Top Things to do in The Black Hills
Top Hotels in The Black Hills
- 1. Bavarian Inn, Black Hills
- 2. Best Western Plus Rapid City Rushmore
- 3. K Bar S Lodge
- 4. Deadwood Gulch Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
- 5. Best Western Golden Spike Inn & Suites
- 6. Comfort Suites Conference Center Rapid City
- 7. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rapid City, SD
- 8. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Rapid City
- 9. The Lodge at Deadwood
- 10. The Rushmore Hotel & Suites, BW Premier Collection
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in The Black Hills, The Black Hills
Discover the best top things to do in The Black Hills, United States including Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake, Spearfish Canyon, Needles Eye, George S. Mickelson Trail, Black Hills National Forest, Iron Mountain Road, Wades Gold Mill, Badlands National Park, Wildlife Loop Road.
Restaurants in The Black Hills
1. Custer State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,886 reviews
A 73,000-acre wilderness that draws comparisons to Yellowstone National Park when it comes to spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife.
Reviewed By sharonn874 - Saint Paul, United States
We spent a wonderful day here - hiking - walking around the lakes - driving the wildlife loop - having a picnic - we were here years ago and it made us remember how much we loved it back then!! Make sure to visit this park !!
2. Sylvan Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,902 reviews
Popular lake in Custer State Park.
Reviewed By spookie5150 - Jefferson City, United States
Sylvan lake is one of several lakes in Custer State Park and probably the prettiest. There is lots to do in this area, several great hiking trailheads accessible from the parking lot, a nice easy trail around the lake, a general store, picnic areas, etc. The rocks on the far side of the lake are a scrambling/climbing paradise for kids (or adults) who may not be up for the longer trails nearby. If you're passing through and don't have a ton of time, I think this is probably the best "bang for your buck" quick stop in the park. Get there early for some solitude. Not to be missed!
3. Spearfish Canyon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 775 reviews
This scenic 19-mile drive in the Black Hills that passes cliffs, waterfalls and the Spearfish Creek gives one the feeling they are in the rainforest.
Reviewed By yowsah1 - Lansing, United States
This drive had it all: Tree-covered mountains, picturesque waterfalls and streams, dramatic rock formations, wildlife sightings, the works! It seemed like there was something breathtaking around each bend. There were many spots where you could pull off the road - great for shutterbugs or those wishing to get a closer view of things. A rubberneckers delight!
4. Needles Eye
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,688 reviews
A geological formation located in Custer State Park.
Reviewed By NancyG202 - Boyne City, United States
The Needles Eye is part of the Needles Highway drive in Custer State Park. With unusual rock formations, including a tunnel less than 8 feet wide and the Needle Eye, it also offers wonderful views of the surrounding area and is a great spot for a short hike or rock climbing.
5. George S. Mickelson Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 109 reviews
112-mile rails-to-trails project which goes through the Black Hills.
Reviewed By 777genah - Golden, United States
So much history and great family ride! Very beautiful the entire way! Favorite moment was seeing Crazy Horse from the trail!! Highly recommend!
6. Black Hills National Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 885 reviews
This empty expanse where Native Americans once roamed is now a national forest.
Reviewed By CrankingChick - Tucson, United States
The Black Hills Forest covers a vast area of western South Dakota - more than 1.25 million acres! It's an excellent vacation destination because of the wide variety of attractions and recreation opportunities. One could easily spend a week exploring this beautiful area; we were there for four days and did not do everything, we could have easily filled two more days. We explored the historic main street at Deadwood, visited the DC Booth Fish Hatchery at Spearfish, drove through Spearfish Canyon and were enchanted by three waterfalls, learned about mining at Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center, gawked at the enormous carved faces of four presidents on Mt. Rushmore, drove the scenic Needles Highway through imposing stone pinnacles, navigated the unique pigtail bridges and stone tunnels of Iron Mountain Road (Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway), took a peaceful morning hike around Sylvan Lake, spotted wildlife like deer, prairie dogs, bison and pronghorns at Custer State Park, marveled at the fossilized bones of extinct animals at The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, visited Wind Cave National Park, and took a ride on the vintage 1880 steam train between Hill City and Keystone. We didn't visit the Crazy Horse Memorial or Jewel Cave National Monument this trip. (The above attractions all have separate Tripadvisor pages.) The Black Hills Forest hosts numerous campgrounds and picnic areas, plus there are lakes and streams for fishing, swimming and kayaking. There are many hiking trails of various lengths and difficulties, and also the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Rail-Trail for walking or biking. For those who like a more thrilling adventure, there are zip-lines, water parks, horse stables, and helicopter rides available. Food and lodging are available at the towns of Deadwood, Lead, Keystone, Hill City, Custer and Hot Springs. There is no charge to enter the forest, but some of the above attractions charge a parking or admission fee. Some roads, services, and attractions may be closed in winter.
7. Iron Mountain Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,646 reviews
Reviewed By Jake48009 - Detroit, United States
You need to do it twice one-way then reverse to get Mount Rushmore framed in the tunnels as you pass through -- Absolutely spectacular! Fantastic ride between Custer State Park and Keystone with amazing views of Mount Rushmore as you pass through several cool tunnels and fun twisty roads. Make sure you sound the horn before entering the tunnels! Bring a jacket and some binoculars. Ride the road during the week. If you are visiting the Custer State Park area, Iron Mountain 16A is absolutely a "must see"... This road has to be one of the most scenic highways in America!
8. Wades Gold Mill
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 179 reviews
Wade's Gold Mill is CLOSED for 2020. Please take care and God Bless! Wade's Gold Mill is an authentic, historic experience.
9. Badlands National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 746 reviews
Reviewed By L2369IOjamesm
This park is amazing. The loop road they have let's you drive through the park and get great views of the scenery; there are lots of scenic overlooks where you can park and spend time enjoying the sights. We hiked a couple of the trails (the door and the notch) and they were also amazing.
10. Wildlife Loop Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,652 reviews
An 18-mile scenic drive in Custer State Park.
Reviewed By Celticladdie - Bellingham, United States
Soaring across prairie . gulch and rolling peaks is the wildlife loop in the Custer State Park- at late afternoon or even early morning you will see deer grazing thoughtfully by the side of the road and if you are lucky you ,might see pronghorns , big horned sheep donkeys and of course bison - it was a lengthy journey but we did it twice and were rewarded with great piles of buffalo some in the road and one mama was nursing her little yearling in the center of the bi way - needless to say we all stayed in our cars - well worth the $20 for the weeks access - we used it three times in a week- well worth the driving !!Do it !!
