Things to Do

5-MINUTE DRIVE

Surround yourself with the best views that nature has to offer. Just a two-mile drive from the Lodge at Deadwood, Mt. Roosevelt is approximately 5,800 feet high, offering amazing views of the Black Hills. In 1919 Seth Bullock built Friendship Tower in memory of his long-time friend, Teddy Roosevelt. You’ll see Bear Butte to the east, Bear Lodge mountains to the northwest, and Terry, Custer, and Black Elk peaks to the south. While there, hike the mile-long trail that loops back to the parking and picnic area.

5-MINUTE TROLLEY RIDE

Hear Tatanka: Story of the Bison, just across Highway 85 and only a few hundred feet from the Lodge. This family-friendly attraction is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., May 15 through September 30. Tatanka features a larger-than-life bronze sculpture of 14 bison pursued by three Native American horseback riders, as well as a hands-on Interpretive Center, a Native American gift shop, and a snack bar.

15-MINUTE DRIVE

Get a closeup view of the fish production process at a historic hatchery and museum, and watch an educational experience come to life.

15-MINUTE DRIVE

As the central and primary location for the annual Sturgis Rally, the corner of Junction and Main in downtown Sturgis may very well be the most legendary intersection in the motorcycling world. Browse the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and find more than 7,000 square feet of space filled with curated galleries, a gift shop, administrative offices, and more.

5-MINUTE TROLLEY RIDE

Visit the Days of ‘76 Museum and experience four distinct historical collections providing a glimpse into Deadwood’s past: Wagons and Vehicles, Rodeo, Clothing, and Clowser collections. The Clowser Collection was a Deadwood resident, historian, poet, and businessman who spent his life assembling a remarkable collection of 19th-century pioneer, cowboy, and American Indian art and artifacts.

5-MINUTE TROLLEY RIDE

View some of the Black Hills' greatest treasure at the Adams Museum. Sights include Potato Creek Johnny's gold nugget, the mysterious Thoen Stone record of the Ezra Kind party's 1830s gold discovery in the Hills, and a one-of-a-kind plesiosaur (marine reptile).

5-MINUTE TROLLEY RIDE

People of all ages and abilities can enjoy nature’s wonder at George S. Mickelson Trail. The George S. Mickelson Trail is located in the heart of the Black Hills, is easy to access, and has gentle slopes. This limestone and gravel trail is 109 miles long and contains more than 100 converted railroad bridges and four rock tunnels. All 15 trailheads offer parking, self-sale trail pass stations (daily passes are $3), vault toilets, and tables.

5-MINUTE TROLLEY RIDE

Experience a Late Victorian cemetery set on a mountainous plateau overlooking Deadwood Gulch. Established in 1878 by the Lawrence County Commission, Mt. Moriah Cemetery is the final resting place of western legends, including Wild Bill Hickock, Calamity Jane, Potato Creek Johnny, and Seth Bullock. Paved roads make it easy to explore the area.

5-MINUTE DRIVE

Step into the Black Hills’ best underground mine tour and walk in the footsteps of thousands of miners who sought their fortunes in a dark atmosphere of black powder and candlelight. Follow the path of ore cars deep underground into the century-old shafts of the Broken Boot.

15-MINUTE DRIVE

Witness one of America's most scenic routes. The 17-mile drive is a favorite place for many to drive, hike, and explore. Knowledgable and friendly guides share all the must-knows about Spearfish and Spearfish Canyon during the two-hour tour.

45-MINUTE DRIVE

Visit the largest reptile zoo in the world! Stroll through the garden oasis of colorful flowers, lush vegetation, and well-manicured lawns at Reptile Gardens. You'll encounter a rare Komodo dragon and notorious saltwater crocodiles, and see a legendary collection of venomous snakes. You can even pet the Galapagos and Aldabra tortoises, and watch the alligators and crocodiles show.

45-MINUTE DRIVE

Take the leisurely three-mile drive through 200 acres of towering pines and rolling meadows. The several enclosures are home to black bear, elk, reindeer, deer, cougars, bobcats, rocky mountain goats, bighorn sheep, dall sheep, pronghorn, and buffalo. Bear Country U.S.A. is only 8 miles south of Rapid City.

55-MINUTE DRIVE

Witness an amazing view at Crazy Horse Memorial. Your admission includes several museums, historic video, model and carving in progress, the Native American Education and Cultural Center, Korczak's studio-home and workshop, artwork, antiques, American Indian dance performances, and a nightly laser light show at 9:00 p.m.

55-MINUTE DRIVE

Marvel at the majestic beauty of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Black Hills while learning about the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the country. From the history of the first inhabitants to the diversity of America today, Mount Rushmore brings visitors face-to-face with the rich heritage we all share.