25 years ago we stopped for a night with the kids to see the evening program at Mt Rushmore and left the next day. This year my wife and I will camp in Hill City with a car in tow in early May for a couple of days on our way east. I have two questions you can help me with. My wife does not think there is much to see and do in the Black Hills which is probably is not true. Also she insists on bringing an 80 lb. dog along which restricts what we can do. Please, any suggestions for attractions and activities would be appreciated. Thanks.

There is a lot to do in the area. We like to stay at Rafter J Bar. You need to eat at the Alpine Hotel in Hill City. Very affordable great steak in an old hotel setting. things to see while stationed in Hill City Are.Rushmore, The Needles, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park (buffalo) The Wild Horse Sanctuary, The Bad Lands, Wall Drug (Worlds largest tourist trap) Deadwood, Reeds Gold Mine, The Hill City train ride. They also have great bike trails.Enjoy as it is a great place to visit

We're going to that area this summer. Here are some of the things on our itinerary:* Custer State Park* The Badlands * Minuteman Missile Historic Site* Wall Drug* Mt Rushmore* Crazy Horse Monument* Exploring Rapid CitySome of those places are up to an hour away. I'm sure this only scratches the surface.

Check out the Mammoth site in Hot Springs SDAs far as the dog goes check with the campgrounds and ask if they have a dog walking service. Many parks now have that service and for nominal fee they will come to your RV during the day feed water and walk your dog.

TyroneandGladys wrote:Check out the Mammoth site in Hot Springs SDX2 on the Mammoth Site. We thoroughly enjoyed it.

Black Hills, Mt Rushmore area attractions | Good Sam Community

TragedyTrousers
Explorer
Apr 17, 2016
https://www.nps.gov/mimi/index.htm
Minuteman Missile Launch Facility
Thought this place was really cool and very Interesting. You have to get their early for their tour.
WhitehouseLV
Explorer III
Apr 11, 2016
rent a SxS/UTV and explore the Black Hills that way. You can rent a RZR4 and the dog can ride in the back seat. Rent a boat and go boating and fishing on Pactola Lake. Its a great way to experience the Black Hills.
drittal
Explorer
Apr 11, 2016
1880's train
dewey02
Explorer II
Apr 08, 2016
There are a couple of primitive roads in Custer State Park that head south into Wind Cave NP. We took a few, drove for a few miles and saw great herds of bison...and we were the ONLY ones there. The viewing experience was much different than seeing them along a paved road with lots of cars and people all clustered together. It was just us and them. Sometimes very close, sometimes running along on a hillside farther away.
23hotrodr
Explorer
Apr 03, 2016
We were there last fall. Just to add a couple places-- The museum at the Air Force Base was fantastic. Also Spearfish canyon-- great drive!

If you are east of there-- The Pioneer Auto Show in Murdo was well worth the time and money. Tons of stuff to browse there. We spent a week and will go back again sometime.
G7ARYM
Explorer
Apr 01, 2016
Thanks for the help. We should be able to fill two days there. All for now. By the way, the assumption that the dog is ever left alone to bother others is incorrect.
Uma___Papa
Explorer
Apr 01, 2016
We were out there last summer, what everyone has said will keep you busy. We had a great time. Sorry but I'd leave the dog home with someone who could tend to it properly. I think it's mean to leave a dog in the RV while it barks and cries while you are site seeing besides its disturbing the RV neighbors.
Thom02099
Explorer II
Apr 01, 2016
All wonderful suggestions above for things to do/places to see in the Black Hills. The biggest problem you'll have will be with your fur friend and how to keep him/her entertained.

H E R E is a link to pet boarding/sitting in the Black Hills area. And H E R E is a link to pet friendly (and some not so much) locations in the Black Hills.
rbtglove
Explorer
Apr 01, 2016
Lived in Rapid City for 4 years and really always found things to see and do. Sadly we liked Deadwood before gambling but after going back several times since it really has become very touristy and lost a lot of its charm. We still like wall drug touristy but it still one of a kind place. Be aware can't take your dog into Mt Rushmore at all. Can into Crazy Horse but only to the open deck area in the visitor center. There are plenty of other things to see within the Park and within easy drives. Gets pretty crowded avoid the bike rally just a total parking lot.
Alabama_Jim
Explorer
Apr 01, 2016
It looks like all the advice listed is great. I will only add that I especially like Custer State Park. A slow drive to see bison and beautiful birds. When you get to the burros it is fine to feed them. They are like big pets that will eat out of your hand. The mammoth site is great, it is the best in the world and is studied by all leading paleontologist.

Have lots of safe fun and enjoy.