The second-oldest town in the Black Hills, Hill City, South Dakota, was established in 1876 and is home to a tight-knit community that knows how to have a good time.
Old-western-style saloons, quilt and antique exhibits, and barbecue festivals are some of the events that contribute to the community’s Western feel.
You never have to go far from town to witness anything amazing because it is located close to some of South Dakota’s most famous attractions, such as the Crazy Horse Memorial and the George S. Mickelson Trail.
Hill City should be on your 2025 travel itinerary, whether you’re looking for a weekend of touring the Black Hills or a belly full of BBQ.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Hill City is close to a number of important South Dakota landmarks, including the Crazy Horse Memorial, which is only a 15-minute drive away. Crazy Horse, a Native American chieftain from the 19th century who was instrumental in protecting Native American lands from the US federal government, is honored by the memorial.
Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear asked for a monument to honor Crazy Horse in the 1940s, and he hired Polish American artist Korczak Ziolkowski to sculpt the monument in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
After Ziolkowski died in 1982, his family took over the memorial’s construction, which they are still doing today. Ziolkowski devoted his life to carving the monument. The memorial will be the world’s largest mountain carving when it is finished.
Visitors may see history being made at the Crazy Horse Memorial, which is open all year round while still being under construction.
Trail of George S. Mickelson
Travelers could be motivated to see more of the Black Hills after viewing the Crazy Horse Memorial. Fortunately, the George S. Mickelson Trail is nearby.
This route, which was finished in 1998, offers the ideal approach to appreciate the natural splendor of the area as it wanders through mild, forested slopes.
The 109-mile trail features 100 converted railroad bridges, four rock tunnels, and 14 trailheads, each with parking and restrooms. Although the majority of the trail is rather level, there are some steeper parts, the highest of which is the Dumont segment.
In the winter, cross-country skiing, biking, hiking, and birdwatching are popular pursuits along the trail. For visitors with physical difficulties, the George S. Mickelson Trail provides trolley rides during the summer.
To board these about four-hour rides, you must have a reservation and provide proof of a handicapped parking permit.
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Festivals and Community Events
With a population of about 950, Hill City boasts an incredibly extensive calendar of events each year. The town’s “Live on Stage” event, which takes place at High Country Guest Ranch on Saturdays from January to March, features local storytellers, poets, comedians, and musicians.
The community also hosts the Hill City Antiques, Railroad & Collectibles Show & Sale twice a year, in the spring and the fall, when guests may peruse antiques and vintage goods and even have their own antiques appraised.
The annual Hill City Restaurant Week is a six-day event that takes place in March and brings together 30 local businesses to showcase local eateries, vineyards, breweries, coffee shops, candy stores, and other food-related enterprises.
For the Star Spangled Independence Celebration, visitors can organize their Fourth of July celebrations in Hill City. In addition to band and chorus performances on the fourth, the event includes a free ice cream and pie social. Over the weekend, there will be a two-day art fair.
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Visitors can anticipate the Hill City Wine Brew & BBQ in August, which draws more than 25 pitmasters from all over the nation.
The town’s Quilt Show and Sale takes place in September as fall approaches, and in October there is a Main Street Trick or Treat & Halloween Carnival. At the end of November, Hill City hosts an Old Tyme Christmas Parade to start the holiday season and close the year!
Nightlife & Dining
You may find a satisfying lunch in Hill City, whether you’re looking for a classy supper or comfort food in the Western manner.
A town staple since the 1970s, Chute Rooster is located in a building that was constructed in 1896 and offers traditional fare such smoked pork sandwiches, bison burgers, and hickory smoked prime ribs. On the weekends, they usually have live music as well.
The Alpine Inn serves European-style dishes as Kaes Spaetzle Primavera and bacon-wrapped filet mignon for those in the mood for a classy lunch. After dinner, have a beer or whiskey at the rustic, Western-style Silver Dollar Saloon.