Hot Springs South Dakota
Hot Springs, South Dakota is known as the southern gateway to the Black Hills region of South Dakota.
- Hot Springs can be found approximately an hour south of Rapid City on Highway18/385.
- This town is home to natural hot springs, pleasant year round weather and scenic beauty.
- The activities and attractions are many and varied and include within an hour, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park.
Overview
Hot Springs has labeled itself for the past 100 years as the small town of family vacation fun. With a population of roughly 4,500, Hot Springs is one of the larger, small towns that lie close to the Black Hills. As the name implies, the town is home to natural hot springs combined with pleasant year round weather and surrounded by great scenic beauty.
Location
Hot Spring, SD is located near the southern edge of the Black Hills region in the southwest portion of the state. If you prefer Interstate travel, it is located approximately one hour south of Rapid City – which lies on the route of Interstate 90.
Services/Amenities
This small town offers a large number of choices for lodging, in addition to quaint shops, art galleries, coffee stops, book stores, restaurants and “watering holes.” Hot Springs also has five city parks that provide areas for picnicking, playing tennis, basketball, softball, soccer, or horseshoes. There are playgrounds for the young and the young at heart. Most of the city parks are located along natural springs and creeks.
Activities
Upon arriving in Hot Springs, begin to get to know the town by taking a walk along the Freedom Trail that winds its way along the banks of the Fall River. The 1890 Train Deport now serves as the local Visitor Center.
There are numerous area activities close to the city which include boating, camping, fishing, swimming and hunting. Trails are also available close by for hiking, mountain biking, motoring or simply taking that leisurely walk.
Attractions
The attractions are many and varied.
Mammoth Site
Here you can see history being uncovered right before your eyes as excavation continues on this prehistoric discovery.
Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary
You can see wild mustangs in their natural habitat with their heads held proudly high and hear their pounding hoof beats as they freely gallop over the open range.
Pioneer Museum
Historical Museum located in the Sandstone School on the Hill right in the middle of Hot Springs.
Other Attractions
Just a short one hour drive through part of the Black Hills National Forest and you will arrive at Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Jewel Cave and Wind Cave National Parks, and many other areas within the 73,000 acre Custer State Park.
Getting Here
A bit off the beaten path but well worth the trip, Hot Springs can be found approximately an hour south of Rapid City on Highway 18/385. Or you can take the longer route through the Black Hills and visit the towns of Keystone, Hill City, Custer and Pringle along the way.