Top Black Hills Attractions

Aside from Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and the Badlands there are lots of places to enjoy and fit into your itinerary. Here are our top 10 recommendations!

Reptile Gardens

While most of the reptiles in South Dakota are found underground in fossil form, Reptile Gardens set a guinness world record as the largest reptile zoo in the world!  The stunning array of botanicals that make up this biosphere are outstanding.

Reptile Gardens opened its doors on June 3rd 1937 and is a must do for any family. Located between Rapid City and Mount Rushmore, Reptile Gardens is positioned perfectly as a great destination for Black Hills Visitors. 

This one of the best and most visited attractions in the area so we recommend booking online well in advance. 

Dinosaur Park and Skyline Drive

​If you're near downtown Rapid City, all you have to do is look up to see Olive, the giant dino looking back down at you. Dinosaur Park was created in the 1930's and has all kinds of reptile replicas according to the visionaries at the time. 

The park Is a great place to visit with sweeping views of Rapid City. It's also known as a place that lover birds would go for their first kiss. The best time spent up on Dinosaur Hill is during sunset. In fact, it's the best place for viewing sunsets next to Pinnacles  Overlook at Badlands National Park. 

Climbing the Hill you'll drive by a dead tree that is rumored to have been used in the hanging of horse thieves that were actually innocent of the accusations. Legend says that you can hear ghostly noises of cowboys and the galloping of horse hooves. Formlerly known for its "necktie parties" for all of downtown Rapid City to see, its now a fun little playground with dinosaurs. 

Beyond that you can take the car on Skyline Drive. It winds its way over the top of the hill and past some great trailheads like Stonewall Overlook Trailhead and Skyline Wilderness Park with its many trails. Happy Hunting!  

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Chapel in the Hills

This place is a hidden gem in the foothills. Nestled back from the road, you must drive through a community in order to reach its steps. Much like Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary, this place and setting is perfect for finding peace in a busy world. 

The Chapel is of Nordic Design, and an actual replica of the Borgund Stave Church in Norway. The Church was constructed by a Norwegian Prospector who came in the gold rush of 1876, the chapel stands tall in the Black Hills Forest today. Artifacts inside the buildings surrounding the chapel are authentic and brought directly from Norway. 

All are welcome at the Chapel in the Hills to worship, roam the grounds and just enjoy the peace you encounter during your visit here. 

1880 Train

A personal favorite of My XO Adventures, the 1880 Train is a stop you cannot miss. Operated by the Black Hills Railroad, the train runs from Keystone to Hill City round trip.

Riding the train takes you back in time to the old Wild West. The line originally served to carry supplies and cargo between the two towns during the Black Hills Gold Rush of the late 1800's

The 1880 train whistle can be heard throughout the hills, along with the chug of the steam engine that's been restored to prime condition. This is a perfect attraction for adults as well as kids. 

If you'd like to take a ride on the 1880 Train, book your tickets in advance. You can start in Keystone or Hill City, making it not only fun, but very convenient for those who like to ride. 

Image provided by the 1880 Train/Black Hills Railroad