Among the picturesque vistas of South Dakota lies the Black Hills - a testament to nature’s majesty and the tenacity of humanity. Drawn by promises of rugged beauty and rich history, travelers from around the world flock to this area for unforgettable experiences and timeless memories.
The Black Hills hosts a tapestry of iconic monuments, pristine wilderness, and towns that would define the history of the American West and our scientific pursuit of the cosmos. Whether that’s the majestic visage of Mount Rushmore, the history of the Crazy Horse Memorial, the natural wonder of Badlands National Park, or the ingenuity of Homestake Mine and the Sanford Underground Research Facility, each destination offers a window into the area’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
The Mount Rushmore National Memorial stands as a symbol of national pride and ingenuity. Mount Rushmore is one of America’s most iconic spots and features the towering visages of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, chiseled into the northwest margin of the Black Elk Peak in the Black Hills.
Staring at the imposing faces of America’s most revered presidents, one is struck by the sheer magnitude of the project - an endeavor that took over 14 years to complete and employed over 400 artists and craftsmen.
Mount Rushmore was proposed by sculptor Gutzon Borglum as a way to promote tourism in the Black Hills. From 1927 until 1941, Borglum and his team labored over the hard granite mountain face to carve out these life-like visages. They used dynamite, jackhammers, and chisels to inlay the intricate details that make up the monument.
Today, Mount Rushmore stands as a symbol of American ambition of determination. It is no wonder that it draws millions of visitors every year to gaze at its awe-inspiring beauty and historic significance.
Crazy Horse Memorial
16 miles southwest of Mount Rushmore lies the Crazy Horse memorial, which pays tribute to the Lakota leader of the same name. Crazy Horse is famous for taking up arms to protect his people’s land from the conquest of the United States - his most famous battle being the Battle of Little Bighorn at which he decimated General George A Custer’s regiment. Though the Lakota would lose the war and have their territory stolen by the United States, the memorial stands as a way to remind people of the indomitable spirit of indigenous culture.
Unlike its neighbor Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial has been marred by setbacks throughout its construction, with many features still in the works. Despite being unfinished, the grandiosity of this project is in full display, showing the face of the legendary warrior imbued into the side of Black Hills granite - a face that sits 27 ft taller than the faces of Mount Rushmore. Currently, the memorial is the largest mountain carving still in progress on the planet and once completed will feature a 641 ft long and 563 ft high Crazy Horse riding his stallion.
In the memorial’s shadow lies the Indian Museum of North America which is home to a large collection of art and artifacts that reflect the diverse histories and cultures of over 300 indigenous nations. The museum was designed to accentuate the story narrated in the stone of the memorial and seeks to present the lives of American indigenous people and preserve its culture for future generations.
Badlands National Park
The Badlands National Park is one of America’s most otherworldly natural wonders. Built by the forces of erosion and time, the Badlands' rugged terrain and surreal beauty leave millions of visitors in awe each year.
Amidst this lunar-like landscape are towering spires, deep canyons, and intricately layered rock formations that offer visitors a geological experience like nothing else. Here, visitors can explore hiking trails, pausing to marvel at fossilized remains and vistas that stretch to the horizon.
In addition to its unique geology, the Badlands host some of the nation’s most cherished and endangered wildlife, such as the black-footed ferret, bighorn sheep, bison, and swift fox, which were near the brink of extermination from the area's mixed grass prairie, but are now thriving thanks to a rigorous rehabilitation program.
Deadwood
In the heart of the Black Hills, the historic town of Deadwood invites visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in the lore of the Old West. Deadwood was once a vibrant frontier town, hosting everyone from gold prospectors to outlaws. As visitors stroll down its wooden boardwalks they are met with echoes of Wild West legends like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane as they pursue its historic saloons, and museums. If you visit at the right time, you may even be able to witness reenactments in the streets.
Lead
Much of the riches of Deadwood came from the Homestake Mine, one of America’s largest gold producers, located just up the road from Deadwood in Lead (and where the name of our historic opera house comes from).
Homestake was most famously led by George Hearst, father to media magnate William Randolf Hearst. Heart’s infamous escapades would be the stuff of legends and would go on to influence the hit HBO show Deadwood.
While the mine is now closed, on it now lies the Sanford Deep Underground Research Facility, one of America’s foremost research facilities into dark matter.
In Lead you can take tours of this historic city that laid the foundation of the American West as well as new frontiers into outer space.
You can even check out a play at the Historic Homestake Opera House, which was built by the Homestake Mining company and the support of Phoebe Hearst.
In the Black Hills, where every landmark tells a tale of grandeur and resilience, visitors find themselves woven into the fabric of American heritage and natural beauty. Whether exploring historic sites or marveling at geological wonders, the Black Hills promise an adventure that transcends time, leaving an indelible mark on all who wander through its storied landscapes.
