alex

I am going to S.Dakota on the second week of August with two kids (7 and 15). I am wondering how is really hot there and worthy to hike and walk in that month? Please let me know if it is a good time to take kids there in summare. Thanks

drop out

Summare is a good time. Are you 7 or 15?

Tonia

Alex - alot depends on where you will be. If you are going to be on the plains, yes it will be very warm- upper 80's and even mid 90's are normal. If you are going to be in the higher elevations of the Black Hills (Custer, Hill City, Deadwood) the temps will be considerably lower due to the elevation- mid to upper 70's and low 80's. Rapid City usually is warmer than the rest of the Black Hills since it's at a lower elevation.

If you'll be hiking in the mountain areas of the Black Hills I think you'll be fine.

Alex

We are planning to spend a day in Badlands possibly hiking. Then, we may stay in Rapid City (the central location) and move around - from Caster Park to Mt. Rushmore. I understand now that Badlands will be the hottest.
Could anybody recommend a good place to stay outside Rapid City but as central as it and possibly with a swimming pool.
I checked other messages, but mostly people recommend the Caster Park and it looks like not a convenient base place. We will be there for about four days and time will be a factor for us. Will appreciate any tip. Thanks

kkj

Do a search and check my previous posts about South Dakota. Rapid City is not really the most central location for tour trip. Depending on what you are doing Rapid City could provide a lot of backtracking. Custer (as in George Armstrong Custer) is pretty far south for a central location.

Before you decide to go also search for the Sturgis Rally. You don't want to be there if the Rally is during the same time period. The Rally featuring bikers from around the country generally takes place in early August.

You and your kids should really enjoy the area as there is tons to do.

Tonia

We've stayed in Custer and Rapid City on our trips out there, and either one would involve extra driving. A good central town would be Keystone (although it is very touristy) or Hill City (very pretty little town).

Here are some good websites:
http://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/go.asp?ID=161

http://www.travelsd.com/index.htm

http://www.keystonechamber.com/

http://www.hillcitysd.com

You will have a wonderful time! There's so many fun things to do...post if you want some recommendations!

alex

I have checked two resorts in Custer Park - Sylvan Lake and State Game lodges. And my question is - how much time would it take to get to the nearest park exit from Sylvan Lake resort? Ho about from State Game Lodge?Also, given that we are NOT experienced mountain drivers - how difficult it would be to drive through the park in the dark?
What is the temperature in the Sylvan Lake in summer? Could we swim there?
Thanks for all answers in ahead.

Tonia

I can't tell you exactly how long it will take from those resorts to the various park entrances, but I can tell you that the roads are sometimes hilly and almost always very curvy, and it will take considerably longer than you might expect- for instance, if the map says 10 miles, you will not make it in 10 minutes!

If you do stay in the park, you will need to add some drive time to what ever itinerary you plan that day. But, that being said, you couldn't ask for a nicer view while you're driving! Also, there is so much to do within the park, you could easily spend a few days there.

As far as driving in the dark, I think you'd be fine as long as you're aware the roads are very curvy and drive accordingly (aka slowly!). Also, be aware that there will be wildlife all around you- something as simple as a deer or even a buffalo or elk. One of these on the side of the road will cause drivers in front of you to stop- most of the time they don't do a very good job of pulling out of the way either.

I think swimming in Sylvan Lake would be fine, as we always see people there in the summer. There's a nice little beach. It's a very pretty spot.

Send an email to this address for Custer State Park:

[email protected]

A nice man named Craig will be able to answer questions for you... also, if you don't already have one, request a Tatanka, which is the state park's magazine- lots of good info.