Visit the Wild, Wild West

Whether you decide to ride your bike to the Sturgis Bike Rally, gamble and party in the casinos and saloons of Deadwood, visit the grave of Wild Bill Hickok or ride the historical 1880 Central Railroad Train, you’ll know that you’re in the heart of what was once the Wild, Wild West. A number of museums and historical sites also highlight the cultural history of the Black Hills.

Scenic Drives

If you don’t have a lot of time, or if you’d rather see the scenic beauty of the Black Hills from the ease and convenience of your car, there are a number of classic scenic drives – Iron Mountain Road, Spearfish Canyon and Needles Highway all wind their way through the Black Hills, with plenty of interesting places to stop and get out along the way.

Public Lands

The Black Hills have enough National and State Parks and recreation areas to keep even the most avid outdoor adventurer busy. 

• Custer State Park – In addition to Devil’s Tower and the beautiful Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park is home of the Cathedral Spires and the Needles climbing area. 
• Badlands National Park – The Badlands are a unique area rich in natural scenery and cultural history. 
• Bear Butte Park – This National Historic Landmark is a site of cultural and sacred significance to Native Americans. 
• Black Hills National Forest – This National Forest holds over one million acres of hiking, biking, camping and more. 
• Buffalo Gap – Buffalo Gap National Grassland is a less-developed recreational alternative for those who want to explore the open skies and rolling grasslands of the Black Hills. 
• Thunder Basin National Grassland – This is an excellent area for bird- and wildlife watching and hunting.

Caves

Beneath the forests, rocks and grasslands of the Black Hills a maze of underground passages can be found, providing adventure and excitement for all those who dare to enter. Whether you want to sign on for a guided tour or go exploring on your own, you’ll find a caving escapade awaiting.

National Monuments

The Black Hills are rife with National Monuments – from the presidential heads of Mount Rushmore to the ongoing work at the Crazy Horse Memorial to Devil’s Tower (America’s first National Monument), you’ll find yourself surrounded by these amazing natural and man-made marvels.