Hill City

Things To Do in Hill City

Explore Art Galleries, Public Art and Art Events

Hill City’s thriving arts scene contributes to its unique charm and appeal. This is evident in its numerous galleries, including ArtForms Gallery, an artist-operated space showcasing local, accessible art, and the Jon Crane Gallery & Custom Framing, renowned for its watercolor paintings and custom framing services. Visitors can also explore Dakota Nature & Art Gallery and Fine Gifts, a family-owned gallery featuring a blend of art, jewelry and home decor with a New West style. The Hill City Arts Council further enriches the scene by organizing art-centric events, including the Hill City Art Walk and "Sculpture in the Hills." Public art, including the iconic "Iron Star" sculpture, solidifies Hill City as a welcoming haven for artists and art enthusiasts.

Experience Action-Packed Outdoor Recreation

Access the best of western South Dakota from Hill City. It’s a prime location for hiking, cycling, rock climbing, ATV/UTV rides, horseback riding, fishing, watersports and more. Take a helicopter tour through some of South Dakota’s most awe-inspiring sites with Black Hills Aerial Adventures, drive the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway or explore the depths of Jewel Cave National Monument. 

Easily access the Mickelson Trail from Hill City. This 109-mile rails-to-trails path winds through the Black Hills. Hill City is an ideal location to hop on or off. Whether hiking, biking or horseback riding, it’s a great way to experience the area’s beautiful scenery and historic railroad tunnels and bridges. Want a challenging hike? Visit Sheridan Lake to access the Flume Trail, a 12.4-mile hike with an approximately 1,300-foot elevation gain that starts at the Calumet Trailhead. 

For bicycle rentals, visit Rabbit Bicycle, a one-stop shop for standard bicycles, mountain and gravel bikes, e-bikes and fat tire bikes. They also provide a shuttle service for trail riders. For all your outdoor gear needs, Granite Sports is the oldest outdoor specialty store in the Black Hills and has everything you need for camping, hiking, rock climbing, backpacking and more.

Tour Hill City Museums

Explore Black Hills history on the 1880 Train/Black Hills Central Railroad during a relaxing two-hour journey from Hill City to Keystone. Museum lovers enjoy the expansive collection of fossils at the Museum at Black Hills Institute, learn about railroad history at the South Dakota State Railroad Museum or get to know the hardworking citizens of Hill City at the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum. For a truly unique experience, visit Teddy Bear Town, where one of the world’s largest teddy bear collections lives.

Attend a Hill City Event

• Hill City Quilt and Fiber Arts Show: Typically held in September, this event showcases more than 300 quilts and fiber arts. It includes a vendor mall, kids' crafts, demonstrations, featured artists, raffles and quilt sales.
• Hill City Wine, Brew & BBQ: This annual summer event combines barbecue, local wines, craft beers and live music in downtown Hill City.
• Mickelson Trail Summer Trek: On the third weekend of September, this annual three-day bicycle ride on the famous 109-mile trail takes riders through tunnels and over bridges in the Black Hills.
• Run Crazy Horse Marathon, Half-Marathon and Relay: Held in October, these races begin near the Crazy Horse Memorial and finish in Hill City in front of Bumpin’ Buffalo Bar and Grill.
• 1880 Train Events: Throughout the year, the 1880 Train offers themed rides and events, including the 1880 Train Holiday Express in November and December, 1880 Train Old West Shootouts, 1880 Train Wine Express and more.
• Hill City Senior Citizens Rally Biker Breakfast: During the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August, the Hill City Seniors host a well-known, all-you-can-eat breakfast for the many bikers passing through.

Hill City Restaurants

There’s a restaurant for everyone in Hill City. Restaurants like the 1885 Steakhouse and Bumpin Buffalo Bar and Grill offer Western classics like steak and bison burgers. If you’re craving something more unique, check out the Alpine Inn restaurant, which offers a diverse menu with European and German influences, including dishes like schnitzels, bratwurst, Kaes Spaetzle Primavera (German dumplings and Swiss cheese), bacon-wrapped filet mignon and homemade desserts. Check out Lemongrass Bar and Kitchen for Thai and Asian fare, or Mangiamo for wood-fired pizza. At the end of the night, grab a drink or two and enjoy an authentic honky tonk experience complete with live music (and legendary wing challenge) at Chute Rooster.

Places To Stay in Hill City

Lodging in Hill City provides unique charm and easy access to the great outdoors. Stay at the cozy Mountain Peaks Inn, which features themed suites and an on-site coffee shop. Two blocks from downtown, Trails End Cabins & Motel provides accommodations, ranging from deluxe motel rooms to charming log cabins and cottages. Newton Fork Ranch offers a secluded log cabin retreat nestled in the heart of nature, but only a half-mile from downtown Hill City. For a truly historic experience, consider the Alpine Inn, built in 1884 and the only historic hotel in Hill City, offering charming, antique-filled rooms above their acclaimed restaurant. McGregor & Main Luxury Lofts provide a modern, upscale experience with beautifully designed lofts on Main Street. On a budget? There are plenty of hotel and motel chain options available as well.

FAQs

What’s the history of Hill City?

Hill City is the oldest settlement in Pennington County, originally settled by miners in 1876 and referred to as “Hillyo” until the name changed in 1909. Like many Black Hills towns, Hill City has a rich mining history, particularly in tin and gold. Large-scale mining has declined, but the history can still be seen in the surrounding landscape and local museums. Mining, particularly for tin and gold, was the primary industry in its early years.

What is the driving distance to the nearest large city, Rapid City, from Hill City?

The driving distance from Hill City to Rapid City is approximately 27-30 miles. The exact distance can vary slightly depending on the specific route.

What is the weather like in Hill City?

Hill City experiences four distinct seasons:

• Spring (April-May): Mild temperatures with potential for rain and occasional late snow. Wildflowers begin to bloom, and the landscape starts to green.
• Summer (June-August): Warm and sunny days with cooler evenings. Average daytime highs are typically in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit (20s and 30s Celsius). Thunderstorms can occur, especially in the afternoon.
• Fall (September-October): Pleasant temperatures with crisp air and beautiful fall foliage. Daytime highs gradually cool down, and evenings become cooler.
• Winter (November-March): Cold temperatures with snowfall. Average daytime highs are often below freezing (0 degrees Celsius), and nighttime lows can be cold. Snowfall is common, and conditions can be icy.

It's always a good idea to check the forecast closer to your travel dates for the most up-to-date weather information.

What is the geographic information of Hill City?

Hill City is located in the heart of the Black Hills National Forest in western South Dakota. It is nestled in a valley surrounded by pine-covered hills and granite formations. The elevation of Hill City is approximately 4,977 feet (1,517 meters) above sea level.

What are the busiest times of year in Hill City?

Hill City sees its busiest season in summer (June-August) as families vacation, people enjoy the nice weather for outdoor activities and the area offers plenty of events.

For more information, who can I contact for travel tips for Hill City?

For more information and travel tips for Hill City, you can contact the following:

• Travel South Dakota: We’re the official state tourism website and contact center can provide comprehensive travel information for the entire state, including the Black Hills region.
  • Phone: 1-800-952-3625 (domestic toll-free) or 1-605-773-3301 (international)
  • Website: Travel South Dakota
• Hill City Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Information Center: A top spot for local insights, event information, and recommendations for accommodations, dining and attractions.
  • Phone: 605-574-2368
  • Website: Visit Hill City, SD
• Black Hills Visitor Information Center (Rapid City): Get broader, regional information about the Black Hills area, including Hill City.
  • Phone: (605) 355-3700
  • Website: Black Hills Visitor Information Center