Have you ever visited South Dakota?
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring one of our favorite places to visit in this state – the Black Hills! We could honestly spend so much time here because we just can’t get enough.
You will never run out of areas to explore in the Black Hills, and today, we’re talking all about our favorite places to go and things to do if you’re visiting this area of South Dakota.
Join us as we cover:
- The understated beauty of Wind Cave National Park
- What we love about Jewel Cave
- Things to do in Custer
- Wildlife sightings and scenic drives in Custer State Park
- Why the Crazy Horse Memorial is a must-see
- Other cities nearby that you can visit
- Our favorite town in the Black Hills
- The old west experience in Deadwood
- Why we love Devils Tower in Wyoming
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:
The Black Hills Overview
We’re thrilled to share our experiences in the Black Hills of South Dakota, a truly remarkable destination in the American West. The Black Hills are like Disneyland for the American West, offering endless excitement with diverse attractions, including hiking, high adventure, historical sites, and unique experiences.
In this episode, we’re focusing on the myriad attractions near Rapid City, extending into Wyoming, excluding Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park, which we covered in previous episodes. Join us as we explore the many wonders of the Black Hills region!
Discovering the Unique Wonders of Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park in the Black Hills offers an underappreciated experience due to its lack of typical grand cave formations. Instead, its unique feature is boxwork, a rare, honeycomb-like formation resulting from water and limestone interactions. This subtlety, although not immediately striking, represents a geological marvel and is a highlight of the park. Understanding and appreciating boxwork is key to enjoying the Wind Cave experience.
The park is not just about its underground marvels. Above ground, it showcases stunning landscapes and wildlife, including buffalo and elk. Trails like Rankin Ridge and Prairie Vista offer immersive natural experiences. Wind Cave, significant for its history and geology, was the first cave to become a national park in 1903. Its surface and subterranean wonders make it an excellent starting point for exploring the Black Hills.
The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs: A Prehistoric Treasure
The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, located near Wind Cave, is a remarkable prehistoric discovery. Discovered in 1974, this site has revealed over 60 mammoths, including both woolly and Columbian species, along with other Ice Age animals. The Columbian mammoths found here are notably massive, standing about 13 feet tall at the shoulder and weighing over 22,000 pounds. The site remains a working research facility where visitors can observe ongoing excavations. This unique attraction offers an engaging experience for all ages, making it a must-visit destination near Wind Cave.
Exploring Custer and Its Unique Attractions
North of Wind Cave, the town of Custer serves as a gateway to several attractions in the southern Black Hills. Custer provides easy access to Custer State Park, Wind Cave, and Jewel Cave. Jewel Cave, distinct from Wind Cave, is the third-longest cave in the world, spanning 200 miles. It features more traditional cave formations and offers a scenic tour guided by rangers.
Custer itself is a charming town, ideal for souvenir shopping, particularly for unique items like knives made from antlers. A notable spot in Custer is the Purple Pie Place, famous for its chicken pot pie and a variety of pies, including the highly recommended strawberry rhubarb and the intriguing raspberry rhubarb jalapeno pie. This mix of traditional and unique flavors reflects the diverse experiences available in and around Custer, making it a worthwhile stop in the Black Hills region.
The Rich Wildlife and Scenic Drives of Custer State Park
Custer State Park, South Dakota’s first and largest state park, established in 1919, is a significant attraction in the Black Hills. It offers a blend of scenic drives, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife. The southern part, known as the Wildlife Loop Road, is a prime area for viewing buffalo, especially during the buffalo roundup in late September. This event allows spectators to witness buffalo care and management up close. The park is also home to a variety of animals, including pronghorn, feral burros, elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats.
Besides wildlife, the park features notable scenic drives like the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. The Needles Highway, known for its narrow passageways and towering rock spires, leads to Sylvan Lake, a picturesque spot for outdoor activities. Iron Mountain Road is designed for slow driving to savor the scenery, featuring 314 curves, 14 switchbacks, and tunnels that frame Mount Rushmore perfectly. These drives provide unique perspectives of the park’s natural beauty and connect it to other key attractions like Mount Rushmore and the Keystone area.
Crazy Horse Memorial and Surrounding Towns
The Crazy Horse Memorial, destined to be the world’s largest sculpture, is a highlight in the southern Black Hills. Initiated in 1948 to honor the Lakota warrior Crazy Horse, this massive rock carving symbolizes the legacy and history of the Lakota people. It’s a privately funded project, still far from completion, featuring only Crazy Horse’s head so far.
The site also includes a campus for Native American students and a museum with informative exhibits. The Crazy Horse Memorial is a celebration of Lakota culture, and visiting supports the continuation of this monumental project.
Nearby towns, Hill City and Keystone offer different experiences. Keystone, close to Mount Rushmore, is known for its ambiance and souvenir shops but has yet to impress with its dining options. Hill City, on the other hand, is more upscale, with better restaurants and wineries.
An interesting attraction is the steam train running between Hill City and Keystone, offering a nostalgic journey reminiscent of the Old West. These towns, along with the Crazy Horse Memorial, provide a rich and varied experience of the southern Black Hills region.
Exploring Deadwood: A Glimpse into the Old West
Deadwood, renowned for its rich Old West history, stands as a favorite destination in the Black Hills. This historic town, which sprang up during the gold rush of 1876, retains its wild west charm with its main street lined with period buildings.
Deadwood is famously associated with Wild Bill Hickok, the folk hero gunned down while holding aces and eights, known as the “Dead Man’s Hand.” The town now hosts reenactments of shootouts and the story of Wild Bill, offering a family-friendly way to explore its history.
Aside from its dramatic past, Deadwood has legal gambling, with various casinos providing a contemporary entertainment option. For those interested in unique experiences, there are tours of historic brothels, a testament to the town’s maverick spirit. Deadwood also offers good dining options and the opportunity to visit Mount Moriah Cemetery, where Wild Bill and Calamity Jane are buried.
The town balances its colorful history with activities and attractions that cater to a range of interests, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking to experience the essence of the Old West. Nearby, Spearfish Canyon offers a natural retreat with its narrow gorge, towering walls, and beautiful waterfalls for those looking to immerse themselves in the area’s natural beauty.
Discovering Devil’s Tower: A Journey to America’s First National Monument
Devil’s Tower National Monument, located about an hour and a half from Rapid City in the Wyoming Black Hills, is a standout destination. As America’s first national monument, established in 1906 by Teddy Roosevelt, Devil’s Tower is both awe-inspiring and culturally significant. Its unique and towering presence has made it a popular location for films like “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” enhancing its otherworldly reputation.
The area around Devil’s Tower is deeply sacred to Native American tribes, and visitors can see prayer bundles tied in trees along the Tower Trail, reflecting ongoing spiritual practices. The monument offers several trails, like the quiet Joiner Ridge Trail, providing different perspectives and experiences of the tower. The Native American legend about the tower’s origin, involving a giant bear and a miraculous escape, adds a mystical dimension to the site. Additionally, the Circle of Sacred Smoke memorial pays homage to the Native American history of the area.
Devil’s Tower can be visited as a day trip from Rapid City or as a stop en route to or from Yellowstone. Its unique geological features and cultural significance make it an unmissable attraction in the region, offering a perfect start or end to any trip in the Black Hills and beyond.
We’ve shared our favorite spots in the Black Hills, but there’s so much more to explore. From iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore to hidden gems like Wind Cave, this area is rich in natural and cultural wonders. To help you experience the best of the Black Hills, we’ve crafted a detailed itinerary on dirtandmyshoes.com. It’s designed to guide you through the region’s highlights, ensuring you make the most of your visit.
The Black Hills hold a special place in our hearts, and we’re excited for you to discover why. Check out our guide, plan your adventure, and maybe we’ll see you there! Safe travels!
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Wind Cave National Park
- Wind Cave Can’t-Miss List
- The Mammoth Site
- Custer State Park
- Jewel Cave National Monument
- The Purple Pie Place
- Buffalo Roundup
- The Needles Highway
- Iron Mountain Road
- Crazy Horse Memorial
- Volksmarch
- Ruby House – Keystone
- Hill City Alpine Inn
- 1880 Train
- Sturgis
- Deadwood
- Deadwood Saloon #10
- Deadwood Social Club
- Spearfish Canyon
- Devils Tower National Monument
- Devils Tower Can’t-Miss List
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Odd question- Is the Wind Cave similar to or better than the Timpanogos Cave in Utah? I am planning a trip based on your wonderful South Dakota Itinerary, and I’d rather visit other sites if the Wind Cave is similar to Timp Cave.
I would say that Jewel Cave is more similar to Timp Cave than Wind Cave. Wind Cave is not super pretty in a traditional sense like those other two caves, but it’s very unique. Be sure to check the Itinerary Updates page included with your itinerary though. Wind Cave has been closed!
Can you recommend some hikes or other things to do in Custer state park? I’d like to add that to my South Dakota itinerary.
Yes! You’ll find a bunch of activities in Custer SP in this article: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/the-best-things-to-do-at-mount-rushmore/