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More Activities in the
Black Hills

Discover even more to do for

a memorable vacation

TOP 4 HIKES

Black Elk Peak / Harney Peak

Highest point east of the Rockies (7,244 ft) with panoramic views of the Black Hills and granite outcrops.

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  • Length: 7–8 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Cathedral Spires Trail

(Custer State Park)

Dramatic granite spires; short but steep, perfect for adventurous hikers and families with older kids.

  • Length: 0.7 miles one way

  • Difficulty: Moderate

Roughlock Falls Trail

(Spearfish Canyon)

Beautiful waterfalls and serene forested canyon; very family-friendly and great for a short nature walk.

  • Length: 1.4 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Easy

Little Devils Tower Trail

(Needles Highway area)

Incredible granite needle formations and rock climbing scenery; less crowded than other iconic trails.

  • Length: 2.7 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate

TOP 4 MUSEUMS

1881 Courthouse Museum

Housed in a historic courthouse, this museum features exhibits on frontier law, early settlers, local mining history, and period furnishings.​

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Journey Museum

Covers the history, culture, and geology of the Black Hills, from Native American heritage to pioneer settlement, with interactive exhibits perfect for families.

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Museum of Geology

Features a world-class collection of fossils, minerals, and meteorites. Visitors can see dinosaur skeletons, prehistoric artifacts, and learn about the geologic history of the Black Hills

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TOP 4 SCENIC DRIVES

Iron Mountain Road

An unforgettable scenic drive connecting Custer State Park to Mount Rushmore. Wind through towering pines, cross playful pigtail bridges, and pass through narrow tunnels that magically frame Mount Rushmore​

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Needles Highway

A breathtaking 14-mile scenic drive that winds through towering granite spires and the famous Needles Eye Tunnel. With its narrow curves and exciting twists, it’s a thrilling yet unforgettable experience for first-time visitors and offers some of the most iconic photo opportunities in the Black Hills

The Peter Norbeck

Scenic Byway

A beautiful 70-mile loop that connects many of the Black Hills’ most iconic parks, landmarks, and scenic viewpoints, offering nonstop views of forests, granite peaks, and stunning landscapes.

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Wildlife Loop Road

In Custer State Park is scenic drive that winding through wide-open prairies and peaceful forests where bison herds roam freely alongside pronghorn antelope and deer. Keep an eye out for the park’s famous ‘begging burros,’ and visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best wildlife sightings

TOP 4 CAVES & MINES

Wind Cave National Park

Is known for its rare boxwork formations and is one of the longest and most complex cave systems in the world. As the first cave ever designated a national park, it offers guided cave tours, scenic hiking trails, and opportunities to spot wildlife throughout the park.​

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Wonderland Cave

Invites visitors into a sparkling underground world filled with stunning crystal formations and gently lit pathways. Guided tours let families explore this enchanting cave and discover the beauty hidden beneath the surface.

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Black Hills Caverns

Discovered in 1882, invites visitors to explore its multi-level underground world through Adventure and Crystal tours, showcasing unique geological formations. Families can also try gemstone panning, adding a fun, hands-on treasure hunt to the experience.​

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Broken Boot Gold Mine

Step into the world of the Black Hills gold rush, where history comes alive! Wander century-old underground tunnels once carved by miners, pan for gold and hold a piece of history in your hand, and for those 12 and up, dare to join the eerie Candlelight Ghost Tour for a spine-tingling journey into the mine’s haunted past

OUR GUEST OTHER FAVORITE ACTIVITIES

Storybook Island

Is a charming non-profit children’s park where classic nursery rhymes and beloved storybook characters come to life. Designed especially for young families, offering playful scenes, colorful displays, and timeless characters kids instantly recognize. A magical stop where imagination takes center stage.

National Presidential

Wax Museum

A must-visit for history lovers and curious kids alike, the Museum features over 100 life-like wax figures  all 46 U.S. presidents.  Enjoy a self-guided audio tour, watch a short theater video revealing the wax sculpture process, and let kids join in the fun with an interactive scavenger hunt that turns history into an adventure.

Old Mac Donald's Farm

A fun, family-friendly destination where kids can get up close with over 100 farm animals in a hands-on setting. Enjoy feeding the animals, pony rides, and rides on a kid-sized tractor train. With its clean, relaxed atmosphere, this farm is the perfect place for an easygoing, memory-filled day with the whole family.

1880 Train

Step back in time on a scenic 20-mile, two-hour ride between Hill City and Keystone, complete with narration and stunning Black Hills views. Special departures include Old West Shootout trains, adults-only Wine Express, and Oktoberfest rides for a unique twist on history.

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Rush Mountain Adventure Park

A can’t-miss destination offering thrilling fun for all ages. Explore the stunning stalactite-filled caverns of Rushmore Cave, then turn up the excitement on the mountain coaster. Soar above the hills on the zipline for breathtaking views. Gemstone Mining, where you can sift through dirt and sand to uncover gems, fossils, arrowheads, and minerals using a real sluice box. 

Fort Hays Old West Town

Step into the Old West, where you can tour the original film set from Dances with Wolves, ride a thrilling roller coaster, and enjoy a hearty meal with live entertainment. This fun-filled stop blends history, excitement, and great food—making it a must-visit experience for the whole family.

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Dinosaur Park

Life-size cement dinosaurs and some of the best panoramic views in the Rapid City. This attraction is completely free to explore, with a gift shop, affordable snacks, and hot dogs at the parking area. Climb the stairs to the top and enjoy stunning 360-degree views a fun family adventure that’s worth every step and a great way to work off all the delicious food waiting for you in town!                                     â€‹

Start at the Visitor Center to explore exhibits, interpretive displays, and a 30-minute film on the Minuteman missile program and its role in the Cold War. Take a guided tour of the underground Launch Control Facility or a self-guided mobile tour for a hands-on, educational .​​

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Gaze up at this colossal monolith soaring from the prairie, a sacred and awe-inspiring landmark. Hike its trails, feel the power of its granite walls, and imagine the legends that have echoed here for centuries.​​

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Wall Drug

The ultimate roadside spectacle! Wander through quirky shops, feast on homemade donuts, snap photos with giant cowboy signs, and soak in the Wild West charm that has captivated travelers for generations.

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Dinosaur Museum

Step into a world where dinosaurs once ruled!  The Dinosaur Museum brings ancient history to life with over 98 life-like dinosaurs from more than 65 species—from tiny micro-raptors to a towering full-size T-Rex.

Kids will love the Fossil Dig, while the whole family can enjoy our Mirror Maze, Mini Golf, and Educational Theater—all included with admission!

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Enter a world that defies logic and gravity. Lean, roll, and laugh as your senses are tricked by mind-bending illusions, mysterious slopes, and optical oddities you have to see to believe.

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Fun for all ages with immersive virtual reality, duckpin bowling, and a 50+ game arcade using digital fun cards for prizes. Relax at Sprockets Taproom, serving local craft beer, wine, pizza, wings, snacks, ice cream treats, and classic floats.

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Sink into warm, natural thermal waters surrounded by Black Hills beauty. A perfect blend of relaxation and scenery—a rejuvenating pause after a day of adventure.​

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City of Presidents Walking Tour

Downtown Rapid City turns history into an adventure with life-sized bronze statue placed throughout the city. Stroll among shops and restaurants while spotting presidents on street corners—perfect for photos and family fun. In winter, locals often dress the statues with scarves, beanies, and gloves to help those in need, adding heart to the history.  Enjoy a memorable, interactive walk through America’s past.

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Explore the Black Hills’ mining history with guided underground tours, gold and gem panning, and hands-on fun for all ages. Finish your adventure at Big Thunder Bar & Grill with locally sourced meals in a cozy setting—perfect for families and history lovers alike.​​​

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Plan Your Stay

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