Sitting at 4,426 feet tall, the view you get from this mountain sure is impressive. So impressive, in fact, that you can see 4 different states from the summit!

As the old saying goes, "there's plenty of fish in the...lake." At 215 acres in size, Bear Butte lake offers plenty of opportunities to reel in the catch of the day!

Bear Butte can be either the start or end of the amazing 111-mile Centennial Trail. Designed for hikers, bikers and horseback riders, the trail cuts through some of the most scenic areas in the Black Hills and prime wildlife habitat. Portions of the trail pass near Mount Rushmore National Memorial, through Custer State Park, and across large chunks of the Black Hills National Forest.

The most popular legend about this butte goes like this: Kids disturb bear, bear chases kids. When the children outran the bear and climbed upon a tree stump, both the stump and the bear began to grow. The bear raked the sides of the growing stump (creating Devil’s Tower in Wyoming) until an eagle rescued the children. The bear gave pursuit before falling into a slumber at the foot of the Black Hills and becoming Bear Butte.

Located just a few miles outside of Sturgis on Highway 79, this intrusion of igneous rock — commonly mistaken for a mountain — is a National Historic Landmark that offers a 1.85-mile hike to the 4,426-foot summit, where hikers can get a stunning view of four states.

Fort Meade Recreation Area has plenty of places to roam. See prairie, forest, and more along a variety of nearby trails, including the Alkali Creek Nature Trail, the 7^th Cavalry Trail System, and an 11-mile portion of the 111-mile Centennial Trail.

Sturgis is home to the nation's largest annual motorcycle rally, so it's only natural for the city to boast the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. Come explore the rich history and lifestyle of motorcycling. 

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Fort Meade was established in the late 1800s to protect settlers who traveled to the Black Hills in search of gold. Visit the Fort Meade Museum to learn the history of the fort and the region. 

Sixty-five million years ago, the dinosaurs went extinct ... or did they? Your favorite dinosaurs can be found hanging out at this fun, family-friendly park. We promise the dinos won't bite!

Aside from marveling at the incredible, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, the park also features stunning views of Rapid City along with a gift shop and cafe. Selfie-worthy views, food and drink, and a souvenir for the kids? A recipe for fun if you ask us!

While you're in Rapid City, visit Bear Country USA. Drive through this 250-acre nature exhibit to see all kinds of North American wildlife including wolves, big horn sheep, buffalo and the largest collection of privately owned black bears in the world. 

Take a quick drive over to Mount Rushmore National Memorial to see one of the nation's most iconic attractions. Revel in the mastery of sculptor Gutzon Borglum at "America's Shrine of Democracy." The monument is just 30 minutes from Rapid City.

Quite likely South Dakota's most posted lake, this jewel has served as the beautiful backdrop for countless events, weddings and even for climactic Nicolas Cage adventures in the 2007 blockbuster National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets. It also serves as a trailhead for great Black Hills hiking trails like Sunday Gulch and Little Devils Tower. Besides social media influencers, movie stars and hikers, Sylvan Lake is also popular with families looking for a place to swim and anglers looking to land a rainbow trout. 

Picture this

The Cathedral Spires are a part of the Needles formations and the inspiration for Mount Rushmore. The same view that inspired Doane Robinson marks the beginning of the Cathedral Spires Trail, a 1.6-mile trail that's more moderate and approachable than its "difficult" rating suggests and takes you right through the iconic formations. 

Hike the Trail

There's no doubt where the name comes for this iconic formation comes from once you see it (and it's easy to find right along SD Hwy 87). Rock climbers looking for a serious challenge can often be found taking it on. 

Find This Landmark

This historic lodge and collection of cabins deep in Custer State Park overlook Sylvan Lake — one of Custer State Park's most beautiful gems. Making basecamp from here, one is within walking distance of trails like Sunday Gulch and the Sylvan Lake Shore before continuing to others like Little Devils Tower, Cathedral Spires, or Black Elk Peak. 

Sleep amongst the Pines

A distinct formation in the granite that looks like the eye of a giant's rock needle marks one of the more popular pullouts along the scenic Needles Highway (SD Hwy 87 North). Many like to stop and watch in disbelief as family haulers — and even some specialized commercial busses — squeeze through the 8' 9" wide by 9’8" high tunnel. 

Thread the Needle

If you're ready for a truly amazing adventure, climb the Needles! The guides at Sylvan Rocks can supply all the climbing gear and guidance you need, whether you're a beginner or experienced climber. To look out over Custer State Park from the top of these unique rock formations is an experience that won't soon be forgotten.

Up we go

Located in downtown Brookings, the Children's Museum of South Dakota offers hands-on exhibits and interactive displays to promote creativity and learning for its visitors. This popular attraction is full of fun for the whole family. 

Visit the Children's Museum of South Dakota

Discover the state's agricultural and rural history at the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum. Located on the campus of South Dakota State University, the museum features exhibits on agricultural science and culture. 

Visit the South Dakota Agricultural Museum

With 25 acres of open-air gardens and a 45-acre arboretum, you can find harmony amongst this collection of flowers, trees, shrubs and grasses on the South Dakota State University campus.

Smell the Flowers at McCrory Gardens

Featuring amazing works by South Dakota artists spread throughout six galleries, this free museum is located beside the iconic Coughlin Campanile on the South Dakota State University campus. The museum is perhaps known best for its collection of work by Harvey Dunn, a former SDSU student and one of South Dakota's most celebrated artists.

Take in the Beauty of the South Dakota Art Museum

Hill City offers one of the best spots to jump on the Mickelson Trail, a 109-mile premier South Dakota trail that features trestle bridges, railroad tunnels and a seemingly endless expanse of natural beauty. 

Hit the Trail

Emerging from Black Elk Wilderness in gorgeous Custer State Park, Black Elk Peak is the highest elevation between the Rocky Mountains in the western United States and the Pyrenees Mountains in France. Take a beautiful hike to the peak, which features an aged fire tower that offers a perfect venue for amazing views.

Discover Your Peak

Take a two-hour train ride through the Black Hills on a vintage steam engine with 1880 Train. This fun-filled tour will give you a sense of South Dakota's gold mining past, as well as incredible views of the Black Hill.

All Aboard the 1880 Train

These folks know fossils. Check out the extensive collection of dinosaur, mammal, reptile and other specimens, including a T.rex fossil skeleton named Stan.

Prepare to be amazed

With beaches, lakes, granite peaks and rolling plains, there's a lot to explore at Custer State Park. This 71,000-acre park in the Black Hills offers all kinds of outdoor adventure. The campgrounds, guided tours, kayak and canoe rentals and lodge are just a few of the many visitor amenities the park offers.

Find Your Next Adventure at Custer State Park

Crazy Horse Memorial, the world's largest in-progress sculpture, is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Custer. Learn about this multi-generational work of art as well as Native American history at the Native American Educational and Cultural Center and the Indian Museum of North America on-site. 

Visit Crazy Horse Memorial

This magnificent 109-mile trail stretches the length of the Black Hills, following an abandoned railroad bed into jagged cliffs and pine forests. Start your adventure at one of 15 trailheads and enjoy the charm of trestle bridges, railroad tunnels, and other features of this amazing trail.

Explore Mickelson Trail

Starting at the south end of Sixth Street in Custer, this trail will take you to magnificent views of Custer and the scenic Cathedral Spires.

See the Custer Skywalk

Go underground to explore the third-longest cave in the world! Take a variety of tours, but don't forget to check out the 1,289-acre park above ground. 

Explore Jewel Cave

The first cave to be designated a national park, Wind Cave National Park features the world's largest concentration of rare boxwork formations along with 33,851 acres of forest and prairie on the surface that serve as sanctuary for wildlife.

Check out Wind Cave

This unique island along the Missouri River is easily accessible, offering visitors the chance to take in trees, meadows and a variety of wildlife and bird species. Explore hiking & biking trails and enjoy the fishing dock, boat ramp and picnic shelter.

Explore LaFramboise Island

Learn about South Dakota's rich heritage with a variety of award-winning rotating exhibits that engage every age, especially with hands-on activities that make learning fun.

Discover the Cultural Heritage Center

Tour the South Dakota State Capitol and learn about the history of the state and its capitol building. Guided tours must be scheduled 48 hours prior to your visit. Self-guided tours and activities books are also available.

Visit the State Capitol

Discover the state's military history at the South Dakota National Guard Museum. Guests will find artifacts dating from the late 1800s to modern day, displaying the heritage and evolution of the Dakota Militia and South Dakota Army.

Visit the South Dakota National Guard Museum

Explore the works of famed artist Terry Redlin at the Redlin Art Center. Guests can observe over 160 of Redlin's original wildlife & Americana paintings. Outside, Conservation Park features bridges, gazebos, and more than a mile of walking trails to celebrate Redlin's love of nature and wildlife. Admission is free.

Visit the Redlin Art Center

Whether lounging on the shore or enjoying the water,  Lake Kampeska offers outdoor beauty and fun. The lake has access to six boat ramps, two city parks, Sandy Shore State Recreation Area, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation activities like boating, fishing, swimming and camping.

Check out Lake Kampeska

Historic charm meets modern elegance in the newly renovated Goss Opera House, a large and vibrant space that's been offering a variety of entertainment since 1889. 

Experience the Goss

South Dakota's second-largest zoo features 800 animals from 130 different species from around the world. The zoo features a number of unique exhibit, offering a truly engaging experience for all ages.

Take in the Bramble Park Zoo