8 Best Sights in Hot Springs, Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills

Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa

Fodor's choice
The warm, mineral springs that give this city its name are no longer believed to cure a range of ills, but they are definitely good for your soul, especially in a setting as unique and luxurious as this. An entrepreneur built this business atop the stone ruins of the 1890 Minnekahta Bathhouse, incorporating the remains of that long-ago retreat into a chic new spa. You can drop in for a soak, get a massage and other spa treatments, and even stay in a bungalow or cabin. This is big-city luxury in a beautiful, quiet, small-town atmosphere.

The Mammoth Site

Fodor's choice

While building a housing development in the 1970s, workers uncovered this sinkhole where giant mammoths came to drink, got trapped, and died about 26,000 years ago. The site has been protected with a high, domelike structure so archaeologists can dig up and study the bones. To date, the remains of 60-plus mammoths have been discovered, and most have been left in place, partially excavated, for visitors to see. You can watch the excavation in progress, take guided tours, and learn all about mammoths and archaeology.

Ruins Fodor's Choice
1800 U.S. 18 Bypass, Hot Springs, South Dakota, 57747, USA
605-745–6017
www.mammothsite.com
sights Details
Rate Includes: $12, May–Sept., daily 8–8; Oct., daily 9–5; Nov.–Apr., Mon.–Sat. 9–3:30, Sun. 11–3:30

Wind Cave National Park

Fodor's choice

With more than 150 miles of explored passageways (and counting), Wind Cave ranks as the seventh-longest cave in the world, several places behind Jewel Cave, which is also in the Black Hills. Cave tours at Wind Cave range from one to two hours and are first-come, first-served, so it's advisable to arrive early in the morning. If you miss the tour or want something to do afterward or while you wait, don't miss the opportunity to explore the park's surface area, which is one of the most underappreciated yet ruggedly beautiful parts of the Black Hills. You'll likely see some of the park's bison, prairie dogs, and other wildlife, and there are numerous hiking trails.

Please see the Wind Cave National Park chapter for more detailed information.

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Angostura Reservoir

Thirty-six miles of shoreline, much of it consisting of sandy beaches, surround this man-made lake fringed by forested hills near Hot Springs. Here you can stay in an RV, camping cabin, or tent campsite in one of several large campgrounds operated by the state Department of Game, Fish & Parks. The campgrounds offer kayak rentals, and you can inquire about motorized boat and pontoon rentals with the concessionaire at the marina. If you like fishing, that's also popular here, and if you get hungry, there's a restaurant near the marina.
13157 N. Angostura Rd., Hot Springs, South Dakota, 57747, USA
605-745--6996
gfp.sd.gov

Angostura Reservoir State Recreation Area

Water-based recreation is the main draw at this park 10 miles south of Hot Springs. Besides a marina, you'll find a floating convenience store, restaurant, campgrounds, and cabins. Boat rentals are available.

Evans Plunge

Hot Springs grew up around the warm, mineral springs that inspired its name. Around the turn of the 20th century, visitors came from around the country, hoping mineral baths would cure whatever ailed them. Today, you can still soak in the 87ºF waters at Evans Plunge, a large, indoor-outdoor aquatic complex built over the top of the springs that feed it. Relax with a warm dip in the pool, or have fun on the waterslides and rope swings.

Evans Plunge Mineral Springs

The water temperature at the world’s largest indoor swimming area fed by natural geothermal springs is always 87 degrees. It's also void of chemicals and the sulphur smell of other mineral springs because the pool recycles itself every 90 minutes. Established in 1890, Evans Plunge is the oldest tourist attraction in the Black Hills. It's also kid-friendly with indoor and outdoor pools that have waterslides and tubes, and there are hot tubs, sauna, steam room, and cardio and weight rooms. Locals generally use it daily until 10 am, after which it’s sanitized and opened to the public from 11 am to 4 pm.

Fall River Pioneer Museum

The sight of this imposing, Romanesque, sandstone structure built in 1893 is reason enough to visit. Inside, the exhibits are mostly relics of the pioneers who settled the area in the late 1800s and early 1900s, including a re-created pioneer school room and doctor's office, and a collection of antiques. The museum also exhibits paintings, sculptures, and other work by local artists.