Things To Do
Have a Great Time in the Black Hills
Explore the Area
Northern Hills Adventure
Over 3 million visitors per year travel to the South Dakota Black Hills. While Mount Rushmore is the main attraction, there are literally hundreds of diverse activities in the area.
Below you will find itinerary recommendations for vacation planning. These are flexible depending on your timeline and preferences—a great place to get you started on your Black Hills adventure.
Suggested Itineraries
Explore the best of South Dakota day by day
Deadwood Excursion
Take Boulder Canyon (Hwy 14A) North about 12 miles to Deadwood.
- Tours: Alkali Ike Tours or Boot Hill Tours (1 hour bus tours).
- Gambling: Over 80 historic gaming halls from nickel slots to high limits.
- Breakfast: Jambonz, Knuckle Saloon, or Weimers Diner in Sturgis.
- Evening: Return to Rush No More for a swim or hot tub relax.
History & Gold
Return to Deadwood (17 miles) for must-see attractions.
- Adams Museum: Oldest museum in the Black Hills.
- Homestake Gold Mine: Tour the oldest gold mine in the world.
- Broken Boot: Try your luck with Gold Panning.
- Tatanka: "Story of the Bison" by Kevin Costner.
- Trial of Jack McCall: Evening theatrical production.
Nature & Heritage
Travel 25 miles North on I-90 to Exit 14.
- Western Heritage Center: 17,000 sq ft of pioneer history.
- DC Booth Fish Hatchery: Feed the fish in this historic park-like hatchery.
- Spearfish Canyon: Breathtaking scenic drive, Bridal Veil & Roughlock Falls.
- Fly Fishing: Popular spots along Spearfish Creek.
The Presidents
Head towards Rapid City and Keystone.
- The Journey Museum: A trek through 2.5 billion years of history.
- Mount Rushmore: The majestic carving of four presidents.
- 1880 Train: Vintage steam train ride between Keystone and Hill City.
- Dining: The Ruby House or Carver Café.
Wildlife & Thrills
Explore the attractions surrounding the monument.
- Bear Country USA: Drive-thru wildlife park with bears and more.
- Reptile Gardens: Guinness record-holding collection of exotic reptiles.
- Rushmore Tramway: Alpine slide, ziplines and aerial adventures.
- Pactola Lake: Kayaking and scenic picnic areas.
Nature & Caves
- Evans Plunge: World's largest natural warm mineral indoor pool.
- The Mammoth Site: Active paleontological dig site.
- Wind Cave National Park: One of the world's longest caves.
- Custer State Park: 71,000 acres, buffalo herds, and Needles Eye.
- Black Hills Balloons: Hot air balloon rides.
More about Deadwood
The whole City of Deadwood is an American National Historic Landmark.
Go back in time on its carefully restored architecture and walk the streets where the famous & infamous left their marks. See where Wild Bill Hickock was assassinated and visit his gravesite next to Calamity Jane.
Most visitors experience only the glitz of the casinos, but the real history lies in the Adams Museum and the Days of 76 Museum. Don't miss it!
Visit Deadwood WebsiteReady to start your adventure?
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