Black Hills, South Dakota
From Sturgis to Custer, from Mt. Rushmore to Crazy Horse, there is so much to explore in the Black Hills of South Dakota!
If you went for an entire week during the Sturgis rally, you would never see it all! Over multiple trips to Sturgis and the Black hills, I have experienced a lot of great sites, found some hidden gems, and have plenty of tips for you guys. I’ve included maps and pictures in this post as well, so you know right where to go!
Maps 🗺️
These are some of my favorite rides and places to visit when I am in the Black Hills of South Dakota! From Custer State Park to the Center of the Nation Monument in Belle Fourche - and from Mt. Rushmore to Crazy Horse - this maps covers a large area so it will take a while to see it all! I will occasionally update the map with new places I have visited or discovered in the Black Hills. I only add places that I’ve been to and that I really love!
Do your own research before going. I make no guarantees on the accuracy of these maps and while I may update my favorite places on the maps, I can’t guarantee anything about the maps being up to date.Custer State Park
Starting off with Custer State Park there is a plethora to see and do. You could spend several days just here in the park exploring everything they have to offer. Some of my favorite spots include:
Things to See and Do in Custer State Park, South Dakota
Scenic Drives
Needles Highway: A winding road featuring breathtaking views, granite spires, and narrow tunnels. Perfect for a leisurely ride with a camera in hand.
Iron Mountain Road: Known for its unique tunnels and the famous views of Mount Rushmore framed through the twists and turns.
The Needles, from South Dakota 87 (Needles Highway)
Wildlife Viewing
Custer State Park Bison Herd: Home to one of the largest bison herds in the U.S., you can often spot these majestic animals grazing along the roadways.
Wildlife Loop Road: A 18-mile loop offering chances to see elk, deer, pronghorn antelope, and other wildlife, especially during the early morning or late evening.
Mt. Rushmore from the Iron Mountain Road
Hiking Trails
Harney Peak Trail: The highest point in South Dakota, this trail rewards hikers with panoramic views at the summit. The hike is moderately challenging and approximately 7 miles round trip.
Sylvan Lake Loop: A family-friendly, 1-mile trail that encircles the stunning Sylvan Lake, ideal for a relaxing walk and photography.
Water Activities
Sylvan Lake: Known for its clear waters and scenic surroundings, it's perfect for fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying a picnic by the shore.
Blue Bell Lodge: Offers boat rentals for those wanting to explore the lake via canoe or paddleboat.
Historical Sites
Custer State Park's Historic Barns: Take time to explore the historic stone barns, which tell the story of the park's past and its development over the years.
Buffalo Roundup: If you're visiting in late September, don’t miss the annual Buffalo Roundup, where park rangers and cowboys round up the bison. It’s an unforgettable experience.
Camping and Lodging
Campgrounds: Several campgrounds are available within the park, providing a range of amenities from rustic to well-equipped sites. This is great for motocamping enthusiasts.
Lodges: For those preferring a more comfortable stay, look into the park’s lodges such as the State Game Lodge for a cozy retreat with beautiful views.
State Game Lodge: It is worth mentioning this again - they have great food, a fabulous gift shop, plenty of parking, and in the summer - artists Ron Holyfield and Kay Williams grace the lodge with their beautiful artwork and are some of the nicest people you will ever meet! I have linked their website here: Lost In The Woods Studio
Visitor Center
Custer State Park Visitor Center: A great starting point to gather information, maps, and tips about the park’s attractions and activities.
Mt. Rushmore
“The purpose of the memorial is to communicate the founding, expansion, preservation, and unification of the United States with colossal statues of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.”
Mt. Rushmore from the Grand View Terrace
Mount Rushmore, located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, is a monumental sculpture carved into granite that features the faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The concept for the monument was conceived by historian Doane Robinson in the early 1920s, who aimed to promote tourism to South Dakota. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum was commissioned for the project in 1927, and he proposed a larger vision than originally planned, intending to depict the presidents from the waist up. Work on the monument began in 1927 and continued until 1941, despite Borglum’s death in 1941, with his son Lincoln Borglum overseeing the final stages of the project.
The selection of the four presidents was symbolic, representing foundational aspects of American history and ideals. Washington was chosen for his role as the nation’s founding father, Jefferson for the Declaration of Independence, Lincoln for preserving the Union during the Civil War, and Roosevelt for his contributions to the country's industrial growth and conservation efforts. The completion of Mount Rushmore was achieved amid economic challenges and controversies after WWII, yet it has since become an iconic symbol of American heritage, ideals, and values.
When You Visit:
Be sure to go below the Grand View Terrace to the museum and movie theaters below to learn more about the incredible history of how Mt. Rushmore was carved and the technology used to carve it!
In the summer time (weather permitting) there is a lighting ceremony at night with narration story of Mt. Rushmore and the Presidents carved upon it.
The presidential loop is a fantastic walk and gets you closer to the monoliths.
The restaurant is SUPERB and they have an ice cream parlor to top it off. Nothing says freedom like shoving down ice cream in front of 4 of our greatest Presidents! Worth a whole afternoon or morning to experience Mt. Rushmore.
The Iron Mountain Road
Weaving through the Black Hills just south of Mt. Rushmore lays the Iron Mountain Road. This road has some of the most spectacular views of Mt. Rushmore itself as the tunnels were aligned to provide scenic looks at the iconic mountain carving.
The Needles Highway
Equally as impressive as the Iron Mountain Road is South Dakota 87 - The Needles Highway. Tightly winding through Custer state park, you’ll be treated to views of the needles rock formations, tight switchbacks, and the Needles Eye Tunnel (good luck to those of you driving a motorhome!).
Crazy Horse Memorial
The Crazy Horse Memorial, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is a monumental sculpture dedicated to the Lakota leader Crazy Horse, who famously resisted the encroachment of settlers on Native American lands. The project was conceived in 1948 by Polish-American sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski, who was invited by Lakota elder Henry Standing Bear to create a tribute that would honor Native American heritage.
The inspiration for the memorial stemmed from the desire to counterbalance the more widely recognized monuments such as Mount Rushmore, which represented the history of U.S. presidents, and provide a monument representing Native American Indians on their own land in the Black Hills. The initial concept involved carving Crazy Horse on a mountain, riding a horse and pointing out to his people, symbolizing the strength and pride of Native Americans.
Construction on the Crazy Horse Memorial began in 1948, and despite its ambitious scale and complexity, the project has been driven by donations and the work of the Ziolkowski family and their team. The sculpting process has faced numerous challenges, including geological issues and changes in leadership, as Korczak passed away in 1982—leaving his wife Ruth and their children to continue his vision. As of 2024, the memorial is still a work in progress, with the face of Crazy Horse completed, but the entire project encompassing a full sculpture, including the horse and surrounding features, remains ongoing.
When You Visit:
Be sure to check out the Native American Museum and gift shop with handcrafted gifts from local Indian artisans and craftsman. There are also cultural events that go on throughout the year that can be very fun to attend.
Lastly, YOU MUST check out Laughing Waters restaurant - I cannot recommend this highly enough! The food and staff were amazing. The Raspberry Kuchen (dessert) is amazing. I had 2 servings of it!
It is worth an entire afternoon to spend within the entire Crazy Horse Memorial complex.
“My fellow chiefs and I would like the white man to know that the red man has great heroes also.”
Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park, established in 1903, is one of the oldest national parks in the United States and is notable for its intricate and expansive cave system, which features unique formations such as boxwork and frostwork. The area has a rich history, as it was sacred to the Lakota Sioux, who referred to the cave as "Wiihaw," meaning "the place where the winds blow."
Above ground, the park encompasses prairies, grasslands, and a diverse array of wildlife including bison, elk, and prairie dogs, offering visitors both stunning natural beauty and a glimpse into the area's cultural significance. The park is also part of the larger Black Hills ecosystem, providing opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring the unique underground passages that have drawn adventurers for over a century.
Just as in Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park is home to a lot of Bison!
The Sturgis Rally
If you’re on my website reading this, odds are you’re a motorcyclist! The 85th Sturgis Rally will be happening in August 2025 and I hope to see you all there!
Sturgis is a great time to visit the Black Hills with your fellow brothers on two wheels. Lots of places cater specifically to bikers during the Sturgis rally with discounts, cookouts, front row parking, exclusive access to events, and more!
History
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, often referred to simply as Sturgis, began in 1938 when a group of 9 local motorcycle enthusiasts organized a race in Sturgis, South Dakota. The inaugural event, known as the Black Hills Motorcycle Classic, attracted a modest crowd and championed the spirit of camaraderie among riders. Over the years, the rally gradually expanded from its racing origins to include a variety of activities, including motorcycle shows, concerts, and scenic rides through the picturesque Black Hills. By the 1960s, the rally had started to gain national recognition, setting the stage for its transformation into one of the most significant motorcycle events in the United States.
By the 1970s, Sturgis had solidified its status as a premier destination for motorcycle enthusiasts, with attendance numbers skyrocketing. The rally drew thousands of riders, making it a platform for motorcycle culture to thrive. Major motorcycle manufacturers began to take notice, using the event to showcase their latest models and gear. Iconic bands, including artists like ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd, would perform at the rally, turning it into a blend of motorcycle celebration and rock festival. This era marked a turning point as the rally evolved from a regional event to a national spectacle that attracted attendees from across the country and beyond.
Today, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is recognized as one of the largest motorcycle rallies globally, drawing over 700,000 attendees each August. The event not only celebrates motorcycle culture but also impacts the local economy significantly, with businesses gearing up for the influx of riders and tourists. Activities have diversified further, encompassing bike shows, tattoo contests, and various entertainment options, making Sturgis an icon of the motorcycle community. Its rich history and ongoing evolution continue to captivate both seasoned bikers and newcomers alike, ensuring that the spirit of the rally lives on.
Motorcycles line up by the thousands along historic Main Street in downtown Sturgis during the rally.
