If you’re thinking about traveling to the Black Hills in South Dakota, I’m going to give you 21 more reasons why you should. And when you experience it for yourself, you’ll understand the love.
Unfortunately, I didn’t always enjoy the Mount Rushmore State. In fact, before I moved to South Dakota, I forgot it even existed 
There aren’t any huge cities. And the most recently popular TV show about South Dakota, “Deadwood,” is set in the late 1800s. So what is South Dakota even like?
Well, the outdoor experience is amazing! The vibes are incredibly chill. Also, there are some things you can only find in South Dakota.
Honestly, there are just so many reasons to get excited. Here are the top 21 things I love the most about the Black Hills in South Dakota.
1. National Collection
The Black Hills have its own little collection of national preservations. There are the obvious Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Black Hills National Forest, but there are also the Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, and Jewel Cave National Monument. Each one has its own unique features that are worth experiencing for yourself.
Click here for my South Dakota Travel Guide for full details on these spots.
2. Small Town Vibes
In 2019, there were approximately 884,659 people residing in South Dakota according to the US Census Bureau. To put that into perspective, there were nearly the same amount of people living in just the city of San Francisco at that time.
So yes, you will definitely feel a lot less claustrophobic in South Dakota. Everyone knows everyone! You’ll also sense a slower pace of living without the influence of crowds and cities nearby.
3. Breathtaking Views
With vast expanses of unsettled land, it’s no wonder South Dakota has some of the most breathtaking views. For example, the colorful vegetation of Spearfish Canyon in the fall, the Cathedral Spires in Custer State Park, and watching buffalo roam the prairies of Badlands National Park. There’s no place else you can experience natural views like these ones in South Dakota.
4. Unbelievably Bright Stars
Another reason I love South Dakota so much is for the stars that shine so brightly 
You don’t even have to try to find them. Just step out onto the porch at night, and there you’ll find all 250 billion of them, glowing in all their beauty.
You’ll be shocked by how much more visible they are with the reduced light pollution of the Midwest. It really makes you realize how big the universe is.
5. SO Many Sunflowers
Did you know that South Dakota is the largest producer of sunflowers in the US? It’s true!
You can see them growing everywhere in the wild, or if you’re lucky, you’ll stumble upon fields abounding with sunflowers on the freeways.
Keep an eye out, as it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The instant joy of gazing into a field of yellow is something you won’t want to miss.
6. Hiking Trails Galore
They’ve got hiking trails in the city. They’ve got hiking trails in the parks. Hell, there are hiking trails everywhere you look in the Black Hills.
And when you think you’ve hiked them all, ask a local and they’ll give you a list of the secret trails with unmarked trailheads. It is truly impossible to run out of trails to hike in the Black Hills. Even after moving away, I’m still learning about more trails that I want to go back and hike.
If you get the opportunity, I recommend hiking as many as you can. View these pages for specific trails that I recommend for each area:
7. What is Traffic?
Traffic in South Dakota occurs when everyone gets out from work, and there are five cars at the stop sign. You’ll be delayed by maybe a minute max.
However, you’ll also want to be prepared when everyone voluntarily merges to a single lane during road work. That’ll set you back about five minutes.
Okay, I might be exaggerating. There can be traffic buildups when there are accidents during the winter, but you really should avoid driving on icy roads anyways.
Otherwise, West River South Dakotans have pretty much no concept of what real traffic is.
8. Rock Climbing All Summer
With a variety of granite and limestone formations in the Black Hills there are so many options for climbing. Climbing routes can be found all over the Mount Rushmore area, and in Spearfish Canyon as well.
For more details on climbing routes and locations, I recommend buying either one of these books:
- Needles of Rushmore Climbing in South Dakota’s Mt. Rushmore National Memorial by Andrew Busse and Andrew Burr (2012)
- South Dakota’s Spearfish Canyon, The VC and other South Dakota Limestone by Mikel Cronin (2011)
If you’d prefer to stay closer to Rapid City, you can also rappel into the canyon at Falling Rock. Otherwise, I recommend checking out the small bouldering gym, Black Hills Basecamp.
9. Mountain Biking Everywhere
The Hills are also filled with mountain biking trails around every corner. There is the Centennial Trail, Storm Mountain Trails, the Mickelson Trail, and more. I could really be here all day if I tried to list them all.
If you’re a mountain biker, you’ll love the Black Hills, SD for the innumerable opportunities for an adrenaline rush while speeding through a variety of terrains and elevations.
10. Historic Downtown Rapid City
Yet another reason to love South Dakota is for the fascinatingly quaint downtown area of Rapid City, where there is always something new to experience.
In Main Street Square, you might find a beer festival, live music, or maybe a mini market. Head to the Dahl Arts Center to discover fine arts created by local artists. If you prefer shopping instead, there are a ton of local boutiques and specialty stores in a walkable distance.
11. Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping is allowed in nearly all of the Black Hills for a max of 14 days in any 60-day period (source). That means if you have a long weekend coming up, or just want to spend the night outdoors, you can!
In fact, you could spend almost every weekend in the span of two months just camping if you wanted to. The close proximity to the Black Hills and all its goodies makes connecting with nature extremely accessible for anyone willing to tough it out. (And why wouldn’t you, with such immaculate views?)
12, Lobster Mushrooms
Okay, I’m probably the only person who views this as a reason to love the Black Hills, South Dakota. But have you ever tried lobster mushroom before?! It really tastes JUST like lobster 
However, you can forage it yourself if you know where to find it in the Hills.
I didn’t get the chance to learn the ways of foraging while I lived in South Dakota, but I made a “Surf” and Turf with lobster mushrooms I bought from Alan at Black Hills Mushrooms.. Perfection.
Try them out if you get the chance! They’re only around for a few weeks during the summer. Otherwise, Alan has Oyster mushrooms, Lions Mane mushrooms, and Chestnut mushrooms that you can find at the farmers market or have delivered by contacting him directly.
13. Home of the Best Burgers in the Nation
Foodies beware. Once you’ve tried the burgers at Black Hills Burger & Bun Co., you’ll never find a burger as good as their’s ever again. You’ll dream about it in your sleep, your mouth will water from just thinking about it, and you’ll have no choice but to tell everyone you know about the experience.
If you’re willing to accept that, then I highly recommend trying a burger or two.. Or three. Black Hills Burger & Bun Co. won best burger in the USA in 2014 (source), and they’ve held up to that title ever since. The high-quality South Dakotan beef makes for an incredible burger dining experience you won’t want to miss.
14. Lakes Everywhere
South Dakota may be landlocked, but you can find gorgeous pine-lined lakes with sandy beaches in every corner of the Hills. There is the Angostura Reservoir, Sheridan Lake, and Pactola Lake just to name a few.
Spend your summer days exploring the sparkling waters by paddle board, kayak, or boat; or if you’re more of an adrenaline junkie, you’ll love tubing. For the avid fisherman, definitely check out Horsethief Lake for a variety of trout. The lakes are another big reason for endless opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Black Hills.
15. Snow Heaven
Even in the winter, there are so many reasons to get out of the house. Whether it be for skiing or snowboarding at the local favorite, Terry Peak Ski Area, or for snowmobiling on some of the best trails in the nation. Snow may be a reason for some people to stay inside, but not for a true South Dakotan.
Read this article if you need more reasons to love the winter weather of South Dakota.
16. Friendly Residents
The slower pace of living of the Midwestern US allows the people of South Dakota the opportunity to truly appreciate their place in the world, and in life. Friendly conversations, and the phrase “Ope, sorry” are common to the area. You might find it easy to relax in such a homey atmosphere where everyone is genuinely happy to be alive.
17. Rich History
The history of South Dakota reflects development of the area by Native Americans, ranchers, and miners. Their rich cultural presence is still visible in a variety of aspects of South Dakotan life, such as in art, festivals, and old mining structures. It is what makes the Midwestern state especially unique and stimulating place to experience.
18. Abundance of Wildlife
In a single day, it is possible to encounter bison, pronghorns, prairie dogs, turkeys, and pheasants in the Black Hills of South Dakota. (Wild bison in the road is known as a “South Dakota traffic jam.” 
) Head to Badlands National Park in the morning, and you may run into a herd of bighorn sheep. Search carefully in Spearfish Canyon, and you could come across woolly mountain goats. These are just some of the vibrant wildlife you might see in the Black Hills.
19. Low Humidity
Have you ever found yourself sweating like crazy from just walking through the parking lot in Southern states? Well, I have good news for you: You don’t have to worry about that in South Dakota.
I can’t promise that you won’t break a sweat in the summer heat, but the low humidity will undoubtedly reduce that amount. In other words, you’ll experience less pit stains and boob sweat, and I’m all for that!
20. Seasons Are Real
If you’re a lover of seasons, I’ve got another reason for you to love the Black Hills of South Dakota. They have four of them! (Again, unlike some Southern states.) There is a clear distinction from the blue skies of summer, the colorful foliage of fall, and the snowy days of winter. In the Hills, you can experience them all, making the beautiful scenery a new experience at all times of the year.
21. Sunsets Are Unreal
Out of all the places I’ve traveled to in the United States, I have never seen sunsets and sunrises as beautiful as the ones in South Dakota. Many will claim to have the better, but I can 100% promise you South Dakota’s are the best.
The sometimes extreme changes in climate results in intense colors of magenta, orange, and indigo. It is so incredibly beautiful, you won’t believe your eyes. Opt for a home or hotel with a view of the skyline, as it is a sight you’ll never forget.
That wraps up all the things I love about the Black Hills in South Dakota. How’d I do? Did I touch on all your favorite things? Let me know in the comments 😊
If you’re interested in learning more about all there is to do and see in South Dakota, be sure to check out my Complete Travel Guide of South Dakota, as well.
Until next time, happy adventuring!
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