The Museum at Black Hills Institute
Home to impressive exhibits, The Museum at Black Hills Institute is a great attraction for families, and anyone interested in geology and dinosaurs. Inside is an impressive collection of fossils and bones, rare meteorites, and minerals from around the world. Each piece in the museum tells the history of explorers, miners, and fossil hunters who came to the Black Hills in pursuit of dreams and adventures.
Visit the
museum.
Prairie Berry Winery
The Black Hills of South Dakota might be the last place you would find a winery. But Sandi Votja, a fifth-generation winemaker, desired to share her home-crafted brews and wines. After a discussion with her husband and father, Prairie Berry Winery opened in 1999, and has been winning awards ever since.
The seasons, regional recipes, and ones handed down through the generations influence Prairie Berry Winery’s hand-crafted beers and wines.
Prairie Berry Winery invites visitors to stay awhile. Sample wines and peruse the menu from their cafe, The Kitchen, and then have a meal outside. There’s a little something for everyone.
Visit their
site.
South Dakota State Railroad Museum
Railfans will love this museum. Why? Because once you stand next to one of the mighty steam engines, you’ll practically hear the iconic train whistle and chug-hiss of the steel behemoths. At the museum you’ll learn the stories of the people and machines that created the history of the region.
Learn more about the
hours and fees.
The Stables at Palmer Gulch
For outdoor activities, The Stables at Palmer Gulch is at the top of recommendations.
Experience a small sample of cowboy life. Take a guided horseback tour into the famous Black Hills. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or have never ridden a horse, you’ll be in expert hands either way; just enjoy a leisurely ride through spectacular scenery.
The Chuck Wagon Dinner Show is held in a remote meadow. There are only two ways to reach the meadow, either by horseback or covered wagon. As dinner is prepared, enjoy traditional music performed by local cowboys and ranchers. When the dinner bell rings, dig into genuine cowboy cuisine, such as beef steaks raised in Dakota, and decorated with Dutch oven side-dishes, all cooked on an authentic chuck-wagon.
Another option is an early morning breakfast cookout. Load up in a covered wagon for a ride through beautiful Black Hill country to the chuck-wagon camp. Sitting in a lush mountain meadow, you’ll savor every bite of a delicious Bronc Buster hash, accompanied by a warm apple pie oatmeal dish and hot coffee.
The Stables at Palmer Gulch is an authentic South Dakota experience, hearkening back to cowboy culture.
Explore the
stables.
1880 Train/Black Hills Central Railroad
Yep…we’re recommending another train attraction. Trains are a big part of South Dakota’s history and culture. The Black Hills Central Railroad is the oldest running railroad tour line in the nation. Not only will you see beautiful scenery, but you’ll experience history by riding a working steam locomotive.
Purchase tickets and ride the steam powered 1880 train. Plan for an hour ride each way with a 15-minute layover. The train travels between Hill City and Keystone using the same rail lines as the old Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad routes. You can start your ride from either city.
Learn more about the
1880 Train.
Why Hill City is Worth Visiting
Hill City is located in the sweet spot of the Black Hills. For a small town there’s a lot to see and do. Plus it’s located close to several national parks and monuments, like Mt. Rushmore and Custer Park. So while you’re exploring the plains and Black Hills, stop at Hill City and soak in the setting of a small town nestled amongst pine topped hills.
