REPTILE GARDENS - Right across the highway from us, on Highway 16!

Reptile Gardens exhibits the world's largest reptile collection living among rare and beautiful minerals, fossils, sculptures and more.  They have shows plus wildlife viewing and a huge dome that houses beautiful exotic birds and plants.  They have an awesome gift shop, as are their employees.  
605-342-5873  http://www.reptile-gardens.com/   

Beautiful scenic drives through 73,000 acres of natural beauty where you can see buffalo or even bobcats, bison, antelopes, bighorn sheep, coyotes and more.  I hate to add this but it is also possible to only see a squirrel!  It is a nice drive, you just cant rely on wildlife! 
800-658-3530   http://www.custerstatepark.info/ 

If you are interested in history and gambling, this old western town will be a delight to explore.  There are interesting shops and it is fun walking down the main street and checking everything out.  This is definitely a gambling/casino town. 

Jewel Cave National Monument - 40 miles southwest of Rapid City

Jewel Cave is a giant underground labyrinth with a myriad of beautiful "jewel-like" Dogtooth and Nailhead Spar crystals.  It's the 2nd longest cave in the world with about 140 "mapped" miles.  Has 3 different types of tours. 

605-673-2288   http://www.nps.gov/jeca/ 

Hot Springs and the Mammoth Site - 55 miles

This is the world's largest mammoth research facility where you actually tour an active paleontological dig site and can view Ice Age fossils as they are found. They show a short film about how the Black Hills were formed and the mammoth site is fascinating.  They even name the mammoths!  They can tell how many are underground and they have an idea of how long it will take to get to them. 

605-745-6017  www.mammothsite.com

Wind Cave National Park - 57 miles

One of the world's oldest caves, about 57 miles from here.  It's the 4th longest cave in the world with 119 miles of explored cave passageways, its current length is 125 miles. Above ground, the park includes the largest remaining natural mixed-grass prairie in the United States. 

605-745-4600   http://www.nps.gov/wica/    

One of the world's oldest caves, about 57 miles from here.  It's the 4th longest cave in the world with 119 miles of explored cave passageways, its current length is 125 miles. Above ground, the park includes the largest remaining natural mixed-grass prairie in the United States. 

605-745-4600   http://www.nps.gov/wica/    

One of the world's oldest caves, about 57 miles from here.  It's the 4th longest cave in the world with 119 miles of explored cave passageways, its current length is 125 miles. Above ground, the park includes the largest remaining natural mixed-grass prairie in the United States. 

605-745-4600   http://www.nps.gov/wica/    

One of the world's oldest caves, about 57 miles from here.  It's the 4th longest cave in the world with 119 miles of explored cave passageways, its current length is 125 miles. Above ground, the park includes the largest remaining natural mixed-grass prairie in the United States. 

605-745-4600   http://www.nps.gov/wica/    

Devil's Tower - 120 miles west of Rapid City - Wyoming Hwys. 14 and 24  

This rock tower rises 264 meters above the Wyoming Plains.  It is actually the remains of the inside of an ancient volcano, featured in the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind".  If you like hiking, there is a relatively easy trail that encircles the tower. My picture below does not do it justice, it is incredibly tall.  Take binoculars, you may even see people climbing the tower! 307-467-5283 http://www.nps.gov/deto/home.htm