In the western region of South Dakota, the Black Hills mountain range rises from the state’s vast plains. It is a sparsely populated and gorgeous area that has become a popular summer tourism destination.
Summer is the ideal time to explore the Black Hills region, when the harsh winter breeze is replaced with warm rays of sunshine. Let’s look at some of the characteristics of the Black Hills that make it an appealing summer destination.
Charming Towns and Cities
If you appreciate charming towns with fascinating histories and stunning natural settings, you will certainly find much to love about the Black Hills. This region hosts many appealing communities with engaging attractions.
Sturgis: Sturgis is a small South Dakota city known as a mecca for bikers, hosting the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. Every summer, Sturgis also hosts the world’s biggest motorcycle rally: the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. It also has historical buildings throughout and incredible nearby scenery.
Deadwood: Deadwood is a historic Old West hub that has preserved its history and infrastructure with museums and well-maintained homes. This picturesque city is near the Black Hills National Forest.
Keystone: Mount Rushmore, located in Keystone, is the biggest attraction in the region. It is a legendary landmark in the Black Hills and, along with the world-famous monument, features a popular interactive museum.
There are many festivities and events across the Black Hills region during the summer. Cities such as Custer and Lead will host Fourth of July celebrations. And the aforementioned Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area for a festival with stunts, music, and delicious food.
Abundant Natural Beauty Offering Exciting Summer Recreation
For most visitors, the primary reason for planning a vacation to the Black Hills is to enjoy one of the most scenic regions in the U.S. The Black Hills are filled with unique environments, including jagged mountains, lush forests, winding rivers, and stunning open plains. It is home to various species of wildlife, including bison, prairie dogs, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep.
Badlands National Park is the most famous natural destination in the area. This massive expanse, covering 244,000 acres, includes canyons, rare geologic formations, and much of the wildlife that the Black Hills area is famous for, including bison, prairie dogs, and more. Every year, nearly a million people visit the Badlands, where they can enjoy hiking or driving through its rugged setting.
Custer State Park, a vast park stretching over 71,000 acres encompassing mountain peaks and a large water reserve, is one particularly popular outdoor attraction. Custer is a common place for hiking, biking, camping, swimming, fishing, and boating.
The massive Black Hills National Forest is a defining component of this area’s geography. It is a densely forested area that covers 1.2 million acres and holds many of the region’s most famous destinations. Here, you can find the stunning geology of the Cathedral Spires and Black Elk Peak, the highest natural point in the Midwest. Black Hills National Forest is ideal for outdoor fun ranging from hunting and fishing to white water rafting and biking.
