The Southern Black Hills is brimming with attractions that can easily occupy several days' worth of exploration. Below is a comprehensive directory and guide to the area, encompassing both local and regional highlights.

Adventure #2

• A day of exploration. Schedule an early morning Hot Air Balloon ride that will take you past views and vistas not seen by many others. Be sure to bring your camera! You will not be disappointed!
• Visit The Mammoth Site, the largest active Paleontological dig site in the western hemisphere. You can tour this indoor active dig site and view Ice Age fossils. The Mammoth Site offers self-guided tours, and Summer Educational Programs. Interactive fun for the whole family. The Mammoth Site is open year round.
• Next on the list is Wind Cave National Park just minutes north of Hot Springs, SD.   It's known for the vast, underground Wind Cave, with chambers like the Post Office and the Elks Room. Many of the cave’s walls are rich in honeycomb-shaped calcite formations known as boxwork. The park's prairie and pine forests are home to bison, elk and pronghorn antelopes. Trails include Rankin Ridge, with views of the Black Hills.
• A second trip to the spa for a relaxing massage or take a dip in one of swimming holes sounds pretty good at the end of that adventure!

Adventure #3

• Early riser or slow to get started, you'll find several breakfast, lunch and coffee options available.   Springs Lodge & Cafe, Morn'in Sunshine, or Wandering Bison offer the  traveler a delicious start to your day. 
• After your meal, walk the Freedom Trail that follows Fall River as it meanders through town.  Enjoy the sound of the water, the beauty of the waterfall and Kidney Springs gazebo.
• Its time to hit the trail and explore the beautiful Black Hills. Pick one of the Black Hills Ridz day  trips that take you to different locations throughout the Hills and Custer State Park.  A must do in our book is the Turn, Turn, Turn Ridz or the Wild Life Loop where, on a good day, you will see wild donkeys, turkeys, antelope, deer and Bison grazing next to the road and along creeks.
• All trails lead back to Hot Springs, SD where you can relax and take in the quiet surroundings  away from the hustle and bustle of the tourists and crowds.
• If you need a little exercise after your Black Hills Ridz, try climbing one of the five outdoor  staircases you'll find throughout Hot Springs.
  

Adventure #4

• Adventure #3 calls for some outdoor time. Angostura State Recreation Area is one of the few large reservoirs in western South Dakota. The lake’s crystal waters and strong fishing makes  it a water enthusiast’s haven for fishing, swimming, boating or a day on the beach. Hiking and biking trails run along the perimeter of the lake and bike trails are paved. On your way out of town,  drop by Lynn's DakotaMart and pick up your drinks, ice, bait and picnic supplies for a fun day at the lake. The lake also has food concessions available (in season).
• Not up for the lake? Then drive out to one of many old swimming holes that are open to the public for swimming and picnics both in and around Hot Springs, SD. Chautauqua Park is a quiet serene picnic area with beautiful rock formations and the Fall River running through it. Cascade Falls is 8 miles south on Hwy 71 and offers a swimming hole and water that falls over rock formations. Then Keith Park which is just south of Cascade Falls on Hwy 71 is situated in a picturesque setting with pools, bridges and picnic tables.
• Back home to your hotel or camping spot to relax and listen to the meadowlarks singing. Then grab some dinner and visit TwoCows Creamery & Bistro, locally owned and serving for the best ice cream you have ever had.