The Black Hills of South Dakota Information

The Black Hills area of western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming encompasses over 10,000 square miles of prairies, badlands formations, mountains, and grasslands. Excellent educational and outdoor recreation opportunities are abundant year round. The Black Hills include seven National Parks, Monuments, Forests, Grasslands, and State Parks which are sure to provide your family with a myriad of adventures.

Weather

The coldest months of the year are January and February with average daytime temperatures in the 30s and 40s. Occasionally, warm chinook winds will raise the daytime temperatures into the 50s and 60s. Lows average in the 10s and 20s at night. Snowfall averages are about 5-15 inches each month in the winter, with more snow falling in the mountains. The snow is light and powdery with little moisture. The heaviest snowfalls occur in the spring from March through April. It is not uncommon for several feet to fall in one day. Late spring and early summer is the rainy season when the Black Hills receive a third of their annual moisture. Thunderstorms and rain showers are common. The summers are dry and sunny with average daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s.

Parks and Monuments

• Badlands National Park
• Wind Cave National Park
• Custer State Park
• Bear Butte State Park
• Crazy Horse Memorial
• Devils Tower National Monument
• Jewel Cave National Monument
• Mount Rushmore
• National Forests: Black Hills and Custer
• Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
• National Grasslands: Buffalo Gap and Grand River

Outdoor Recreation

The Black Hills provide excellent outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year. Summers yield spectacular rock climbing, hiking, biking, camping, golf, caving, fishing, and gold panning. During the fall you can hunt for local game. Winters and early springs provide deep snow for fantastic skiing and snowshoeing. You can participate in these activities on your own, or hire guides and outfitters to show you the ropes.

Cities and Towns

The Black Hills area is home to exciting and historic cities and towns that provide lodging, restaurants, art, history, museums, and information about the area. Sturgis, Custer, Deadwood, Rapid City, and Sundance are popular destinations.

Great Sioux Nation

The Lakota Sioux make up about 11% of South Dakota's population. Their cultural influences are evident in local art, fashion, jewelry, media, architecture, religion, and politics. The Black Hills offer numerous opportunities to learn about the rich Sioux culture that once dominated the region.