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Black Hills
The Black Hills are an isolated mountain range rising from the Great Plains in western South Dakota and extending into Wyoming. Formed by a geological uplift during the Laramide orogeny about 65 million years ago, the region features a diverse landscape of granite peaks, pine-covered slopes, and deep canyons. The range is home to Black Elk Peak, which at 2,208 meters is the highest point in South Dakota and the highest peak east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. Historically, the Black Hills are sacred to the Lakota Sioux, who call them "Paha Sapa". The discovery of gold in 1874 by the Custer Expedition led to the Black Hills Gold Rush and subsequent conflicts between settlers and indigenous peoples. Today, the area is a major tourist destination, featuring iconic sites such as Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park, while supporting industries like timber and ranching.
- Location: United States
- Top sights: Boulder Hill · Thunderhead Falls · Black Hills Institute
- Nearby: Rapid City (30 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -5 | -5 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 17 | 21 | 20 | 14 | 6 | 0 | -5 |
| Rain mm | 13 | 18 | 27 | 54 | 91 | 71 | 61 | 49 | 40 | 35 | 14 | 14 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Black Elk Peak at 2,208 m is the highest point in South Dakota.
- The range covers an area of approximately 13,000 square kilometers.
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial was carved between 1927 and 1941.
- Gold discovery in 1874 triggered a major gold rush in the Black Hills.
- Custer State Park is home to one of the largest bison herds in the US.
- The mountains are geologically a domal uplift from the Laramide orogeny.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Black Hills (6)
Black Hills Institute🏛 museum
A renowned research institute and museum of natural history.
Civilian Conservation Corps Museum🏛 museum
A museum highlighting the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the Black Hills.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is Mount Rushmore worth it?
When is the best time?
Is there wildlife to see?
Is it family-friendly?
Are there good hiking trails?
Black Hills: where is it located?
Black Hills: what is there to see?
Black Hills: when is the best time to visit?
Black Hills: why is it worth visiting?
