South Dakota #1
The Black Hills

The Black Hills drive is a four-hour trip from Devil's Tower Junction in Wyoming to Custer, South Dakota. Travel north on Rte. 24 from Devil's Tower Junction toward Devil's Tower National Monument. Devil's Tower is an 867-foot structure formed by a fountain of volcanic magma that cooled and formed over 60 million years ago. There is also a Visitor Center and a 1.3-mile trail around the tower.

Progress north toward the town of Hulett. Here you begin to notice the dark green ponderosa pines, whose sheer density gives the hills their black appearance. The Black Hills area is roughly 120 miles north-to-south and 50 miles east-to-west. About 20 miles east of Hulett is where Lt. Col. George A. Custer led 1,000 men, 110 wagons and 200 animals into the Black Hills to verify rumors of gold. Ruts from the expedition remain just off the highway. The next stop is the Aladdin Tipple Historical Park, which recounts the coal-mining town of Aladdin. Cross the border into South Dakota where Rte. 24 becomes Rte. 34. Ten miles past the border lies the Belle Fourche River. Turn right on Rte. 85 and head toward Spearfish, home of the High Plains Heritage Center Museum. Follow Spearfish Creek out of town on the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.

Thirteen miles out of town is the Homestake Natural History and Cultural Center. Continue on Rte. 85 to the mining town of Lead, where the Homestake Gold Mine still produces gold. Skiing and other winter sports also are popular here. Four miles outside of Lead is the town of Deadwood, located in the Deadwood Gulch. Visit the History and Information Center in the old railroad depot for information on the 40 casinos inside Deadwood. Return to U.S. 85, turn south on U.S. 385, and pick up Rte. 44 to see the Pactola Reservoir and the Black Hills National Forrest Visitor Center.

Starting Point:
Devil's Tower, WY

Distance of Drive:
126 miles

Must Eat:
Consuelo's Cantina
645 Main Street, Deadwood, SD 57732
Phone:    605-578-2828
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.  

Best Time of Year for Drive:
Spring to fall

Points of Interest on Drive:
Devil's Tower National Monument
Homestake Natural History and Cultural Center
Black Hills National Forest