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!
Runner1928/Wikimedia Commons
Spanning an incredible 5,000+ square miles, the Black Hills are as historical as they are beautiful.
Grahampurse/Wikimedia Commons
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. 
Flickr/Paul Thompson

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Obviously, we here at Only in South Dakota think that the Black Hills are pretty spectacular, but we are not the only ones.
Flickr/Drew Jacksich
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."
Flickr/Christine Warner
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.
Flickr/Paul
Pictured is the pristine Spearfish Falls.
Every time you come back to the Black Hills there is something new to explore.
Thomas Hawk/Flickr


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.

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More to Explore

More fun-filled South Dakota destinations

Chris Muras | April 28, 2023

What are some scenic places in South Dakota?

 

South Dakota is filled with scenic areas. Every time you visit you are sure to discover something new. Here are a few scenic places in South Dakota to check out next time you visit:

  • The town of Scenic: Yes, there is actually a town in South Dakota called Scenic — how appropriate is that? Sadly, this scenic town in the Black Hills has seen better days, as it is mostly abandoned. It still remains a fascinating destination with many of its old buildings still standing holding a tribute to its long-lost history. If you love a good ghost town tour head to the scenic, Scenic, South Dakota.
  • Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway: The Badlands National Park is incredibly beautiful with its colorful rock canyons and desolate landscape. If you are from some of the more tropical parts of the country, it seems like something you'd find on another planet. The Badlands Loop Scenic Byway is an incredible 30 to 40-mile two-lane highway that winds through the most amazing parts of the Badlands.
  • Yellow Mounds Overlook: The Yellow Mounds Overlook in the Badlands National Park is a vibrant section of, well, yellow mounds. In a desert landscape, you will be surprised by how much color there really is, especially with a good sunset blazing overhead. There are many scenic overlooks in the Badlands, so you really can't go wrong stopping to check them all out.
  • Sylvan Lake: In Custer State Park you'll find another scenic destination — Sylvan Lake. The interesting rock formations at the edge of this calm lake are set against a lush, fragrant, pine forest. The hiking in this area is incredible as well, taking you to some of the Black Hills' most iconic points. The Sunday Gulch Trail is a strenuous hike, but it rewards you with epic views of some of the highest points in South Dakota.

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