Discovering the Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota: A Budget Guide

If you've never been to the Black Hills of western South Dakota, you might be surprised to discover this treasure of scenic beauty at the edge of the Great Plains. The area is filled with numerous recreational opportunities as well as historical sites, and a wide range of fun-filled attractions.

The Black Hills are a great destination for a romantic get-away, adventure travelers or family vacations. Many people are considering traveling closer to home this year in an effort to conserve financial resources, and South Dakota is a perfect place to enjoy a more affordable holiday.

When to go

If you aren't into motorcycles, be sure to check the calendar for the dates of the Sturgis Rally. It's usually held about the second week in August, and is one of the largest events in the United States. Hundreds of thousands of people on motorcycles descend onto the small towns of Sturgis, Deadwood, Hill City, Custer, Rapid City, and all areas of the Black Hills.

Camp sites, motels and other accommodations can be booked a year in advance during this time, and most charge nearly double their regular rates. The noise and hordes of people on bikes can be unpleasant if you're seeking a tranquil vacation.

The best time to go is usually June or September, when you'll find warm temperatures, but fewer crowds.

How to get there

If you are flying into the area, the closest major airport is in Rapid City, South Dakota, about a 45 minute drive to the heart of the Black Hills.

If you plan on driving, the Black Hills area is an easy day's drive from several major cities. From Denver, Colorado and Billings, Montana, it is about a six hour drive, and from Minneapolis, Minnesota it's about ten hours.

Where to stay

There are many options for accommodations in the Black Hills. If you're looking for something budget priced, consider camping at beautiful Custer State Park. You'll be right in the middle of some of the most spectacular scenery in the country, with campgrounds ranging from primitive sites to modern sites with all of the amenities.

Another option, is one of the many camping cabins that are available throughout the Black Hills. One of my favorite places to stay is at Spokane Creek Resort. It's located right off Iron Mountain Road just outside the entrance to Custer State Park. Peak season (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend) are just $48 a night for a camping cabin.

If you are not the camping type, there are plenty of motels in the area. Some of the best values include Mt. Rushmore's Presidents View Resort in Keystone, and the Comfort Inn in Hill City.

What to do

There are many attractions in the area, and if you haven't been to Mount Rushmore, the monument should be on your to-do list. There is no entrance fee, though you do have to pay $11 per vehicle for parking.

This huge sculpture of four United States presidents is carved into the face of a granite mountain, and seen up close, the men seem to come to life. Here you can take a walk on the Presidential Trail, view the Avenue of Flags, or visit the Sculptor's studio. There is also an extensive museum that tells the history of Mount Rushmore, as well as a large gift shop for souvenirs.

Crazy Horse Memorial is a work in progress, and a memorial to honor the North American Indians. It will one day be the world's largest mountain sculpture, and is a sight to behold. You can easily see the beginnings of this great work from the highway, but if you'd like to get a close up view, there is an admission fee of $10 per person or $27 a carload. There is an extensive museum dedicated to American Indians that is well worth the cost of admission. From inside the complex, you can also watch the workers as they shape the rock of the mountain into this monumental sculpture.

My favorite place to visit in the Black Hills is Custer State Park. It is one of the largest state parks in the country, and the home of 1,300 bison that roam freely over 71,000 acres of incredibly scenic terrain. You're also likely to spot bighorn sheep, deer, elk, mountain goats, wild turkey and even a group of wild burros.

Sylvan Lake is dedicated as the park's "crown jewel", and is also the reason that I returned to the area time and time again. If you've seen the film "National Treasure: Book of Secrets", you'll see the lake in the final scenes of the film where they find the city of gold. It's easy to imagine that the beautiful rock formations surrounding the lake might contain a secret treasure.

The lake is perfect for swimming, and you can also rent a paddle boat at the general store to explore the lake from on top of the water. If you like to hike, be sure to pick up a map when entering the park. There are numerous hiking trails for all skill levels. Horseback riding is also available, and you'll find many outfitters throughout the area.

Food, drink, and night life

If you'd also like a taste of the night life, while you won't find bit city amenities, you can usually find live music on the weekends. The most popular is the Mangy Moose Saloon on Main Street in Hill City. This is where all the locals gather, and the bar includes a restaurant, billiards, karaoke, live bands, and all kinds of fun events throughout the year.

The most popular restaurant for dinner, is the Alpine Inn on Main Street in Hill City, where they specialize in filet mignon. If you'd like to stick to a budget, the Bumpin' Buffalo Bar & Grill, also on Main Street in Hill City, makes an awesome buffalo burger.

Side trips

Venturing out farther from Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore, you might take a trip to Hot Springs, South Dakota (about an hour south), where you can soak in the natural warm springs or visit one of the numerous fascinating caves in the area. If you like the old west, visit historic Deadwood, South Dakota and take a trip back in time.

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