Black hills

A few decades ago, I spent four years in the Black Hills area courtesy of the U.S. Air Force. Most of my free time was spent in the Hills, skiing in the winter, hiking and biking (motorized) in the summer. I never ran out of new things to see and do.

If you are physically active and like the outdoors, the opportunities are practically unlimited. Even if you just intend to hit the "tourist" destinations suggested in other replies, a week won't be time enough.

Golden_HVAC wrote:
Hi,

I tried to stop at Devil's tower, but the campground was full, so I got one picture and left.

Mt. Rushmore is another story, you want to stay there a few nights. I stayed at Custer State Park, a short drive away via highway 16. There are 4 tunnels, stop at tunnel #2 or #3, it will be less crowded and take pictures.

If you are leaving the Mt Rushmore parking lot, turn to the right and go about 1/4 mile to the small parking area, where you can get a side shot of Washington.

From the Mt Rushmore parking area, on the roof, you can look east (helps to be early morning when the sun is behind that mountain) and you can see through some of the tunnels, I was able to find 3 of the 4. Look for trees cut down, and then the tunnel will be behind the cut back trees.

Near Custer State park is a 35 mile wildlife drive. You can take it and see many moose, deer, and other animals.

Fred.

sorry no moose in csp. elk,bison and plenty of other wild life. this will be my 5th summer at csp and i still have not saw all there is to see in the area. i volunteer at the park. oh and about the tunnels, if you are going up iron mountain the tunnels frame Mt Rushmore like a picture frame.

We spent five nights at Custer State Park's Game Lodge campground last August and enjoyed the Black Hills area area very much. Reserve early. Electric at each site, and a water hookup by the laundry building for filling your tank, and a dump station. There are several other campgrounds as well.

Plenty to do! The state park itself has so much to see including the park's big herd of bison that spent part of each day beside the campground - great photo opportunities up very close. Beautiful Sylvan Lake; the Wildlife Loop with prairie dogs, pronghorn antelope and more; the Needles rock formations, the tunnels. Each night, the rangers had programs or movies at the campground theater building.

The historic Game Lodge itself is worth stopping in for a drink or dinner. Take a look at the stone fireplaces in the bar and lobby area, with crystals from nearby Jewel Cave.

As mentioned, many other interesting things to see within an easy drive, like the Caves. I got a big kick out of spending a morning at Rushmore, hiking around the base for different views. The visitor facilities there are all very updated.

You can drive west about 90 minutes to see Badlands NP and the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site but it's also fun to stay overnight to see the colors change on the Badlands at sunrise and sunset. The campground there has some electric sites and now takes reservations.

If you intend to visit CSP, a couple of things to know. Its a South Dakota State Park, so it requires an entrance fee (not much) instead of the National Parks Pass.
And if you're going to drive the wildlife loop (you should) take some carrots. There are a lot of wild burros living there. They're descendants of the burros the prospectors owned during the gold rush. The park rangers prefer that you don't feed them, but know that the burros can insist. One burro stands in the middle of the road (I assume they take turns) while the others go from car to car, begging. I have pictures somewhere but can't find them. And watch your fingers. The Burros have lousy aim.

We spent a month there last summer and that was not enough.

Took 2 days just for Mt. Rushmore
Once during the DAY and then Once again during the NIGHT......two completely different experiences.

One day down to Hot Springs and the Mammoth Museum

One Day Custer State Park Wildlife Loop

One Day Wind Cave National Park..cave tour

If you get bored....you aren't getting out exploring

Hi,

I tried to stop at Devil's tower, but the campground was full, so I got one picture and left.

Mt. Rushmore is another story, you want to stay there a few nights. I stayed at Custer State Park, a short drive away via highway 16. There are 4 tunnels, stop at tunnel #2 or #3, it will be less crowded and take pictures.

If you are leaving the Mt Rushmore parking lot, turn to the right and go about 1/4 mile to the small parking area, where you can get a side shot of Washington.

From the Mt Rushmore parking area, on the roof, you can look east (helps to be early morning when the sun is behind that mountain) and you can see through some of the tunnels, I was able to find 3 of the 4. Look for trees cut down, and then the tunnel will be behind the cut back trees.

Near Custer State park is a 35 mile wildlife drive. You can take it and see many moose, deer, and other animals.

Fred.

Be sure to go to the. Circle B Chuck Wagon. It is run by a great family and they both feed and serenade you!
Clicky to Circle B Website

We spent4 months there and didn't get to see everything. If you want just a taste of the hills, probably a week would do it if you went every day. There is a lot to see in the surrounding area which could take another week.