Near the end of the historic district is the Black Hills Institute, famous for finding the largest intact T-Rex skeleton in the world only to have it taken by the FBI late one night. One of the best-kept secrets in South Dakota is Hill City, known for classy art galleries of area artists centered in a quaint square block off the main drag. Pro Tip: There are four different guided tours available that are tailored from easy to strenuous and a short path for wheelchair users. Considered the third longest cave in the world, over 210 miles of passages have been mapped and surveyed. Save the cave tour until you reach Jewel Cave National Monument, a true “gem” of fragile brilliantly colored formations that sparkle when touched with light. Pro Tip: Take binoculars and quietly stand very still for at least ten minutes as they are shy animals. If you are lucky, a black-footed ferret might slip by. It seems like hundreds of little furry heads pop up from the ground, some just a few feet from you. Wind Cave National Park is one of them, however, my favorite place at this park is above the cave where prairie dogs rule. Most tourists never realize there are two beautiful caves underneath their feet. Prairie Dog Townīetween the pine forests and amazing rock formations in the Black Hills are many miles of prairie and rolling grasslands that provide food for bison, elk, and other wildlife. More of these tunnels are in the nearby Custer State Park.Ī curious prairie dog at the Wind Cave National ParkPhoto credit: Ann Bush 7. Take your time and watch for distant views of Mount Rushmore as you leave a few of the tunnels.
On Highway 16A just south of Mount Rushmore is a hair-raising serpentine road named Iron Mountain Road with three mountain tunnels. Do not feed or get out of your vehicle - they are very protective of their young. Pro Tip: Many bison roam freely near the corrals until they are all released. The corrals are located on Wildlife Loop drive. While corralled for a few weeks, the bison are checked for illnesses and new calves tagged before being released to freely roam their 71,000-acre home. The annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival takes place every October when thousands of bison are rounded up the old fashion way, with cowboys on horses.
Ok, maybe I will list my very favorite spot first since the place and event occur only once a year with a short window to see young bison calves frolicking with their mothers up close. The bison corrals at Custer State ParkPhoto credit: Ann Bush 1.
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