Beautiful South Dakota: The Biggest Views in the Black Hills

The Black Hills continue to be one of America’s best kept secrets. Out here in flyover country, amidst the rocks and pines of beautiful South Dakota, you’ll find scenery unlike anywhere else across this great nation of ours. In this article we’re going to discuss what we think are the best views in the Black Hills of South Dakota. We hope you enjoy.

1. Badlands National Park

The Cliff Shelf Nature Trailhead gives a tremendous look at the south side of the Millard Range. While there are many stunning panoramas within Badlands National Park, this was our absolute favorite.

2. Black Elk Peak — Beautiful South Dakota

Black Elk Peak is the throne seat of the Black Hills, the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains. This is the most beautiful view in the Black Hills of South Dakota — 360 degrees of pine slathered buttes sprawling deep into the misty horizon.

3. Devil’s Tower

The most interesting feature in the Black Hills of South Dakota is the Devil’s Tower. The one-mile loop trail lends a wide variety of perspectives on the inimitable volcanic plug.

Related Article: 10 Tips for Visiting the Black Hills of South Dakota

4. Lake Sylvan

The best view of the most beautiful lake in the United States is from Mavrick’s Cliff, a peninsula that juts into the lake on the north-east side by the swimming area (see top photo). The above photo is pretty good, too.

5. Mt. Rushmore — Beautiful South Dakota

Every view is a good view of Mt. Rushmore. The look from above the stadium seating is arguably the best. The Presidential Trail allows for an intimate vantage at the base of the mountain. For a broader perspective, try the view from Norbeck Overlook on Iron Mountain Road.

6. Sunday Gulch

Both ends of the Sunday Gulch Loop Trail are found behind Sylvan Lake. The eastern entrance descends directly into the gulch, which is the best part of the trail. However, the western entrance is home to some fantastic hillside vistas.

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7. Wind Cave Buffalo

One of the best views in South Dakota is looking into the face of a bison, and Wind Cave is the single best place to track down a massive herd of them. They are typically found along the highway.

8. Needles Highway — Beautiful South Dakota

There are man incredible views along the Needles Highway. For one of the best, park on the west side of the Needles Eye then hike up the hill about 100 yards and enjoy an elevated overlook. Most folks don’t know this is an option. Just find your way along the rocks.

9. Toadstool Geologic Park

Five minutes from the Toadstool Geologic Park trailhead is one of the most surreal places you’ll visit in all the mid-west. It’s like a UFO museum on the moon. If you’ve never heard of this place, be sure to check out our Complete Guide to Toadstool Geologic Park.

Related Article: A Complete Guide to the Black Hills of South Dakota

10. Lead Gold Mine

One of the more interesting places to visit in the Black Hills of South Dakota is the Sanford Underground Research Facility. The view of the mine out back is special and the visitor center will blow your mind.

11. Mammoth Site — Beautiful South Dakota

This is something you’ve probably never seen: A woolly mammoth burial site with over 60 mammoths that is an active paleontological dig? Learn more HERE.

12. Streets of Sturgis

750,000 motorcycle enthusiasts and party animals descend on Sturgis, South Dakota every year. Why not jump in the mix and enjoy the scenery? Starts the first Friday of August.

13. Cathedral Spires

One of the most popular hikes in the Black Hills are the Cathedral Spires hike. At the top is a 360-degree crown of spires that makes for a worthy payoff.

An Honest Conclusion for Beautiful South Dakota

The Black Hills of South Dakota are known for exquisite beauty, and it’s easy to stumble off down a trail knowing something magnificent is waiting around the final corner. Regardless, there is a lot to consider here. The Blacks Hills cover a large area.

Most folks down have 13-weeks to explore the region to satiation like we did . If you’re looking for the most memorable places, the kind of scenery that will live in the bright corners of your mind forever, and your time is limited, we think this is a thorough list.

If you have any suggestions to add, we would love to hear from you!

Thank you for stopping by our website! We are the Hoffmann family, a full-time RV family that has split residence in Seattle, Washington and San Antonio, Texas. We have special needs children that we homeschool, and work travel assignments for the Veteran Affairs Hospital. If you would like to learn more about us, check out our Start Here and Biography pages.

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