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Free Traveling Guides » States » South Dakota » Black Hills
Black Hills
The Black Hills are a small, secluded mountain range that rises from the Great Plains of North America in western South Dakota, and extends into Wyoming, USA. This mountain range can be best described as an “island of trees in a sea of grass”. It is set off from the main body of the Rocky Mountains and is home to some of the tallest peaks of continental North America, east of the Rockies. It also encompasses the Black Hills National Forest. Today, Black Hills have become a major tourist attraction in South Dakota.
The main places of tourist interest in the region include the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, Harney Peak, Bear Butte State Park, Devils Tower National Monument, and the Jewel Cave National Monument. The Custer State Park is one of the largest state parks in the United States. The Crazy Horse Memorial is known to be the largest sculpture in the world. The Black Hill also hosts the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, every August. This motorcycle rally began in 1940 and has become an integral part of the regional economy. The 110-mile (177-km) long George S. Mickelson Trail follows the historic railroad route from Edgemont to Deadwood. This multi-use path is a favorite with hikers, bikers, and cross-country skiers.
The principal city in the Black Hills is the Rapid City, which serves as a vast market area, covering much of five states- South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota. Other major cities in this area include Spearfish, home to the Black Hills State University; Deadwood, a historic gambling Mecca; Belle Fourche, a well-preserved ranching town; Keystone; Hill City, a tourism and timber town of the Hills; Lead, home to the famous Home-stake Gold Mine; Custer, headquarters for Black Hills National forest; New Castle, center of the Black Hills petroleum production and refining; and Hot Springs, an old resort town in the southern Hills.
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