My Family’s Escape to the Black Hills
Vacation, sweet vacation. I know nothing beats home for most people, but I enjoy traveling and have fallen in love with the Black Hills.
This was only my second time visiting Western South Dakota. I never went as a child and that is okay, because I plan to be a repeat visitor as an adult. As with all of my travels, I seem to learn more with each new trip and experience. There is so much to do in the Black Hills that I thought a recap of our trip could help others wanting to visit this area of South Dakota.
Wall Drug
Stop cringing, I know Wall Drug is a tourist trap. However, it is also a clean town with equally tidy hotel accommodations. We chose the Best Western Plains because they offered rooms large enough to make my herd of six happy. Two big beds, a pull-out couch, and plenty of floor-space for the playpen.
Five years ago we ventured west, but we did not make any stops at Wall Drug. My husband wanted to go there, but on the way out we had kids napping in the SUV. And nothing (not even free ice water and homemade ice cream) is worth waking young children from car transport slumber. It is also a hard pit-stop upon leaving the Black Hills because Wall, SD is not far enough down the interstate to warrant already needing to get out of the vehicle for a long break. Wall is 90 minutes or less from Rapid City, Deadwood, and Keystone.
Badlands National Park
We stayed two nights in Wall because I do not like switching hotel rooms on the daily. Wall was nice, but the Badlands were my family’s main agenda. This natural attraction was a must-see for us on our trip. The views were magnificent. For $25 we drove the Badlands Highway 240 Loop Road, which is a scenic bi-way that took us past a village of prairie dogs, breathtaking rock formations, and areas that allowed my children to climb rocks that were stories high.
I would suggest these scenic stops in the Badlands:
- Roberts Prairie Dog Town (So many prairie dogs popping out of holes in the ground.)
- Fossil Exhibit Trail Head (This area has a well-maintained trail for walking and many adventurous kids and adults can climb the rocks. This was a fave for all my children.)
- Cedar Pass Lodge‘s restaurant offered a great lunch menu and is near Ben Reifel Visitor Center. The center showcased information about fossils found in the local area. Cedar Pass Lodge also has cabins for rent, but reservations go quick.
Keystone/Mount Rushmore
No trip out west is complete without a solid view of Mount Rushmore. This national landmark is currently under construction with the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and amphitheater being closed until the latter part of 2020. So keep that in mind. Even with the construction, there is plenty to see. My family enjoyed walking the Presidential Trail that goes up and around the monument. There is also a Sculptor’s Studio on-site that is neat with park rangers available to answer questions.
Stopping at the tourist town of Keystone for a few hours was well worth our time. We got a western-style photo taken at Professor Samuel’s Old Time Photos. It was fun and hilarious. Multiple photo shops are in Keystone and Deadwood, but I thought where we went offered the best deal and a great experience. We ate at the Ruby House which had good service and delicious food. I would recommend these menu items: Buffalo Stew, Oriental Chicken Salad, and the Elk Burger.
Spearfish
After we completed our stops at Mount Rushmore and in Keystone, my family proceeded further west to Spearfish (aka Queen City due to three amazing landscapes that resemble a crown). We spent three nights in this beautiful area. It is so green and full of: trails, caverns, and streams. Having fun in nature is meant to be done in Spearfish. Our outdoor experience was made better because we have friends from this area, so they were terrific tour guides.
I would suggest these places in Spearfish:
- Spearfish City Park. This playground has incredible wooden equipment that is large and fun for a variety of ages. The park is also located near a fish hatchery and Spearfish creek.
- Spearfish Canyon. There are so many beautiful trails to see. I loved our experience hiking at Community Caves. Bridal Veil Falls is also breathtaking.
- For food in Spearfish go downtown to the Stadium Sports Grill and order the beef tips. This establishment is a fun restaurant and bar. Beef tips are mouthwatering chunks of steak cooked perfectly and lightly battered. They are delicious and a specialty in West River.
- For drinks there are multiple brewing companies in Spearfish. The craft beer at Crow Peak Brewing was yummy. My fave pint is the Canyon Cream Ale.
Wyoming
Our trip to the Black Hills also offered a chance to venture into the cowboy state. Spearfish is within 15 minutes of Wyoming’s state border. We visited Devils Tower and it was an excursion that left me in awe. A definite site to see.
My family timed the trip to see the Black Hills ahead of the Sturgis rally, but we only beat the big motorcycle event by about a week. It was actually very cool to view all of the motorcyclists. Our crew went for lunch and dessert in Hulett, WY and had a great time watching all of the people in leather. We basically watched a mini-parade of motorists, who all waved and beeped their horns for my kids as they chowed down on waffle cones. The malt shop at the Hulett Motel was top-notch with delicious ice cream flavors. Hulett reminded me of a tiny ski town with memorable buildings and storefronts.
The next time my husband and I take the children to the Black Hills we will probably try to visit Custer State Park and the wind caves. No matter what we do, I know it will be fun and beautiful. I never thought I would be the person who preferred mountains and hills over the beach, but I am. Go west whenever you can because nature’s landscape is a marvel.
Where else is there to go in the Black Hills? Let Family Footnote know by leaving a comment on the website or at our Facebook page.