Alicia & Cody
Things To Do
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Mount Rushmore, if you haven't been you should add this to the list! Go be amazed at how underwhelming it is, you'd think by the history books it's massive (I mean it is don't get us wrong) BUT it's totally not what you'd expect! Bonus points if you go and snap a selfie, there is bound to be tons of tourists from Asia (random) and they all take the same selfie, peace sign and a goofy smile! It's a must do, and for $10 it isn't bad! Adventure a bit and take a hike around some of the trails there - just watch for snakes!
Crazy Horse Memorial
This partially finished sculpture has a lot more to do at the visitor's center, but everything is kind of nickel and dime-y if that's a word. There are lots of native american artifacts and different beadwork examples from different tribes. They aren't taking any money from the government so it's taking quite a while to finish. Crazy horse was a chief who fought Custer. It's the Native American's response to Mount Rushmore, cool, tense history. They are actively working on it all the time, and you can even go to the top!
Deadwood
Downtown deadwood is a must see, it's so cool! So much history here, and every day at 4 pm they reenact the shooting of Wild Bill in downtown -so don't be surprised if you hear a gunshot and see a cloud of smoke from a powder handgun. We love drinks at Saloon Number 10 - basics or fancy martinis at the Deadwood Social Club. Cody's favorite drink is an Oyster shot (with a real oyster) from the Oyster Bar. Buffalo Restaurant & Saloon is right outside where the Wild Bill enactment is.
Broken Boot Gold Mine
Clara LOVES this! You get to go into an old mine, they tell you all about the history, and you can pan for real Black Hills gold! So neat! Tours are about one half hour, and they do make sure you wear a silly hard hat, but they clean it first! ;)
Custer State Park
Our favorite park to go to with the kids, lots of animals you can view from the road and easy hikes -again WATCH FOR SNAKES. Elk, Bison, Mule Deer, White Tail, Turkeys, Antelope, Prairie Dogs, and Clara loves the donkeys. The donkeys will come up to your car, you can tempt them with a snack or call them like you would a horse and they will stick their head right in looking for a snack or some nose scratches! The park has a breeding program for buffalo and June is the perfect time to watch the babies play!
Needles Highway
Paul and Sue made the trip up here last summer with Alicia, Clara, and Emily. It's such a pretty drive, although not one you'd want to make in the dark! Pack some snacks, grab some drinks and take the trip! Pretty scenic outlooks, drive through tunnels, and short, easy hikes to take.
Powder House
By far the best prime rib in the area. So tender and juicy. Tucked off US Highway 16A which is a beautiful drive. Check out Lake Pactola and swing through here for supper or lunch! You can get Buffalo, Venison, and Quail here. Tasty!
Pactola Lake
Beautiful and made by a dam, this lake is crystal clear and you'll probably see local kids jumping off cliffs into the cold water! It drops off quick, has a red shale bottom, so wear some shoes because the rocks can be sharp!
Keystone
Michigan has Mackinac Island and South Dakota has Keystone. Lots of touristy things to do here, walk around check out the little shops, get some candy or ride the train here from Hill City for a view not everyone gets! So fun!
1880 Train - Hill City Depot
This is an old school train that runs from Hill City to Keystone, so neat!
Badlands National Park
East of Rapid City, crazy otherworldly sunrises and sunsets. Buffalo, deer, antelope, prairie dogs and bighorn sheep!
Downtown Rapid City
Called the City of Presidents, look at all the statues! There's 43 presidents on the sidewalks! There's also a scavenger hunt online for trinkets they're holding. Stop at Mary's Mountain Cookies for a cookie or swing by Armadillo's for delicious ice cream.
Mount Moriah Cemetery
Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried here. Old stones from the early 1800s aren't an uncommon site, and you can go wander. Wear good shoes because it's hilly and if you're feeling ambitious (like Rachel) you can climb to the top of the hill behind for awesome views!
Adventure Rentals- Hill City
Rent a side by side and ride the trails 2 or 4 seats or live out your convertible dreams and rent a slingshot. Drive around and explore!
High Country Guest Ranch
So you "wanna be a cow-boy bab-yyyyyy" Let your inner kid rock have some fun. They have horseback rides, roping lessons, pony rides, and pony cart rides.
Rushmore Tramway Adventures
Ziplines and a giant slide! Zipliners must be 48'' tall and at least 50 pounds. Max 300 pounds. Down hill tubing in the summer -like you'd find at a ski resort, an aerial climbing park that includes ziplines and an hour and a half of climbing, and an alpine slide - think bobsled without snow.
Bear Country USA
Clara and Emily love this cute drive through zoo! Bears, wolves, bighorn sheep, antelope, deer, elk, reindeer, and bison! There’s also a super cool area to walk around and see the baby bears as well as foxes, porcupines, and all other kinds of little animals! We get a yearly pass and a favorite for us is going to see the animals.
Reptile Gardens
They boast more reptile species and subspecies than any other zoo in the world and the Guinness book of records largest reptile zoo. Alllllllllllll the creepy crawlers can be found here (spiders too) and they have tortoises that are over 100 years old! They have scheduled shows and Clara will tell you “I got to touch a snake but Emily couldn’t because she’s a baby!” There’s a beautiful botanical garden here too, just watch for pythons in the trees!