You can see hundreds of bison up close at Custer State Park. But don’t approach too close. These creatures may seem tame but they are still unpredictable and can cover great distances in mere seconds. The Beautiful Black Hills

Story by Maureen Hammerquist

Millions of visitors explore the Black Hills each year.

If you don't know much about South Dakota then you've been missing out on some great outdoors experiences. Whether you're looking to hike through deep forests, witness history or simply camp near a mountain lake, you can do this and so much more in the Black Hills.

The Black Hills, translated from the Lakota term Paha Sapa, meaning ‘hills that are black', are located in western South Dakota extending into Wyoming. They are the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains, offering year-round adventure from caving to snow skiing, and excellent opportunities to test out that new sleeping bag and hiking boots. The region is home to state and national parks, forests grasslands, scenic byways, wildlife refuges and monuments. See how much of the Hills you can discover!

The Black Hills National Forest has more than 350 miles of trials, 30 campgrounds and miles of little-explored wilderness. The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, which winds through the forest, is considered one America's 10 most outstanding byways. Specially engineered to work with the terrain, the road features spiraling "pig-tail" shaped bridges, six rock tunnels, towering granite pinnacles, views of Mt. Rushmore and other awe-inspiring scenic vistas.

A scaled model of Crazy Horse monument with the actual sculpture in the distance.

At Custer State Park you can set up camp streamside or near one of four mountain lakes. Wildlife such as pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep regularly wander through the park's 71,000 acres and more than 1,000 bison roam freely, so don't be surprised if you find yourself sharing the road with some of these beautiful creatures. The park also offers many educational programs, such as gold panning and outdoor-cooking demonstrations.

Don't overlook Lake Pactola and Sheridan Lake, both popular fishing and camping destinations, or one of my favorite things to do in the Hills: driving through Spearfish Canyon with its thousand-foot-high limestone walls twisting through a 10-mile gorge. See if you can find where several scenes from the movie Dances with Wolves were filmed in the area.

The Old West
Western traditions and lifestyle remain strong in the small towns throughout the Hills, where legends such as Calamity Jane and Jedediah Smith once came to stay…or play. Hop aboard the 1880 Train in Keystone, for an hour-long ride to Hill City, where during the summertime, Wild West shootouts are staged in the streets.

The Black Hills are home to many mountain lakes. Lake Pactola is the area’s largest reservoir; at the bottom is the submerged 19th-century mining town of Pactola.

Deadwood is a must-see—the town born from the gold rush in 1876 and where Wild Bill Hickok played his final hand—and neighboring Lead, home of the Homestake Gold Mine, the largest and most productive gold mine in the Western Hemisphere before closing in 2002. In Rapid City, take advantage of modern conveniences and special events like the Central States Fair. Or go way back in time and see prehistoric mammoths being unearthed at The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs.

Monuments and More
One of the biggest draws to the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore remains an inspiring symbol of American democracy. Seeing Gutzon Borglum's interpretation of our country's early presidents up close is a lot better than reading about it in a textbook. If you happen to visit over Independence Day, stay for one of the highest-rated fireworks displays in America, held July 3rd.  

In the southern Hills, Crazy Horse Monument has been a remarkable work in progress for more than a half-century. Carved by the use of precision explosives, it is the world's largest sculpture, taller than a 60-story skyscraper. It is also home to the Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Culture Center, with much on the life of this famous Oglala war chief.

The Needles, in Custer State Park, are beautiful pillars, towers and spires popular with rock climbers and tourists alike.

There are more than 200 caves in the region including Jewel Cave, the second-longest cave in the world with more than 140 miles of passageways. Each year roughly three additional miles are discovered and mapped and studies indicate that most of the cave has yet to be found! Wind Cave is one of the world's oldest caves and is considered sacred by American Indians. Other underground destinations to explore include Black Hills Caverns and Thunderhead Falls, where the sound of an underground waterfall is, well, thundering.

You might consider a day trip to either Devil's Tower National Monument, just across the state line in Wyoming. Better yet, head east and explore Badlands National Park, one of the world's richest mammal fossil beds. The Black Hills offer something for everyone. It's guaranteed you won't be spending much time indoors during this getaway!

• Be prepared for thunderstorms, especially in the summer months. Check weather forecasts and pack your gear accordingly.
• In August, thousands of motorcycles can be heard throughout the Hills during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Don't let this dissuade you from visiting during this time, just keep in mind that reservations at certain places might book up quickly and you'll be sharing the road with lots of two-wheel enthusiasts who come each year to enjoy the region's natural splendor.
• South Dakota has a strong hunting heritage with plenty of small and big game from pheasant and prairie dog to turkey and elk. To learn more about hunting in South Dakota visit www.gfp.sd.gov.

Are you curious?
These websites will provide you with additional information to help you plan your Black Hills vacation:
www.blackhillsbadlands.com
www.nps.gov/southdakota           
www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills/
www.visitrapidcity.com
www.custerstatepark.info