Take in some of the Black Hills’ most iconic scenery without needing a full day of hiking or adventure. From famous monuments and scenic overlooks to waterfalls, lakes and short family-friendly walks, these stops make it easy to experience the beauty and history of the Hills at your own pace.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Location: Keystone, SD
Description: The Black Hills’ most recognizable landmark, featuring the monumental granite carving, Grand View Terrace, visitor center, Presidential Trail and seasonal evening lighting ceremony.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/moru/Crazy Horse Memorial
Location: Custer, SD
Description: See the massive mountain carving in progress while exploring museums, cultural exhibits and exhibits highlighting the history and cultures of Native peoples of North America.
Website: https://crazyhorsememorial.org/Custer State Park
Location: Custer, SD
Description: One of the Black Hills’ signature destinations, offering spectacular scenery, mountain lakes, wildlife viewing and scenic drives including Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road.
Website: https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park/Sylvan Lake
Location: Custer, SD
Description: A picturesque mountain lake surrounded by dramatic granite formations, with an easy lakeside trail, picnic areas and seasonal opportunities for swimming and paddling.
Website: https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park/Roughlock Falls
Location: Lead, SD
Description: One of the Black Hills’ most beautiful and accessible waterfalls, with scenic overlooks and developed walking trails in Spearfish Canyon Nature Area.
Website: https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/spearfish-canyon-nature-area/Bridal Veil Falls
Location: Spearfish, SD
Description: An easily accessible waterfall along the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway with a roadside viewing area, making it a simple and worthwhile stop while exploring the canyon.
Website: https://visitspearfish.com/things-to-do/scenic-drivesSpearfish Falls
Location: Spearfish, SD
Description: A beautiful waterfall tucked below Spearfish Canyon Lodge in Savoy, reached by a relatively short scenic trail through the canyon.
Website: https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/spearfish-canyon-nature-area/Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower
Location: Deadwood, SD
Description: A short family-friendly hike leads to a historic stone tower overlooking the Northern Black Hills, with panoramic views from the top.
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/blackhills/recarea/?recid=25891Dinosaur Park
Location: Rapid City, SD
Description: A nostalgic Black Hills landmark featuring larger-than-life dinosaur sculptures and panoramic views overlooking Rapid City, with free admission to the park.
Website: https://www.rapidcity.gov/parksChapel in the Hills
Location: Rapid City, SD
Description: A peaceful Norwegian-style stave church surrounded by beautiful grounds, walking paths and traditional Scandinavian architecture.
Website: https://www.chapel-in-the-hills.org/Devils Tower National Monument
Location: Devils Tower, WY
Description: An unforgettable day trip to the iconic geologic formation rising above northeastern Wyoming, with scenic viewpoints and a relatively easy trail around the base.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/deto/Badlands National Park
Location: Interior, SD
Description: A spectacular day trip featuring dramatic rock formations, sweeping prairie views, wildlife and numerous overlooks along the scenic Badlands Loop Road.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/badl/