BLACK HILLS FUN
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~ ~ Three Forks (Hwys. 16/385 split) ~ ~
(One mile down the road towards Hill City)
Miniature golf, Dairy Twist, gas station with Country Forks Inn
Casino/Bar/Food and outdoor deck. Prairie Berry Winery
tempts your taste buds with their own flavors of wines.
Bighorn sheep at Three Forks making themselves at home.
~ ~ 1880's Train and Hill City ~ ~
(1 mile north then 3 miles west on 16)
Take a ride on the 1880's train that runs between Hill City
and Keystone. During the summer the train provides regular
trips so you can spend time in either town and then catch a ride
back on the train later in the day.
Take the 1880's train ride for a unique look at the hills.
Hill City is a small, full service mountain community
that boasts many artist galleries, jewelry and gift shops,
and a variety of eating establishments
which includes the always popular Alpine Inn.
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~ ~ Mount Rushmore and Keystone ~ ~
(10 scenic miles)
Mount Rushmore as seen from Iron Mountain Road.
Iron Mountain Road Tunnel Further through the Tunnel
Awesome view at the end of the Tunnel
Visiting Mount Rushmore includes more than just viewing
this amazing sculpture. As you approach the Grand Terrace,
you will find yourself walking through the Avenue of Flags.
The evening lighting ceremony includes honoring our military.
There are hiking trails, food services, and shopping. The sculptor's
studio is also open. Mountain goats frequent the area.
Keystone offers unique shops and restaurants. Take a gold mine
tour and pan for gold. Play mini-golf. Ride a chairlift up the hill
and enjoy a park like setting at the summit. An outdoor cafe offers
grilled food while you view Mount Rushmore. You may take the
chairlift down or be more adventurous and ride the Alpine Slide down.
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~ ~ Sheridan Lake ~ ~
(3 miles north on 385)
~ ~ Pactola Reservoir ~ ~
(10 miles north on 385)
~ ~ Deerfield Lake ~ ~
(15 miles west of Hill City on 308)
These bodies of water reflect the true beauty of the Black Hills.
Grab a picnic lunch, fishing equipment, good pair of hiking shoes,
and don't forget the camera. Surrounded by Black Hills National
Forest each of these lakes offer boat launches and camping
facilites as well as day use areas.
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~ ~ Crazy Horse Memorial ~ ~
(15 miles on 16/385, between Hill City and Custer)
Discover the history of the Crazy Horse Memorial and it's progression
over the years. Enjoy learning about Native American culture
Watch ceremonial dances. Shop, eat, and take in the incredible
evening laser light show on the side of Crazy Horse Mountain.
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~ ~ Custer ~ ~
(4 miles south of Crazy Horse)
Custer is home to the Flintstone Theme Park, a Woodcarving
Museum, numerous shops, saloons and eateries.
Custer is also a full service community.
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~ ~ Custer State Park and Wildlife Loop Road ~ ~
Custer State Park encompasses the beautiful Needles Highway and
the well-known Sylvan Lake. Several small lakes also dot the area
that offer fishing, camping, and quaint cafe's. Hike to Harney Peak
from the trailhead at Sylvan Lake and visit the abandoned Fire Tower
that you see from Whispering Winds Cottages. You can camp or
shop at various stops along the way.
Sylvan Lake - Beautiful Hiking Trails - Climb those Rocks
Along Needles Highway Needles Highway
Donkeys on Wildlife Loop Road - Custer State Park
Bison on Wildlife Loop Road - Custer State Park
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Experience the Buffalo Round-up at the end of September
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~ ~ Rapid City ~ ~
(20-30 miles NE on 16)
On all sides of Rapid City you can find a variety of attractions.
Water slides, Reptile Gardens, Old MacDonald's Farm.
Bear Country drive through wildlife park.
Cabelas, golf courses, fly-fish in Rapid Creek.
Rapid City also offers many major franchise
stores for those necessity items.
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~ ~ Lead, Deadwood, Spearfish and Sturgis ~ ~
(50 miles north on beautiful 385)
The northern border of the Black Hills offers
canyons and casinos,
mountainous skiing and motorcycle memories.
Take a tour of the Homestake Gold mine in Lead.
Homestake Mine
Terry Peak Ski Resort offers trails for all difficulties.
Presidents Park is a walking trail park in which you can observe
15-20 foot busts of every United States president.
The streets of Deadwood are lined with historic buildings
turned casinos. The Midnight Star Casino is owned by Kevin Costner
and displays numerous memorabilia from his movies.
Wild Bill Hickoks demise is depicted downstairs at the No. 10 Saloon
Main Street of Deadwood
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway provides breathtaking photo
opportunities that are usually seen on many nature calendars.
Spearfish Canyon Roughlock Falls
Rent a motorcycle from Black Hills Harley Davidson
west of Rapid City on I 90.
You will never see the hills the same ever again.
Taking Highway 385 from Whispering Winds Cottages to any
of these western towns is not a long boring drive by any means.
You pass Sheridan Lake and Pactola Resorvoir.
Little known attractions along the way includes one of the
World's Largest Rocking Chair.
The Sugar Shack touts a great burger.
Further down the road you will see
The Boondocks 1950's Theme Park.
You can enjoy carnival rides,
a Diner, Museum with Classic Cars, and a
Gift Shop you could spend at least an hour in.
Cave tours are offered along the way too.
Rochford, a 30 - 45 min. drive north and west, is home to the
Moonshine Gulch Saloon.
Sunday afternoons locals gather for a musical jam session
As with any drive in the Black Hills
the scenery is always magnificant.
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~ ~ Mickelson Trail ~ ~
From the northern tip to the southern end of the Black Hills runs
a path named Mickelson Trail. What was once an old railroad bed
has been transformed into a 109 mile hiking, biking and
horseback riding trail. Enjoy views not seen by most
that visit the Black Hills. Numerous trailheads allow access at
different points along the trail.
Various services are offered along the way.
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~ ~ Black Hills National Forest ~ ~
A majority of the Black Hills is located within the boundaries of the
Black Hills National Forest. This means access to wonderful
outdoor experiences. Backroads to explore the often unseen
beauty of what lies behind the scenes. Hiking trails to take you
on inviting and invigorating adventures that can
only be found in the depths of nature.
Please visit the Black Hills National Forest Service offices in
Rapid City and Custer to get all the information you need to
add this experience to your vacation.
ATV riding is very popular in the Hills. There is a trail
system designed by the Black Hills National
Forest Service. Please visit their website to find out
more information. Permits are required and
available online.