Things To Do
Sylvan Lake
AKA the lake behind Mount Rushmore from National Treasure 2 ;) Enjoy many amazing hikes whose trailheads start at Sylvan Lake: Sunday Gulch, Cathedral Spires, Black Elk Peak, or Little Devil's Tower. Fun fact: Black Elk Peak is the highest point in North America East of the Rockies, and was our first hike together. If you want something a bit more relaxing, take a dip in the water at the beach!
Lost Cabin Beer Co.
Drink some delicious local craft beer! This is the first brewery date we went on together. It was one of our first dates, but Paul singing along to the great selection of tunes helped lock Liza in. Lost Cabin has also showcased the artwork of Liza's cousin and aunt multiple times. They also have a small new branch in Hill City which is closer to the wedding venue. Some other good local breweries include Hay Camp, Zymurcracy, Miner, Crow Peak, Cohort, Dakota Point, and Woodland Republic.
Custer State Park
Take a drive on the Wildelife Loop. Buffalo, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, deer, elk, coyote, prairie dogs and numerous bird species including wild turkey can all be seen at times along the Wildlife Loop. Liza's first memory of Custer State Park was an elementary school field trip. If she gets the guts... next up will be riding the Wildlife Loop on her motorcycle. Don't touch the fluffy cows ;)
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Great Faces, Great Places!
Crazy Horse Memorial
Experience some of the great Native American culture we have in the area! Every year there is a Volksmarch where you can hike to the top, right under Crazy Horse's nose! Liza has been doing this since she was five years old.
South Dakota Air and Space Museum
Explore some of the history of Ellsworth Air Force Base. Paul worked in the hydraulic department on the B-1s at Ellsworth and Liza worked in the med group pharmacy a few summers on base.
Iron Mountain Road
Bonus points if you bring a motorcycle!
Jewel Cave National Monument
Cool off at a cave tour in any number of caves in the Hills. Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, and Rushmore Cave are some of the favorites. Rush Mountain even has a roller coaster that goes right through the trees of the Black Hills!
Needles Highway
Breathtaking views, no need to say more.
Reptile Gardens
A great family attraction! Some of Liza's good friends have worked here before. They even got prom photos taken in the dome one year.
Storybook Island
A fun park for the kids.
Dinosaur Park
A quick easy park for the kids with giant dinosaur statues. Owl City even made a song about it!
Badlands National Park
If you want to venture about an hour away, enjoy a drive through the Badlands. If you would like an easy quick hike the Notch Trail is great!
Bear Butte State Park
If you go on the hike you will see many Native American prayer cloths on the way to the deck at the top with a beautiful view.
Prairie Berry Winery
Taste some locally produced wines. Some other local wineries are Firehouse Wine Cellars, and Bell Joli.