The 10 Best Things to Do in Hill City, United States

August 15, 2017 Sheron Bogner

Hill City is the oldest existing city in Pennington County, South Dakota, United States. The population was 948 at the 2010 census. Hill City is located 26 miles (42 km) southwest of Rapid City on State Highway 16 and on U.S. Route 385 that connects Deadwood to Hot Springs. Hill City is known as the "Heart of the Hills" which is derived from its close proximity to both the geographical center of the Black Hills, and the local tourist destinations.
Restaurants in Hill City

1. Wades Gold Mill

12401 Deerfield Rd, Hill City, SD 57745-6500 +1 605-574-2680
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 146 reviews

Wades Gold Mill

WE ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THE 2017 SEASON. Open Memorial Day - Labor Day. An authentic experience - learn about the history of gold mining in the Black Hills, and try your hand at panning for gold. Guided tours, gold panning lessons.

Reviewed By SueGtoo - Indianapolis, Indiana

It looks like nothing, but don't be fooled by the looks. We (adults and kids) loved learning about panning for gold. Some of us actually found some gold flakes in our pans. We all found many garnets. The kids were having such a good time, they did not want to leave, but the adults were hungry, so we dragged them back to the car.

2. Prairie Berry Winery

23837 Highway 385, Hill City, SD 57745-6517 +1 605-574-3898
Excellent
74%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 436 reviews

Prairie Berry Winery

Experience our award-winning wines in a fun and relaxed setting in the heart of the Black Hills. Find us three miles northwest of Hill City on Highway 385, just a few miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial. We’re Hill City’s only working winery and Sandi Vojta, our fifth generation winemaker, handcrafts each wine, often using old family recipes, just a few steps from our Tasting Room. Start your Prairie Berry Winery experience with a free wine tasting of up to five of our award-winning wines, including our Anna Pesa handcrafted traditional European wines, at our Tasting Bars. We produce a variety of wines in styles for every palate – from crisp, dry wines and robust, oak-aged reds to sweet, fruity varieties. Our Kitchen offers housemade menu items including gluten-free, vegetarian and kids’ options. Menu selections pair perfectly with our wines, vary with the season and many of our ingredients are sourced locally. Enjoy a meal on our patio with our beautiful views of Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak). Our brewery, Miner Brewing Company, is located next door.

Reviewed By Craig A - Ohio

We got to taste five wines during our tasting. Unfortunately, the winery was severely short-staffed and our server was very distracted by having too many customers to take care of. She was pleasant but we didn't get much of her attention...

We quickly found that, even their drier reds were on the sweet side of things. Their signature - Red A.. Rhubarb - wine is virtually undrinkable, I thought. But I saw people happily buying wine to take home so someone must like that sweetness.

There's a cute little cafe associated with the winery and the food we saw being delivered there looked very good. Might be worth a try?

3. The Museum @ Black Hills Institute

117 Main St, Hill City, SD 57745-5106 +1 605-574-3919
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 202 reviews

The Museum @ Black Hills Institute

Reviewed By FrenchMD - Arizona

Museum is in an unassuming retail space in Main Street. The cost is reasonable and senior discounts are available. The room where displays are is relatively small for such a varied and complete collection of dinosaur and fossilized items. The inventory is large and displays nicely presented. I had expected a shallow museum but this one actually has depth to the collection and the presentations. This is a good way to spend an hour or two and learn about the excavations that have taken place in the Dakotas and elsewhere. The little museum will rival many larger museums for quality, variety and presentation.

4. Brule

High Country Guest Ranch, Hill City, SD +1 605-574-9003
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 90 reviews

Brule

Reviewed By Janet R - Lafayette, Colorado

Free music dancing, pretty outdoor venue. Food is available for purchase, but very slow service, at least a 30 minute wait for food.primarily fried, greasy food. To be fair, it looked like the food operation was new, and not organised yet. You cannot bring in your own food or drinks. So eat before you arrive.
Music & dance was very entertaining, and a great way to be exposed to some native American culture.

5. 1880 Train/Black Hills Central Railroad

222 Railroad Ave., Hill City, SD 57745
Excellent
46%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1 reviews

1880 Train/Black Hills Central Railroad

An 1880 Train ride is a two-hour, narrated 20-mile round trip between Hill City snd Keystone South Dakota in the beautiful Black Hills. Passengers view vistas of Harney Peak, mining encampments and participate in good old-fashioned fun. Trains follow the original route of the Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad laid down in the late 1880s to service the mines and mills between Hill City and Keystone. The Black Hills Central Railroad is the oldest continuously operating tour railroad in the nation and operates three steam and two diesel engines throughout the season. One of our steam engines is close to 100 years old!

Reviewed By Paul G - Tucson, Arizona

This is the absolute best way to see The Black Hills in all of it's glory. The fall trip shows off the vibrate colours and the route travels through some of the most historic scenery in The Black Hills. The train is most often pulled...MoreWe appreciate you joining us on the 1880 Train, Paul, and for posting your informative review. Our goal is to take passengers back to a simpler time, and we are glad you enjoyed that opportunity. Thanks again!

6. Dakota Stone Rock Shop

23863 Palmer Gulch Rd, Hill City, SD 57745-6528 +1 605-574-2760
Excellent
64%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 63 reviews

Dakota Stone Rock Shop

Reviewed By ken3787 - Islamorada, Florida

I visited the hills from Florida. My neighbor had asked me to pick up a piece of rose quarts for his waterfall in his back yard. I stopped at two shops before this one. One had very little as far as selection and the other I couldn't find anyone around to help me or sell me anything so I finally left. These guys had all kinds to choose from and when I went to check out the person behind the counter took the time to notice I was on a motorcycle and offered to ship my purchase back to FL so I didn't have to lunk it around. Good move! The piece arrived yesterday and the neighbor loved it, looks great in the waterfall. Thank you!

7. The Farmer's Daughter

164 Main St, Hill City, SD 57745-8001 +1 605-574-9095
Excellent
84%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 49 reviews

The Farmer's Daughter

Our little store has a variety of treasures for you to find...new things, old things, and just maybe a little bit bold things! Our inventory changes every day which makes it refreshing and exciting to visit regularly! Stop in soon! We would love to see you!

Reviewed By Jodi56257 - Marietta, Minnesota

We stopped here to check out this cute store. They have iron art and other art. We ended up getting the best sign ever and prices are very good for what you are getting. There are some talented people with the art.Whooo-hooo!! We are so pleased that you loved our store! Thank you for stopping; please come see us again! (& enjoy your sign!)

8. Naked Winery South Dakota

23851 Highway 385, Hill City, SD 57745-6543 +1 605-574-2454
Excellent
48%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
6%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 165 reviews

Naked Winery South Dakota

Naked Winery What's in your Glass? - Naked Winery Naked Winery(R) is a South Dakota winery that takes the pecksniffery out of wine tasting. We'll set the mood and tease your senses with our romantically playful, traditional grape wines. Naked Winery(R) offers a wide variety of grape wines. Including red, white and blush varietals. We also offer a few select fruit wines. All of our wines are presented in a fun way that will spark your passion. At Naked Winery(R), we want you to drink what you like and have fun doing it! Let the romantic atmosphere put you at ease as you enjoy a glass of wine by the fire with friends and family. Naked Winery(R) has tasting rooms in Hill City and Custer, South Dakota. The Hill City location now offers over 100 revolving microbrews with 34 on tap. Including our new line of in-house Sick-N-Twisted(R) microbrews!

Reviewed By CaroleeM69

Three of us couples stopped at this place today. We thoroughly enjoyed Bob who served the wines and beers. He was full of energy, smiles, and fully informative on the alcohol. He even brought us a fun oversized bra and undies that us girls climbed into and took hilarious pics with. A warm and friendly place with beautiful places to sit and chill. The wines are amazing!!

9. South Dakota State Railroad Museum

222 Railroad Ave., Building A, Hill City, SD 57745 +1 605-574-9000
Excellent
45%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 45 reviews

South Dakota State Railroad Museum

A gathering place for railfans, especially those with an interest in South Dakota railroads. Pictures, facts, and history!

Reviewed By MrsPickle - Huntington Beach, California

When we took the train ride to Hill City we had some time so spare before the return trip so we went to the museum. It's located right next to the depot. It's very small. There is a great timeline of US events and the development of the railroad. The caboose has a video but the other memorabilia doesn't have a lot of explanation. There is a large model train setup with three trains running but really not that interesting.

10. Twisted Pine Winery

124 Main St, Hill City, SD 57745-8001 +1 605-574-2023
Excellent
64%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 38 reviews

Twisted Pine Winery

Largest selection of Dakota made wines, foods and gifts. We also carry wines from around the world, and offer daily wine tastings. In addition we carry olive oils and balsamic vinegar's, sauces, dips, meats and cheese. Fun filled atmosphere and great service!

Reviewed By Wanderlust3483

Really enjoyed this place- brought our dog and was planning to sit outside, but it started to rain. The employees said "Come On In!" So we got to have a glass of wine in the shop with our pooch, which was very fun. Good wine, great atmosphere and super friendly folks.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.