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Find scenic beauty, culture and fascinating history dating back to the prehistoric era as you stroll the streets of Hill City. Founded in 1877, Hill City was on the sidelines in the early years of the gold rush as miners sought richer gold strikes in the Northern Hills. Yet its ideal location has allowed the vibrant community to flourish ver the years, dubbing it the “Heart of the Black Hills.” Adventures are easy to find in this town surrounded by lakes, plenty of campgrounds, woodsy resorts, marinas, hiking, biking and ATV trails. Many visitors make this their base as they explore the George S. Mickelson Trail and nearby attractions. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial®, and Custer State Park are just minutes away. BLACK ELK PEAK South of Hill City, Black Elk Peak (formerly known as Harney Peak) proudly protrudes from the Black Hills skyline. The summit reaches 7,242 feet, standing prominently as the highest point in South Dakota. Raised sentinel over the Black Hills, Black Elk Peak is topped by a stone fie tower that provides a magnifient view of the surrounding landscape. It’s nestled in a designated wilderness area surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest. The summit is only accessible on horseback or by hiking, and the moderately difficult trail is just under 4 miles. Getting to the top doesn’t require any technical climbing ability, so hikers of all skill levels find it approachable. Several trails will lead you to the historic fi e 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. GALLERIES & SHOPS 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 cla sic, upscale and down-to-earth styles. THINGS TO DO This 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 fin st in its field After viewing the ferocious T. rex display, you might want to cuddle up to one of the 11,000-plus teddy bears at nearby Teddy Bear Town. This teddy bear museum is home to the Guinness World Records largest collection of teddies on display. Next door, it’s impossible to miss the colossal chair and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cleverly carved out of wood at Jordon Dahl’s Chainsaw Art outdoor gallery. Often in the summer, Jordan will have his chainsaw fi ed up and wood chips flying as he creates another unique carving. Also in downtown Hill City, the South Dakota State Railroad Museum entices railroad enthusiasts of all ages. The history and collections it contains from South Dakota railroads make it is as educational as it is entertaining. 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 twoand- a-half-hour round trip to the nearby town of Keystone. Check their website for specialty trips that run in the holidays. On the road to Deerfield Lake, just outside of Hill City, you’ll discover even more adventure. Rent a UTV from High Country Guest Ranch or Mt. Meadow Rentals and explore endless trails in the Black Hills. FOOD & DRINK 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 in 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 22 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 he e. Grab a bite to eat at one of the dining options that are sure to have something for everyone in your group. The Alpine Inn, prominently positioned on the corner of Main and Elm streets, is famous for its German lunch menu, signature fil t mignon suppers and homemade desserts. Other establishments include the family-owned-andoperated Hill City Café, Desperados, Bumpin’ Buffalo, Slate Creek Grille, and the Dairy Twist at Creekside Country Resort. If you’re looking for dinner and a show, the Circle B Chuckwagon will treat you to some good old-fashioned fun with gem panning, a gun shootout and of course, cowboy music and delicious food. Regardless of what you want to see or do in and around the “Heart of the Black Hills,” a stop at the Hill City Visitor Center, located on Hwy 385, will get you pointed in the right direction. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff happily offer suggestions for lodging, dining, sightseeing and activities. You’ll find an abundance of information on what to see and do, when events are happening and how to get there. If you want to do some detailed planning before you arrive, make sure to visit their website or give them a call. There is always something going on in this pretty little town, and the locals are happy to have you be a part of it. For Hill City business listings, turn to page 146.
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