for Buffalo

Seeing buffalo roaming the plains is one of the most iconic things you can do when visiting South Dakota.

The older buffalo like to hang out in Wind Cave National Park, where there are rolling hills and prairie land.

Custer Area – Home of Custer State Park

Speaking of, Custer is a famous small town. It is recognized for its Hollywood-like Custer sign, Jewel Cave National Monument, and Crazy Horse Memorial.

It is also the gateway to Custer State Park, which is full of fantastic hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Here’s what to do while visiting the Custer area. By the way, it’s my home town — go Wildcats!

Walk Around the Town of Custer

Stop downtown to grab a local bite to eat and walk this historic Wild West town. My favorite restaurants are the Sage Creek Grill, Pizza Mill (they have gluten free crust), and The Purple Pie Place (for ice cream). My Mom’s favorite place is Maria’s Mexican Restuarant.

Custer was established in 1875. It is famous for being named after George Armstrong Custer, who discovered gold in French Creek.

The Mickelson trail goes through town along French Creek — maybe you’ll see some gold yourself (but probably not).

Artsy buffalo art sculptures line the main street along with local boutique shops. I always love swinging into Custer Candy Co for a sweet treat. There are also gift shops full of the best jewelry (think silver and gemstones).

See the Custer Sign

Custer has its own version of the Hollywood sign. It’s a local icon, and it’s cool to see it lit up at night.

Explore Custer State Park

Custer State Park is home to a wide variety of mountain wildlife, including buffalo, deer, turkey, elk, bighorn sheep, white mountain goats, and mountain lions.

The park has feral burros, which used to pack gear for the Black Elk Peak fire lookout long ago. You can see them on your drive of the Wildlife Loop.

The most notable thing to do in the park is to see the herds of buffalo roaming. Keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready to see these animals, but do not walk up to them. Buffalo are dangerous. Please be a responsible traveler.

My explanation doesn’t do this place justice. I would go so far as to say it is one of the best state parks in America. Maybe I’m biased. Let me know after you go.

Attend the Buffalo Roundup and Festivities

One of the most unique activities in Custer State Park is the annual buffalo roundup. The event is accompanied by a chili cook-off and an outdoor arts festival in September.

If you’re in the area at the end of summer, this is a bucket list event. I have fond memories of walking around the art festival with my mom.

Camp in Custer State Park

In Custer State Park, there are nine campgrounds. Each campground offers different aspects and views.

You can read more about each campground here.

See a Show at the Black Hills Playhouse

If you like musicals and theater, the Black Hills Playhouse is tucked away near Center Lake in Custer State Park.

I’ve always found it interesting to have a theater tucked away in the woods. Visit their website to plan your visit.

Have a Beach Day at Center Lake

Yes, I’m sharing my secret spot with you. Whether you want to go camping or just head to the beach for a day, check out Center Lake in Custer State Park. It has a beautiful and quiet beach and is my favorite lake.

We spent most of our summer days here growing up.

Hit the Beach at Stockade Lake

Stockade Lake is another nice lake where you can spend the afternoon. You can go boating, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, or kayaking. There is also a campground next to the lake.

Stockade is right off the highway, easy to see, and accessible by the West Entrance of Custer State Park.

It’s also great to bike around.

Swim at Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake is one of the most iconic places in South Dakota — partially thanks to National Treasure: Book of Secrets and Nicolas Cage’s stellar performance.

It is surrounded by large granite rocks and clear mountain water and is the gateway to the Needles Highway.

The Sylvan Lake area provides access to one of the main trailheads for hiking Black Elk Peak and exploring the Black Elk Wilderness Area.

Hike Black Elk Peak

I can’t share my list of things you should do in the Black Hills without including my favorite hike. Put hiking Black Elk Peak and exploring the Black Elk Wilderness Area on your itinerary.

A local favorite, the views and hike to the top will take your breath away, quite literally, too. As I said earlier, Black Elk Peak is the highest point in South Dakota.

Here is more information on how to hike to Black Elk Peak from Sylvan Lake Trail #9 (the best way to do it, in my opinion).

Drive the 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 as you wind along the narrow highway. Be sure to stop at the lookouts along the way — maybe you’ll be able to see the curvature of the earth. Or maybe you’ll be able to see Wyoming!

Hike the Sunday Gulch Trail

While you are in the Sylvan Lake area, if it is not flooded, hike the Sunday Gulch trail. It is a beautiful hike over streams and an excellent alternative to hiking to the top of Black Elk Peak if you’re crunched on time.

Enjoy Stargazing

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 night sky.

Since the Black Hills have a fairly rural population, the night sky will mesmerize you (unless you are in the town lights).

Tour Jewel Cave National Monument

Jewel Cave National Monument is the third-largest cave in the world. It is west of Custer.

You’ll be awed on a tour. I did a college summer internship with the National Park Service at Jewel Cave. It is truly spectacular.

Read more information about exploring Jewel Cave and Wind Cave.

Visit Crazy Horse Memorial

Just north of Custer is Crazy Horse Memorial. The memorial’s mission is to protect and preserve North American Indian culture.

Along with the sculpture of Crazy Horse, there is a campus full of history and culture you can explore. It’s bigger than Mount Rushmore!

Growing up, I didn’t really have a perspective on how incredible the things to do in and around Custer were. I was really blessed to live there. It is a remarkable place. I know you’ll love visiting.

Hill City Area – Heart of the Black Hills

The Hill City area is known as the “Heart of the Hills” because it is roughly in the middle of the Black Hills.

It is relatively close to Mount Rushmore, making it a summer hot spot. A few wineries and breweries are also in the area.

Here are the best things to check out while you’re in town.

Visit the Town of Hill City

Bop around the main town strip for local shopping and dining. My favorite store is, of course, the gear store — Granite Sports. And who doesn’t love candy and ice cream from Turtle Town or steak at the Alpine Inn?

There is a neat metaphysical shop called Things That Rock that my mom and I love. I also think Dahl’s Chainsaw Art is neat — they have cool wood carvings, including sculptures of Bigfoot (which I love).

Outside of town, on your way to Rapid City, there is another awesome ice cream spot called Dairy Twist.

I can’t wait until my next visit.

Ride the 1880 Train

Open seasonally, you can take a trip along the Black Hill Central Railroad on the 1880 train. Riding the train is fun for folks of all ages.

My Dad made me go with him one year when I was in high school, and it was pretty cool.

Stop by the Wineries and Breweries

Plan a fun afternoon outing and head to Prairie Berry Winery in Hill City for wine tasting. Next door is a brewery. You can sit on the patio and enjoy the views.

Wine tasting is one of my favorite things to do in the Black Hills when I visit. Pablo and I love all the fruit wines. Reading the wine labels such as Red Ass Rhubarb and Rosy Ass Rhubarb always cracks me up.

Oh, and their Moscato is so good.

Keystone Area – Home of Mount Rushmore

Specifically known for being close to Mount Rushmore and as an old gold mining town, the Keystone area should be high on your list.

Here’s what you should do while you’re there.

Visit Keystone

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. There are lots of eclectic shops to explore, and you can even get your picture taken wearing clothes from the “olden days.” My husband loves swinging in to get old fashioned taffy.

The drive to and from Keystone is incredible. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of Mount Rushmore between the trees. I hate to be the one to tell you this, but Mount Rushmore might not be as big as you think it is. It’s still worth seeing!

Ride the Alpine Slide or Zipline

Rushmore Tramway Adventures is a tourist attraction in Keystone that has a massive alpine slide going through the trees. I laughed the entire way down the slide, but I think it was a nervous slash I’m having fun kind of laugh.

While you are there, check out the chairlift or zip line. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you’ll love this place.

Witness Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore is more than sculptures on the mountainside. You have to see for yourself.

It gets super busy, too. I recommend visiting earlier in the day to beat the crowds. The lighting ceremony at night is also worth checking out.

Pan for Gold

Can you even say you have been to the Black Hills without panning for gold?

While you’re in Keystone, book a tour to pan for gold. Check out Big Thunder Gold Mine.

Drive Iron Mountain Road and the Pigtail Bridges

Take a scenic drive along Iron Mountain Road. This is the iconic road you see with people driving through granite tunnels and spiraling bridges.

Closer to Keystone and Mount Rushmore is where you’ll find “the pigtails.” This scenic drive is full of gems.

Tour Rushmore Cave

Rushmore Cave, which is closer to Keystone and Mount Rushmore, 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? Before heading further north in the Hills, visit Lead and Deadwood.

Lead is touted as another “mile-high” city (like Denver), and Deadwood is world-renowned for its Wild West charm and gambling scene.

Discover Deadwood

The area is full of Wild West history, and legendary names such as Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok are known to have frequented it.

Spend some time wandering the cobblestone streets or test your luck gambling. A trip to Deadwood is about as exciting as a trip to Las Vegas.

Walk or Bike the Mickelson Trail

This 109-mile-long historic trail through the Black Hills is a must-see. The path can be accessed 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.

Here is a map of the George S. Mickelson Trail.

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 summer bucket list. Pablo and I ran this a few years ago and had a blast.

The race route goes through some of the most beautiful sections along the Mickelson Trail from Rochford to Deadwood.

Check Out Terry Peak Ski Resort

I know this is a list about summer, but if 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.

Spearfish Area – Northern Black Hills

You can reach Spearfish by going further north from Deadwood or Rapid City. Spearfish is known for the beautiful Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.

Here’s what you should see while you’re there.

Drive the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

Spearfish Canyon is older than the Grand Canyon. Let that sink in for a sec.

Drive the scenic byway and do a few incredible hikes.

Spearfish Canyon is also magnificent to drive through during the fall if you’d like to see changing foliage.

Hike to Spearfish Canyon Waterfalls

If you’d like to hike to some waterfalls, there are a few to explore. I recommend Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Sturgis Area – Home of the Biker Rally

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.

Here’s what to do while visiting.

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 every year, along with headliner music entertainment. If you like to party or are considering getting a tattoo, Sturgis is your place.

If none of that is your vibe, avoid the Black Hills like the plague during this time of year. I personally think it’s a fun event. I won’t tell you how many tattoos I hid from my parents that I got at Sturgis.

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.

Bear Butte is a sacred mountain for many American Indian Tribes.

Rapid City Area – The Western Hub of South Dakota

Rapid City is the largest city on the western side of South Dakota. It has all of your creature comforts, such as the airport, chain stores for shopping, hospitals, schools, and the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology.

Here are tourist attractions to check out while you’re in the area.

Visit the Dinosaur Park

There is a park in the city with giant dinosaurs perched on top of a random hill. It is a quirky local attraction with seven overlooking the city.

I’ll never forget the first time my parents took us here. No wonder I had a slight obsession with dinosaurs.

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.

This place transports you to the jungle. It is a conservation home to animals, reptiles, and botanical gardens. I think the biodome is awesome!

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.

Bear County is a family-friendly drive-through park located on your way into the Hills from Rapid City.

Experience an Optical Illusion

Cosmos Mystery Area will take you on a tour through optical illusion architecture. You’ll wonder which way is truly up! 

Go on a tour and have a trippy experience.

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