What Are The Best Views in the Black Hills?
Rapid City, South Dakota
Rapid City is the gateway to the Black Hills. This city of 80,000 has the most amenities and is strategically located at the foothills, within about an hour of most attractions. Outdoor recreational opportunities abound in this part of the United States. This is where most visitors stay during their visit to the Black Hills and Badlands.
Rapid City Regional Airport is the closest airport to Rapid City. It’s a short drive of about 30 minutes to the town center. Rapid City Regional Airport is very simple to navigate and is served by several carriersRapid City.
As the gateway to the Black Hills, Rapid City is near loads of bucket list destinations. Take U.S. Highway 16 through the Black Hills National Forest on the way to Mt. Rushmore. Before you arrive, you’ll drive through the little mining town of Keystone. Some families choose to stay in Keystone, given its proximity to Rushmore and family-friendly activities. Take U.S. Highway 16 through the Black Hills National Forest on the way to Mt. Rushmore
This little town has its own wax museum, Zip Lining at Rushmore Tramway Adventures, surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest. Take Highway 244 to Rushmore, then U.S. Highway 16 to enter the Iron Mountain Road portion of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is renowned for its stunning views, and there’s no better way to take them in than from the top. From Mt Rushmore to Crazy Horse Memorial, these higher perspective points provide some of the best panoramas you’ll find anywhere. Even a casual traveler will be blown away by the majesty of this mountain range as it rolls into view, with its deep valleys, peaks, and silhouettes forming an impressive backdrop for whatever activity is at hand.
For those who don’t mind taking on a bit more challenge for even more breathtaking sights, opt to hike up the peaks or ride through Custer State Park. Give yourself plenty of time to explore; you won’t miss the breathtaking views of Sylvan Lake or the Cathedral Spires that dot the horizon.
No matter what part of the range you visit, Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Black Hills will always give you something to marvel at and remember. The experience is even more remarkable when done under a starry night sky. Even from lower elevations, there’s nothing like seeing the hills in their full glory against a star-filled backdrop. From campfires to clearings, take time to appreciate this unique region before it slips away.
No road trip to South Dakota would be complete without a stop at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in the Black Hills; with its awe-inspiring vistas and memorable sights, no one should be disappointed.
Black Elk Peak
To experience a truly sacred site with a stunning view, you must visit Black Elk Peak via Custer State Park. Formerly known as Harney Peak, this mountain was named after a Native American holy man and is located in the Black Hills National Forest.
The journey up Black Elk Peak is nothing short of spectacular. The air is crisp and clean as you make your way through the forest, passing by wildflowers and crystal-clear streams along the way. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the Black Hills region that will take your breath away. While at the summit, please realize this is a sacred place to many Native Americans. Photographs of the colorful prayer bundles are considered disrespectful.
The Black Elk Peak area also has abundant wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, deer, lions, and bald eagles! Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for peace in nature, Black Elk Peak promises an unforgettable experience. So, if you’re ever in South Dakota, don’t miss out on this incredible place! If there were one peak, I’d recommend climbing before it’s too late.
Breezy Point Overlook
Coolidge Lookout Tower
Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure in the Northern Black Hills, look no further than Mount Roosevelt. Named after Theodore Roosevelt, this tower is a testament to the friendship between Seth Bullock and the President. The area has long been a favorite spot for hikers, climbers, and sightseers alike.
Seth Bullock was a frequent visitor to Mount Roosevelt and built the tower to symbolize their friendship. It was completed in 1919 and restored in 2010. Today, it remains an iconic symbol of adventure in Northern Black Hills.
The climb up Mount Roosevelt is challenging, but it’s worth it when you reach the summit and take in the breathtaking views. You can see the entire Northern Black Hills region, with its majestic mountains and grassy plains. On a clear day, you can spot wildlife grazing in the valleys below. Mount Roosevelt is worth visiting for those looking to experience South Dakota at its finest.
It offers spectacular views of the Black Hills Forest and one of the most colorful locales during the autumn season.
Norbeck Overlook
Skyline Drive and Dinosaur Park
Ah, Rapid City. South Dakota’s crown jewel is home to many memorable attractions—not least of which is Dinosaur Park.
You’re immediately greeted with a foreboding yet strangely inviting atmosphere as you enter the park. The ancient beasts that once roamed here seem to watch over you as you pass through their domain, lending a sense of grandeur and mystique that can only be found in such places.
Not content with mere statues and replicas, visitors can experience life-sized dinosaurs that bring the Mesozoic Era to life before their eyes! But it doesn’t end there; Dinosaur Park also offers a variety of activities to help visitors explore and appreciate the wonders of this forgotten land.
From educational classes to interactive exhibits, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. So, if you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind adventure, make sure Dinosaur Park is on your list of must-see attractions when visiting the Black Hills and Rapid City. You’ll be glad you did!
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is a treasure trove of breathtaking viewpoints that allow visitors to take in its stunning landscapes, from sharp buttes and deep canyons to picturesque vistas that stretch for miles. While the official viewpoints, such as Pinnacles Overlook, Big Badlands Overlook, and the Notch, provide accessible and striking views, many hidden gems throughout the park are less known and can only be discovered with the help of an experienced guide.
The park’s dramatic scenery is best appreciated from various vantage points, and a knowledgeable guide can lead you to lesser-known spots that offer a unique perspective of the Badlands’ otherworldly formations. These hidden viewpoints often provide opportunities for photography and exploration without the crowds, allowing you to experience the Badlands of South Dakota and its surreal beauty more intimately.
Driving Distances to Badlands National Park
If you’re planning to explore Badlands National Park, here’s how long it takes to drive there from nearby towns:
- Rapid City: Approximately one hour (about 60 miles)
- Hill City: Roughly 1.5 hours (around 80 miles)
- Custer: About two hours (approximately 90 miles)
Each drive offers picturesque views, making the journey to the park just as enjoyable as the destination.
Photographers, hikers, and casual visitors want to soak in the landscape of Badlands National Park’s various viewpoints. Badlands National Park promises to be an unforgettable experience. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the park’s geology and history, consider joining a guided tour that can unveil the secrets of these hidden vistas and provide a richer narrative of this extraordinary landscape.
Consider staying a night or two at Cedar Pass Lodge in the Badlands. The dark night skies are literally out-of-this-world, and Buffalo Gap National Grasslands is right next door. Badlands National Park offers a contrast of recreation opportunities from the Black Hills.
Custer State Park
Named after General George Armstrong Custer and the Black Hills Expedition, Custer State Park is 71,000 acres, making it one of the largest State Parks in the United States. Here you can experience a buffalo safari with the official vendor or on a private tour. Up to 1500 Buffalo live within the park boundaries. Surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park is said to be able to stand on its own as a national park. We like it just the way it is.
Inside the boundaries of Custer State Park, you find the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, A.K.A Needles Highway. Between Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway, you get the entirety of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway.
This is where the Wildlife Loop Road, Sylvan Lake, Stockade Lake, the Buffalo Corrals, Cathedral Spires, and trails lead to anywhere in the Black Hills Forest. U.S. Highway 16 (Iron Mountain Road) will bring you directly to the entrance from the north.
General George Armstrong Custer found gold nearby in French Creek, leading to a dark moment in American history. Being such a beautiful place, it’s hard to imagine anything but nature’s stunning beauty. Just to the south is Wind Cave National Park, the birthplace of the Lakota People. Bison can be found in both locations, and plenty of outdoor activities exist. Wind Cave National Park opened on January 9, 1903, becoming the 6th National Park in the United States.
Recreation fees for Custer State Park can be found directly on their website.
Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake is a stunning gem in the heart of Custer State Park and one the most beautiful lakes in the forested hills. Surrounded by towering granite cliffs and lush pine forests, the lake is characterized by crystal-clear waters that reflect the picturesque Black Hills, the sky, and the surrounding rugged landscape, creating a breathtaking backdrop for visitors.
Sylvan Lake’s natural beauty makes it an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. Around every corner, there are countless opportunities for Instagram-worthy shots.
At Sylvan Lake, crystal-clear waters reflect the shoreline. There’s no shortage of activities for families and individuals to enjoy. The area features a swimming beach for those looking to cool off on warm days, while non-motorized boat rentals provide a fun way to explore the lake from a different perspective. Families can also engage in picnicking at designated areas or enjoy casual dining at nearby restaurants. There’s a general store on-site for those seeking kayaks and paddleboards, and it’s perfect for grabbing snacks or souvenirs.
One of the highlights of Sylvan Lake is the miles of trails that start from this scenic location. The popular Sylvan Lake Shore Trail is an easy 1.1-mile loop that offers a stroll around the lake, ideal for families and those with pets (dogs are allowed on leash). Additionally, more challenging hikes like the Black Elk Peak trailhead are easily accessible from the lake, inviting adventurers to explore higher elevations and partake in the rewarding views from the summit. The trail to Little Devil’s Tower is another excellent option for those looking to experience additional hiking in the area.
Located just about 30 minutes from Hill City, Sylvan Lake is at the far west end of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, and is a convenient destination for visitors to the Black Hills. Its proximity to other attractions, including Mount Rushmore National Memorial, makes it ideal for a day trip or a more extended stay. Whether you’re looking to relax by the water, embark on miles of hiking trails, or immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the national forest, Sylvan Lake offers a delightful blend of activities and picturesque views for everyone to enjoy.
Recreation fees can be found at the Custer State Park Website.
Center Lake
Center Lake is often overlooked, and we find that delightful! Located on South Playhouse Road, you can take U.S. Highway 16 south after traveling on Iron Mountain Road. Center Lake is tucked away from traffic and is located within Custer State Park. Center Lake is a great place to picnic or camp surrounded by acres of forest. Eagles are often spotted here, but don’t tell anyone!
Center Lake is perfect for a family picnic. With spacious picnic areas, you can lay out a blanket, enjoy a meal under the shade of the trees, and take in the stunning natural surroundings. Imagine sharing laughter and stories with your loved ones while the soft rustling of leaves and the gentle water lapping create a soothing soundtrack.
Scenic Features of Norbeck Overlook
At the highest point of Iron Mountain Road, Norbeck Overlook offers panoramic views. From this location, you can see National Monuments like Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the Cathedral Spires, and Black Elk Peak.
Beautiful pine forests surround you, and dazzling rock formations are everywhere. Beautiful pine forests surround you with dazzling rock formations on miles-wide views. Norbeck Overlook is named after Senator Peter Norbeck. His contribution to the area is significant.
Crazy Horse Memorial
If you thought Mt. Rushmore was big, you haven’t seen anything yet. After finishing Needles Highway, head over to Thunderhead Mountain, where the carving occurs. Thunderhead Mountain was chosen by Chief Henry Standing Bear and Korcak Jiolkowski to carve Crazy Horse. The Oglala Lakota is the closest of the Native American tribes, and Crazy Horse was one of them. Unlike Mt. Rushmore, this project never received funding from the United States Government.
This is one of the bucket list destinations of the Black Hills. Ride to the top of Crazy Horse to see the Central Hills. A good idea is to read up on Crazy Horse before visiting the memorial. There are plenty of authors out there, but we like Joseph Marshall. Check him out online.
Crazy Horse is worthy of study. He exists in the minds and hearts of his people. It is said that Crazy Horse was an extremely skilled, powerful, yet humble man. Oddly, there is scant information on Crazy Horse within the museum. This is why we recommend reading about Crazy Horse before visiting. You’ll learn more about the Jiolkowski family within the museum than Crazy Horse himself.
A few of our favorite books about Crazy Horse are Quiet Thunder: The Wisdom of Crazy Horse, The Journey of Crazy Horse: A Lakota History, and In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse, all by Joseph Marshall.
Spearfish Canyon
Spearfish Canyon is one of the most overlooked places in the Black Hills, unlike the granite spires of Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway It sports limestone cliffs over 1,000 feet tall. Located in the Northern Hills, it is the only location near downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and recreation opportunities galore.
Spearfish Creek runs directly along the winding road. One of the most colorful locales, Spearfish Canyon, boasts numerous waterfalls.
While traveling through the canyon, stop at the Spearfish Canyon Lodge. This is a central location and near the old stagecoach stop. Spearfish Canyon Lodge is a great place to stay in the summer or winter, with UTV and Snowmobile rentals ready for guests to set out and explore.
Directly across the street from Spearfish Canyon Lodge is the Latchstring Restaurant. We recommend this as a great place to eat in Spearfish Canyon. Spearfish Falls are located directly below the outside seating area. Across the street is Roughlock Falls, and the two compete as the most popular.
Roughlock Falls provides the most angles, perspectives, and views. A concrete sidewalk takes you from the parking lot to the bottom of the waterfall. In addition, Bridal Veil Falls is not far. Continue through Spearfish Canyon to the town of Spearfish. Bridal Veil Falls is right alongside the roadway.
Deadwood, South Dakota
Quite possibly one of the most notorious historic sites in the Black Hills, Deadwood has no shortage of beautiful views and activities. Wild Bill Hickok is buried high up in Mount Moriah Cemetery, offering beautiful views of pine-covered hills. The legends of the Wild West live on here. Actors play out the story of Wild Bill the street! In reality, Wild Bill only played a small part in the story. This is the site of Deadwood Gulch and the nearby Homestake Mine. A significant gold discovery happened in 1876, leading to United States History’s most enormous gold rush.
The Homestake Mine is now referred to as the Sanford Underground research facility. This is worth the stop. The entrance is free, and inside, you’ll find out how they are shooting particles from Chicago deep under the earth to the 4000-foot level of the mine. Studies continue here on the subject of dark matter. Nerd out as much as possible. Even Wild Bill would be surprised at shooting neutrinos rather than bullets.
Deadwood, Spearfish Canyon, and Devils Tower National Monument are part of a great American Road Trip that the entire family will love. You can drive it on your own or leave it to the professionals.
From Deadwood, take old Route 34 to Belle Fourche and Devils Tower. For many, this is the route to Yellowstone National Park, the first National Park in the United States.
Black Hills National Forest
The Black Hills get their name from their dark appearance when seen from a distance. This is because of the Ponderosa Pine. The needles are dark green, and the trees cast shadows on the ground, making the hills look black. The name in Lakota for the Black Hills is Paha Sapa or He Sapa. This is the most sacred ground to the Lakota, and for good reason.
What Are The Best Views in the Black Hills?