Things To Do
Overview
There are so many options for things to do around the Black Hills! ***Service can be questionable- Recommend downloading maps ahead of time!!*** There are an abundance of options- these are just some suggestions based on our favorites! Sample Itinerary: Map to Mount Rushmore, stop for ~30 minutes and go walk around to look at the giant faces! (Can stop at bear country and/or reptile gardens on the way) Next map to Crazy Horse (look at monument from parking lot (10 mins) or pay for entry and spend an hour or two walking around) Next, drive up to Sylvan Lake/needles highway before heading back to Rapid or map back to Rapid City on HWY 16A, you can stop at Bismarck or Stockade Lake for swimming/fishing and drive back to the city through that route! Food: We loves burgers from Salt block on our way to Mount Rushmore after bear country. Can also buy food at Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Sylvan Lake, or burgers in Custer. Picnics are also always a great option!
Overview Part 2
Sample Itinerary: Spearfish and Deadwood! Start your morning in Spearfish! Coffee at Blackbird Espresso, map to Spearfish Canyon lodge (~30 mins)- this will take you through Spearfish Canyon- a very scenic drive, can stop along the way to see Bridal Veil Waterfalls, do the Devil's Bathtub water hike, or stop at the end and park across the street from the lodge. There you can hike to Spearfish Canyon Waterfall, go inside the lodge for a drink or eat at the restaurant right there. Next, head to Deadwood via ALT US-14A (~30 mins). Walk around downtown Deadwood, they have old west shows, tours, and lots of opportunity for gambling. Deadwood is great for an ice cream stop!
Bear Country USA
A cool experience where you drive through in your car and see black bears, elk, reindeer, cougars, and bison. $25 per adult, $20 per kid.
Reptile Gardens
Exactly what is sounds like! Another fun excursion for animal lovers. $20-26 per person.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Parking is $10, entry is free. Definitely something to go see if you've never been before.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Another monument that has been in the works for a while. Admission is $35 per car. you can view the monument from the road or the parking lot before you drive up through the gates. Past the paid area is a museum, food, etc.
Custer State Park
Can take a scenic drive through or stop at sylvan lake, drive by needles highway, bismarck or stockade lake for swimming or fishing. Best chance of seeing wildlife along the road are early morning or sunset time (drive slow and careful) we've seen deer, moose, and bison on the road from stockade lake back to rapid city.
Spearfish Canyon
A scenic drive through Spearfish Canyon will not leave you disappointed! Some hikes to check out are: - Devil's Bathtub- 1.7 miles there are several creek crossings, but a natural waterslide and swimming hole at the end (may be cold. -Spearfish falls trail 0.7 miles -Check out more and find details on the free AllTrails app After this scenic drive you can continue onto Deadwood (has a fun old western downtown vibe) or head back to Spearfish!
Deadwood
Great for kids or adults! The downtown area has old western vibes, there is a trolley you can take downtown, they have an old western show during the day, horse rides, and great ice cream! For adults, there is an abundance of gambling opportunities downtown!