Rich History & Scenic Views
Whitewood, named after nearby birch and aspen trees, sits on the northeast edge of the Black Hills in a pretty valley with Whitewood Creek flowing alongside the town. The town is conveniently located along I-90 at Exit 23 where guests can choose from several motels, restaurants and other activities in the area.
The Black Hill's Largest Reservoir
Pactola is not a town, but rather a recreation district surrounding Lake Pactola Reservoir 19 miles west of Rapid City. The mountain lake has marinas, campgrounds, picnic areas, swimming beach, and the Black Hills National Forest Visitor Center. Heights above the lake are dotted with vacation home rentals and B&Bs hidden among the pines.
Attractions nearby include Circle B Ranch Chuckwagon Supper and Music Show, Thunderhead Falls, and Black Hills Caverns to name a few.
Nestled Within Nature
This tiny mountain town sets on the edge of Paradise Valley, overshadowed by Steamboat Rock Mountain, about midway between Rapid City and Deadwood. Nemo was first established in 1877, but began to flourish in 1898 when Homestake set up camp to harvest timber for use in their gold mine near Lead. The gold mines are gone, along with their need for lumber, but Nemo continues today as a pleasant, beautiful respite from life's fast pace.
Nemo is frequently used as a base for camping, trout fishing, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, deer hunting and back country treks. The Centennial Trail (hike, bike, horse) passes nearby.
Services include a general store, gas, food, lodging, post office, church, guest ranch and trail rides.
Wild West Legends
Deadwood, a historic town in the Black Hills, is known for its gold rush, gambling, and Wild West legends. Today, it offers a mix of old-world charm, outdoor activities, and modern amenities, making it a popular destination for all types of travelers.
Walk the streets where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane once roamed, and explore the historic sites, unique shops, and restaurants. Don't miss the historic buildings like the Gem Theater and the Adams House Museum.
The final resting place of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, Mount Moriah Cemetery offers a fascinating glimpse into Deadwood's past. Guided tours are available, or you can explore on your own.
Deadwood is surrounded by natural beauty, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, hunting, and more. Hike or bike the 110-mile Mickelson Trail starting on the Deadwood Trailhead.
Deadwood's numerous casinos, live music venues, and bars offer plenty of fun and entertainment for all.
Visit the Days of '76 Museum, the Adams Museum, and the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center to learn about Deadwood's history, gold rush, and famous characters.
Discover the rich history, vibrant present, and natural beauty of Deadwood, a town where legends live on. From historic downtown to Mount Moriah Cemetery, outdoor adventures, and gaming, there's something for everyone in Deadwood. Come and experience the Wild West and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Year-Round Adventures
Hill City is a charming and picturesque small town located in the heart of the Black Hills. Known for its historic downtown, outdoor recreation, and close proximity to iconic landmarks, Hill City is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling in the region.
Explore the beautiful natural landscape of the Black Hills by hiking, biking, fishing, and more. The Mickelson Trail, a 109-mile trail that winds through the heart of the Black Hills, runs right through Hill City.
Discover the rich history of the region by visiting local museums like the South Dakota State Railroad Museum or Dahl's Chainsaw Art. Don't forget to walk around downtown Hill City to see the many historic buildings and businesses.
Experience the vibrant arts scene in Hill City, from Western-themed art galleries to live music at the local wineries.
Hill City is located near many of the region's top attractions, including Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park.
Hill City is the perfect destination for those looking for small town charm, scenic beauty, and outdoor adventure. Plan your visit today to see why it's quickly becoming one of the top destinations in the Black Hills.
The City of Presidents
Rapid City, South Dakota is a vibrant and charming city nestled in the heart of the Black Hills. With friendly locals, rich cultural history, and access to some of the region's most iconic natural features, it's no wonder that it's a top travel destination.
Explore the numerous parks and attractions in and around Rapid City, including Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, and the vast wilderness of the Black Hills National Forest.
Experience the charm of Rapid City, South Dakota with the City View Trolley Tour. Enjoy an enchanting ride to historic buildings and quirky sites, while expert guides entertain and educate you with fascinating tales.
Discover the eclectic mix of art and culture in downtown Rapid City, from ever-evolving murals in Art Alley to the bronze replicas of American Presidents at the City of Presidents exhibit, all while immersing yourself in the area's rich cultural heritage.
Get outside and enjoy the beautiful natural landscape of the Black Hills by hiking and biking through city paths or the iconic M Hill.
Discover the delicious cuisine and craft beverages that Rapid City and the surrounding area have to offer.
Looking for an unforgettable experience in Rapid City? Look no further than downtown. With its unique blend of local culture, history, entertainment, and dining, there's something for everyone.
Rich in Cultural Heritage
The Grand River National Grassland is comprised of 155,000 acres and is located in northwestern South Dakota near the state border with North Dakota. The Grassland is characterized by rolling hills, river breaks and some badland-type areas, dominated by mixed grass prairie. The north and south forks of the Grand River dissect the land unit, drain into Shadehill Reservoir and then flow easterly to the Missouri River.
The Grand River Grassland is also rich in cultural heritage. In the past it served as a hunting ground for the nomadic Plains Indian tribes. Tipi rings and remnants of campfires are scattered across the prairie. The early trappers such as Jim Bridger and Hugh Glass visited this area. General Custer and his troops traveled through the area on their expeditions to the Black Hills. In the early 1900s, the area was settled by European immigrants under the Homestead Act. In the 1930s a severe drought along with high winds turned the area into a “Dust Bowl.” This time was known as the Great Depression and many of the settlers experienced great financial hardships. Under the Agricultural Adjustment Act, the government purchased failed homesteads in order to minimize the economic hardships. These purchased lands were consolidated and rehabilitated and the administration was transferred to the Forest Service and formally designated the Grand River National Grassland in 1960.
The National Grasslands are managed for multiple use and cattle grazing is a significant activity. Livestock grazing contributes to maintaining the local rural economy and helps maintain economically viable ranching operations for over 115 ranches.
Outdoor Fun & Relaxation
Rocky Point State Recreation Area offers year-round outdoor fun and relaxation for everyone. This beautiful area is located on the eastern shore of Belle Fourche Reservoir and provides visitors with incredible scenic views and ample opportunities for fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking.
Set up camp and enjoy the peaceful serenity of the park. With 87 camping pads, including electrical hookups and barebones tent sites, visitors can have a fantastic camping experience.
Take a dip or test your angling skills at Belle Fourche Reservoir, known for producing some of the best walleye and smallmouth bass fishing in the area. Launch a boat or cast a line off the shore and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Get outside and explore the park's many hiking trails. From easy, family-friendly hiking to more challenging trails, Rocky Point State Recreation Area offers something for everyone. Take in the beautiful scenery and experience the great outdoors.
Enjoy a day on the water with kayaking or paddleboarding. Rent paddleboards or kayaks at the beach and enjoy the beautiful Belle Fourche Reservoir.
Take a break and enjoy the beautiful scenery and year-round recreational opportunities that await you at Rocky Point State Recreation Area.
Experience the Great Outdoors
Nestled in the heart of the Black Hills, Shadehill State Recreation Area offers year-round outdoor recreational activities for everyone. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the water and surrounding scenery, explore unique geological formations, and take part in numerous activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and camping.
Located on the Grand River, Shadehill Reservoir offers visitors the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty of the Black Hills while enjoying their favorite water sports activities. From fishing to boating and swimming, visitors can spend hours on the water and take in the stunning scenery around them.
With options for RV camping, as well as lakeside campsites and cabins, Shadehill State Recreation Area provides the perfect opportunity to experience the great outdoors while enjoying modern amenities. Guests can enjoy everything from fire pits and Wi-Fi access to modern bathhouses and playgrounds.
Hiking: Take a hike or walk along the many trails in the park and explore the beautiful natural surroundings of Shadehill State Recreation Area. Whether visitors are looking for a serene nature walk or a more challenging hike, Shadehill has plenty to offer.
Observe the park's native wildlife, including eagles, coyotes, deer, and pheasants. The area is also home to a variety of fish species, such as walleye, catfish, and bass. You might even see a lone bison wandering around the park on occasion.
Plan a visit to Shadehill State Recreation Area for a unique experience that offers something for everyone. With year-round outdoor recreational activities and breathtaking scenery, you're guaranteed to have an unforgettable time at this beautiful Black Hills destination.
Breathtaking Views
Custer National Forest is a natural wonderland that offers visitors unparalleled access to the beauty and diversity of the Black Hills. With an incredible array of activities, from hiking to fishing to biking, visitors to this area can experience the natural beauty and excitement of the Black Hills up close.
Explore the vast wilderness by hiking one of its many trails. From easy day hikes to challenging backcountry treks, the forest offers something for everyone, with breathtaking views and abundant wildlife around every corner.
Cast a line in crystal clear streams and rivers - considered some of the best fishing spots in the Dakotas. With rainbow and brown trout, northern pike, and other species abundant in the clear mountain water, the forest is paradise for anglers.
Take in the breathtaking beauty of the Black Hills with a scenic drive. The forest is home to several picturesque drives, including the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway and the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway.
Observe the wildlife that calls the forest its home, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and a variety of smaller animals. Keep your eyes peeled while hiking or participating in other outdoor activities, and you may be rewarded with a glimpse of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Custer National Forest is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. With its stunning natural beauty, abundance of activities, and diverse array of wildlife, it's the perfect place for a unique and unforgettable adventure. Start planning your trip today and experience everything that Custer National Forest has to offer.
Spearfish Canyon has it all — rugged limestone cliffs, sparkling Spearfish Creek, a rich landscape and three stunning waterfalls.
