Headed to the Black Hills from the East

On the way out to the Black Hills from the East, stop at the scenic overlook of the Missouri River on I-90 -- you're about to go "West River!"

Drive the Badlands Loop, adding a brief stop at the visitors' center. Stop in Wall for nickel coffee at Wall Drug before continuing on -- the kids will love it.

From the northern Black Hills, start in Spearfish and travel beautiful Spearfish Canyon. Stay at the Spearfish Canyon Lodge if you get the chance and soak in the outdoor hot tubs while gazing at the stars in the cool mountain air. The Latchstring Restaurant is your only eating option in the immediate area, but it's a little spendy and not as good as you'd hope. But the lodge is a good value. Try each of the three hiking trails in the area -- they are very good!

Stop in Deadwood -- but there's no need to stay long unless you enjoy small stakes gambling. See the town, look around Deadwood's sister city, Lead, especially at the open pit gold mine from the now-defunct Homestake mine.

Head down to some of the most beautiful parts of the Black Hills, namely Custer State Park. Enjoy the trails around Sylvan Lake (I like the somewhat challenging Little Devil's Tower trail and the view of the Cathedral Spires from the top!). Drive the Needles Highway (but not with anything bigger than a van -- narrow tunnels!). See bison and other wildlife on the Wildlife Loop.

At the far southern end of the Hills, visit the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs -- it's quite well done and the kids will like the hands-on activities. You can also take a swim at Evans Plunge, although it's a bit overrated and expensive.

A must see.... Be sure to walk the Presidential Trail.

I like Jewel Cave a little better than nearby Wind Cave National Park, but both are good. Choose one or the other, or go to one of the privately owned and operated cave tours in the Hills. Make reservations ahead of time.

Well worth visiting if you're headed farther west into Wyoming. The surrounding pine forests are beautiful and the hike around the base of the tower is a good walk for anyone but the youngest tikes. Climbing the tower, on the other hand, is best left for experts and the highly adventurous!