Black Hills Experiences

 A small, surprisingly high end restaurant in Hot Springs.  It’s part of the Moccasin Springs Spa.  I counted two four-tops and five two-tops, so reservations are highly recommended. We found out about this place from a trusted local who transplanted from Los Angeles and travels extensively. We shared the Fresh Herbs For Georgia O’Keefe salad (beet salad). Superb. Greg had the Fish of the Day.  I had the Black Hills Braise which was osso bucco in a bowl of flavorful broth and veggies. We shared The Horses Have Come Back dessert. It’s a Scottish shortbread with fruit compote, whiskey soaked oats and whip cream.  Greg liked that more than I did.  I would recommend Buffalo Dreamer for a special night out.  

 A pretty drive, located near Hot Springs. There are guided tours of the cave with varying numbers of steps which might determine your choice.  We went on the Natural Entrance Tour that was 1 hour 15 minutes with about 125 steps down (elevator back up at the end). First you need to know that tickets go on sale in the morning.  Because of limited numbers on each tour, they fill up fast, and you might not get one until later in the day.  We went on the Natural Entrance tour that was 1 hour 15 minutes with about 125 steps down (elevator back up at the end).  Pace is slow and doable. Our guide was fantastic— interesting presentation and very knowledgeable. If you have time to spare between ticket purchase and your tour time, there are hikes in the park, or you can visit nearby Custer State Park, or see the Mammoth Site or  visit the spas in Hot Springs. 

 Not technically a hike, but if you want to work on your 10,000 steps for the day, you don’t have to get in the car. There is a paved path at the east end of Duffer Drive that goes to the Hart Ranch Campground. I’ve never gone that far.  We’ve walked to Mulligan Mile at the entrance of the neighboring development in under 40 minutes round trip.  For another 15-20 minutes you can proceed on the walking path behind the duplexes and loop back on the cart path that goes to the street. 

 We’re lucky to have this little gem right down the road. It’s across from Reptile Gardens. A casual grill that makes a great burger and other grill type food. There’s outdoor seating, and they sometimes have live music outside.  It’s a very popular place. 

 I really like this course, and it’s in our back yard!  The front is a nice flat track.  The back is more challenging as it goes up on the side hill behind the houses in the other Hart Ranch development. That part reminded me of a Colorado mountain course with beautiful views, but with more intentional placement of shots.  The last par 3 has an impossible sloped green that isn’t as obvious at first putt. Aim way above the hole!  We had a 12:36 tee time on Tuesday which was a mistake since we were behind a large organized men’s group that is slow. The course is reserved for members only after 4:00 weekdays. 

This is north of Rapid near Piedmont, off I-90 exit 44. A 7 mile hike if you go all the way to Dalton Lake, but we did a little over 4 miles total. It’s out and back following Elk Creek, and is considered easy to moderate.  It’s a nice wide trail in the first part and more of a hiking path farther up with a few spots where you have to maneuver small rocky inclines/descents.  But it’s a gradual grade almost all of the way. About 1 1/2 miles up there’s a fork in the path, one that goes up and the other that goes down along the creek.  It comes together again a ways up.  Either way is nice. Most of the trail is shaded which was great for this hot day. Very scenic.  We loved it.