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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,306
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,306 |
It is my favorite place to visit/vacation. I would consider retiring there after my son graduates. It is about an 11 hour drive from home so not a huge obstacle. I try to get there every year or two with my son. I have a friend who lives a few miles outside of Sturgis, so accommodations aren't an issue. There are a lot of hidden gems in the area, depending on your interests, and if you know some locals that can point you in the right direction. There is so much to do and see for kids as well as adults and they are all within a relatively short drive once in the area.
The all-you-can-eat buffet (amazing crab legs) in Deadwood is always a good time.
I've been to the rally a couple times but prefer to stay away for those few weeks. The area has everything from prairie dogs to Rushmore. The climate can change dramatically in only a few miles.
Do not feed the bear!
White Bear sometimes treads on thin ice...
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 588
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 588 |
That's my favorite state but not that side of the state. I was just in Rapid in July for my anniversary. The best meal we had was the state game Lodge in Custer state Park. We tried local restaurants but didn't find anything exceptional. Found one place awful, Murphy's, downtown. If you like fried catfish, this will sound crazy, try the fish at Golden Corral. Fantastic. We went to a museum at the school of Mines. Free and it was really interesting. There's all the presidents in bronze in the downtown area. It's an interesting and safe place to walk around and see all the statues. If you want to see some really nice trout, Canyon lake Park. You can fish for them but I didn't bring gear. That park is beautiful and really pleasant place to walk and rest. Rushmore is a national treasure. It's a supremely beautiful area. We took a one day bus tour that went to lots of places like Sylvan lake and twisting, winding roads on the needles highway. That way I could look around instead of having to drive while my wife advised me on my driving. Don't go to crazy horse. There is tons of things to do in Rapid. Have fun That's funny !! How could we drive without instructions from our wives !!!
"not too grumpy"
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,827
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,827 |
Ha I thought that was funny also.
During covid, I got a letter a week from random somebody's wanting "to retire in the Black Hills and your place would be perfect for us, so why don't you sell it to us..." Bummer but it's going the same way as Jackson and Bozeman and on down the list. Super unfortunate that the counties didn't plan for it in advance, they have and seem content to just let it happen.
"Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passin.'"
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 670
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 670 |
On day 2 in the Rapid City area. We did Mt Rushmore first and then Crazy Horse (I have pretty thick skin so the "white man bad" stuff doesn't bother me much. Besides my people are from Spain and they were busy f'ing up the Aztecs and their stealing gold). We loved them both. As I said my wife hasn't been here before and she was very impressed. It is truly beautiful here.
We went to Delmonico's Grill and was very disappointed. When I made the reservation I told them it was our anniversary. I had looked at the menu ahead of time and was prepared for the prices and had warned my lovely bride that it was pricey. That was fine with me. They sat us at a tiny table that was not 2' x 3'. I asked for a bigger table, of which there were several, but was told no. I talked to the manager and he said "No". When our waitress finally came and asked for our drink order my wife said "Nope, we are not staying". So we got up, went back to our room, changed out of our fancy clothes and had a very nice dinner at Texas Road House. Rapid City is nice but it isn't Paris and I didn't expect that kind of dinning experience.
Today is probably Custer State Park, one of the caves (Wind or Jewel) and not sure what else.
Tomorrow is Deadwood and that area.
Tuesday Devil's Tower and back to Colorado Springs.
It has been fun, and my wife and I love the Black Hills.
"Socialism produces bad music, bad art, social stagnation and really unhappy people", “I am a conservative, and you may not like that, but I am.” Frank Zappa 1986
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 44
Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 44 |
We just returned from Hill City and Custer. Highlights:
Custer State Park - Wildlife Loop road, saw buff, burros, PD towns, sheep, elk, antelope. We rode this on our bikes and drove it again on the day it rained.
If you are there end of Sept, for the buffalo roundup is an event. Governer Noem rides in it.
State Game Lodge lunch buffet
if we go again I will stay in one of the cabins at Blue Bell
Blue Bell Chuckwagon Cowboy cookout - best steak I had all week and pretty fun too
Miner's cup - little shack at east end of town has the best coffee and breakfast we found
Iron Mountain road down from Rushmore is the craziest road I've ever seen, liked it more than Needles
Needles hwy is good too - go early am for both before traffic picks up
Mikelson trail is pretty cool. We rode this 2 days. Section north of Custer is prettier and less developed.
We stayed at Everspring in Hill city (great) and Econodump in Custer (ok but not as nice)
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,827
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,827 |
We went to the Delmonico place once and while it was ok, nothing told me I needed to come back. Glad you're having a great trip.
"Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passin.'"
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 151,956 Likes: 24
Campfire Savant
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Campfire Savant
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 151,956 Likes: 24 |
We went to the Delmonico place once and while it was ok, nothing told me I needed to come back. Glad you're having a great trip. We were not impressed at all, better food down here at many much cheaper restaurants
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,931 Likes: 3
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,931 Likes: 3 |
Near the top of my list of favorite places. I would suggest Needles Highway and Spearfish Canyon also. Hill City, Deadwood , and Custer State Park are worth a look as well.
My favorite is Crazy Horse. It's a man made wonder. Take the time to learn it's history. We paid to take a van to the top for a private tour. Worth every penny! I'll second the Needles and Spearfish Canyon. Crazy Horse is great too.
GOA
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,827
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,827 |
All you sportsmen sound like excellent tourists, don't stop visiting!
I'm going up to Moon and Flag Mountain this week to try and find a ruffed grouse and complete my SD grand slam!
"Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passin.'"
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,240
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,240 |
Back in '17, my wife and I parked our fifth wheel in an RV park and spent a week running around that area.
Still didn't see all it has to offer.
I could wish a lot of things on my worst enemy but neuropathy ain't one of them.
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