There is some cool caves out there to check out. I can’t remember the names of them.

We like to go through Spearfish Canyon. My wife worked at Crazy Horse for a couple of years, so we usually stop and see some of the family. We rally like the Black Hills, its all beautiful out there. Check out some of the local garage sales too when you're in the area. I've found old traps and equipment doing that.

Folks have mentioned most of the places I would have suggested. Can't remember the town, but there is a spot on the north side of 90 on way out with lots of props from the movie Dances with wolves. I found that fun, but I loved the movie. Also if you are toward the north end of the hills, drive another 45 minutes to Hulett Wy and see devils tower.

I’m with you on that one. I couldn’t imagine that place during peak season. My wife loved it so I was there taking one for the team lol.
I loved Custer State Park especially the early morning drives to check out all the wildlife.

I'll second Scottsbluff, Custer Nat Battlefield, and Chimney Rock and add Devil's Tower, Museum of the Fur Trade in Chadron Ne, and Pompey's Pillar. Lot's to see out that way.

Thanks everybody, I won't lie I was hesitant on this trip as I'm a home body and hate cities and large crowds, but it's sounding more and more like it's my kind of outdoor adventure! Thanks for the ideas thus far!

If you go to any cave, go to the best one: Jewel Cave National Monument. The scenic tour is really good, and if you want something more rustic, the candlelight tour if fun (great with kids who want a little more adventure).... or if you want a lot more adventure, try the spelunking tour.

Stay off the interstate if you want to see SD. Roads that go east west are hi way 18,44,34. Any of those are better than the interstate.

Drop down to Chadron NE to the Museum of The Fur Trade.

If you go to Custer state park, there is a small stream that runs into center lake. If it is running good it is fun to fish for brookies there. They are wild, aggressive, hard fighters not huge, but fun. Quite scenic too if you go upstream past the campground. There is an occasional wild rainbow in there too.

French Creek might be what your talking about and many of the lakes have good trout fishing also in the park, the Buffalo are all over so be aware rounding corners in thick cover.

All great ideas, although I have to say I'm partial to the ND badlands. A well kept secret that is worth a visit!

You might head a little west into Wyoming and see Devil's tower. I think that is pretty cool. You might go up to Hill City and eat at the Alpine Inn - pretty good food there. The wife and I are going to take a trip out west to visit our youngest daughter in Arizona and then up to South Dakota to see our oldest daughter. A much needed vacation after 2020 that is for sure!

South of Rapid City is a cool place that has a bunch of furnished buildings that was used in Dances With Wolves. They have a variety show that first has a chuck wagon style supper. They show cast serves the meal in several lines. After the meal everyone passes the eating utensils down to the end of the table, then the show begins. We called in reservations, I wished I would have taken buffalo instead of beef. We did this on the first night, was a fun way to start 6 days in the hills. Also, ride the train from Hill City to Keystone.