How to Spend 5 Days in South Dakota's Black Hills

The Journey Museum offers an immersive look at the Western Great Plains from many perspectives. Browse exhibits and artifacts to learn about the region’s Indigenous people, pioneers and even the scientists who are currently studying the Black Hills’ unique geology.

A popular community gathering place in the heart of downtown, Main Street Square is home to more than 300 free events throughout the year. It’s also a great jumping-off point for exploring other downtown attractions, like Art Alley and the Dahl Arts Center.

Head up to the top of Skyline Drive for panoramic views of the city from Dinosaur Park, a collection of life-sized concrete dinosaurs dating to the 1930s.

This paleontology exhibit at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology features fossils found in South Dakota alongside minerals from around the world.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally — the world's largest biker gathering — takes over the town each August, but Sturgis’ rich motorcycle heritage is on display year-round at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. Explore an impressive collection of American and metric bikes, along with exhibits celebrating the history of motorcycling.

Formed millions of years ago, this striking geological landmark is one of several ancient intrusions of igneous rock in the Black Hills. Bear Butte State Park is considered sacred by many Native American tribes, and remains a site for spiritual ceremonies. The park also offers hiking, camping, fishing and boating.

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway rewards visitors with views of towering limestone cliffs and thick pine forests. This drive features several hiking spots, scenic overlooks and waterfalls, including Roughlock Falls. As gorgeous as it is in summer, Spearfish Canyon might be even more beautiful in the fall and winter!

Dick Termes, an internationally known local artist, paints on spheres dangling from ceiling motors that slowly rotate the artistic wonders. Termes’ creations are celebrated for their unique six-point perspective system, and you can get a good look at them at his Termesphere® Gallery in Spearfish.

Home to a huge collection of Indigenous and Old West artifacts, Days of 76 Museum includes over 50 authentic horse-drawn vehicles, including the original "Deadwood Stage." Browse many items from Deadwood’s early days, as well as the area’s proud rodeo history.

Take an underground tour of an authentic gold mine where miners once pursued gold ore veins with black powder and candlelight. Visitors to this Deadwood Gulch attraction can also pan for real gold!

Explore one of the last truly wild places at Custer State Park. Its 71,000 acres are home to nature trails and abundant wildlife, including one of the largest publicly owned bison herds — which you can see up-close on the Wildlife Loop Scenic Byway. Many visitors choose to stay the night in one of the park's historic lodges.

Named for the crystals that line its walls, Jewel Cave National Monument is the third-longest cave in the world! Cave tours book up fast, so we recommend reserving yours in advance.