Things To Do
Custer State Park
Custer State Park was one of our favorite activities we have ever done. This state park has so much to offer for all types of people. We highly recommend it! Not interested in hiking? Drive through the wildlife loop and see wild buffalo up close and personal or drive through needles highway and weave your way through the amazing rock formations. Want boots on the ground to view in the beauty? Custer State Park has many hiking trails throughout. Our favorite would have to be Cathedral Spires Trail where you hike amongst the beautiful needles or the easy yet beautiful walk through Sylvan Lake Shore Trail (where our engagement photos were taken).
Badlands National Park
The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient horses and rhinos once roamed here. The park’s 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today. This is a great option to drive through or hike the many trails! Explore the beauty that America protects.
Spearfish Canyon
Spearfish Canyon is the Northern Hills' number one natural attraction. A great spot for wildlife enthusiasts, as the diverse array of plant life, provides a comfortable home for deer, mountain goats, porcupines and bobcats, Spearfish Canyon is also a place for outdoor enthusiasts. There are a few hiking trails and ATV trails with views of the beautiful waterfalls these canyons provide.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Majestic figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota, tell the story of the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country. From the history of the first inhabitants to the diversity of America today, Mount Rushmore brings visitors face to face with the rich heritage we all share.
Deadwood
In 1876, the Wild West town of Deadwood was born when prospectors came across a gulch full of dead trees and a creek full of gold. Historic Deadwood, SD is just as wild today as it was when legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Seth Bullock roamed the streets. This is a fun tourist spot to see a town that was so iconic to the wild west. There are many shops to peruse, museums to see and casinos to play at.
Wonderland Cave
A visit to Wonderland Cave isn't just a tour—it's a journey through time. The cave formations trace back to an era when an inland sea covered the area. You'll marvel at the stalactites, stalagmites, and the rare and twisty helictites. This diversity in formations is one of the reasons it stands out. This is a very cool experience to explore the world 250 feet under ground. It gives you an idea of what it was like for the gold miners back in the day. The tunnels are typically 47 degrees, so warm clothing is recommended!
