Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answer to your question in our list of frequently asked questions below. If we have left something out, please contact us.

Using this Website:

How do I use this website?
Trying to plan your next vacation and you can’t find a pencil or pen and you just used your last scrap of paper for your grocery list? No problem. Our sites are designed as virtual vacation-planning guides. No need for paper and pen when all the information you want is just a click away! Here are some tips on how to navigate our sites to get started. Once you’re started, you’ll want to explore further.

  1. The first question to ask yourself is how much time you will have and what you absolutely must see. Then determine in what order it makes the best sense to get it all in.
  2. What time of year will you be traveling? That should be the basis for your planning. Summer – you will want to investigate summer activities and events. And of course, winter will have different things to do and to see. Just click on the season.
  3. Now, just where will be the best place to stay and base your vacation. Explore the various lodging options by simply clicking on the name of a property. You will be directed to their website for a full and complete description of the accommodation.
  4. Are you having trouble making a decision? Then simply consult the Vacations Tab. Here you will find sample vacations and itineraries.

Take your time and have fun searching through our sites. You will find that they are excellent resources and provide direct connection – just a click away – to information on lodging, dining, activities and more. Feel free to click on the LIVE CHAT link to speak with a travel consultant at any time for live help and suggestions while planning your trip. If you still would like to browse through brochures and pamphlets I suggest contacting the local chambers (phone numbers below).


Contact Numbers:

Chamber of Commences
Keystone Chamber of Commerce (800) 456-3345 or (605) 666-4896
Hill City Chamber of Commerce (800) 888-1798 or (605) 574-2368
Custer Chamber of Commerce (800) 992-9818 or (605) 673-2244
Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce (800) 325-6991 or (605) 745-4140
Deadwood Chamber of Commerce (800) 999-1876
Lead Area Chamber of Commerce (877) 428-5590 or (605) 584-1100
Spearfish Chamber of Commerce (800) 626-8013 or (605) 642-2626
Sturgis Chamber of Commerce (605) 347-2556
Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce (605) 892-2494
Wall Chamber of Commerce (888) 852-9255 or (605) 279-2665
Rapid City Convention and Visitors Bureau (800) 487-3223 or (605) 718-8484

Other Important Contact Numbers:
Black Hills National Forest - (605) 673-9200
Mount Rushmore (605) 574-2523
South Dakota State Parks (605) 773-3391
Campground reservations (800) 710-CAMP (2267)
Badlands National Park (605) 433-5361
Jewel Cave National Monument (605) 673-2288
Wind Cave National Park (605) 745-4600
Crazy Horse (605) 673-4681
Custer State Park (605) 255-4464
Custer State Park Resorts (800) 658-3530 or (605) 255-4772
Corn Palace (800) 257-2676
Devil's Tower National Monument (800) 354-6316

Travel Tips:

Where are the Black Hills?
The Black Hills are a small, isolated mountain range set off from the main body of the Rocky Mountains, rising from the Great Plains of North American in western South Dakota with a small area extending into Wyoming.

What are the closest major cities?
A car is essential to get to all the area of the Black Hills, unless you are part of a tour group on a bus. I-90 cuts directly through South Dakota from west to east, connecting the northern towns of Spearfish, Sturgis, and Deadwood (which lies about 14 mi off the interstate) with Rapid City. From there the interstate turns straight east, passing Wall and Badlands National Park on its way to Sioux Falls.

Where are the closest airports ?
Delta Airlines provides a connection to the Black Hills from Salt Lake City, Northwest Airlines offers service from Minneapolis, United Airlines flies direct from Denver and Chicago, and Allegiant Air has weekly service from Las Vegas and Phoenix. Frontier Airline's new service from Denver connects Rapid City to the low-cost carrier's hub.

What is the average temperature?
For the most part, expect the thermometer to range between 80°F and 100°F in summer, and know that winter temperatures can plunge below 10°F.

Facts & Tidbits:

What is the population of the Black Hills?
The Black Hills is a region rather than one city or one population census area. However, the major city in the Black Hills is Rapid City, South Dakota with an incorporated population of over 70,000 and a metropolitan population of 125,000.

What is the elevation in the Black Hills?
The Black Hills are not high, when compared to other mountain ranges, but they have a majesty all their own. Harney Peak, their tallest summit, measures 7,242 feet—and they cover a territory only 50 miles wide and 120 miles long.

What makes the Black Hills so special?
The Black Hills of South Dakota are an area of pine-covered mountains – an apparent oasis of green, which appear to be black from a distance. These mountains include six national parks, over 100 miles of scenic byways, wildlife, and waterfalls-all steeped in western history. In addition, there are at least 70 fun-filled attractions for visitors of all ages.

Fun Facts:
Motion pictures that have been filmed in the Black Hills include   

  •  North by Northwest
  •  How the West Was Won
  •  A Man Called Horse
  •  Dances with Wolves
  •  Lakota Woman
  •  National Treasure: Book of Secrets

In addition, portions of Steve Spielberg’s movie, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, was filmed here.

The Black Hills are the setting for the HBO TV series Deadwood
Rocky Raccoon, a song by the Beatles, includes a reference to “the black mining hills of Dakota.

Activities & Attractions: 

What are the most popular summer activities? 

What are the most popular winter activities?

What are the some of the best events in the Black Hills? 

View the local providers:

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