The Black Hillls of South Dakota
The Black Hills of South Dakota are something to see. In fact, the word "wow" comes to mind when describing them. Known as Paha Sapa to the Indians, the Black Hills are more than just a tourist destination; they are a sacred place. They are a must-visit when in South Dakota. Here a few of the more notable places to visit and things to do.
1. Pactola Lake
Also known as the Pactola Reservoir, this artificial lake was created by the Pactola Dam. Underneath its waters is the site of an old mining settlement. The lake is fed by the waters of Rapid Creek. It is a popular place for boating, water skiing and other water sports and activities.
2. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
The most famous of all attractions in the Black Hills, this place is by now an American icon thanks to Gutzon Borglum's larger than life sculptures of the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. This destination is popular practically year round; even a few weeks after Labor Day crowds swarm the place on the weekends. There is a gift shop and eatery on-site, plus plenty of parking, but be warned: Except for buses, you can no longer drive right up to the entrance to "the faces." All auto traffic now has to descend into parking garages worthy of an airport, complete with the requisite parking fee. Borglum's masterpiece still remains as grand as ever, though.
3. Keystone, SD
Keystone is located within sight of Mount Rushmore. It has perhaps the best of all Black Hill's hotels: The aptly-named President's View Resort. It is perhaps the place to stay in the Black Hills, especially since you can get a good view of Rushmore without the hassle of enduring fellow tourists. It has no on-site restaurant however, but plenty of dining options can be had in Keystone proper. Attractions in town include the Black Hills Central Railroad (Keystone is its eastern terminus; Hill City its western), a mini-golf course, the Borglum Historical Center and other attractions.
4. The Needles Highway and Custer State Park.
Custer Park was named after (you guessed it) George Armstrong Custer, who first visited the area while leading the 1874 Black Hills Expedition. Ironically, visiting this beautiful place would ultimately doom him and many who had followed him through the Black Hills to die two years later at the battle of Little Big Horn: Two civilian prospectors attached to the expedition discovered gold along a stream here now known as French Creek. When the Native Americans subsequently refused to give up the Black Hills, the war that saw Custer die was sparked. This gives the park a bonus if you are a history buff; it isn't hard to use "controlled imagination" to see G.A.C. and his troopers exploring the place.
The Needles Highway is so-named because of tall, thin rock spires that dominate the narrow, twisting road. Driving it is quite an experience because it is strictly one-lane at several spots! But boy is the view one that you will remember forever. The highway is located in the northern part of Custer Park; be ready to pay an entrance fee and get a sticker at the park's northern entrance as you roll on down the Needles.
On a lighter note, Custer Park is noted for donkeys that love to come up to cars to get treats (not permitted under park rules, but you can get away with it if you are quick); the park is also famous for its bison population. At the end of September, the herd is always rounded up in which the herd is culled so the available pastureland is not overtaxed. The spectacle brings people in from all over the country, which results in many booked hotels in nearby Custer and even as far as Hill City. If you are planning to be in the Black Hills in late September, keep this in mind while planning a visit to the southern half of the hills. If the bison roundup is your thing, be sure to get in your reservations!
There is another larger than life carving in the Black Hills, one that has yet to be finished. It is the Crazy Horse Memorial, featuring a sculpture of the legendary warrior Crazy Horse. He who helped lead the Indians to victory over Custer at the Little Big Horn. It is a poignant contrast to Mount Rushmore, given how special a place the Black Hills were to people such as Crazy Horse. Not visit to the hills is complete without a stop here. Sadly, some Indians disagree with the carving, feeling it desecrates the Black Hills further. But it does provide a measure of "editorial and artistic balance" to Mount Rushmore, which is as it should be.
Of course, all of the above is just a sampling of the places to go and things to do in this magnificent place. For more information, check out Black Hills Bad Lands.com. If you have already been there, what are some of the places you would recommend checking out in the Black Hills?
Photos of Pactola Lake, Mount Rushmore and Needles Highway by Richard H.
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