BLACK HILLS & BADLANDS REGION Black Elk Peak 1880 Train DISCOVER THE HEART OF HILL CITY 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. The summit is only accessible on horseback or by hiking, and the moderately diffi ult 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 fi e-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. 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 fi e tower that provides a magnifi ent view of the surrounding landscape. It’s nestled in a designated wilderness area surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest . 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 Hill City Continued on page 58 56 // #DiscoverBlackHills
South Dakota Vacation Guide South Dakota Vacation Guide 2019: Page 56
