Links & Friends
Black Hills Tourist Guides
Area Attractions & Entertainment
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Mount Rushmore National Memorial
America’s Shrine of Democracy, I don't think we need to say anything else.
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Reptile Gardens
See. Learn. Laugh. Stroll through our garden oasis of colorful blooms, lush vegetation, and well manicured lawns… you may even get the rare opportunity to have an up close and personal animal encounter. They opened in 1937 and are a part of the "Wildest Pair in the Black Hills" with Bear Country U.S.A. Their Gift Shop has all kinds of items and their Animal shows are second to none. Located right on HWY 16 on the way from Rapid City to Mt. Rushmore and just down the hill from Bear Country USA.
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Black Hills Central Railroad
The 1880 train is beyond imagination. Take a ride like they did back in the day! It runs from Keystone to Hill City daily and is absolutely something you should not miss while in the Black Hills area.
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The Mammoth Site
The world’s largest mammoth research facility where you tour an active paleontology dig site. If your near Hot Springs, it is an absolute must see.
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Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries
The most extensive collection of Plains Indian art, crafts and jewelry in the area. It is in Downtown Rapid City.
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Candy Candy!
Near us there are 2 locations of Candy Selections! One between Reptile Gardens and us on HWY 16 and one between Sheridan Lake and Hill City. Both have the same owner and have an exquisite selection of new and old Candy!
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Crazy Horse Memorial
Ok, so you thought we only had Mt. Rushmore....well we have another mountain carving going on. Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse, riding a horse and pointing to his tribal land. It is in progress and the entire grounds are amazing, in between Hill City and Custer.
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Hill City
Heart of the hills – great vacation headquarters for exploring the Black Hills. Some great small shops on the mains street of the town and great art vendors, the renowned John Crane has as studio there.
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Deadwood
Deadwood, South Dakota, is where Wild Bill Hickok’s luck ran out but yours begins! With over 80 historic gaming halls and year-round wild events, you can play the night away. Find your riches and your Inner Outlaw. Come walk in the footsteps of legends. With Legalized gambling approved years ago, Deadwood is an absolute must visit town.
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Keystone
There are lots of things to do and see in Keystone, SD. Very good restaurants in the small town that is on the precipice of Mt. Rushmore and some great small shops. There are also some cave tours near Keytsone. There are also a variety of attractions in the town, The town itself though is a must see!
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Pactola Lake
If your near Hill City and you have some time, rent a pontoon from Pactola Marina and make sure to grab some of their Fried Chicken before you depart. Pactola lake is on Hwy 385 between Hill City and Deadwood and is hands down the most picturesque lake in the Black Hills. It is generally very cold water due to the depth of the lake, so be prepared...but on a Pontoon boat...it is something that shouldn't be missed.
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Custer
We likely do not have enough space here to list everything in Custer...but we will hit some items... First of all it is very close to Custer State park and Wind Cave national park, enough said there. The mains street also has a plethora of Dining and Shopping experiences. Again....enough said. Oh, also Crazy Horse memorial is right around the corner...so you get my drift...we are done typing.
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Sheridan Lake
Well we already discussed Pactola, but Sheridan lake is no slouch. Just so you know on layout, If your going from Hill City to Deadwood...you drive by Sheridan lake first and then Pactola...so both are in the Heart of the Hills. Sheridan has pontoon rentals and jetski rentals and and nice little marina, just because we touted Pactola already....please do not forget Sheridan also...btw...the water is much warmer in the summer months.
Lodging & Campgrounds
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Eagles Landing Campground
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Ramada by Wyndham
Nestled in Black Hills National Forest, our Ramada Keystone hotel offers easy access to popular attractions like Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Wind Cave National Park.
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American Buffalo Resort
38 beautiful acres of shaded camp sites and cabins nestled under tall pine trees. Located 1/4 mile from Bear Country.
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Alex Johnson Hotel
Classic luxury, western ambiance, and tradition await you.
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Grand Gateway Hotel
Situated at the gateway to nearly one million acres of breathtaking national parks, abundant wildlife and fascinating monuments, the Grand Gateway Hotel of Rapid City welcomes you.
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Hampton Inn – Rapid City
Whether you are our guest for business or pleasure, we welcome you to the new Hampton Inn of Rapid City, a member of the Hilton Family of hotels.
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Microtel Inn & Suites – Rapid City
Offering exceptional quality at an affordable price.
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WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort
30,000-sq.-ft. indoor water park with slides & pools plus an arcade, a restaurant & hotel rooms.
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House of Scandinavia
DISTINCTIVE GIFTS AND FOODS FROM NORWAY, SWEDEN, DENMARK AND FINLAND. We apologize for shouting but we copied that from their website in all caps...nonetheless, again it is partial to us at Bear Country USA because co-founder Pauline Casey loved the mints they have and would make her kids walk next door to bring some back.
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Custer State Park Resort
Four of the finest Black Hills Resorts, each located in Custer State Park.
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Happy Holiday RV Resort
One mile from Bear Country. OVER 250 SHADE TREES – Open All Year!
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Fort Welikit Family Campground
Camp in the splendor of tall evergreens and the mystical Black Hills. Located on the Norbeck scenic highway in Custer.
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Horse Thief Campground & RV Resort
Central location makes it easy to enjoy the best the Black Hills has to offer: Custer State Park, Needles Highway, Sylvan Lake, Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, Bear Country USA, and much more.
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Rushmore Shadows RV Resort & Campgrounds South Dakota
Tucked in the Ponderosa Pine foothills of the Black Hills of South Dakota, Rushmore Shadows offers monumental fun. Located conveniently on Hwy 16 just minutes from Rapid City, Keystone, Hill City, Custer State Park, and MOUNT RUSHMORE – Rushmore Shadows Resort is the premier local rv camping destination for everything in Mount Rushmore South Dakota.
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Mt Rushmore KOA
Well, impressive is all we have to say. Right in the middle of Hill City, Custer and Keystone and likely as many amenities as you can find in any campground in the USA. Just click the link and check it out.
Dining & Food
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Alpine Inn
Hill City. Likely the top restaurant in town. Has been in business for years and years and we recommend it to visitors all those years.
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The Gaslight
Just off highway 16 in Rockerville, SD. New owners in past few years and wonderful. We will not get into all of the history on Rockerville and the old time photos they used to have or the fudge they used to have or the shootouts they used to re-enact...because onward and upward...but the GasLight remains as a great stop for dining.
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Powder House
Near Keystone, SD and absolutely an awesome location and even more importantly great food!
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Shipwrecks Bar & Grill
On Hwy 16 across from Reptile Gardens and a very quaint diner with very good food and ambience.
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Colonial House Bar & Restaurant
Rapid City, SD. Well, it has been a staple TBH in town, run by they same family for decades and it is very partial to us because the founders of Bear Country USA took the family to dinner here likely the most often, with Gaslight, Powder House and Ruby House running a close second. But, if your in Rapid City...we highly reccomend.
