South Dakota: Secret Spots, Insider Tips, and Why It Might Be Our New Favorite State for Outdoor Adventure

By Travis Haley

We love Yellowstone, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain national parks, but so, it seems, does everybody else. To escape the surging summer crowds, we’ve been heading to the hills—the Black Hills of South Dakota, that is. 

This often-overlooked region is steeped in history and blessed with natural beauty, from the Wild West atmosphere of Deadwood to the wilderness of Custer State Park. Long sacred to the Lakota people and considered a place of healing for millennia, the Black Hills boast some of the oldest exposed rock in the world and a rich tapestry of lakes, streams, forests, and wildlife. It’s a place where you can go rock climbing, test your luck at historic casinos, enjoy surprisingly good sushi, and witness the majesty of wild bison roaming free in their ancestral home—all in the same day.

Below, we break down some of our favorite spots and activities in the Black Hills’ three main regions. So pack your hiking boots—and perhaps a pair of cowboy boots—and get ready to explore what’s fast becoming our new destination of choice for intimate, off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Northern Hills: Wild West Meets Modern Adventure 

Start your Black Hills adventure in the Northern Hills, where the spirit of the Wild West still thrives. Deadwood, once a lawless, gold rush boomtown (depicted brilliantly in the HBO series), offers a unique blend of history and modern entertainment. It’s not exactly under the radar – it’s been a popular pilgrimage for decades and has become a burgeoning bachelor-party destination—but it remains a charming outpost that, during summer, is great for live music, wandering the main drag, and testing your luck in old-timey saloons and casinos like Mr. Wu’s.

For an authentic local nightlife experience, head to Saloon #10 for its infamous “sex toy bingo” nights on Wednesdays. Head upstairs to the “secret” Deadwood Social Club steakhouse for a bison ribeye. If you’re looking for a unique place to stay in Deadwood, book room 210 at the Celebrity Hotel, where you will have the only veranda in town overlooking Main Street. 

Recover from your big night out by immersing yourself in the rugged beauty of the Black Hills. The Devil’s Bathtub Trail in stunning Spearfish Canyon leads to a deep pool of cold water and a natural waterslide. Alternatively, you can hit the Crow Peak Trailhead for a summit hike that rewards those who make it to the top with panoramic views. 

Golf lovers can tee off at the scenic Lead Country Club, about 20 minutes south of Deadwood. Also worth a visit is the college town of Spearfish, known locally as the “Boulder of the Black Hills.” Here, you’ll find Leone’s Creamery, Crow Peak Brewing Company, and surprisingly excellent sushi at Fujisan. 

Central Hills: Nature Meets Nostalgia

More outdoor adventure and small-town charm can be found in the Central Hills. Start your day with breakfast at Baker’s Bakery & Cafe in Custer before traversing Black Elk Peak, South Dakota’s highest point and a Lakota holy site. The Osprey Trail and Flume Trail offer additional hiking options with breathtaking views along the rocky coastlines of Pactola and Sheridan reservoirs. 

You can also book a rock-climbing session with Sylvan Rocks, or relax at Sylvan Lake and drive the winding Needles Highway. For biking or a leisurely nature walk, drop into any section of the 109-mile-long Mickelson Trail between Hill City and Mystic.  

The Central Hills’ main—and must-visit—attraction is Custer State Park. “American safaris” in the park cruise through 71,000 acres of rolling, forested hills and vibrant plains, where you can spot bison, pronghorn, deer, and several species of birds. 

If visiting Custer State Park in late September, catch the Buffalo Roundup for a once-in-a-lifetime Old West experience. Cowboys and cowgirls come from across the region to round up and drive the herd of 1,300 buffalo into the park’s corrals. The annual event is not only a spectacle to behold, but also essential to the health and overall management of the herd. 

For a unique watering hole in the Central Hills, visit Rochford’s Moonshine Gulch saloon, an unpretentious, old-timey bar where you might get scolded for ordering an IPA. (“I don’t know why they bother to put that shit in a bottle,” the longtime owner and Old Milwaukee loyalist has been known to say.) Not to worry, IPA lovers will find a happy home at Miner Brewing Company, with its selection of craft brews and wines and stunning views of the Black Elk Wilderness Area. 

Alpine Inn Steakhouse in Hill City is another gem, but be sure to arrive after 8:00 pm in summer to avoid long waits. For a nightcap, check out Rapid City’s Windsor Block Bar, which specializes in local and high-end whiskeys.

Southern Hills: Relaxation and Wildlife

While the Southern Hills may lack the mountainous terrain of their northern counterparts, they offer a unique landscape and a slower pace perfect for winding down your Black Hills adventure. There’s no better way to embrace that pace than with a relaxing soak at Moccasin Springs, a natural mineral spring with a rich, indigenous history. 

Refuel with coffee at Wandering Bison before heading to Wind Cave National Park, home to one of the world’s longest cave systems and a large herd of wild bison. Hike the Lookout Point Trail for sweeping prairie views, red-rock pocket canyons, and bustling prairie-dog towns. 

Wrap up your busy day with a visit to the Hitchrail Bar & Restaurant in Pringle, the “Elk Capital of South Dakota,” for classic burgers and a fish-fry in an old-saloon atmosphere.