There are plenty of things to do, exciting places to visit, and several fun activities in Black Hills, South Dakota.
Its notable attractions include Mount Rushmore, Bear Country, and the Wildlife Loop Road.
It is also known for its national park, the Badlands. Various activities and events are going on in this area, and it has gorgeous scenery.
The article covers some exciting things you can do and the best time to visit Black Hills, South Dakota.
Where Is Black Hills, South Dakota?
Situated in western South Dakota, the Black Hills is bordered by Hot Springs to the south, Spearfish to the north, Rapid City to the east, and Wyoming to the west. Various other towns also border it.
One of the most prominent attractions in the Black Hills is the state park known as Custer State Park. If you plan on flying in, the nearest airport is Rapid City.
The Black Hills is located between the Belle Fourche and Cheyenne rivers. It also rises over 3,000 feet above the plains.
The Black Hills cover an area of more than 5,000 square miles.
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Best Time to Visit Black Hills, South Dakota
The best time to visit the Black Hills, South Dakota, depends on several factors. Most people who visit the Black Hills come during the summer season.
This is when the weather is warm and the park is open. In addition, the kids are out of school during this period, and everything is excellent.
Many seniors prefer to visit the Black Hills in the fall. The weather is still pleasant, and the parks are still open. There are also lower room prices during this period.
Unless they plan on participating in winter sports, fewer people visit the Black Hills in November, December, January, and February.
However, during the Northern Hills’ ski season, which runs from Thanksgiving to March, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are some of the most popular activities.
During the thick of winter, the Black Hills’ lakes freeze. This event marks the beginning of the ice fishing season.
The rapid flows of spring-fed streams during this period also make fly fishing incredibly popular.
Bicycle riders and hunters usually visit the Black Hills in the fall. South Dakota’s hunting seasons are generally in October, November, and December. The state’s Department of Game, Fish, and Wildlife sets deer, elk, and pheasant seasons.
If you are planning on taking wildlife photos, the best time to visit the Black Hills is during the spring. The warm weather and the appearance of spring-born buffalo calves make this period a great time to visit the area.
Most of the major attractions in the Black Hills are open year-round. Some of these include the Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore, and the various national parks in the area.
In winter, some of these parks may be closed. Popular attractions such as the Devil’s Tower and the Wind Cave National Monument are also open year-round.
The weather is the most significant factor affecting the travel plans of people visiting the Black Hills during the winter.
The interstates and other major roads in South Dakota can be temporarily closed due to winter storms.
Some major roads in the Black Hills, such as the Iron Mountain Road and the Needles Highway, are also temporarily closed during the winter season.
However, certain days in the area can be favorable as the temperature can reach 60 degrees. As we earlier opined, the best time to visit Black Hills, South Dakota, depends on several factors, such as your reasons for coming.
Are you coming for the wildlife? Are you visiting to partake in winter activities such as skiing? Are you coming for hunting? Therefore, the best time to visit the Black Hills, South Dakota, depends on your reasons.
These are the best times to visit Black Hills, South Dakota;
1. Spring
Animal lovers prefer the spring (April, May, and June). These are the best months to view and take wildlife photos in the Black Hills.
However, visitors might be less happy with the unpredictable weather in the area.
Most rainfall that comes through the Black Hills during April and May happens at higher elevations. As a result, temperatures in the area can range from the low to high 50s.
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2. Summer
Almost all tourists visiting the Black Hills come during June, July, and August. During this period, the temperatures in the area can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
In neighboring areas, such as Rapid City, the temperature can reach around 80 degrees.
The temperature in the room can also dip to approximately 60 degrees at night. This is the best time to visit the Black Hills, South Dakota, for most visitors.
3. Fall
Some visitors, however, believe that the best time to visit the area is in September or October. They noted that the best time to see the fall colors is.
People passionate about hiking and other outdoor activities also enjoy the autumn season when the daytime temperatures are bearable.
4. Winter
The beauty of winter is also apparent in various areas in the Black Hills. For instance, Keystone is not known for its abundance of snow.
However, a 10-mile drive away from this town is a wilderness ski area that can receive up to 2 feet of snow during a single storm.
The temperature in the area during winter ranges from the high 30s to the low 40s. In contrast, areas such as Rapid City and the Black Hills can get hit with freezing temperatures.
Also, due to the strong winds, specific locations in the region can get hit with low wind chills.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Black Hills, South Dakota?
It would cost around $1,200 for a solo traveler for one week, with transport and feeding responsible for most of the expenses.
It would cost approximately $2,200 for a couple and $4,000 for a family of four.