We are traveling to SD for a week at the end of August. We are flying in and out of Denver but Hill City will most likely be our homebase although we haven't finalized this yet.
We have two boys ages 14 and 9. We'll visit the traditional tourist places however, we like to explore place not typically found in books.
Would love suggestions for
restaurant, stores and activities that are not to be missed.
We appreciate any recommedations.
Interesting and Out of the way places
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Hill City is centrally located and a good choice.
What kind of activities do you enjoy?
Hiking is wonderful in the Black Hills, especially near Sylvan Lake, which has the Harney Peak, Cathedral Spires & Sunday Gulch trailheads. And also paddle boats & swimming (cold even in August).
Everything Prehistoric in Hill City.
There are several caves with tours.
The wildlife loop in Custer State park.
The Mammoth site dig in Hot Springs.
Devil's Tower is about 2 hours away.
The Badlands.
bookmarking...
We're leaving July 4th and are also flying in/out of Denver. We're staying in Custer.
Have a great trip!
San Diego or South Dakota??
We enjoy rock climbing, cycling, and site seeing. Our 14 year old is a history buff. Are there any Indian Reservations near by to visit?
Devils Tower looks like it could be a great place. Hadn't come accross that yet.
Any restaurant suggestions?
We like the town of Custer as well for a home base.
For something different and seldom visited, visit the The Wounded Knee Massacre Site to the south and east of the Black Hills on the Pine Ridge Res.
http://www.woundedkneemuseum.org/index.htm
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/knee.htm
The Badlands have many kinds of trails, including on the formations.
Spearfish Canyon is another place with many trailheads, or can be driven through on the way to Devil's Tower.
Bear Butte (by Sturgis) has a good trail, added interest because it is Lakota holy ground and prayer bundles are tied all along the path to the top.
A list of my more favorite restaurants:
Rapid City has a full list of chain restaurants, plus:
Botticelli's (Italian)
Firehouse Brewery
Sunset Grille (on Sheridan Lake Road)
Golden Phoenix (Chinese)
Spearfish:
Romas
Bay Leaf Cafe
Deadwood:
Midnight Star has Diamond Lil's a sports bar/restaurant on the 2nd floor & Jakes on the top floor.
Hill City:
Alpine Inn (lunch is better, dinner is steak, potato, and a hunk of lettuce, although many seem to enjoy it)
Custer (town of):
Sage Creek Grill
In Custer State Park I've eaten most often at Sylvan Lake Lodge & Blue Bell.
I have not recently eaten at Mt. Rushmore or Keystone, but both have restaurants.