The Brilliant Black Hills In South Dakota Was Just Named The Best Escape In The Midwest

South Dakotans know that our state is a true diamond in the rough, but it seems like the rest of the country is often a little slow to catch up (until, of course, they visit for the first time). That being said, we are always thrilled when we see one of our favorite SoDak destinations getting the recognition it deserves, which is what happened with the brilliant Black Hills, South Dakota.

Tucked away in the southwest corner of the state, the Black Hills are arguably one of the biggest gems in Mount Rushmore State... and for a good reason!

Spanning an incredible 5,000+ square miles, the Black Hills are as historical as they are beautiful.

The area is not only home to gigantic trees and hills but is a sacred place for Lakota Sioux Native Americans that have called the Black Hills home since the 18th Century. The area's history goes back even further than that with evidence of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures from millions of years ago.

In addition to the landscape itself, the Black Hills are home to 2 national monuments (Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse), waterfalls, caves, and open prairies, making for a place unlike any other.

Obviously, we here at Only in South Dakota think that the Black Hills are pretty spectacular, but we are not the only ones.

Thrillist just named the area as The Midwest's Best Winter Escape.

"The scenery that makes this state such a gem in the summer gets a snowy layer of makeup in the winter, turning the Black Hills a stunning white and transforming the glimmering lakes of western South Dakota into iridescent frozen playgrounds."

Thrillist adds that "The mountains, monuments, and canyons that attract thousands in the warmer months are left for you to enjoy solo."

While the landscape itself is all that needs to be noted, some of the area's best attractions include the vibrant communities (a la Rapid City, Sturgis, and Keystone), delicious restaurants, ski and outdoor recreational opportunities, and breweries and wineries.

Pictured is the pristine Spearfish Falls.

Every time you come back to the Black Hills there is something new to explore.

Take a journey to the Black Hills, SD in this video with Mindy on the Move to learn why you should add this beautiful destination to your bucket list:

The Black Hills South Dakota may be well known for Mount Rushmore, but there is so much more going on here. Amazing cultural attractions, hiking trails, waterfalls, and pristine lakes are some of the reasons the SD Black Hills is one of the nation's best national forests.

To learn more about beautiful places in South Dakota, here are seven surprising things you should know about the Black Hills the next time you visit.