About Black Hills Family Vacations.

Welcome to the Black Hills of South Dakota! We are excited to offer our beautiful homes to families, couples, and groups who want to experience the natural beauty and serenity of the area. Our family moved back to the Black Hills in 2018, and we work, live, and play here. We fell in love with this area, and we hope you will too!

At our BH Family Vacations, we love spending time outside at the lake or camping with our kids - we are avid outdoor enthusiasts and love being hosts. We want your stay in the Black Hills to be as fun and comfortable as possible, so please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Thanks for choosing us!

Be sure to check out all of our other properties and let us know if you want to come again next year! Direct book with us for a special discount!

All the best,
Sarah + Ethan

Destinations

Explore Hill City, Custer, and Keystone.

Stay close to the best Black Hills destinations for wildlife, trails, downtown shopping, scenic drives, Mount Rushmore, family attractions, and seasonal events.

Custer

Nestled in the heart of the Black Hills, Custer, South Dakota offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, wildlife viewing, and small-town charm. Visitors can explore towering granite peaks, crystal-clear lakes, historic sites, and abundant wildlife, all within minutes of downtown Custer. Whether you're looking for hiking, sightseeing, photography, fishing, or simply enjoying the beauty of the Black Hills, Custer serves as an excellent base for experiencing some of South Dakota's most iconic landscapes.

Things to Do in Custer, South Dakota:

  • Drive the scenic Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park.
  • Visit Sylvan Lake and walk the lakeside trail.
  • Explore the Needles Highway and its famous granite spires.
  • Hike to Black Elk Peak, the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains.
  • Visit the historic Gordon Stockade site.
  • Enjoy fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding at Sylvan Lake.
  • Hike the Sunday Gulch Trail.
  • Watch the evening Buffalo Roundup grounds and visitor exhibits.
  • Explore the French Creek Natural Area.
  • Visit the Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center.
  • Ride or bike a portion of the Mickelson Trail.
  • Take a scenic drive through Iron Mountain Road.
  • Visit the 1881 Courthouse Museum in downtown Custer.
  • Shop and dine in historic downtown Custer.
  • Enjoy wildlife photography throughout Custer State Park.
  • Visit Center Lake for fishing and picnicking.
  • Explore Legion Lake and its hiking trails.
  • Attend local summer events and art festivals in Custer.
  • Visit the Black Hills Playhouse during the summer season.
  • Enjoy stargazing in the dark skies surrounding Custer.

Hill City

Located in the heart of the Black Hills, Hill City, South Dakota is known for its rich history, beautiful scenery, and family-friendly attractions. Often called the "Heart of the Hills," Hill City offers visitors a unique mix of outdoor recreation, historic sites, museums, art galleries, and small-town charm. Whether you're interested in exploring local history, riding a historic train, hiking through the Black Hills, or enjoying local shops and restaurants, Hill City provides a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

Things to Do in Hill City, South Dakota:

  • Ride the historic 1880 Train.
  • Visit the South Dakota State Railroad Museum.
  • Hike or bike the George S. Mickelson Trail.
  • Visit Tracy Park and enjoy a picnic.
  • Tour local wineries and tasting rooms such as With the Wind Winery and Prairie Dog Taproom.
  • Attend Hill City’s annual arts and crafts festivals (see calendar)
  • Visit the many shops on Main Street such as JQ, Jewel of the West, Granite Sports, and the ba.
  • Explore nearby hiking and biking trails within the Hill City area.
  • Enjoy local restaurants, cafés, and ice cream shops such as Nana’s Kitchen, Turtle Town, and Idyl and Humble.
  • Learn about Black Hills history at local museums such as the Black Hills Institute.
  • Take scenic photographs of the surrounding forests and granite formations.
  • Attend seasonal events such as the Quilt Show and Wine, Brew & BBQ Festival.
  • Watch elk and deer in the forests surrounding Hill City.
  • Experience Hill City's historic Main Street and railroad heritage at the Railroad Museum.

Keystone

Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Keystone is a popular destination known for its history, scenic beauty, and famous attractions. Visitors from around the world come to Keystone to experience iconic landmarks, family-friendly activities, and unique Black Hills adventures. From exploring caves and museums to viewing one of America's most recognizable monuments, Keystone offers something for visitors of all ages.

Things to Do in Keystone, South Dakota:

  • Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial and see the carved faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
  • Walk the Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
  • Explore Rushmore Cave and see underground rock formations.
  • Ride the zipline and mountain coaster at Rush Mountain Adventure Park.
  • Visit National Presidential Wax Museum.
  • Explore Big Thunder Gold Mine and learn about Black Hills gold mining history.
  • Pan for gold at Big Thunder Gold Mine.
  • Visit Holy Terror Mini Golf.
  • Walk through downtown Keystone and visit its unique shops and restaurants.
  • Stop by Keystone Historical Museum to learn about the town's past.
  • Ride the alpine slide at Rush Mountain Adventure Park.
  • Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial Sculptor's Studio to learn how the monument was created.
  • Watch the evening lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
  • Explore the shops, candy stores, and ice cream parlors along Keystone's Main Street.
  • Enjoy scenic views of the Black Hills surrounding Keystone.
  • Take photographs of the granite cliffs and forests near town.
  • Attend local summer events and celebrations in Keystone.
  • Watch for wildlife such as deer, wild turkeys, and mountain goats in the area.
  • Enjoy stargazing in the dark skies of the Black Hills.