Article courtesy of RootsRated.
Iconic staples like Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the state’s outdoor beauty lead millions of tourists to find their way to the Black Hills of South Dakota every year. While there’s nothing wrong with taking the touristy route, the Black Hills have just as much to offer the wanderer searching for lesser-known stops and unique things to do. From local wineries to one-of-a-kind hikes, these local-approved suggestions direct you to a unique side of South Dakota you didn’t know existed.
Stroll Through Art Alley
Whether en route to Mount Rushmore or roaming the streets of Rapid City to check out the presidential statues, a walk through Art Alley is a must for anyone in or passing through. It showcases Rapid City's creative culture in a way that nothing else can. Some of it is beautiful and some funny but all the art is worth seeing.
Soak Up the Season at Summer Nights
(Please note Summer Nights will not take place in 2025.)
If you love the outdoors and enjoy good tunes, you’ll love Rapid City’s Summer Nights. Located at West St. Joseph Street and 7th Street, the free and family-friendly festivities showcase the area’s vast array of local musical talent. Also, it’s entirely run by volunteers, so it’s also a great place to source local advice on what to check out next.
Watch the Sunrise from Black Elk Peak
Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak) is the highest point east of the Rockies. The vista is accessible via a 3.5-mile (one-way) hike from Custer State Park’s Sylvan Lake. This stone lookout tower is 7,242 feet above sea level and is an incredible vantage point to watch the sunrise or take in the Black Hills. The peak is named for Black Elk, a famous medicine man of the Lakota tribe said to have experienced a vision there. If you’re into outdoor adventure, don’t miss the George S. Mickelson Trail or the Centennial Trail.
Zipline at Rushmore Tramway Adventures
Experience a rush while exploring the beautiful landscape of the Black Hills on a zipline tour at Rushmore Tramway Adventures in Keystone. On this two-hour journey, you’ll travel over a mile of forest high above the trees. Friendly professional guides will be with you throughout the tour to keep you safe and teach you more about South Dakota’s history. You’ll even be able to view Mount Rushmore from the sky.
Go On a Deadwood Ghost Tour
In a town with as many legends as Deadwood, spooky adventures aren’t only reserved for October. From ghostly hotels and haunted saloons to the historic Mount Moriah Cemetery (burial place of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock) ghost tours are a year-round offering in this town. While we can’t guarantee a run-in with a long-deceased resident, we can guarantee a fun and eerie adventure you won’t get anywhere else.
Feast at the Alpine Inn
Once you’ve wrapped up a hike to Black Elk Peak, refuel with some delicious eats at Alpine Inn, a beautiful spot in Hill City. New to the Midwest? Don’t sleep on the German section of the lunch menu. If you’re looking for local cuisine, you’ve found it. There are no reservations but there is a daily list, so get your name in as fast as you can for the perfect table and meal.
Run Buzzard’s Roost Trail
Black Hills Runners Club has all the info runners need to get their mileage in like a local. One route, Buzzard’s Roost Trail, sits 6 miles west of Rapid City and is a local favorite. It has more than 8 miles of trail, and the view from the lookout point at the top makes the climb worth the effort.
