Unexpected stops to add to your Black Hills trip

Mount Rushmore might be the headliner, but the Black Hills are filled with off-the-beaten-path treasures waiting to be explored. To make the most of your journey, it helps to start with the right home base.

Staying at a Liv Hospitality property means you’re close to both the famous sites and the unexpected ones. Hotel Alex Johnson in downtown Rapid City is a historic landmark that keeps you central to day trips across the region, while Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort and Cadillac Jack’s^® Gaming Resort in Deadwood place you right in the middle of history, entertainment and stunning scenery.

Needles Highway

Winding through sharp granite spires, this scenic drive is a marvel of engineering and nature combined. The narrow tunnels and sweeping views make it one of the most memorable drives in America. After your drive, you’ll appreciate returning to the comforts of Hotel Alex Johnson, where you can unwind with dinner or a rooftop drink at Juniper at Vertex Sky Bar.

Mammoth Site in Hot Springs

Step into a prehistoric world at this active paleontological dig site. With over 60 mammoth skeletons unearthed, it’s an incredible experience for travelers of all ages. It’s an easy day trip from Rapid City, making a stay at WaTiki^® Indoor Waterpark Resort a convenient choice for travelers eager to explore both natural wonders and history.

Spearfish Canyon

Known for its breathtaking waterfalls — like Bridal Veil and Roughlock Falls — Spearfish Canyon is especially enchanting in autumn when the leaves glow with golden hues. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike, bike or even fly-fish in this picturesque setting. After a full day in the canyon, Deadwood’s Cadillac Jack’s^® or Tin Lizzie provide a lively yet comfortable place to relax with dining and entertainment options just steps away.

Pactola Lake

Perfect for a peaceful picnic or a quiet paddle, Pactola Lake is the largest reservoir in the Black Hills. Its sapphire waters are stunning year-round. Just a short drive away, it’s ideal for a spontaneous afternoon adventure for guests staying at Hotel Alex Johnson.

Historic Lead and Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center

Step into the mining history of the Black Hills with a visit to Lead, where the Sanford Underground Research Facility now sits in the former Homestake Gold Mine. The visitor center offers exhibits on both gold mining and cutting-edge science, blending the region’s past and future. Staying in nearby Deadwood at Tin Lizzie or Cadillac Jack’s^® makes it easy to pair this educational stop with an evening of gaming or dining.

Stay and explore with ease

Where you stay shapes your adventure. Liv Hospitality properties give you central access, whether you want the historic charm of Hotel Alex Johnson, the vibrant energy of Cadillac Jack’s^® Gaming Resort, the family friendly atmosphere of WaTiki^® Indoor Waterpark Resort or the lively entertainment of Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort. Booking directly with these hotels ensures the best rates and worry-free reservations, allowing your Black Hills trip to be as memorable as the attractions themselves.

For more information, visit livhotelgroup.com.

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