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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The 1880 Train
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 you're near Hot Springs, it is an absolute must see.
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Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries
An extensive collection of Plains Indian art, crafts and jewelry. Located in downtown Rapid City.
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Candy Candy!
There are two Candyland locations nearby! One is on Highway 16, between Reptile Gardens and our location, and the other is between Sheridan Lake and Hill City. Both offer an exceptional variety of classic and modern candies!
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Crazy Horse Memorial
Ok, so you thought we only had Mt. Rushmore....well we have another mountain carving going on. The memorial depicts Crazy Horse riding a horse and pointing forward, symbolizing his leadership and resistance against U.S. expansion into Native lands. The site also includes the Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center, highlighting Indigenous history and culture.
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The Journey Museum
The Journey Museum in Rapid City, offers an immersive look into the history, culture, and geology of the Black Hills and the Great Plains. It features exhibits on Native American heritage, pioneer history, and the region’s natural history, including fossils and archaeological artifacts. The museum combines interactive displays, storytelling, and hands-on activities, making it an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
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Hill City
Heart of the Black Hills – a great vacation headquarters for exploring the Black Hills. After a day of recreation, plan to take in Hill City’s art galleries, gift and boutique shops, museums, antique shops and more that line the walkable-shoppable little town, or indulge in some of the area’s finest restaurants, wineries and breweries. There’s richness everywhere you wander.
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Deadwood
Deadwood, South Dakota, is where Wild Bill Hickok’s luck ran out—but yours is just beginning! With over 80 historic gaming halls and year-round events, you can play the night away and embrace the town’s legendary past. Discover your fortune and channel your inner outlaw as you walk in the footsteps of history. With legalized gambling, Deadwood is a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.
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Keystone
Keystone is the “Playground of the Black Hills,” featuring over 20 attractions, from thrilling zip lines to adventure parks. Hop in a helicopter for an adventure ride to see the stunning views of the Black Hills, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, and of course Mount Rushmore. Enjoy several dining options, explore an array of unique gift shops, and don’t forget to check out the arcades and candy shops.
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Pactola Lake
If you're near Hill City with some time to spare, consider renting a pontoon from Pactola Marina—and don’t forget to grab some of their famous broasted chicken before you set off. Located on Highway 385 between Hill City and Deadwood, Pactola Lake is easily the most picturesque lake in the Black Hills. Its deep waters tend to stay cold, so be prepared, but cruising on a pontoon through the stunning scenery is an experience you won’t want to miss.
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Custer
The oldest town in the Black Hills, Custer has been greeting guests with open arms for over a century. So, what makes Custer a great vacation destination? For starters, it's a short drive from Black Hills attractions like Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and much more. Custer also has a lively downtown where you’ll find gift shops, galleries, boutiques, and outstanding South Dakota cuisine.
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Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park protects two very different worlds - one deep within the earth, the other a sunlit world of many resources. Bison, elk, and other wildlife roam the rolling prairie grasslands and forested hillsides of one of America's oldest national parks. Below the prairie sits Wind Cave, one of the longest and most complex caves in the world.
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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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
Colonial House Restaurant & Bar in Rapid City is a local favorite known for its hearty American fare, homemade soups, and in-house bakery. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they offer everything from steaks and BBQ to their famous caramel and cinnamon rolls. With a full bar and a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a great choice for hungry travelers.
