Black Hills Summer Activities

A region brimming with exciting adventure opportunities in diverse landscapes, summertime Black Hills activities include climbing, boating, hiking, biking, hunting, off-roading, horseback riding, guided tours,  fun for kids and more.

Spend your Black Hills summer vacation enjoying some of the following activities:

Biking
Pedal through hundreds of miles of plains, valleys, forests and mountain ranges on two wheels, with bike rental and guided cycling tours on offer.

Boating
Between Black Hills National Forest and the surrounding National and State Parks, a mountain lake, reservoir or river is waiting for your self-propelled or motoring watercraft.

Guides and Tours
Gain unique insights into the various wildlife species, geological landforms and local history and culture on a guided tour of the Black Hills region.

Hiking/Backpacking
The Black Hills is home to the infamous Centennial and Mickelson Trails, as well as hundreds of miles of additional paths penetrating over one million acres of wilderness. 

ATV/Off-Road
Black Hills National Forest is an off-roaders paradise with over 5,000 miles of regional trails and roads open to ATVs and other motorized vehicles.

Horseback Riding
Take to the trails on your own horse, or saddle up at a local horseback riding outfitters and explore areas of the Black Hills untouched by hikers and motorized users.

Swimming
Notorious for its hot summers, pack your swim suit before visiting this area and slip into a cool, refreshing Black Hills’ reservoir, lake or pool.

Alpine Slide
Feel like a kid again and bring your family to the Alpine Slide for a scenic chairlift ride and then a thrilling descent down a winding slide, pausing for refreshments and views at the summit.

Climbing
Choose a rock face and test your cragging and mountain climbing abilities with several locations and routes to choose from, resting at the summits for incredible scenic views.

Motorcycle Tours
With Sturgis featured in the area, and a number of scenic highways, roll down the road with other motorcycle enthusiasts on an unforgettable tour.

Hunting
Bag a trophy big game species, waterfowl, pheasant or upland game bird on a hunting trip of a lifetime, with numerous guides and outfitters waiting to assist you.

Golf Courses
Choose from nearly 30 regional golf courses featuring manicured greens tucked in amongst gorgeous terrain and backdrops such as Mt. Rushmore and Devils Tower.

Tennis
Practice your backhand shot on one of numerous public tennis courts.

Scenic Flights
Get a bird’s eye view of the varying colors and landscapes of the Black Hills when you book a plane or helicopter tour, hot air balloon ride, or paragliding adventure.

Kids Summer Fun
Entertain your little ones on a short hike, a swim in a reservoir, a thrilling descent into and old gold mine, a wild ride down the Alpine Slide, or a visit to Mt. Rushmore.