Wildlife

The mountainous terrain, rolling grasslands, and eroding buttes of Western South Dakota are surprising enough for visitors, but even more so is the abundance of wildlife that call it home. You can fill your whole vacation seeking out the critters of our area, and the best part is wildlife adventures can be found all year round. 

Here are six rules to follow to ensure you are being a responsible hiker while exploring Rapid City and the surrounding area.

Whether you’re planning a family vacation for multiple generations or it’s all about the kids, staying in Rapid City offers easy access to all the beloved Black Hills experiences. I encourage you to use these travel ideas to mix, match, and make your own plans for traveling with family.

One of the most iconic experiences in Custer State Park that you can participate in is the annual fall Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival at the end of September. Make the most of this experience with these pro tips.

We’ve scoped out the best trails, lookouts, and parks in the Black Hills area that are all accessible and easy to navigate, so you can explore some of the best parts of our area without worry.

The end of summer here means the start of one of the best seasons in our area - fall.

Located on Highway 16, on your way from Rapid City to Mount Rushmore, Reptile Gardens is an easy stop bursting with entertainment and education.

Rapid City is minutes away from the Black Hills and all the outdoor adventure that it holds for you and your family. You don’t even have to leave city limits to climb or ride your way to an extraordinary view!

Springtime has us thinking about warmer temperatures, budding flowers, and the fresh scent of rain. But one of the most exciting things that takes place in our area each spring is actually the presence of some new, sometimes wobbly, wildlife.

There’s a story behind every attraction in our area. Some are well known, such as Mount Rushmore, others need a little more research to uncover. One of my personal favorites is the story of Reptile Gardens.