The best walks and hikes around Central City

Major Lake Park is a quiet lakeside spot in Hill City, perfect for a picnic, a wildlife break, or a quick detour off the Mickelson Trail. Look out for geese, deer, and the local osprey.

At Wind Cave National Park, crushed limestone trails wind through open prairie and past wooden fences. Early morning is the best time to visit, when bison are more likely to be grazing in the distance. Keep your eyes on the horizon, the stillness and sweeping views make it feel like the prairie goes on forever.

The Minnekahta Trailhead is a great access point along the George S. Mickelson Trail, located about 16 miles south of Custer, South Dakota. This section of the trail offers a smooth, moderate route with a mix of forests, grasslands, and open areas. As you make your way along the trail, you'll pass through a range of beautiful Black Hills landscapes, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife like deer, elk, and various bird species. Make sure to watch out for snakes along the trail!

Pringle is a small town in the southern Black Hills, surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests. It’s a great spot for outdoor activities, with wildlife like deer, elk, and wild turkeys in the area. After hiking, you can grab a meal or a drink at Hitchrail Bar & Restaurant, a local spot for food and drinks. It’s a quiet, no-frills place to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Custer State Park, located in the Black Hills, offers diverse landscapes, from dense forests to open prairies and towering granite peaks. During a visit, you can expect breathtaking views, including sweeping views of the Black Hills and jagged rock formations. The park is teeming with wildlife, including bison, deer, elk, and bighorn sheep, which roam freely across the park. You can spot golden eagles and red-tailed hawks. In the spring and summer, wildflowers bloom in the meadows, adding color to the already stunning surroundings.

On this stretch of the George S. Mickelson Trail, you’ll get clear views of Harney Peak, the highest point in South Dakota, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Black Hills.

Hill City, South Dakota, has a rich history and plenty of outdoor activities. Founded during the Black Hills gold rush, the town is known as "The Heart of the Hills." You can take a ride on the 1880s-era train for a scenic trip through the area. Hill City is also close to Custer State Park and the George S. Mickelson Trail for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. The Black Hills Institute of Geological Research has fossil exhibits, including the famous T. rex, Sue. With local wineries and easy access to Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, Hill City offers an exciting mix of history, nature, and culture.

Redfern was once a booming railroad town in the late 1800s. Named after the Redfern family, who settled here during the construction of the Black Hills and Fort Pierre Railroad, the town played a crucial role in transporting goods and people across this rugged region. Today, remnants of Redfern’s railroad past can still be seen, including the old train depot and nearby railbeds.