Hop in the saddle for a trail ride. Walk the same streets as Wild Bill, Calamity Jane, and other Wild West legends. See buckin' broncos and other rodeo action in person. Come see for yourself how the Old West lives in South Dakota

Gold was first discovered in the Black Hills in 1874. Since then, this precious metal has played a significant role in the history of the area.

Tours of one of the oldest mines in the Western Hemisphere are offered by Homestake Gold Mine Surface Tour and Visitor Center. Many other abandoned mines also offer tours, and museums throughout the region exhibit mining displays. Black Hills gold is produced by several companies and can be found in nearly every gift shop.

Going on vacation means trying to see as much of the exciting and wonderful as you can. The trick is to also be able to sit back and relax. Don't worry. South Dakota has you covered. 

Check our ever-expanding collection of road journals, itineraries, spotlights and scenic drives for plenty of well-researched options that'll make planning your trip a stress-free experience. You can also explore the options below and craft the perfect way to spend a fun and peaceful day (or several) in South Dakota.

Named for the crystals that line its walls, Jewel Cave is the third-longest cave in the world and features calcite crystals and formations of boxwork, cave popcorn and a long ribbon drapery known as “cave bacon.” Nearby, Wind Cave is the sixth-longest cave in the world and home of the world’s largest concentration of rare boxwork formations. The wondrous cave also sits under a 33,970-acre South Dakota wildlife sanctuary.

But these aren’t the only cavernous wonders in the state. Take your pick from the state's many caves and prepare to be awestruck. Learn Seven Things You Didn't Know About Black Hills Caves and check out the listings below to plan your perfect subterranean South Dakota adventure.