Millions of years ago, dinosaurs roamed South Dakota. Today, the only dinosaurs that remain are fossils and replicas, but the Black Hills have become a mecca for dinosaur-lovers around the world.
Hit the highlights with this two-day itinerary!
Day 1:
Daily Bread Bakery and Cafe, Hot Springs
Have breakfast and a coffee at this locally-owned cafe.
Prepare to spend less than 1 hour.
The Mammoth Site, Hot Springs
The Mammoth Site is an active mammoth dig site. The remains of over 60 mammoths have been uncovered so far, and more are expected to be found! This is the only location in the world where both Columbian and woolly mammoths have been uncovered. Admission costs include a 10 minute introduction video, a 30 minute guided tour around the sinkhole, and entrance into the Exhibit Hall with full-size replicas of animals found in at the site.
Prepare to spend 1-2 hours.
Tips: Admission is $10.14 for adults, $8.29 for seniors, $7.37 for military and children 4-12, and free for children 3 and under.
Wind Cave National Park, Custer
Wind Cave is the sixth longest cave in the world with 140 miles of explored passageways. It is famous for its boxwork calcite formations – 95% of the world’s discovered boxwork formations are in Wind Cave. Many studies have been done on fossils discovered in the park.
Prepare to spend 1-3 hours.
Tips: Tours on cave trails are often dimly lit, slippery, and require maneuvering to get through low ceilings. Watch your step. Entrance fee is $12 for adults, $6 for children 6-16, $6 for seniors, and free for children 5 and under.
Museum of Geology, Rapid City
Located on the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology campus, the Museum of Geology has extensive collections of dinosaur skeletons, fossils, meteorites, and ores.
Prepare to spend 1 hour.
Tips: Admission is free. Closed on Sunday.
Marco’s Pizza, Rapid City
Marco’s Pizza is clean, quick, and delicious. They have a huge selection of pizzas, subs, wings, salads, desserts, and sides.
Prepare to spend less than 1 hour.