SCHOOL INFORMATION:

Rapid City Area Schools - click here for more information on local schools

 

Activities and Amenities in the Vicinity:

 Mount Rushmore National Memorial – iconic granite presidents & evening lighting ceremony.

Crazy Horse Memorial – the world’s largest mountain carving in progress.

Custer State Park – 71,000 acres, wildlife loop, scenic drives, and pristine lakes.

Badlands National Park – dramatic rock formations, fossil beds, and hikes.

Pactola Reservoir – largest lake in the Black Hills, boating, fishing, and camping.

Sheridan Lake – swim beach, hiking trails, marina, and family camping.

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway – waterfalls, towering limestone cliffs, and fall foliage.

Needles Highway (SD-87) – winding drive with granite spires and tunnels.

Iron Mountain Road – famous pigtail bridges and framed views of Mount Rushmore.

Black Elk Peak – the highest point east of the Rockies with a historic stone fire tower.

Mickelson Trail – 109 miles of converted rail-trail perfect for biking, hiking, or horseback riding.

Buzzards Roost – a local Rapid City favorite hike with panoramic views.

Mary’s Trail at Highpointe Ranch – right in your neighborhood, featuring wildlife, canyon views, and Black Hills scenery.

Golf Club at Red Rock – award-winning public course nearby.

Downtown Rapid City & Main Street Square – outdoor events, fountains, art, and dining in the city’s heart.

Trail Experiences:

  • Hiking & Walking Trails – From short family-friendly loops like Buzzards Roost to challenging all-day hikes such as Black Elk Peak, the highest summit east of the Rockies.

  • Biking Trails – The famous George S. Mickelson Trail stretches 109 miles through old railroad tunnels, bridges, and breathtaking valleys—ideal for cyclists of all skill levels.

  • Off-Road & ATV Routes – The Forest Service maintains a vast motorized trail system for ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles, with maps and permits available for riders looking to explore rugged backcountry terrain.

  • Horseback Riding – Many sections of the trail system are equestrian-friendly, offering peaceful rides through ponderosa pine forests and open meadows.

  • Snow Sports – In winter, select trails double as snowmobile routes and are also enjoyed by cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

Scenic Highlights

  • Spearfish Canyon – Limestone cliffs, waterfalls, and scenic byways with hiking spurs leading to Roughlock Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.

  • Custer State Park – Wildlife-filled trails, from bison-grazing grasslands to granite spire landscapes along the Cathedral Spires Trail.

  • Needles Highway & Sylvan Lake – Trailheads connecting to awe-inspiring granite formations and pristine alpine lakes.

Golf in the Black Hills

The Black Hills of South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming offer a wide variety of golf courses, from nationally recognized championship layouts to hidden gems tucked in the pines. With dramatic elevation changes, forested fairways, and big-sky views, golfing here is as much about the setting as the scorecard.

Rapid City Area

  • The Golf Club at Red Rock – Voted the #1 public course in South Dakota, Red Rock features rolling fairways, pine forests, and elevated greens that showcase the natural beauty of the Hills. A must-play for serious golfers.

  • Hart Ranch Golf Club – Just south of Rapid City, this par-72 course offers immaculately kept fairways and greens with a challenging but playable design. Known for its warm atmosphere and tournament play.

  • Meadowbrook Golf Course – Rapid City’s municipal course, winding along Rapid Creek with tree-lined fairways and a classic parkland feel. A local favorite that’s hosted multiple state championships.

  • Arrowhead Country Club – A private club in Rapid City with a classic design, full amenities, and a strong member community.

Central & Southern Black Hills

  • Rocky Knolls Golf Course (Custer) – A scenic 9-hole course with panoramic Black Hills views. Its elevation changes make it fun and challenging for players of all levels.

  • Southern Hills Golf Course (Hot Springs) – An 18-hole municipal course with rolling hills and sweeping vistas, known for its friendly layout and welcoming atmosphere.

Northern Black Hills

  • Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club (Spearfish) – A semi-private course blending prairie and foothills terrain, offering stunning views of the northern Black Hills and Crow Peak.

  • Spearfish Canyon Country Club – Nestled at the mouth of Spearfish Canyon, this course combines scenic mountain vistas with a relaxed country club setting.

  • Tomahawk Lake Country Club (Deadwood/Lead area) – A fun, wooded 9-hole layout known for its tight fairways, elevation changes, and friendly community vibe.

  • Lead Country Club (Lead) – A historic 9-hole course and one of the oldest in the Black Hills, offering mountain golf with a classic small-town charm.

Just Over the Wyoming Border

  • The Golf Club at Devils Tower (Hulett, WY) – A hidden gem and one of the most unique golf destinations in the country. Located near Devils Tower National Monument, this par-72 championship course features dramatic elevation, secluded fairways, and incredible views of the surrounding Black Hills.

WINTER SPORTS:

Terry Peak Ski Area

Located just outside Deadwood, Terry Peak Ski Area is the Black Hills’ premier downhill skiing destination. With a summit elevation of over 7,000 feet, Terry Peak boasts the highest lift-served terrain between the Rockies and the Alps. The resort features:

  • 29 trails catering to all skill levels

  • Five chairlifts, including two high-speed quads for quick access

  • Terrain parks and beginner-friendly areas

  • A relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere compared to larger resorts

In summer, Terry Peak transforms into a mountain biking haven, with scenic lift rides and rugged downhill trails.

World-Class Snowmobiling

The Black Hills are renowned for some of the best snowmobiling in the Midwest, with over 350 miles of groomed trails spanning South Dakota and Wyoming. Riders will find:

  • Consistent snowpack and long riding seasons

  • Trailheads connected to small towns, lodges, and fueling stations

  • Scenic routes through dense pine forests, open meadows, and ridgelines with expansive views

Lodges and rental services are plentiful, making it easy for visitors to plan day trips or extended adventures.

Beyond the Black Hills: Teton Adventures in Wyoming

For those looking to extend their mountain getaway, the Teton Range in Wyoming offers world-class winter resorts within a day’s drive:

  • Jackson Hole Mountain Resort – Consistently ranked among the top ski resorts in North America, featuring 4,139 vertical feet, legendary backcountry terrain, and the iconic Aerial Tram to Rendezvous Mountain.

  • Snow King Mountain – Known as the “Town Hill” of Jackson, Snow King offers night skiing, a mountain coaster, tubing, and family-friendly activities just steps from downtown Jackson.

  • Grand Targhee Resort – Located on the western slopes of the Tetons, Targhee is famous for its deep powder, wide-open runs, and laid-back vibe, making it a favorite for powder hounds and families alike.

These destinations, paired with the Black Hills’ charm, give winter sports enthusiasts a chance to experience everything from local gems like Terry Peak to world-famous slopes in the Tetons.

 

BLACK HILS LAKES & WATER RECREATION:

Sheridan Lake Just 15 minutes from town, Sheridan Lake is a family favorite for swimming, boating, water skiing, tubing, and paddleboarding. With a full-service marina, swim beach, and campground, it’s one of the most accessible Black Hills lakes. Anglers will find opportunities for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, northern pike, and perch, with both shore fishing and boat fishing available. In summer, the Flume Trail around Sheridan offers excellent hiking access to quiet coves and fishing spots.

Pactola Reservoir At over 800 acres and 150 feet deep, Pactola Reservoir is the largest and deepest lake in the Black Hills, just 20 minutes up Hwy 385. It’s a hub for boating, sailing, scuba diving, and fishing. The lake is regularly stocked with lake trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, and perch—making it one of the premier destinations for serious anglers. Fly fishers also love the tailwaters of Rapid Creek below the dam, which are known nationally for consistent hatches and large wild brown trout. With two marinas, multiple campgrounds, and picnic areas, Pactola is both a recreation and fishing paradise.

Deerfield Lake Tucked at a higher elevation in the central Hills, Deerfield Lake offers a quieter, more secluded experience. Known for rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout, it’s a favorite for anglers seeking a peaceful fishing getaway. In summer, no-wake boating makes it ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. In winter, Deerfield transforms into a hub for ice fishing and provides direct access to hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails, making it a true four-season destination.

Other Fishing & Water Adventures in the Black Hills

Rapid Creek – Originating in the Black Hills and running through Rapid City, this stream is a world-class fly fishing destination. Below Pactola Dam, Rapid Creek’s tailwaters are famous for wild brown trout and rainbow trout, with year-round fishing thanks to steady water flow.

Spearfish Creek – Cold, clear, and fast-moving, Spearfish Creek winds through Spearfish Canyon and offers incredible pocket-water fishing for wild rainbow and brown trout.

Castle Creek – A smaller, peaceful stream above Deerfield Lake, perfect for fly anglers who prefer solitude and dry-fly action. Horse Thief Lake – Near Mount Rushmore, offering family-friendly fishing, kayaking, and picnic areas.

Sylvan Lake – The “Crown Jewel” of Custer State Park; great for kayaking, fishing for trout, or simply paddling beneath towering granite spires.

Water Sports in the Hills Boating & Sailing – Pactola and Sheridan offer marinas, boat ramps, and full services for water skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, and tubing. Kayaking & Paddleboarding – Smaller lakes like Deerfield, Sylvan, and Horse Thief are perfect for flat-water paddling adventures.