Things to do in western South Dakota
Black Hills attractions worth building a trip around
From Mount Rushmore and legendary scenic roads to caves, wildlife and Old West history, discover experiences close enough to combine into one unforgettable vacation.
Mount Rushmore is only the beginning
See more of the Black Hills without spending your vacation in the car
Many of the region’s most memorable attractions sit within a compact driving area. Choose a home base, save the stops that fit your group and use the Trip Planner to shape a day-by-day route.
Start with the icons
Featured Black Hills attractions
These anchor experiences introduce the landscape, wildlife and history that define the region.
National memorial · Keystone
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Walk the Presidential Trail, visit the sculptor’s studio and see America’s most recognizable mountain carving from multiple viewpoints.
Explore Mount RushmoreState park · Southern Black Hills
Custer State Park
Meet roaming bison, paddle Sylvan Lake and drive Wildlife Loop Road through one of America’s great state parks.
Scenic drive · Custer State Park
Needles Highway
Wind through granite spires, narrow tunnels and dramatic overlooks on one of the Black Hills’ signature drives.
Historic district · Deadwood
Historic Deadwood
Explore Gold Rush stories, museums, gaming halls and the streets associated with Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.
Explore DeadwoodNational park · Hot Springs
Wind Cave National Park
Tour a rare boxwork cave below ground, then watch for bison, elk and prairie dogs across the rolling prairie above.
Heritage railway · Hill City
1880 Train
Ride behind a vintage steam locomotive through the heart of the Black Hills between Hill City and Keystone.
Find your kind of adventure
Browse attractions by experience
Save now, organize later
Build your Black Hills attraction list as you browse
Add any featured stop without interrupting your page. Your saved count updates instantly, and your planner stays with you across the site.