Being from a city, I was doubtful I’d see much wildlife — thinking it must be too cold for them to be roaming or maybe it’s an only-if-you-get-lucky thing. Travel the oval-shaped Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway for a trip through some of South Dakota's most scenic country. Location: The Black Hills, South Dakota. This has become a midwest tourism mecca since it is near Mount Rushmore. Around the 15th of June, the weather usually warms up and the end of June can even get hot. We stopped off at the trailhead for Rankin Ridge Trail, which leads to a fire lookout tower. Why Springtime is the Best Time to Visit the Black Hills of South Dakota. if (document.mmm_fo) document.write ("&mmm_fo=1"); If you choose one town in the Black Hills that comes alive during the summer, it's definitely Sturgis. The first significant snowfall of the season is usually in October, although higher elevations sometimes receive snow as early as September. There are so many things that make fall an amazing time to visit—the cool, crisp autumn air, fewer crowds, and undeniably picturesque views of the fall foilage—it's easy to see why autumn is the ideal time to tour the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota. document.write (document.charset ? From downtown Rapid City, it’s about an hour drive, but the wide open, bright blue skies make it seem like a quicker trip. There are so many things that make fall an amazing time to visit—the cool, crisp autumn air, fewer crowds, and undeniably picturesque views of the fall foilage—it's easy to see why autumn is the ideal time to tour the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota. var m3_u = (location.protocol=='https:'? Rapid City. If it weren’t for the “wiwila kata,” this valley tucked in the southwestern corner of South … Another must-do when visiting the Black Hills with kids is to spend time enjoying … Arrive in South Dakota. If you don't have an account yet, make one here. var m3_r = Math.floor(Math.random()*99999999999); The Black Hills National Forest covers more than 1.2 million acres in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, with activities for just about anyone who likes to spend time outdoors. Year round opportunities abound, and beg to be explored and experienced. https://www.bearcountryusa.com/Mount Rushmore National Memorial – This is THE m… document.write ("'><\/scr"+"ipt>"); © Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association. I'll pack five pairs of shoes for a two-day trip. Visit Hill City, SD – Black Hills Vacation Destination 605-574-2368 This normally sleepy little town is home to fewer than 7,000 people, but during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, it's packed with as many as 700,000. You'll find quaint specialty shops -- including South Dakota Fudge and Black Hills Gold Jewelry -- restaurants and lodging (the Econo Express, the President's View Lodge) on their 1880's Boardwalk. 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