2019-12-20 05:03:23
Endless adventures are as close as your cabin’s back door in Hill City. Surrounded by lakes, campgrounds, woodsy resorts, marinas, hiking, biking and ATV trails, Hill City is your hub for it all. This picturesque town in the Hills is only minutes away from the George S. Mickelson Trail and nearby iconic attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial® and Custer State Park. Founded in 1877, the early years of the gold rush brought miners to the Hill City area. Today, this central location in the Hills, picturesque Main Street and charm-filled town make Hill City a favorite destination. BLACK ELK PEAK For spectacular views, head for Black Elk Peak, south of Hill City. This hiking destination is nestled in a designated wilderness area surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest. One of the most popular and Black Hills must-do hikes, the summit reaches 7,242 feet, the highest point in South Dakota. At the top, check out the historic stone fire tower and the magnificent sights of the surrounding landscape. The summit is only accessible by hiking or on horseback, and the moderately difficult trail is around 7 miles round trip. Getting to the top doesn’t require any technical climbing skills, so hikers of all skill levels find it approachable. Several trails will lead you to the historic fire lookout tower perched atop the peak, providing a five-state panoramic view. The hike takes about four hours round-trip and is well worth the time and effort. The most popular route to the top begins at Sylvan Lake, follows Trail #9 along a leisurely stroll through the pine forest and becomes more strenuous closer to the summit. SHOPS AND GALLERIES Downtown Hill City is dotted with galleries and shops, including The Handbag Store, which is aptly named for its enormous selection of handbags, wallets and coin purses. From name brands to new brands, you’ll find classic, upscale and down-to-earth styles. You’ll also find unique vendors like the Beef Jerky Outlet, where you can discover the highest quality USDA approved jerky. You’ll be amazed at all the varieties and flavors of jerky and snacks this store holds. Things to Do This little town of fewer than 1,000 residents is home to one of the world’s most renowned facilities for fossil excavations and preparation. The Museum at Black Hills Institute invites you to travel back in time and discover earth’s past as they work to decode the ancient language of the Earth through geology, mineralogy and fossils. Housing an extensive research collection of T. rex skeleton fossils, the museum is recognized as one of the world’s finest in its field. If you hear the whistle of a steam locomotive, the 1880 Train is getting ready to pull out of the station at Black Hills Central Railroad. Since 1957, visitors and locals alike have enjoyed the scenic two-and-a-half-hour round trip to the nearby town of Keystone. Check their website for specialty train-trips that run during the holidays. Next-door, the South Dakota State Railroad Museum entices railroad enthusiasts of all ages. With its history and collections from South Dakota railroads, it is as educational as it is entertaining. Visitors can also take a tour of the city with the new Hill City Trolley. This fantastic tour takes you throughout the town to the area’s best attractions. Visitors are encouraged to check the Trolley Facebook page for special events and run times. Just outside of Hill City on the road to Deerfield Lake, you’ll discover even more adventure. High Country Guest Ranch offers ATV and UTV rentals as well as horseback rides. Closer to Deerfield Lake, Mt. Meadow Resort has ATVs, UTVs and snowmobiles to explore endless trails in the Black Hills. Along Hwy 385 between Hill City and Rapid City, Black Hills Outdoor Fun offers guided rides of the Edelweiss Mountain area on ATVs. 2020 HILL CITY SPECIAL EVENTS TOUR DE CHOCOLATE Feb. 8, 2020 BLACK HILLS FILM FESTIVAL Feb. 20-25, 2020 ANTIQUES RAILROAD SHOW & SALE Mar. 21-22, 2020 BEST OF HILL CITY May 9-10, 2020 SCULPTURE IN THE HILLS June 20-21, 2020 TROLLEY ON THE TRAIL July 8 and Sept. 9, 2020 WINE, BREW AND BBQ Aug. 21-22, 2020 HILL CITY QUILT SHOW Sept. 12-13, 2020 PLEIN AIR PAINT OUT Sept. 23-26, 2020 MAIN STREET TRICK OR TREAT Oct. 30, 2020 GIRLFRIENDS’ WEEKEND Nov. 6-8, 2020 OLDE TYME CHRISTMAS Nov. 27-Dec. 23 WINE & DINE If the thrill of adventuring has left you parched, visit Prairie Berry Winery for handcrafted wines made from wild and domestic fruits native to South Dakota. They also provide a tasty menu to choose from as you relax on the vine-covered patio. Located next door is their craft brewery, Miner Brewing Company, where you can enjoy a pint, flight or growler to go. Spark your passion at Naked Winery, featuring wines from Washington and Oregon. In the same location, Sick-N-Twisted microbrewery offers handcrafted Black Hills beers on tap at all times, from hoppy and bitter to light and sweet. If you are searching for wine or beer, you are sure to find it in Hill City. Grab a bite to eat at one of the dining options that offer something for everyone. The Alpine Inn, on the corner of Main and Elm streets, is famous for its German lunch menu, signature filet mignon dinners and homemade desserts. If you’re looking for dinner and a show, the Circle B Chuckwagon at High County Guest Ranch will treat you to some good old-fashioned fun with gem panning, a reenacted gun shoot-out and, of course, cowboy music and delicious food. The Hill City Visitor Center, located on Hwy 385, is your source for it all. Open year-round, their friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you make the most of your Black Hills getaway with road and hiking trail maps, guides and suggestions for lodging, dining, sightseeing and activities. Learn about what to see and do, when events are happening and how to get where you want to go. In “The Heart of the Black Hills,” Hill City locals look forward to sharing their hearts with yours.
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