Why This South Dakota Town Deserves More Attention

Founded in 1876, Hill City, South Dakota is the second-oldest town in the Black Hills, home to a close-knit community that knows how to have a good time. Barbecue festivals, quilt and antique shows, and old-western-style saloons are a few of the attractions that give the community its Western atmosphere. It is also situated near some of South Dakota’s most iconic landmarks, like the Crazy Horse Memorial and the George S. Mickelson Trail, meaning you never have to travel far from town to see something incredible. Whether you want your belly full of barbecue or a weekend exploring the Black Hills, Hill City deserves to be on your itinerary for your 2025 travels.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Hill City is located near several significant South Dakota landmarks, with the Crazy Horse Memorial among the closest at just a 15-minute drive. The memorial honors Crazy Horse, a 19th-century Native American leader who played a key role in defending Native American territories from the US federal government. In the 1940s, Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear requested the creation of a monument to memorialize Crazy Horse, commissioning the Polish American artist Korczak Ziolkowski to carve the memorial in South Dakota’s Black Hills. Ziolkowski dedicated his life to carving the memorial, and once he passed away in 1982, his family took over the construction, which they continue to do until this day. Once the memorial is completed, it will be the largest mountain carving in the world.

Although still under construction, the Crazy Horse Memorial is open year-round, allowing visitors to witness history in the making. Summer is the busiest season, while the shoulder months of April, May, September, and October offer a quieter experience for those who prefer a less crowded visit.

George S. Mickelson Trail

After visiting the Crazy Horse Memorial, travelers may be inspired to explore more of the Black Hills. Luckily, the George S. Mickelson Trail is just around the corner. Completed in 1998, this trail winds through gentle, forested slopes, offering the perfect way to take in the area’s natural beauty. With 14 trailheads, each with parking and bathrooms, the trail stretches 109 miles and includes four rock tunnels and 100 converted railroad bridges. While most of the trail is fairly flat, certain sections are more inclined, with the Dumont section reaching the highest point.

Popular activities along the trail include hiking, biking, birdwatching, and cross-country skiing in the winter. In the summer, the George S. Mickelson Trail offers trolley rides for travelers with physical limitations. These rides, lasting roughly four hours, require a reservation and proof of a handicapped parking permit to board.

Community Events & Festivals

Hill City, home to around 950 residents, has an impressively large annual event calendar. From January through March, the town hosts the “Live on Stage” series, which brings regional musicians, poets, comedians, and storytellers to perform on Saturdays at High Country Guest Ranch. Twice a year, in spring and fall, the town also puts on the Hill City Antiques, Railroad & Collectibles Show & Sale, where visitors can browse vintage items and antiques, and even have their own antiques appraised. In March, 30 local establishments come together for the annual Hill City Restaurant Week, a six-day event that promotes local restaurants, wineries, breweries, coffee shops, candy shops, and other food-centered businesses.

Travelers can plan their Fourth of July festivities in Hill City for the Star Spangled Independence Celebration. The event features a free ice cream and pie social, along with band and chorus performances on the fourth, followed by a two-day art fair over the weekend. In August, visitors can look forward to the Hill City Wine Brew & BBQ, which attracts over 25 pitmasters from across the country. As fall arrives, the town hosts its Quilt Show and Sale in September, followed by a Main Street Trick or Treat & Halloween Carnival in October. To wrap up the year, Hill City kicks off the holiday season with an Old Tyme Christmas Parade at the end of November!

Restaurants & Nightlife

Whether you want Western-style comfort food or an upscale dinner, you are sure to find a good meal in Hill City. Chute Rooster, open since the 1970s, is a town favorite, housed in a building that dates back to 1896 and serving classic dishes like smoked pork sandwiches, bison burgers, and hickory smoked prime ribs. They also frequently host live music on the weekends. Those craving a refined meal can enjoy dinner at The Alpine Inn, which offers European-style cuisine like Kaes Spaetzle Primavera and bacon-wrapped filet mignon. After dinner, head to the Silver Dollar Saloon, a rustic, Western-style bar, for a beer or whiskey.

Final Thoughts

Hill City’s small population often keeps it off the radar, overshadowed by larger South Dakota destinations like Rapid City. But with its prime location in the Black Hills, just minutes from landmarks like the Crazy Horse Memorial and George S. Mickelson Trail, it is more than worthy of a spot on your travel list. With a packed calendar of events, Hill City offers endless opportunities for entertainment. So if you have been trying to decide where to travel this year, rest assured that Hill City is well worth visiting.