The best things to do in Black Hills National Forest is a list that also encompasses almost all of the top attractions in South Dakota, as well as a radius of a few hundred miles from its location. As such, it is a must visit destination for anyone travelling through this part of the world.
From iconic monuments and landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and sprawling cave systems to historic towns and cities, Black Hills National Forest has a little bit of everything on offer.
So, if you are planning on making the trip and want to design a travel itinerary that includes all of the best sights and sounds, I highly recommend reading on.
Facts & Figures About Black Hills National Forest
Founded on the 22nd of February 1897, Black Hills National Forest is the 13th oldest national forest in the United States. Meanwhile, its 1.25 million acre area makes it its 62nd largest national forest.
Settlers had referred to the mountains in the region as the “Black Hills” for a number of years, and the name became official after Lieutenant Gouverneur Kemble Warren’s 1857 expedition.
Black Hills Forest Preserve was designated as such by former United States President Grover Cleveland. Its creation was inspired by the desire to protect the region, after wildfires had devastated the area in 1893.
The original boundaries of the forest were slightly larger, before they were amended by United States President William McKinley in September 1888. When the Forest Service was created in 1905, it was transferred to their stewardship and designated a national forest.
Black Hills National Forest Temperature
The Black Hills National Forest temperature usually ranges between a high of 78.7°F (25.9°C) and a low of 18.4°F (-7.6°C). The highest temperature ever recorded in the forest in 100°F (38°C), while the lowest ever recorded is -38°F (-39°C).
The warmest months each year are June through September, while early November to mid-April is the cold season. Mid-April to mid-July is the wettest period in the forest, while snowfall is common from late October to mid-April.
Best Time To Visit Black Hills National Forest
The best time to visit Black Hills National Forest is from mid-July to early September. This is the region’s warmest period each year and avoids the rainy Spring season. This creates the perfect conditions for you to enjoy all of the attractions and natural beauty the region has to offer.
This is also when some of the region’s most famous events take place. With things like Sturgis Bike Week and the Days Of ’76 Festival in Deadwood, you will never be short of things to do. Just be aware that the area will be busier and accommodation likely more expensive during these events.
The Wildlife & Landscape Of Black Hills National Forest
Black Hills National Forest is known for its mountainous landscape, which covers parts of the Bear Lodge Mountains, Black Hills, and Elk Mountains ranges.
The mountains are then covered in forests primarily consisting of ponderosa pines, but which also include aspen, birch, bur oak, and spruce.
The forest’s lower elevations also feature beautiful, sprawling areas of grassland prairie, while a number of streams, reservoirs, and other water sources can be found throughout the forest’s boundaries. All of these are intersected by countless hiking trails.
The various regions of Black Hills National Forest are also abundant with wildlife. Bighorn sheep, black bears, cougars, coyotes, elk, grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats, mule deer, pronghorn, and white tailed deer can all be found throughout.
You even have a collection of over 200 species of birds, which includes bald eagles, hawks, ospreys, and peregrine falcons, and a wide range of different fish and insects.
How To Get To Black Hills National Forest
The closest airport to Black Hills National Forest is Rapid City Regional Airport, which is located just 18 miles (30 kilometres) away.
The largest major airports near Black Hills National Forest are Denver International Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport, which are 325 (523 kilometres) miles and 600 miles (966 kilometres) away, respectively.
The former will take 5 hours to reach by car, while the latter will take 9 hours.
For international travellers, Chicago O’Hare International Airport is the nearest major hub airport. Located 960 miles (1,545 kilometres) away, many people embark on a 15 hour Chicago to Black Hills National Forest road trip each year.
Top Attractions In Black Hills National Forest
Black Hills National Forest is filled with so many amazing sights and sounds that it is almost impossible to see everything in a single visit. However, to make sure you get maximum enjoyment from your trip, you are going to want to make sure you at least cover the highlights.
With that in mind, we will now look at the top attractions in Black Hills National Forest, to help you plan the best possible travel itinerary for your trip.
Mount Rushmore National Monument
First proposed in 1923 to draw tourists to an, at the time, largely unvisited part of the United States, Mount Rushmore was carved between 1927 and 1941.
Having gone on to become one of the most iconic monuments in the country, it achieved its goal and draws around 2 million annual visitors.
The massive monument stands 60 feet (18 metres) tall and 203 feet (62 metres) wide and depicts the faces of four of the most important presidents in U.S. history, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.
The individuals were chosen to represent the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the United States Of America.
The most popular attraction in the state of South Dakota, it is listed on the U.S. National Register Of Historic Places and is a sight you simply cannot miss while visiting the area.
Crazy Horse Memorial
First breaking ground in 1948, the Crazy Horse Memorial is intended to be an alternative to Mount Rushmore that better represents the local Native American people. It is a simply must visit for anyone interested in Native American history.
A depiction of legendary Lakota war chief Crazy Horse on horseback, when completed it will stand 563 feet (172 metres) high and be the second tallest statue on Earth. The head of the statue will be almost 50% larger than those depicted on Mount Rushmore.
With it still being a work in progress, it provides a unique opportunity to see what a piece of this scale looks like before it is finished. Visitors are also allowed to take pieces of the displaced rock away as free souvenirs, which is a win for both visitors and the builders.
Black Elk Wilderness
The Black Elk Wilderness is a protected wilderness area spanning 13,426 acres that is named after Black Elk of the Sioux tribe. The region was added to the protected list in 1980, as it is considered extremely sacred to the local Native American people.
Its most defining feature is Black Elk Peak which, at 7,242 feet (2,207 metres), is the tallest mountain in the state of South Dakota. From its summit, explorers can enjoy breathtaking views of South Dakota, as well as the neighbouring states of Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming.
With countless other peaks and slopes, all covered with fir, ponderosa pine, and spruce forests, filled with wildlife like bighorn sheep, elk, mountain goats, mule deer, whitetail deer, and birds such as falcons and hawks, it is one of the best natural locations in all of Black Hills National Forest.
Needles Highway
The Needles Highway is the northernmost 14 mile (23 kilometre) stretch of South Dakota Highway 87. Considered one of the most scenic routes in the state, it is named after the iconic “needles” rock formations it winds between.
Going through a number of iconic sights, including the Cathedral Spires & Limber Pine Natural Area, Iron Creek Tunnel, and Needles Eye Tunnel, it is a great place to go for a scenic drive and truly appreciate your surroundings and their landscape.
Doane Robinson Tunnel
Named after the man who conceived the idea for Mount Rushmore, the Doane Robinson Tunnel is located on U.S. Route 16A, directly opposite Mount Rushmore.
It is known for perfectly framing the monument and is a great place to stop for any photographers hoping to snap the perfect long distance shot of the iconic landmark.
Jewel Cave National Monument
Running for 209 miles (337 kilometres), Jewel Cave is the 3rd longest cave on Earth and 2nd longest in the U.S. First discovered in 1900, it has been listed as a national monument since 1908. Its walls are covered in calcite crystals, giving it a bejewelled appearance that earned it its name.
At present, caving fans have three different tours they can take to explore this natural wonder. Your experience and personal interests will dictate which of these options you select.
The Scenic Tour covers a half mile route that is well lit and boasts manmade walkways. The Historic Tour takes you into the sections of the cave that were discovered first and is only lit by candles. The Wild Caving Tour takes you through some of the nearby completely undeveloped sections
For those who want to appreciate the scale but aren’t a fan of dark or tight spaces, three surface trails have also been established, where visitors can walk the routes of the caves above ground, while enjoying the region’s wildlife and fresh air.
Things To See And Do Near Black Hills National Forest
Black Hills National Forest boasts an incredible number of amazing attractions, but there is plenty on offer in the surrounding area too.
With that in mind, we’ll now look at the best things to see and do near Black Hills National Forest, to help you devise the most comprehensive travel itinerary possible.
Wind Cave National Park
Founded on the 9th of January 1903, Wind Cave National Park is the 6th oldest national park in the United States. At just 33,971 acres, it is also the 11th smallest national park in the system. It takes its name from the air pressure changes in the caves that cause powerful winds.
The 7th longest cave on Earth and 3rd longest in the United States, it is well known for its iconic boxwork and frostwork formations. It is also historically an extremely important cultural site for the Native Lakota people, who view the system as a creation site.
Even the sections of the park outside of the cave are stunning and boast landscapes like forests and the largest mixed grass prairie in the country.
These are home to a wide range of wildlife including badgers, bats, bison, bobcats, cougars, coyotes, elk, ermines, foxes, prairie dogs, pronghorn, minks, racoons, skunks, and two endangered species, the black footed ferret and the whooping crane.
Deadwood
Settled in 1876, at the start of the Black Hills Goldrush, Deadwood is 2nd oldest “Old West” town in existence in the United States (after Tombstone, Arizona).
Once the home of wild west legends like Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok, and Wyatt Earp, the town is a must visit for fans of western culture.
From historic buildings and markers to museums, mines, and tourist attractions, Deadwood lets you step back in time and feel like a cowboy, while walking the very same locations that many of the most famous events in old west took place in.
Sturgis
Founded in 1878 to supply the nearby Fort Meade, Sturgis is a town named in honour of Union Civil War General Samuel D. Sturgis. One of the many towns in the area with a wild west history, Sturgis is perhaps best known as the home of the largest annual motorcycle rally on Earth.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has been held each year in early August since 1938. Over half a million people attend the festival each year, to enjoy organised bike rides through the black hills and various displays of the countless motorcycles in attendance.
With live music by big name artists, fabulous local produce and handmade items on sale, and various other forms of entertainment, it is an event that has to be seen to be truly appreciated.
Even if you visit out of season, you still have attractions like the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall Of Fame and a collection of public sculptures and historic buildings to explore.
Rapid City
Rapid City is the 2nd most populous in South Dakota, and by far the largest, most populous city in the Black Hills. Founded in 1876, it is named after Rapid Creek, which runs through the heart of the city.
Rapid City is a best known as a place full of culture and history, much of which relates to Native Americans and the old west. Throughout Rapid City you will find a number of museums, monuments, and attractions where you can learn more about what makes the area special.
Custer State Park
Established in 1912 and covering 71,000 acres, Custer State Park is the oldest and largest state park in South Dakota.
The park is named after controversial United States Cavalry Commander George A. Custer, who was killed around 300 miles (483 kilometres) away, in Little Bighorn, Montana.
With a landscape consisting of beautiful prairies and rugged mountains, the park is home to one of the richest collections of wildlife in the region, with animals including bighorn sheep, coyotes, deer, cougars, elk, mountain goats, otters, prairie dogs, and pronghorns.
It also features a massive herd of more than 1,500 bison, as well as a small wild donkey population known as the “Begging Burros”, which are known to follow tourists around begging for food.
Beyond the wildlife there is also a collection of historic locations, such as the Badger Clark Historical Site and the Peter Norbeck Center, where visitors can learn more about the past of the park.
Best Place To Stay In Black Hills National Forest – Lodge At Palmer Gulch
Located in the heart of Black Hills National Forest, Lodge At Palmer Gulch is a beautiful, rustic property, surrounded by many of the most popular areas and attractions in the forest. It provides easy access to countless hiking trails and free Wi-Fi and parking are available for all guests.
The rooms are all incredibly spacious and air conditioned, while also offering stunning views of the area. They also include a range of amenities like a seating area with a flat screen TV, a private bathroom with a hairdryer, and luxury bed linens and towels.
Meanwhile, in the communal areas, you will find features like barbeque facilities, an ATM, business centre, kid’s play area, hot tub, mini golf course, pool, sauna, restaurant, table tennis tables, and waterpark, as well as a range of evening entertainment.
How Many Days To Spend In Black Hills National Forest?
Those seeking the complete experience will need at least 4 days in Black Hills National Forest.
This gives you a day to visit all the monuments and memorials, a day to do the driving routes, a day to spend hiking the peaks, trails, and wilderness areas, and a day to explore the surrounding areas.
That said, those with longer to spare could easily spend a week or more and still have plenty to do.
If you are tight on time, you may be able to get away with a 2 day trip. This will allow you to make a flying visit to the various monuments while driving the different highways, then spend a full day exploring on foot.
It won’t give you any time to explore the surrounding areas unfortunately. Any less than 2 days likely won’t be enough for anyone who isn’t just coming to see a specific attraction to fit everything on their travel itinerary in.
Conclusion
Black Hills National Forest is a truly stunning destination that perfectly displays the sort of vibrant culture and history that South Dakota and the surrounding states are famous for.
From wild west towns and historic monuments to cave systems and abundant wildlife, this is a place that has it all. Our guide on the best things to do in Black Hills National Forest will hopefully have given you all you need to plan the dream travel itinerary for your trip.
That means you now just have to get everything booked, so you can look forward to experiencing it all for yourself, as soon as possible.