At just a short 6 hour drive from Denver, this is a trip we love to take.  Here are a few sights not to miss when in the Black Hills of South Dakota:

Custer State Park.  This state park blows away a few National Parks I’ve been to.  It’s full of wildlife (think wild turkeys running right past you and deer at every turn).  It’s absolutely gorgeous and best of all, central to everything in the Black Hills.  I recommend staying here if you can get a reservation.  It often books up a year in advance!

Reptile Gardens.  It’s a bit worn, but we love it.  It isn’t often you get to see this many reptiles in this part of the U.S.

Bear Country.  That says it all.  Lots.  Of.  Bears.  It’s a drive through zoo.  Sometimes it can be a bit slow going, but what are you in a hurry for? You are on vacation!

Mount Rushmore.  I know.  I know.  It’s a given, but I have to emphasize that it is so much cooler than you think.  You think you are just going to see faces carved in a mountain, but somehow it leaves you speechless.  I don’t get it either.  I’ve never been to sister monument Crazy Horse, but I hear it is also amazing.

Badlands National Park.  Like nothing you have ever seen before.  Unless you’ve been to the moon, maybe.

Wind Cave National Park.  Now you have to love caves to love this, but I do.  Don’t go if you are claustrophobic or (spoiler alert) afraid of people turning off all the lights inside of a cave without warning you.

Wall Drug.  You have to see this drugstore to believe it!

Contact me to help plan your vacation: yb*******@gm***.com