Custer State Park
Fall is right around the corner, which means the Black Hills are going to explode with color in the coming months. Whether you’re planning a trip or just looking for the beauty of the area, check out this guide to the top five scenic drives in the Black Hills. From Custer State Park to Spearfish Canyon, you’re guaranteed to be awestruck. Don’t worry about where to stay, Liv Hospitality has you covered.
Spearfish Canyon
Spearfish Canyon
Take a scenic drive through the beautiful Spearfish Canyon in Spearfish, South Dakota. This 19-mile drive is full of spectacular views with amazing colors, dense foliage and towering rock formations located less than 20 minutes from a room at Cadillac Jack’s® Gaming Resort. If you’re looking solely for the colors, plan to drive through Spearfish Canyon in late September into October. Did you miss this window? Rest assured that you will see amazing sights no matter what time of year.
Needles Highway
Needles Highway
Become awestruck by this 14-mile drive through granite spires located in Custer State Park. Book a room at WaTiki® Indoor Waterpark Resort to be only 30 minutes from the route. What makes this drive even more unique are the man-made tunnels in the mountains and the Needles Eye, which was created by rain, wind, freezing and thawing over time.
Vanocker Canyon
If you’re a fan of hidden gems, this one is for you. Located only 30 minutes from the Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort, Vanocker Canyon is a 17-mile drive. It ends at Nemo, South Dakota, a historic community. If you’re coming in early to mid-fall, you’re in for a treat. The numerous aspen and birch trees make this drive a must-see during the fall months.
Skyline Drive
Skyline Drive
Looking for a drive a little closer to downtown Rapid City? Take Skyline Drive, which is only 10 minutes from Hotel Alex Johnson. Skyline Drive stretches 2 miles and overlooks Rapid City. At the end of the road, you’ll find Dinosaur Park, full of dinosaur statues and beautiful views from all directions. The park is also the starting point of numerous trailheads for those interested in taking a hike to experience even more of the beautiful Black Hills.
American bison found at Custer State Park
Custer State Park – Wildlife Loop
If you’re looking for an eventful drive full of wildlife, travel 30 minutes from your room at WaTiki® Indoor Waterpark Resort to experience the Wildlife Loop at Custer State Park. On this 18-mile drive, you can spot numerous animals including buffalo, coyotes, prairie dogs, pronghorns, bighorn sheep and more.
Plan for extra time in case of a wildlife traffic jam. To spot the most wildlife, go early in the morning or just before sunset.
Don’t miss out this fall. Fill up the tank and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Black Hills.
