The area is loaded with other activities and things to do. There is something for every interest. Of course, going online and doing some homework and requesting a South Dakota visitor’s guide will help narrow down the choices immensely. Rapid City offers some excellent choices. One of my favorite stops was at the Black Hills Maze. Constructed of high wooden panels, it is a great place to “get lost in” as the ad proudly claims.
Just a short six miles down the road is Reptile Gardens. They claim to have the largest, rarest and deadliest reptiles on the planet!?! What I do know is that while it is a bit stinky, it was fun to give myself the chills looking at inscrutable reptiles staring impassively from the other side of the glass. Don’t neglect to walk through the snake garden, where you will be a little unnerved by the fact that snakes are hanging out in the trees above you and roaming free. They told me none of them were poisonous.
Another fun outdoor animal activity is Bear Country USA. This is a drive through park, which is exactly what it sounds like. They feature North American wildlife including several types of bears, wolves, big horn sheep, elk, etc. You will be driving among actual bears, and the copious number of signs at the entrance to the park about not rolling down your windows or trying to feed the animals Almond Joys or cheese crackers should be heeded. Note to lady in motor home in front of me who was hanging out of the window to record the bears-this means you! They have also have a baby bear area that you can walk to. They are the cutest little animals and you will love their baby antics. There is a great gift shop full of very cute gifts located conveniently at the end of the tour.
Another little town to hop on over to is historic Keystone. They have some great little shops and historic sites, a wax museum and quite fantastic fudge. One place I enjoyed was the GoodTyme Photo shop. They take fun old-time photos and have several different sets and backgrounds, along with vintage costumes. They take their time and make sure you like your picture. I recommend the saloon bathtub set, where your honey can be pictured naked (from the waist up) pulling you dressed as a saloon girl into the tub. Their barn wood frames are a bit pricey but look very authentic.
Rushmore Cave is located at one end of Keystone. It is a beautiful cavern with lots of stalactites and stalagmites and other cave formations hanging around. The tours aren’t strenuous, and are a great way to get out of the heat of a summer day. It is reasonably priced and fun to do unless you’re claustrophobic or afraid of the dark.
There are a thousand other things to do that I don’t have space to mention. The Petrified Forest of the Black Hills is hokey but a beautiful walk. If you like to gamble, head up to Deadwood or Lead. Opportunities for fishing, Hiking, camping, golf, and anything else you can think of can be done in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Oh, and don’t forget to buy yourself some of the famous Black Hills gold jewelry in one of the many shops that feature it. The prices are cheap because it is mined there, and the gold is gorgeously unique.