Things to Do Along the Black Hills BDR-X
If you find yourself riding near the Black Hills BDR-X route, here are some things you won't want to miss!
Mount Rushmore
Find your state flag along the impressive display at the entrance before enjoying a 0.6-mile walk around the base of the Mount Rushmore monument. Here you can get up close and personal with the Presidents via a picturesque ponderosa path. Visit the museum and reward your efforts with an ice cream on the deck.
Ruby House Restaurant
With incredible steaks and local fare, you can enjoy a great dinner in downtown Keystone at Ruby House. It’s within walking distance from most of the nearby hotels, and you can spend some time walking up and down the boardwalk and exploring the multitude of unique tourist shops. Find it at 124 Winter St, Keystone, SD.
Badlands National Park
Just a 90-minute ride away from Keystone, Badlands National Park is absolutely worth a visit. The impressive geological formations here create a strikingly different landscape than the rest of the Black Hills. Take a ride along Badlands Loop Rd and keep an eye out for bighorn sheep adorning the canyon rims.
Deadwood
The rich history and frontier action of Deadwood have turned to bustling tourist energy. With amazing restaurants, gift stores, and casinos, there’s no shortage of entertainment. I highly recommend a trip to the Tatanka exhibit and a spin up to Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower just outside of town.
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame
Mainly known for the annual rally, Sturgis is typically a quiet and welcoming little town. Its motorcycle museum features an impressive display of bikes, photographs, and local history that any rider can enjoy. Nestled right in the heart of downtown, spend some time walking the streets after your visit. Find it at 999 Main St, Surgis, SD, (605) 347-2001.
Devils Tower National Monument
Just a short ride from the core of the Black Hills, this impressive feature warrants a visit if you’re in the area. The way the monolith rises from the surrounding plains as you approach it is simply breathtaking. At the visitor center, you can read about the Native American legend as to how this rock was formed.
George S. Mickelson Trail
If you are lucky enough to explore this area on a pedal bike, put this trail on your bucket list. This 109-mile bike trail features 15 trailheads and can be ridden in either direction between Deadwood and Edgemont. Built on the path of an old railroad, it’s relatively tame with little elevation gain, making it an incredible way to experience this area with friends or family.
Alpine Inn
Ordering dinner at Alpine Inn is easy—steak, or steak? While the restaurant does provide one vegetarian option, people come here for meat. They don’t even have a menu; it’s that simple. With friendly service and unbelievable desserts, don’t miss the chance to dine here. Heads up, though, since there’s almost always a wait. Find it at 133 Main St, Hill City, SD, (605) 574-2749.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Although Mount Rushmore may get the bulk of the attention here, a detour to Crazy Horse is not to be missed. Stop at the visitor center, where your contribution literally pays the bills to continue carving the majestic sculpture. You can also take a tour which gets you closer to the action. Find it at
12151 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD.
Jewel Cava National Monument
Hiking trails on the surface of Jewel Cave allow you to stroll peacefully under ponderosa pines along rolling prairie. But what lies beneath is why you’ll want to visit. Take a cave tour into one of the longest cave systems in the world, but make advance reservations if you can.
Cathedral Spires
Located in an area of Custer State Park known as the Needles, this hike is a great way to get up close and personal with these impressive granite spires. This 1.5-mile hike is a good excuse to get off the bike and stretch your legs. Many other trails can also be found in what is perhaps the most stunning area in the Black Hills.