Destination: Black Hills S.D.

[genearnold]

Some of my good memories from years past include the Black Hills. I never vacationed there with the Airstream so can't comment on the RV parks, but we enjoyed tent camping in the Wind Cave area with our three kids. I think the campground was called Elk Mountain Campground. One of the great things about the Black Hills is the close proximity of major points of interest. We traveled on day trips to these places, then took a swim at Hot Springs prior to returning to the camp, clean and ready for bed.

I suggest coming into Nebraska on State Highway 2 at Nebraska City. Highway 2 runs diagonally across most of Nebraska. If you are interested in aircraft, before leaving the Lincoln area be sure to take time to visit the SAC museum at Ashland (SAC headquarters is only about 20 miles away). Mahoney State Park is adjacent to the museum and is a REALLY nice place to camp (about halfway between Lincoln and Omaha on Interstate 80). When you're finished at Mahoney, return to Hiway 2 at Grand Island and keep on it to Crawford and Fort Robinson State Park (a good RV park and rife with old west history). Highway 2 traverses the Nebraska sand hills, some of the most beautiful range land to be found anywhere. From Crawford its just a short hop via state highway 71 to the points of interest in the Black Hills.

[MattB]

Upon further reflection, a couple of other points of interest depending on which way you are coming and what time of the summer:

- Unless you are bringing motorcycles and already have a reservation the motorcycle rally the first week of August and one week before and after will have absolutely NO availability, at all. Since the 50th in 1990, when it went from about 40K to 350K bikers in attendence, the area will be just packed.

- If you have little ones or are into paleontology, there are excellent exhibits in the Badlands and at the South Dakota School of Mines museums, not expansive, but good. The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs has dozens of mammoths on display.

- If you like beer, try the Firehouse Brewery in Rapid City, or even better, the Crow Peak Brewery in Spearfish.

- If you like hiking and cycling, or horseback riding, the George Mickelson trail system is extensive and amazing, and it will take you into the Hills farther, and away from most of the tourists.

- The Central States' Fair in Rapid City in the early summer hosts a PRCA rodeo, and Belle Fourche has another over July 4. Top notch cowboys from all over the US and Canada. Belle Fourche also has the best July 4 fireworks in the Black Hills that last 4-5 years. One of my close friends puts it on.

- If you are willing to drive about 1.5-2 hours you can also see Devil's Tower in Wyoming, Custer Battlefield in Montana, and nearly every point of interest from the Great Sioux War of 1876. Sheridan, Wyoming and the Big Horn Mountains are gorgeous and much more easily in reach, and less crowded than Yellowstone or the Grand Tetons if you feel like extending your trip.

[HighPlainAS]

We are new to the AS life. But we are very much enjoying the wisdom shared on the forums.
The Hills are sort of in our back yard. Please don't overlook the night lighting ceremony at the faces. It is wonderful!

[murreywalker]

Originally Posted by HighPlainAS

We are new to the AS life. But we are very much enjoying the wisdom shared on the forums.
The Hills are sort of in our back yard. Please don't overlook the night lighting ceremony at the faces. It is wonderful!

I can attest to that.

[Wayne&Sam]

And nobody spotted Rocky?

[jpons]

This coming summer I will be visiting the area on my way to and from Yellowstone NP from Maine. My son is a real rock hound and I would love to take him to some mines that are open to the public. Does anyone have any recommendations for me?

[Skooter]

Reading the Woodall's guide and it indicates flares or reflective signs are required in SD (and some other states). Soo...the intent would be to set them out for visibility in case of a flat tire, for example?? Seems pretty obvious, but we don't have this law in TN, so thought I'd ask what you experienced SD travelers think.