The Black Hills of South Dakota may be famous for being the home of Mt Rushmore, but it's also known for rock climbing, wildlife, national park access and scenic driving.
The winding mountain roads with picturesque overlooks and prevalent picnic spots make the area a road tripper's dream.
Whether you're into history, adventure or simply enjoying the sights, you'll find plenty to do in this part of South Dakota. Wild West fans will want to make the trek to Deadwood for a visit to Mount Moriah Cemetery. A number of historical figures are buried there, including Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.
Visitors who enjoy a little sipping with their sightseeing should make their way to Prairie Berry Winery in Hill City, where you can try some of their fruity local wines and pick up a bottle. The Red Ass Rhubarb is particularly fun and makes a tart pairing with dessert.
Horsey types can enjoy trail riding to their heart's content, and hikers will find lots to love with cool mountain temperatures and intriguing boulders. The giant formations also provide adventure for rock-climbing enthusiasts, which you will see hanging off the cliff faces as you drive through some of the more narrow scenic roads.
SIGHTS
One of the most impressive roads is Needles Highway in Custer State Park. Boasting spectacular scenery with pointed granite formations puncturing the skyline, surrounded by pine, birch, aspen and spruce, this is by far one of the most picturesque drives in the entire United States.
You'll wind through turns, tunnels and twists past vistas and up-close adventure folk dangling from the rock needles that gave this stretch of road its name.
Custer State Park also offers swimming stops, picnic spots and the popular Wildlife Loop, which routes you near buffalo, elk and more.
The Black Hills National Forest takes up a large part of this section of South Dakota, offering the chance to explore a variety of canyons, gulches, lakes and streams as well as a leisurely scenic drive.
While in the area, make time for Jewel Cave National Monument, which offers tours of the more than 270km of mapped passageways this underground wonder has to offer.
The nearby Wind Cave National Park features comparably priced cave access as well, in addition to a scenic wildlife loop of its own. Driving and hiking in Wind Cave National Park is free.
Iconic Mt Rushmore is one of the biggest draws in the Black Hills, and can be accessed via concession parking at the base of the park.
The Crazy Horse Memorial has a museum area, viewing platform and tours to the base of mountain.
While not in the hills themselves, no visit to this part of South Dakota would be complete without a visit to Badlands National Park. An easy drive out of Rapid City, the park offers unique rock formations, rich fossil beds and stunning dark-sky viewing opportunities for astronomy fans.
ACCOMMODATION
If you're going to camp anywhere, this is the place to do it. The Black Hills region of South Dakota is one of the most beautiful natural areas in the country. There's no better way to make the most of that beauty than to pitch a tent or small camper in the woods and immerse yourself in Mother Nature.
Federal and state camp sites are available at Wind Cave and Badlands National Parks, the Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park.
If you'd like a few more comforts and access to shopping as you explore the Black Hills, consider basing your family in Rapid City where most of the retail options are available.
While many in Middle America may have made the pilgrimage, other visitors may be unaware of the beauty that awaits them in South Dakota's Black Hills.
In addition to iconic imagery, the area offers up-close wildlife viewing, sweeping vistas, intriguing rock formations and a strong connection to the nation's Native American history.
