This is Jackie’s family’s favorite lake and where they keep their boat in the summer. It’s also the location of the Welcome BBQ on Friday. Perfect location for renting boats, paddle boards, kayaks, and other water toys, but you can also camp, hang at the beach, and fish. If you’re brave enough, you can also cliff jump off of Dakota Point. Bring your swimming suits and sunscreen!

Black Elk (Harney) Peak is the highest point in the US east of the Rocky Mountains and has one of the best views of the Black Hills. The 7 mile round-trip hike starts at Sylvan Lake, winds through the forest, and ends at an old fire lookout tower. Mountain goats and chipmunks will often accompany you while taking in the view at the summit. The trail isn’t difficult (it’s well-worn) but gets steep near the summit, so bring water and snacks. This is located within the state park, so you will need to pay for a state park pass.

This state park encompasses Sylvan Lake, the Needles Highway, and the Cathedral Spires, various small fishing lakes, and campsites. Take the Custer State Park Wildlife loop to see wild bison and burros. You will need to pay for a state park pass to enter.

Outside of Spearfish and Lead/Deadwood, you can wind through this beautiful canyon and visit Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls, and Roughlock Falls. It also happens to be a perfect location for engagement photos.

This location is known for its unique formations and there are hiking/walking trails and camp sites. This park is east of Rapid City and the Black Hills, near Wall Drug, and full of prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets. You will need to pay for a national park pass to enter.

One of the first wineries in the Black Hills! Go for lunch or a wine tasting.

Owned and located by Prairie Berry Winery. Great craft beer!

This is the same company as the Firehouse SmokeJumper Station restaurant in Hill City, but this is their main location in Rapid City. Good food and beer. Their artichoke dip and beer bread is delicious! Visit their Wine Cellars next door too.

A favorite local craft brewery in Rapid City.

Local winery located in what the couple fondly call, “Guzzler’s Gulch”.

An absolute favorite and must-eat for steak lovers! This restaurant is in an old Bavarian style inn that serves lunch and dinner. Dinner is either prime rib or spaetzle (the vegetarian option), but it’s really the prime rib that you go for. Wash it down with German wine or beer and finish it off with some Bavarian desserts! Be warned, they do not take reservations and there is often a wait since it’s a popular spot. It’s completely worth the wait though!

Great spot for burgers after a hike or touring Custer State Park.

Great Indian food in downtown Rapid City. Vegetable Korma and Palak Paneer are the bride’s favorite dishes.

Locally owned spot to get a cup of joe and donuts. Get there early as donuts can go fast. It’s also a good place to get wedding cakes ;)

Good bagels and cream cheese for breakfast, or try their bagel sandwiches for lunch.

Mount Rushmore may get all of the fame but Crazy Horse will dwarf it in size when (and if) it's finished. Commissioned by members of the Lakota tribe it's been under construction for 72 years. You will need to pay to enter.

Take this vintage steam train for a 2 hour tour of the Black Hills from Hill City to Keystone, or vice versa.

While visiting the tourist town of Keystone, try one of the adventures here! They have an alpine slide, an aerial adventure park, a scenic chairlift, and a 800 ft. zip line.

This is a gorgeous road tour in the hills that includes old wooden “pigtail bridges” and one-way tunnels that highlight Mt. Rushmore like a picture frame. This is one of the bride’s favorite locations to take visitors!

One of the many caves in the Black Hills, and a National Park. You can take a cave tour or sign up to go spelunking.

If you’re not a fan of reptiles, this is not your tourist attraction! This is basically a zoo of reptiles and birds of prey, including alligators, crocodiles, all kinds of snakes, and huge Galapagos Tortoises. Attend the various shows where the employees talk about the reptiles and you can get an up-close look. You can even see them “wrestle a gator”!

Take a drive through tour of this park and drive amongst big wildlife, including elk and bears. Afterward, you can get out of your car and look at the baby bears, fox, and other critters, in the enclosures.

This little tourist trap makes you question the laws of nature. Balls roll uphill and cabins tilt...or do they....

Goats crossing bridges, petting zoo, train rides, and pony rides...a perfect visit for kids!