THE BLACK HILLS: A CAN’T-MISS SUMMER GETAWAY DESTINATION

In the western region of South Dakota, the Black Hills mountain range rises from the state’s vast plains. It is a sparsely populated and gorgeous area that has become a popular summer tourism destination.

Summer is the ideal time to explore the Black Hills region, when the harsh winter breeze is replaced with warm rays of sunshine. Let’s look at some of the characteristics of the Black Hills that make it an appealing summer destination.

Charming Towns and Cities

If you appreciate charming towns with fascinating histories and stunning natural settings, you will certainly find much to love about the Black Hills. This region hosts many appealing communities with engaging attractions.

Sturgis: Sturgis is a small South Dakota city known as a mecca for bikers, hosting the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. Every summer, Sturgis also hosts the world’s biggest motorcycle rally: the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. It also has historical buildings throughout and incredible nearby scenery.

Deadwood: Deadwood is a historic Old West hub that has preserved its history and infrastructure with museums and well-maintained homes. This picturesque city is near the Black Hills National Forest.

Keystone: Mount Rushmore, located in Keystone, is the biggest attraction in the region. It is a legendary landmark in the Black Hills and, along with the world-famous monument, features a popular interactive museum.

There are many festivities and events across the Black Hills region during the summer. Cities such as Custer and Lead will host Fourth of July celebrations. And the aforementioned Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area for a festival with stunts, music, and delicious food.

Abundant Natural Beauty Offering Exciting Summer Recreation

For most visitors, the primary reason for planning a vacation to the Black Hills is to enjoy one of the most scenic regions in the U.S. The Black Hills are filled with unique environments, including jagged mountains, lush forests, winding rivers, and stunning open plains. It is home to various species of wildlife, including bison, prairie dogs, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep.

Badlands National Park is the most famous natural destination in the area. This massive expanse, covering 244,000 acres, includes canyons, rare geologic formations, and much of the wildlife that the Black Hills area is famous for, including bison, prairie dogs, and more. Every year, nearly a million people visit the Badlands, where they can enjoy hiking or driving through its rugged setting.

Custer State Park, a vast park stretching over 71,000 acres encompassing mountain peaks and a large water reserve, is one particularly popular outdoor attraction. Custer is a common place for hiking, biking, camping, swimming, fishing, and boating.

The massive Black Hills National Forest is a defining component of this area’s geography. It is a densely forested area that covers 1.2 million acres and holds many of the region’s most famous destinations. Here, you can find the stunning geology of the Cathedral Spires and Black Elk Peak, the highest natural point in the Midwest. Black Hills National Forest is ideal for outdoor fun ranging from hunting and fishing to white water rafting and biking.

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Gorgeous Lakes to Explore this Summer in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota

Minnesota and the Dakotas are filled with an abundance of gorgeous lakes to explore, and in the summer, these scenic lakes are destinations for camping and relaxing day trips on the water. Let’s look at several pristine lakes to experience in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota this summer.

LAKE VERMILION, MN

Lake Vermilion is a massive lake that stretches for more than 40,000 acres. This shallow freshwater lake is one of Minnesota’s most popular summer getaway spots and comprises numerous lodges and resorts surrounding the lakeshore. A haven for boating and water sports, Lake Vermilion is dotted with numerous small islands where boaters can dock and explore.

LAKE KABETOGAMA, MN

Lake Kabetogama is a picturesque and clear lake stretching 25,760 acres in northern Minnesota. The quiet and remote lake is in Voyageurs National Park, one of Minnesota’s most stunning natural destinations. Staying at one of the nearby lodges, resorts, or campgrounds offers easy access to clear water and is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the incredible nature of Minnesota.

LAKE MINNETONKA, MN

Lake Minnetonka is one of the most famous lakes in Minnesota. Situated just south of Minneapolis, Lake Minnetonka is a gorgeous lake best known for its incredible seasonal summer homes. Many celebrities, from Prince to Alex Rodriguez, have had mansions along the shores of Lake Minnetonka. It is a busy waterway filled with boaters and anglers in the summer, and it has pleasant restaurants along the shore.

DEVILS LAKE, ND

Devils Lake is North Dakota’s largest natural body of water and an important hub for outdoor fun. The gorgeous prairie lake has been ranked among the top lakes in the country for fishing, as the waters are teeming with perch, walleye, pike, bass, and more. Devils Lake is a popular resort destination, and its waters are often busy with boaters and water sports enthusiasts.

LAKE SAKAKAWEA, ND

Lake Sakakawea is a large and winding lake in central North Dakota and one of the largest artificial lakes in the country. The 368,000-acre reservoir is a significant destination for anglers, boasting an abundance of fish species, from Chinook salmon to rainbow trout. In addition to the lake and its superb fishing scene, Lake Sakakawea State Park is lined with beaches and campgrounds.

LAKE OAHE, SD

Lake Oahe, a vast reservoir in South Dakota, is one of the most popular tourist sites in the region, visited by more than 1.5 million people every year. Lake Oahe is a huge body of water that has about 2,250 miles of shoreline and over 50 recreation areas on the shore. Visitors go to the lake to water ski, boat, and much more, and can stay at hotels, resorts, and campsites nearby.

LAKE SHARPE, SD

Lake Sharpe is a narrow lake that runs for 80 miles through South Dakota, covering almost 57,000 acres. It is one of South Dakota’s most popular angling destinations, housing large populations of freshwater catches such as bass, walleye, catfish, and pike. Lake Sharpe is a pleasant place for a summer getaway and has 19 recreation areas that offer tranquil places for hiking, picnicking, and camping by the water.