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Gateway to the Black Hills

Welcome to Edgemont, South Dakota - the gateway to the Black Hills!

Located on the southwestern flank of the Black Hills, Edgemont is a charming community that offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in stunning natural surroundings. To the north of Edgemont on US 18, the mountains of the Black Hills abruptly rise 1,500 feet in two miles, providing a dramatic and breathtaking view.

George S. Mickelson Trail

Starting in Edgemont, this premier recreational trail spans 114 miles north to Deadwood, offering hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Black Hills.

Nearby Hot Springs

Travel 25 miles northeast on Hwy 18 to Hot Springs and enjoy the natural spring waters at Evans Plunge. Visit the Mammoth Site and Museum to uncover the ancient bones of woolly mammoths through ongoing paleontology digs.

Visit Edgemont, South Dakota, and explore the beauty and charm of the Black Hills. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, historic landmarks or simply a peaceful retreat, Edgemont offers something for everyone. Plan your next getaway today!

A Historic Gem

As one of the oldest towns in the Black Hills, Custer is a historic gem that offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm. From hiking and biking to exploring museums and historic sites, there is something for everyone in Custer.

Outdoor Adventures

With access to miles of hiking and biking trails including 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail, as well as nearby parks and forests, outdoor enthusiasts will have plenty to explore in Custer.

Historic Sites

Custer has a rich history dating back to the days of the Wild West.

Events and Festivals

Throughout the year, Custer hosts a variety of events and festivals that celebrate the local culture and history.

Local Eats and Drinks

Custer has a thriving culinary scene, with established restaurants, and unique bars and breweries serving up delicious meals, craft beer, and cocktails.

Come and experience all that Custer has to offer, from its stunning natural beauty and fascinating history to its vibrant community and authentic cuisine. Plan your next adventure in Custer today!

Rich With History

Located on the banks of Rapid Creek in the northern Black Hills is the old gold mining town of Rochford. Not typical of a Western town, Rochford had very little violence, unlike the wild and woolly Lead and Deadwood just 21 miles to the north.

Rochford was founded in February 1877 by R.B. Hughes and M.D. Rochford. In March 1877, a mining district was established. By December 1878, Rochford had 200 houses, a population of 500, a solid block of stores with wooden, canopied sidewalks, a couple of doctors and a good school. By 1900 only a post office and 48 residents remained.

Today, "downtown" Rochford consists of the historic Moonshine Gulch Saloon and the Rochford Mall/antique shop. Down the road is the Rochford Community Hall/Fire Station. Several other historic buildings remain standing but have deteriorated over the years.

Outdoor Recreation

Site Camping and Back Country Camping
Black Hills National Forest hosts several campgrounds near Rochford; campgrounds have a daily rate charge, but some are free. Back country camping, or "dispersed camping" is allowed on most Forest Service land away from developed reservoirs and campgrounds. Maximum stay for dispersed camping is 14 days in any 60-day period. Check out the Black Hills National Forest website for camping details.

A Historic Mining Town

Located in the Northern Black Hills, Lead is a former mining town that has transformed into a vibrant city full of unique attractions and events. From historic sites to outdoor adventures, Lead is a must-visit destination in the Black Hills.

Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center

Located at the historic Homestake Mine, this visitor center offers educational exhibits about the mine's history and current research efforts. Don't miss the opportunity to go underground and tour the world-famous Yates Shaft.

Historic Downtown

Experience the charm of Lead's downtown with its unique shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. Take a guided tour of the city's historic sites and learn about its mining and Wild West past.

Mickelson Trail

Hike or bike the 110-mile Mickelson Trail, which runs through the heart of the Black Hills and passes through Lead. Experience the beauty of the Black Hills and maybe even spot some wildlife.

Annual Events

Lead is home to many events throughout the year, including the Gold Camp Jubilee Days.

Terry Peak Ski Area

Enjoy skiing or snowboarding on the slopes of the highest peak in the Northern Black Hills. The area also offers snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and other winter activities.

Discover Lead, a vibrant city that has transitioned from a former mining town to a cultural and recreational destination. With its historic downtown, unique attractions, outdoor adventures, and annual events, Lead has something for everyone. Come and experience the beauty of Northern Black Hills and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Unique Blend of Outdoor & City Life

Spearfish, a charming city in the Northern Black Hills, offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, culture, and history. From the stunning natural beauty of Spearfish Canyon to the vibrant downtown area, Spearfish has something for everyone.

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

This 22-mile drive takes visitors through one of the most beautiful areas in the Black Hills, with breathtaking views of waterfalls, towering cliffs, and lush forests.

Annual Events

Spearfish hosts many fun-filled events throughout the year, such as the Black Hills Corvette Classic, Festival in the Park, and the Downtown Friday Nights music series.

Outdoor Activities

Spearfish offers year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, rock climbing, skiing, and more. Take a dip in the refreshing waters of Spearfish Creek or explore the Black Hills National Forest.

Downtown Area

The downtown area features unique shops, galleries, and restaurants housed in historic buildings. Don't miss the Matthews Opera House and Art Center, where you can see live shows and exhibits.

D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives

This free attraction features a historic fish hatchery, aquariums, and exhibits about Black Hills fish and wildlife.

Quaint Town with Rich History

St. Onge is located in northeastern Lawrence County, on South Dakota Highway 34, which goes northwest to Belle Fourche and southeast to Interstate 90 at Whitewood. Spearfish, the largest community in Lawrence County, is 12 miles southwest of St. Onge.

The town of St. Onge was founded in 1881 and named after Henry P. Saintonge, a pioneering settler. In 2020 the population of St. Onge was around 20 residents. There are still a few historic structures standing in St. Onge.

Home to St. Onge Livestock and The St. Onge bar, this quaint little town makes for a nice stop on your way to Sturgis or Belle Fourche!

Natural History Attractions

Interstate 90 travels through this scenic rural valley that stretches 25 miles between Rapid City and Sturgis. The villages of Piedmont and Black Hawk are along the route. Natural history attractions include a petrified forest, a crystal cave and geology-rich Little Elk Canyon. Local resorts and campgrounds cater to vacationers, turkey hunters, and outdoorsmen.

Growing City - Welcoming Community

Summerset is one of the newest city in South Dakota, incorporated on June 7, 2005. It is the first city to be incorporated in South Dakota since 1985. Located in Meade County, Summerset is located 10 miles north of Rapid City off Interstate 90, Exit 48 or Exit 51. The city’s boundaries extend from mile markers 50 to 46 on both sides of Interstate 90.

Started by developer Ron Baker and his company, American West Communities, the city of Summerset actually began as the Summerset subdivision between the towns of Black Hawk and Piedmont.

Business District

Summerset is home to several businesses, including a hotel, steakhouse, bank, hardware store, medical clinic, gas station and grocery store, as well as a handful of smaller boutiques, a coffee shop and bistro and a used car lot. Most recently, Ray’s Western Wear and Bob’s Trailer Sales opened their doors, and the Morton Buildings company built their home office in Summerset.

Once work is finished on a road upgrade from Sturgis Road to Exit 48 this summer that adds a fifth lane of traffic, Summerset has commitments from Black Hills Federal Credit Union and Pizza Hut to open new businesses there.

Where the West Rings True

In addition to outstanding antique shops, motels, museums, campgrounds and restaurants, Belle Fourche is home to one of America's premier rodeos — The Black Hills Roundup. You'll discover summer concerts in Herrmann Park; the Center of the Nation All Car Rally each June; Air Shows; and excellent outdoor recreation at nearby Orman Dam and the Belle Fourche Country Club. When you're ready for a place where the West still rings true, say "howdy" to Belle Fourche. We'll be waiting for you.

Geographic Center of the Nation

With the admission of Alaska and Hawaii to the Union in 1959, the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey officially designated a point 20 miles north of Belle Fourche as the Geographic Center of the Nation. Today, the Center of the Nation is marked by a 21-foot diameter monument made of South Dakota granite in the shape of the compass rose, at the Belle Fourche Visitor Center and Tri-State Museum.

Lively Town - Friendly Community

Sturgis, located in the northern Black Hills, is a small but lively city known for its world-famous motorcycle rally. But beyond the annual event, Sturgis offers a charming downtown, scenic roads, and outdoor opportunities, making it a great place to visit year-round.

Downtown Sturgis

The downtown area features unique shops, delicious restaurants, and historic buildings. Check out the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame, where you can learn about the rally's history and legends.

Bear Butte State Park

A sacred site for Native Americans, Bear Butte State Park offers hiking trails with stunning views and educational exhibits.

Ride the Black Hills

Explore over a million acres of forest and mountains on your motorcycle, car, or bike. Experience the twists and turns of Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway, and Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Held annually in August, the rally attracts motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world for a week of concerts, races, and other events.

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