Most Underrated Places to Visit in the Black Hills

South Dakota is a very popular summer vacation destination, thanks to the beauty and history of the Black Hills. Hundreds of thousands of people come from across the world, to get a glimpse of the historic Mount Rushmore, located in the Black Hills. From the iconic Sturgis Rally to national monuments such as Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse, the Black Hills have almost everything for visitors to see on their vacation. While these places are the hotspots for tourists, there are many less-known places hidden in the heart of the Black Hills that you must go to when making the visit. I would like to take you on a trip to the most underrated places you should visit on your next adventure to the Black Hills.

Rushmore Mountain Taffy Shop

Located in downtown Keystone, Rushmore Mountain Taffy Shop is home to the best taffy in the Black Hills. Family-ran and operated, this store has a wide selection of different kinds of taffy that water in your mouth. Passed down through several generations, Rushmore Mountain Taffy Shop has adapted a special recipe to make their taffy. The best part about this store is that all of their taffy is that it is made in-house, so customers have the chance to watch the taffy being made in real time. With its unique small-town, family-owned charm, this small business is a must for visitors coming to enjoy their time in the Black Hills.

The Rushmore Mountain Taffy Shop is the best place to get homemade candy in Keystone. Stop in for a little bit and check out taffy being made in-shop. Photo Courtesy of GP Local Black Hills.

Purple Pie Place

Located in Custer, Purple Pie Place is the perfect destination for a sweet treat to beat the heat this summer. Choosing what to get is going to be the toughest part of your visit to the Black Hills. With an assortment of homemade pies, fresh ice cream, and tasty meals, this is a fixture that you do not want to miss. Featured in a 2019 edition of People’s Magazine for the best pies in the country, there is a reason why this place is a must when visiting the Black Hills. After grabbing a famous pie, you can make your way to the next hidden treasure of the Black Hills

The Purple Pie Place is not only the most uniquely painted building in the Black Hills, but the food inside is too good to miss. Photo courtesy of Snapshots and Sojourns.

Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa

Needing to take a moment to relax from all of the sight-seeing the Black Hills has to offer? Head on down to Hot Springs to take a dip in the Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa. Unlike most natural hot springs, these natural mineral springs have a pleasant scent that has helped keep the moccasin-shaped pool unchanged for the past 140 years. With three outdoor pools, a 3 in 1 sauna, and massage therapy, this natural mineral spa is the perfect place to escape the craziness of vacation.

Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa is a great place to take a break from the travel and relax. Photo Courtesy of the Hot Springs of America

Devils Bathtub

Trying to cool off? Need to escape the crowds? Devil’s Bathtub is the place for you. Sitting outside of Spearfish, Devil’s Bathtub is the perfect place to take a hike up the creek to find what locals call a “bathtub.” The hike is roughly one mile in length, where you get to cross through the flowing creek and cross many fallen trees. Once you reach the end of the hike, you will be rewarded with a dip into the Devil’s Bathtub.

Devil’s Bathtub is a unique hiking destination for visitors in the Black Hills, and this photo shows why. Photo Courtesy of Stephanie Quillen

Hippie Hole

Hippie Hole might be one of the most unique attractions in the Black Hills. Located five miles outside of Keystone, Hippie Hole is the perfect place to enjoy a good swim and even come cliff jumping (if you’re feeling adventurous.) Take a hike down the trail to find the body of water. Once you reach Hippy Hole, you can enjoy a dip in the water or enjoy some sun as there are many rocks to relax and enjoy the weather.

Hippie Hole is a great afternoon adventure that most tourists don’t mark on their maps, making it an excellent place to get away. Photo Courtesy of Tales of Exploration

Pactola Lake

The largest and deepest lake in the Black Hills, Pactola Lake is arguably the best place for camping and aquatic activities. Located 15 miles west of Rapid City, Pactola Lake has great locations for camping, fishing, hiking, and numerous water sports. There are cabins available for rent at the lake, which are great for those traveling long distances or are simply looking for a more structured stay.

One of the most breathtaking lakes in the United States, Pactola Lake makes for a great adventure and camping spot. Photo Courtesy of DestiMap

Conclusion

The Black Hills are enriched in centuries of history. From the gold rush in the 1800s, to the creation of Mount Rushmore, there is no doubt that the Black Hills is the next place to put on the top of your list for vacations this summer. If you’re looking to experience the things that gives the Black Hills life, I suggest checking out these gems hidden in the heart of the hills. These locations give you the feeling of the history and culture of the Black Hills, and help you fully capture the whole experience.