The bright summer sun fades into golden autumn leaves and the crisp air greets us in what is one of the Black Hills and Badlands most spectacular seasons—fall! The sights and smells of fall, from the vibrant backdrops to the pumpkin spice and maple confections that tempt our tastebuds, are easy to adore. Fall is a perfect time to visit the Black Hill and Badlands. In addition to the vibrant colors and tasty flavors, the fall season offers a quieter, yet still adventurous visit to the region. View our Fall Itinerary and let us help you plan a cozy, classic, and festive visit to the Black Hills and Badlands.
VIEW FALL COLORS
The stars of fall are landscapes of vivid orange, yellows, reds and greens, creating a stunning backdrop, perfect for photography and simply cruising along our variety of scenic routes throughout the region. We recommend Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway or Peter Norbeck Highway for optimal fall foliage. As the temperatures cool, wildlife will be active. Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, and Wind Cave National Park provide prime wildlife viewing in the region. View a full list of scenic fall drives here.
THINGS TO DO
Family Fun
Enjoy pumpkin patches and corn mazes, trick-or-treat events, and educational and interactive activities at the many museums located in the region.
Outdoor Recreation
With cooler temperatures, it’s the perfect time to hit the trails and enjoy the iconic views in the Black Hills and Badlands. The region offers hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails for all ability levels to waterfalls and panoramic overlooks, through mining tunnels, and parallel to crystal creeks. If you’re a cycling enthusiast, enjoy fall foliage bicycling. The George S. Mickelson Trail, a non-motorized, 109-mile trail system, will lead you along streams, colorful foliage, and Black Hills canyons.
UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS
Communities throughout the Black Hills and Badlands host autumn festivals and fairs, offering seasonal flare. Regional events include the Custer State Park Roundup, Sept. 26-28, where horseback clad cowgirls and cowboys coral 1,500 bison across the Black Hills prairie. Connect with Native American culture through the Fall Crazy Horse Memorial® Volksmarch on Sept. 28 and the He Sapa Wacipi Pow Wow, Oct. 10-12 in Rapid City. If you love the spooky season, plan a visit to attend Deadweird, Oct. 24-25 in Deadwood. Check out all BH&B events here.
PLACES TO STAY
Early fall will greet you with warmer temperatures so you can squeeze in one more campfire with s’mores. As the crisp air returns, cozy up in a rustic cabin in a pine forest or find rejuvenation in a resort hotel. View lodging options and book in advance.
PLAN
Start planning your visit to the Black Hills and Badlands today so you don’t miss the golden glow of the region. View and download the Black Hills & Badlands Vacation Guide, the perfect “while you’re here” guide for adventure. With planning and using the right resources we’re sure you’ll “fall” in love with the Black Hills and Badlands!
