Hill City

Hill City is known as the "Heart of the Hills," a distinction derived from its proximity to both the geographical center of the Black Hills and the region's top tourist destinations. It's a small town — just over 1,000 people — but it punches well above its weight.

Hill City has increasingly become the arts community of the Black Hills Black Hills & Badlands, with galleries, studios, wineries, and a charming downtown that feels far less touristy than nearby Keystone. It's also the departure point for the famous 1880 Train and a trailhead hub for the Mickelson Trail, making it one of the most popular base camps in the entire region.

It's one of the most beloved experiences in the Black Hills, and consistently worth it for families, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates something genuinely unique. The 1880 Train ride is a two-hour, narrated 20-mile round trip between Hill City and Keystone, with views of Black Elk Peak, mining encampments, and the original rail connection laid down in the late 1880s.

The Black Hills Central Railroad is the oldest continuously operating standard gauge steam railroad in the nation. Trains run from mid-May through mid-October, and the ride is narrated by a host with information about the train, the Black Hills, and points of interest along the route. Reservations are recommended in summer.

The Black Hills Institute of Geological Research opened in 1973 and is involved in the excavation and display of dinosaur and other fossils. It gained international fame in 1990 when volunteer Sue Hendrickson discovered what became the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever found, a fossil that later sold at auction to the Field Museum in Chicago for over $8 million. The museum in Hill City displays an impressive collection of fossils and prehistoric specimens, and is a surprisingly world-class stop that many visitors stumble upon and are glad they did. It's a standout attraction for families and anyone with even a casual interest in paleontology.

Hill City is the central point for Black Hills adventures, with short, scenic drives to iconic destinations like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, the Mickelson Trail, and Custer State Park. Mount Rushmore is about 20 minutes away, Crazy Horse Memorial is roughly 15 minutes, and Custer State Park is just a half-hour drive. Deadwood is about an hour north.

Unlike Keystone, which is closer to Mount Rushmore but more heavily commercialized, Hill City has a genuine small-town feel with good restaurants, local shops, and a laid-back pace that makes it easy to decompress after a full day of sightseeing.

The best time to visit Hill City is late spring through early fall, typically May through September, when the weather is warm and most attractions are fully open. Fall is also a favorite for fewer crowds and beautiful foliage, while summer offers the widest range of events and activities.

Yes, Hill City is one of the best access points on the trail. The Mickelson Trail stretches 109 miles through forests and over streams, offering visitors a unique way to explore the area's natural beauty by foot, bike, or horseback. The entire former Deadwood rail line through Hill City is now the George S. Mickelson Trail, a long-distance rail trail. The trail is relatively flat by Black Hills standards — it follows an old railroad grade — making it accessible for casual riders and families. Bike rentals are available in town if you didn't bring your own wheels.