If you are planning a trip to South Dakota, be sure to include a visit to the Black Hills in your itinerary. This fantastic area offers tons of attractions just waiting to be explored! Whether it’s the breathtaking Custer State Park, scenic drives, charming towns, or National Park sites- there is something for everyone. Here are our top picks for must visit destinations and things to do while visiting the Black Hills:
Custer State Park
This amazing state park located in the Black Hills of South Dakota blew us away! The wild beauty of this area is indescribable. It offers just about every outdoor activity you can think of: hiking, biking, boating, fishing, camping, birdwatching, horseback riding, and more. Custer State Park’s expansiveness and beauty rivals even some of the National Parks that we have visited.
Sylvan Lake
This picturesque lake can be found along the scenic Needles Highway. It is a fantastic spot for picnics, swimming, and other fun water activities. We enjoyed taking in the sights on the loop trail that meanders through the rocks and granite formations surrounding the lake.
Wildlife Loop Road
This road most certainly lives up to its name! Bison, burro, deer, prairie dogs, and a variety of birds are just some of the wildlife you might encounter on this 18-mile scenic road through Custer State Park.
Visit the Wildlife Station Visitor Center, a converted herdsman’s house, and chat with the friendly rangers. They receive updates of wildlife sightings throughout the day and even pointed us in the direction of one of the bison herds.
We drove Wildlife Loop Road on two different days. On the first day, we were stopped by a herd of bison crossing the road right in front of our vehicle. And the next trip we stopped with other visitors to watch wild burros just on the side of the road!
Scenic Drives in the Black Hills
Driving the beautiful Needles Highway (SD Hwy 87 North) is a fantastic way to see the towering granite spires and enjoy panoramic views of the Black Hills. Needles Highway is also known for its tight turns and tunnels that are carved right into the granite. So be sure to take your time and safely enjoy the ride.
Iron Mountain Road (16A) is equally stunning for a scenic drive. It will take you from Custer State Park to Mount Rushmore National Memorial through more scenic twists, turns, and tunnels with views of the Memorial on your way.
Mount Coolidge Lookout Tower
The drive up this mountain is certainly not for the faint of heart. But the views from the top are totally worth it! Hike around the summit to see panoramic views of the Black Hills and Needles Highway.
Small Towns Worth Visiting in the Black Hills
Deadwood, Sturgis, Keystone, and Custer are just a few of the fun small towns located in and around the Black Hills. Each town has its unique charm, featuring museums, restaurants, hotels, and activities for kids and adults alike.
If you are in or near the town of Custer, stop by Dakota Broasted for an excellent broasted chicken meal. We stopped for lunch and had a family picnic on our way to Wind Cave NP and highly recommend it!
We drove through Sturgis, famous for its motorcycle rally, and then spent the day with the kids touring Deadwood. The kids had a blast learning about the Black Hills gold rush and the infamous wild west characters like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.
National Parks Near the Black Hills
South Dakota is home to several national park sites, including parks, monuments, and memorials. Many of them are located within a short drive of the Black Hills.
On our first adventure to this incredible region, we embarked on an epic tour of South Dakota’s national parks. Among the highlights was Badlands National Park, a family favorite with its otherworldly landscapes and unique rock formations. Best of all, it’s less than a two-hour drive from the Black Hills, making it a perfect day trip destination.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for a memorable getaway, the Black Hills have something to offer everyone. Pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to create unforgettable memories in this stunning region of South Dakota.
Happy Travels!
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