Wind Cave VS Jewel Cave: Everything You Need to Know

people walking along pathway in cave

If you are visiting the Black Hills, visiting a cave should be high on your to-do list. The trick is that there are two amazing caves in the area, Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument. Most travelers only have time to see one of them, so which one should you choose? Jewel […]

How Many Days Should I Visit the Black Hills? 3, 4, & 5 Day Itinerary + Maps

Close up of Mount Rushmore lit up in the evening

The Black Hills is one of my very favorite vacations! There’s wildlife, caves, cool drives, mountain lakes, prairies, quirky roadside shops, historic sites, and of course Mount Rushmore! You’ll never run out of things to do. Four days is the perfect amount of time to visit the Black Hills. This allows you to see all […]

The Best (and Worst Times) to Visit the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore

Faces on Mount Rushmore

Few destinations match the Black Hills for the variety of things to do. With 6 national parks and monuments, the incredible Custer State Park, the old West Town of Deadwood, and the quirky town of Wall Drug, plus dozens of tourist activities, there is something for everyone. But when is the best time of year […]

40 ABSOLUTE Best Things To Do in the Black Hills

Cathedral Spires at Sylvan Lake in the Black Hills

When most people think of the Black Hills, they usually think that all there is to do is visit Mt. Rushmore. The truth is that the Black Hills area is over 5,000 square miles and there are tons of things to do including, national park and historic sights, wildlife, water sports, hiking, beautiful drives, quirky […]

Where to Stay When Visiting Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills

State Game Lodge in Custer State Park

Visiting Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills of South Dakota is an incredible vacation. There are 6 national monuments and parks in the area, amazing bike trails, hikes, museums, old west towns, train rides, amusement parks, wildlife, lakes, and even the 1880 Railroad. The Black Hills are so big, it’s roughly the size of Connecticut! […]

14 Great Things To Do When Visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Faces on Mount Rushmore

There’s more to Mount Rushmore than just great faces blasted into a mountain.  Not that, that isn’t cool enough, but there is much more to experience at Mount Rushmore that you don’t want to miss out on. Giving yourself ample time to visit the memorial is a must and whether you are just passing through […]

What to See While Driving the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park in South Dakota

Begging burro Custer State Park

With Custer State Park being one of the largest state parks in our nation, it’s no surprise that the wildlife loop draws crowds upwards of 2 million people annually. So what can you expect to see? This 71,000-acre Park has diverse terrain, such as prairies, grasslands, mountains, granite cliffs, and over 12 species of animals […]

The Quick Guide to Visiting Custer State Park

white burros custer state park

Custer State Park, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is a 71,000-acre wildlife preserve. This state park not only houses thousands of wildlife with over 12 different species, but it also offers endless activities filled with outdoor experiences year-round. Whether you spend a day or a week, you will never run out of […]

What to See While Driving the Needles Highway in South Dakota

One of the most popular things to do in the Black Hills is to drive the famous Needles Highway. But what about the Needles makes it so special? The Needles Highway is one of the most beautiful and uniquely interactive drives in the country. The highway is just over 14 miles and is full of […]

12 Great Things to Do at Sylvan Lake, South Dakota

sylvan lake

Sylvan Lake is one of the most popular and unique lakes in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Its popularity is widespread, from locals to travelers abroad looking to see this incredibly scenic lake. Looking much like a movie backdrop with rock formations jutting out from around the shores, Sylvan Lake leaves people breathless as […]