Blackhillsvacations.com (Attraction Tickets)

[Small Town Princess]

I have been trying to find prices for all of the attractions we hope to visit while traveling through the Black Hills this summer. I came across a site called Blackhillsvacations.com that has 9 different attraction passes B1G1. They must be ordered by June 10 but are good through October. Has anyone used this site before? Are they reputable?

We want to see Reptile Gardens, Mammoth Dig Site, Flinstone Bedrock City, Bear Country, Crazy Horse, Mt Rushmore, Badlands and Yellowstone. Can anyone recommend discounts for any of these sites? Thanks so much!

 

[Majkman]

All that i can tell you is Crazy Horse was ok. Mt. Rushmore was an emotional ex[erience that everyone should see both day and night. It will bring a tear to your eye.

And as a bonus Deadwood is a very cool town. It's all worth the stop!!


Have a MAICAL day'

Andy

 

[apennel]

I would be interested in any South Dakota information as well. We will be visiting the Mt. Rushmore/Custer/Badlands area July 1-4, and we are interested in visiting many of the same attractions as the OP.

 

[southdakotatourism]

Hi there,
Yes, BlackHillsVacations.com is a reputable vacation website for the South Dakota Tourism industry. We hope that you are able to take in as many attractions on your list and then some! There is so much to see and do here in South Dakota!

Safe travels!
Katlyn Richter
South Dakota Department of Tourism

 

[Small Town Princess]

Thanks so much! I did order some attraction tickets from their site. Looking forward to seeing the beautiful landscape.

 

[sdjen]

Hi from South Dakota.

If you have specific questions about the Black Hills, I would be happy to try to answer for you!

Also, what are the ages of the kids? I can maybe recommend some attractions based on that - some are even free

 

[apennel]

Hi from South Dakota.

If you have specific questions about the Black Hills, I would be happy to try to answer for you!

Also, what are the ages of the kids? I can maybe recommend some attractions based on that - some are even free

Hello! I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I thought I'd take advantage of sdjen's offer for advice.

We are visiting with two boys, 12 and 6, with two nights staying in Keystone and 1 night at Badlands park.

I'd like to know if there is one cave that is recommended over another? We are considering Rushmore cave, Wind cave or Jewel cave.

Also, is visiting the Crazy Horse Memorial worth the admission? Would it be interesting to children?

Any recommendations would be helpful.

Thanks!

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

All that i can tell you is Crazy Horse was ok. Mt. Rushmore was an emotional ex[erience that everyone should see both day and night. It will bring a tear to your eye.

And as a bonus Deadwood is a very cool town. It's all worth the stop!!


Have a MAICAL day'

Andy

I'll second this, and my kids got so much more out of Mt. Rushmore than I thought they would, if you have kids definitely participate in the Junior Ranger program, it's free and educational. Even my then 4yo remembers that trip.

 

[Small Town Princess]

My kids are 10 & 13. They are animal lovers so we definately want to go through Bear Country. Do you know of any discounts available?

Also, does each National Park charge a seperate admission (Badlands, Custer, etc) or is there a multi-park pass you can purchase?

Thanks so much!

 

[caborst]

Hello! I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I thought I'd take advantage of sdjen's offer for advice.

We are visiting with two boys, 12 and 6, with two nights staying in Keystone and 1 night at Badlands park.

I'd like to know if there is one cave that is recommended over another? We are considering Rushmore cave, Wind cave or Jewel cave.

Also, is visiting the Crazy Horse Memorial worth the admission? Would it be interesting to children?

Any recommendations would be helpful.

Thanks!

On our visit, we went to both Jewel and Wind Cave. My personal recommendation would be Wind Cave. I thought the boxwork formations were very different from any other cave I have been to. We called it the chocolate cave. Jewel was nice but not being a cave afficionado it was not much different from other caves to me. Jewel Cave is also in a very out of the way nothing else around location. Whichever you do, get your tickets in advance. We did not and wound up having to wait a few hours for an open tour.

 

[caborst]

Hello! I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I thought I'd take advantage of sdjen's offer for advice.

We are visiting with two boys, 12 and 6, with two nights staying in Keystone and 1 night at Badlands park.

I'd like to know if there is one cave that is recommended over another? We are considering Rushmore cave, Wind cave or Jewel cave.

Also, is visiting the Crazy Horse Memorial worth the admission? Would it be interesting to children?

Any recommendations would be helpful.

Thanks!

Also I went with two girls, 10 and 13, and they loved Crazy Horse. It was different to see the work in progress compared to the models and drawings.

 

[thebeesknees]

We just got back Sunday from our trip to the Black Hills. We scoured everyplace we could find and didn't come up with any discounts for Bear Country, but did it anyway and the kids loved it. Reptile Gardens will give you a length-of-stay ticket for free after you purchase your first days' admission. We wound up going there 4 times total so the kids could watch the shows over and over (gator and bird shows were their favorites). Old Macdonald's Farm lets you come back for free for 3 days (got a coupon in one of the travel books at our hotel for free pony rides for the kids), and we did that all 3 days so they could hold the chicks and bottle feed the calves and lambs. Mt. Rushmore was fantastic both during the day and at night for the lighting ceremony - I really recommend going back at night for it. We toured Rushmore Cave (kids loved it) and a gold mine (also fun and the kids got an ore sample from that). They really liked Storybook Island, the Dinosaur Park with sculptures was meh, and the kids liked making their own pot at the Sioux pottery plant. Oh! We stopped at the Cosmos Mystery Area and that was the highlight of the trip for the kids. VERY weird, but in a fun way - really messes with your mind! I very much recommend taking the wildlife loop trail into Custer State park. We saw a huge herd of bison with their babies, and the begging donkeys came right up to the car and put their heads in to get treats from the kids - what fun! We ran into another family at several of the spots that had ordered their tickets from the site you mentioned and had no problems with them. We didn't order ahead of time, just used the coupons we picked up along the way so we could be a little more flexible. We drove past Crazy Horse but didn't go in, as it was pouring rain, and as we arrived at Flintstones, it started hailing, so we skipped that, too. Fast food places are few and far between up that way, and service at both Wendy's and Burger King was insanely slow - like 20 minutes from when we ordered until we got our food. We wound up at Subway a lot, and did a sit-down at the Tackle Box Tavern in Keystone (kids eat free with a coupon in the travel book). Have fun! There was a lot more to do there than I anticipated at first.

 

[sdjen]

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you! It was a crazy week at work.

Sounds like you have gotten some really good advice already. For kids - especially boys your age - I would second the Cosmos and Reptile Gardens. There is also an Alpine slide in Keystone that looks fun but I havent been there personally. There is also a place called Gulches of Fun in Lead/Deadwood that has mini gokarts, mini golf etc... that they boys might enjoy.

Crazy Horse is neat - the museum is worth going through. Mt Rushmore is also really neat - I second the lighting ceremony if you can make that work. Don't forget to take coats/jeans though. It is often pretty chilly up there at night.

If you are coming in from the East, a stop at Wall Drug is worth a short visit. Head to the back of the store for some kid friendly stuff.

Bear Country is expensive but in my opinion it is worth it. The drive through part is cool for kids and the walkthrough at the end is cool too. They also have one of the better gift shops in the area.

In Keystone make sure to stop and try the Keystone taffy. you can see them make it and IMO it is the best ever!

I cannot help with the caves - sorry - but sounds like others have chimed in.

For those coming with smaller kids, you should try to get to Storybook Island in west Rapid City. It is free and is really entertaining for little (under 5 or so) ones. Also free in Rapid City is Dinosaur Park. Lots of steps but kids like it.

For those coming over July 4th there are several pretty decent fireworks shows - just check the paper for times.

Hope you all have a wonderful time in the Black Hills!

 

[MBELSANTI]

I have been trying to find prices for all of the attractions we hope to visit while traveling through the Black Hills this summer. I came across a site called Blackhillsvacations.com that has 9 different attraction passes B1G1. They must be ordered by June 10 but are good through October. Has anyone used this site before? Are they reputable?

We want to see Reptile Gardens, Mammoth Dig Site, Flinstone Bedrock City, Bear Country, Crazy Horse, Mt Rushmore, Badlands and Yellowstone. Can anyone recommend discounts for any of these sites? Thanks so much!

HI, I drove out there last Summer and spent 15 nights in the area. I can tell you what other posters have said that you MUST see Mt Rushmore in the day and nighttime. Deadwood is a must do also as well as a day trip to Devil's Tower WY. We went to Devils Head as a day trip while spending 2 nights in Deadwood. Spearfish Canyon is also really nice and it is between Deadwood and Devil's Tower. I wouldn't waste the money to go to Crazy Horse...you can pull on side of hwy and take pictures for free LOL. We also wen to both caves (Wind and Jewel) in the area. We went to Mammoth dig site, but it looked boring and it was brutally hot so we skipped it. We stayed in a cabin in the Badlands. That was cool to hike through. Definitly go into Custer State Park and see the bison heards...omg! We took a Jeep Safari tour through the park and the gal took us right up to the heards near their watering hole. It was spectacular and the highlight of our trip. ANd also the donkeys are there....they are a must see LOL! Also if you have nerves, drive up Needles Hwy I was freaking out LOL!! I honestly didn't get many discounts that I can remember, but I do have AAA. We also spent 2 nights on a ranch in a B&B owned by the ranchers....wonderful stay! I can recommend places to stay too. PM me if you want.

 

[MBELSANTI]

Hi there,
Yes, BlackHillsVacations.com is a reputable vacation website for the South Dakota Tourism industry. We hope that you are able to take in as many attractions on your list and then some! There is so much to see and do here in South Dakota!

Safe travels!
Katlyn Richter
South Dakota Department of Tourism

I used this site when I was planning our trip last year. I found all my hotel/B&B's through it and they send you nice maps of various touring.

1 night in Souix Falls SD from Chicago- saw Corn Palace.
2 nights in Deadwood at Bullock Hotel- Did a day trip to hike Devils Tower WY, Spearfish Canyon, Deadwood Cemetary, Adams Home and Museum and the Wild Bill shootout.
2 nights in Hill City at Coyote Blues BB - 1880 Train, Keystone, Jewel Cave,
3 nights in Custer at Comfort Inn- Wind Cave, Jeep Safari Tour Custer State Park, Needles Hwy, Mt Rushmore(day and night on different days)
3 nights in Badlands; in the park in a cabin at Cedar Pass Lodge, Prairie Homestead, hiking in park, Wounded Knee. Wall Drug
2 nights at Triangle Ranch BB near Badlands.
The remainder nights were spent driving back to Chicago and touring other places along the way. I used AAA for some discounts..although I cannot specifically remember what .

I know I posted twice, but I get very excited when I think about the Black Hills! It is just a lovely place and I put 3,500 miles on my new car just driving all of the various loops that they have mapped out in their touring info.

 

[cinderella97]

We are leaving Satuday to have our tour of the area for 2 weeks. I am so excited. We are driving from Michigan and stopping at nearly 18 National Parks. Glacier, Yellowstone, Dinasour, Mt Rushmore. DH has said we will be putting on 5200 miles on the car - thank goodness its a rental car!

 

[MBELSANTI]

We are leaving Satuday to have our tour of the area for 2 weeks. I am so excited. We are driving from Michigan and stopping at nearly 18 National Parks. Glacier, Yellowstone, Dinasour, Mt Rushmore. DH has said we will be putting on 5200 miles on the car - thank goodness its a rental car!

Smart move! I took my 1 month old SUV on the 2 week trip last summer and I am still cleaning beige dust out of the cracks and crevices!!! Also driving through the hills is TOUGH on the breaks/transmission. I never know to switch up or down and I have a special hill thing that I can press to automatically change, but boy was my car engine revving LOL!

 

[MAD4EEYORE]

Thanks for all the suggestions! What a great thread! We leave on July 2nd for a month long trip to the area.

Keep the suggestions coming. I'd love to see the itineries and what you have planned. Once I have mine nailed down I'll post it.

Happy travels!

 

[annabanna]

I live in Rapid City and have two kids, 2 and 5. I can tell you a few things about what we do (Sunday Funday - we pick something fun to do as many Sundays during the summer as we can).

Blackhillstourism is a great resource, and thet have a great app that can really help along the way.

Mt Rushmore: is a must-do, for any age.

Crazy Horse: meh. That's really all I can say about that.

Custer State Park: certain must-do. If you like horseback riding, Blue Bell Lodge is the BEST. The Wildlife Loop is great, and if you like hiking, the Lower French Creek Trailhead shouldn't be missed.

Hiking or Biking: the Mickelson Trail is a great find. It follows an old railroad grade, so it's never too steep, but it's very scenic. It goes all the way from Deadwood to way south of Custer, but my favorite parts are around Hill City and Mystic. You can also rent bikes at a couple different places and go down the trail.
If you are a hardcore hiker, the Centenial trail is great.
And the Spring Creek Trail head is a site to see. It's an easy hike, but you go through old tunnels left from the mining days.

If you are into kayaking, you can rent kayaks in Rapid City (Global Market) and head out to Rapid Creek - which is also great to tube down.

Keystone: the taffy shop and fudge shop can't be missed. For something a little different, try the zip line. It's a blast.

1880 Train: My son LOVES this and we go on it at least a couple times a summer, and then again at Christmas to meet Santa. It's a nice relaxing ride that takes you places you don't normally see, and it has a lot of history.

Helocoptor tours: If you can swing it, it's great. It's actually not that much either, especially compared to Disney.

Caves: I think that Wind Cave is the best. It's owned and run by the park service, not a private owner, so I think they do a little job. Plus, Wind Cave Park is a must-see.

Deadwood/Lead: touring all the hot spots - the cemetary, the museums, ect is always good. My son loves to gold pan at Broken Boot. They also like Gulches of Fun.

Spearfish: Drive through the Canyon. See Bridal Veil Falls, see where the gigantic boulder rolled down the mountain (which landed so hard it registered on the richter scale), see Savoy and where Dances with Wolves was filmed. Another must do is to visit one of the Fish Hatcheries. There is a Historic one in Spearfish and a more up to date one in Rapid. they are educational.

Another thing that is worth it is Summer Nights in Rapid City, or just walking through Main Street Square. Thursday is the festival night where they have street vendors, live bands, and other events. But any time is a good time to see it. They have a fountain park which my kids love (bring a spare set of clothes for your kids!) and they have some neat shops - ice cream, a soda shop and a couple good restaurants.

Trout Haven is a fun place to take kids fishing if they have never fished before, or even if you do fish. And if you want to, they'll even cook cook what you catch. Oh, and right by Trout Haven is the Sugar Shack - the BEST burgers around. I ride my horse up there often. It's soooo good!!

There are a couple good places to rent ATV's if that's your thing too. Deadwood has Mad Mountain which is good, and there are a couple in Hill City.

Restaurants: if you are in Rapid, the Firehouse, Botecceli's, Engima, and the Cornn Exchange are all great choices.
Hill City: Alpine Inn is always good, and Slate Creek Grill usually delivers
Keystone: Ruby House and Grizzly Creek, and of course Silk Fudge and the Taffy shop.
Deadwood: If you want a great buffet of steak and crab, Silverado is probably the best in town (fri and sat). Also, you can never go wrong with Jakes. It's Kevin Costner's restaurant and it's pricey. But, I have never had a bad meal there.
Spearfish: Guadalajara's is the best mexican around. Seriously. We drive from Rapid to eat here. Also, Roma's is awesome. Also another we drive from Rapid to eat at.

that's all I can think of for now, but feel free to ask me any questions. I have lived in the area most of my life, we spend as much time as we can in the hills and I worked for SD Game Fish and Parks in college, so there are very few places I don't know.

 

[MBELSANTI]

Traveocity was another website that I used. I complied all of the places I wanted to see from the Blackhillsvacation site and then went to Travelocity to read the reviews. Also, Deadwood has its own website and they will send you info too.

We stayed at 8 different places over 15 nights...I know that was a lot of moving around but it was only DS 14 at the time and I. What I did was make a list of the places we wanted to visit and then I booked rooms at places all over the Black Hills and we just visited the places that were closest to each hotel/BB. Now most of the places are really close, so you don't have to do all of the moving around that we did, but we like to check out different hotels and we wouldn't do if differently next time. Check out the B & B's in the area. Many are family friendly and some are less than the cost of the chain hotels and much nicer. Coyote Blues was awesome and close to Hill City. Lovely innkeepers and the best European breakfast ever! Chain hotel breakfast doesn't come close! Also Triangle Ranch is family friendly. It is a 1920 Craftsman kit home, all original. They have an adjoining family/honeymoom coach house that would be great for a family. You can see the black angus cattle, horses. It is a real working ranch and the owners Lindy and Kenny are just the lovliest people you will meet and Lindy's homemade breakfasts are to die for! We actually stayed in all day one of the days just enjoying their company! Sorry, I could go on and on about the BH area...loved that vacation!