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5 Reasons Why Your Family Should Visit the Black Hills This Spring

After a long, cold winter, you and your little ones are itching to explore and experience something exciting and adventurous this spring. From visiting one of the nation’s most popular monuments, to navigating through miles of beautiful ponderosa pines — the Black Hills offer many opportunities to create unforgettable memories with your family. While you may consider the summertime the perfect time to visit western South Dakota, the springtime can actually be one of the best times to visit the Black Hills! Check out our reasons to visit this spring:

1. Affordability

Let’s face it — plane tickets are expensive! Compared to the cost of flying, hotel stays, and other typical expenses, you and your family can save some serious cash by visiting western South Dakota. Since the summer months are typically considered the busy season in the Black Hills, room availability is much less demanding in the spring which allows you to find some great hotel deals. Not only are Black Hills’ hotel rates typically more affordable this season – admission prices to some of the area’s most popular attractions are, too!  

  • Open House Weekend: On May 15 – May 17, 2020, Custer State Park will kick-off the summer season with the annual Open House Weekend. During the weekend-long event, admissions fees will be waived, AND all guests can fish without a license — the perfect opportunity for your child to learn something new!
  • Outdoor Campus – West: Learn hands-on from the outdoor experts at the Outdoor Campus – West. Brought to you by The South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks, the campus offers free educational classes for you and your family along will a variety of wildlife exhibits.
  • Mount Rushmore National Monument: Mount Rushmore grounds are open year-round, seven days a week from 5AM – 11PM during the spring. There is no admission fee to visit the memorial, only a parking fee of $10. Don’t worry, your parking pass is good for the year, so you can come back and visit in the summer, fall and winter, too!
  • Wall Drug: Located just a short drive east of the Black Hills, the iconic Wall Drug Store is open year-round from 7AM – 5:30PM, seven days a week. From free water to 5¢ coffee, this attraction is both entertaining and inexpensive. Now is the perfect opportunity to check out what all the hoopla is about!

 

2. Avoid the Lines

As you’ve probably figured out by now, the Black Hills are home to many popular attractions, and as we’ve all probably experienced, popular attractions and lines go hand-in-hand. Since springtime is not typically as busy as the summertime, lines are much shorter. Now you and your family can focus on creating more memories and less on waiting in line this spring!

 

3. Learning Opportunities

I’m sure your kids would probably roll their eyes at the thought of learning on vacation — but who said the information is boring? In the Black Hills, there are many learning opportunities for every interest! Got a child who wants to be an astronaut? Check out the Air & Space Museum (this attraction is free too!). If your child has a thing for scales, fangs, and slime, Reptile Gardens is a MUST. And what about your fourth-grader who just learned about the Black Hills Gold Rush? Let them connect their history lesson with real, hands-on learning experiences in the multiple caves and museums throughout the area.

 

4. Health

Shh, don’t let them know that they are actually doing something healthy or you might get another eye roll! From hiking the most beautiful trails that the Black Hills has to offer, to biking the kid-friendly George S. Mickelson Trail, your family won’t even notice that they haven’t touched their electronic device in hours. Get some much-needed fresh air and outdoor adventure while burning some energy with your family this spring!    

 

5. Comfortable, Convenient & Splashing Fun

WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort is the perfect reason to visit the Black Hills this spring. Climb, slide, swim & explore our gnarly 30,000 sq. ft. indoor waterpark, then relax and refresh at one of our four conveniently attached hotels. Plus, we have many dining options within our resort, so you’ll never have to leave! From affordable Black Hills hotel rates to convenient access to the most popular Black Hills attractions, WaTiki is Rapid City’s most convenient and fun resort.

Nothing can beat the fresh, woodsy smell of the Black Hills in bloom. Why not experience something new, adventurous and educational with your family this season? Whether you’re looking for time to unwind by the indoor pool or an authentic wild west experience, you will not regret visiting western South Dakota this spring. So, say hello to your new family tradition!