Mount Rushmore National Memorial
The monument consists of the statues of four US presidents - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln - carved from the side of the mountain. See exhibits detailing the life story of Gutzon Borglum, the monument's designer, and explaining how the monument was constructed.
605-574-2515
Crazy Horse Monument
The Crazy Horse Memorial is a memorial to the famous Native American leader. Once the monument is completed, it will be in the form of a rider on horseback. They periodically have "blasting" as they continue the process of carving this huge statue into the side of a mountain. To give you an idea of the size, the heads of Mt. Rushmore would fit on top of Crazy Horse's extended arm! The site includes a Visitor Center and is the home of the Indian Museum of North America.
http://www.crazyhorse.org
605-675-4681
Deadwood
If you are interested in history and gambling, this old western town will be a delight to explore. There are interesting shops and it is fun walking down the main street and checking everything out.This is definitely a gambling/casino town.
Custer State Park
Beautiful scenic drives through 73,000 acres of natural beauty where you can see buffalo or even bobcats, bison,antelopes, bighorn sheep, coyotes and more. I hate to add this but it is also possible to only see a squirrel! It is a nice drive; you just can’t rely on wildlife!
http://www.custerstatepark.info
800-658-3530
Buffalo Roundup, Arts Festival and Chili Cook-Off
Feel the thunder and join the herd at the Annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. Watch cowboys and cowgirls as they roundup and drive the herd of 1,500 buffalo into the buffalo corrals. Enjoy three days of South Dakota's finest artists and craftsmen at the 16th Annual Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival. Start you morning with a pancake feed, enjoy on-going Western and Native American entertainment or purchase fine artwork or South Dakota Made Products. It's a South Dakota experience you won't want to miss. Join the "herd" at the Buffalo Wallow Chili Cook-off in Custer State Park where the competition is just as hot as the chili!
Reptile Gardens
Reptile Gardens exhibits the world's largest reptile collection living among rare and beautiful minerals, fossils,sculptures and more. There are several interesting shows plus•wildlife viewing and a huge dome that houses beautiful exotic birds and plants.We go here every year. Their employees are exceptional! Located on Highway 16...
http://www.reptile-gardens.com
605-342-5873
Bear Country USA
This 200+ acre wildlife park is a definite must! You drive through and see all kinds of wildlife up close - you can literally look into those beady eyes the bears have! There are also white wolves, elk, bison, lots of creatures. At the end, there is an area you walk around where you can see baby bears, wildcats, etc. Located on Hwy 16 as you head into the Black Hills...
http://www.bearcountryusa.com
605-343-2290
Badlands National Park
Enjoy the jagged cliffs, deep canyons and flat-topped buttes with one of the most stunning geologic displays visible on earth. Included are Indian cultural exhibits, roadside exhibits, nature trails. 51 miles east of Rapid City on I-90
605-433-5361
Hill City
Known as the “Heart of the Hills” this town is a charming place to visit. You’ll find many interesting shops, antiques, and jewelry. There are so many quality attractions in the area make sure you take the time to see them all.