DEADWOOD

the black hills area , south dakota

An uplifted island of mountains in the middle of the roaming grasslands of the Great Plains, the Black Hills of South Dakota encompass one of the world’s most ancient mountain ranges. Today, it is a million-acre playground filled with the history and mystery of the Old West, alpine lakes and an underground wilderness, as well as the highest concentration of parks, monuments and memorials in the country. Crowned by one of the nation’s most enduring icons – Mount Rushmore National Memorial – the Black Hills also claims Wind Cave National Park, Badlands National Park, Devils Tower National Monument, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park and Jewel Cave National Monument, all within an hour’s drive of Deadwood.

While locals still view the Black Hills as a hidden gem. That ambiguity has quickly faded with the release of Disney’s hit blockbuster sequel – “National Treasure: Book of Secrets.” The film follows treasure hunter Benjamin Gates (Nicolas Cage) through the lost pages of John Wilkes Booth’s diary hoping to unlock the secrets of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. The Black Hills and Mount Rushmore are front and center during the finale of the film.

Blessed with a mild climate, hundreds of miles of beautiful backcountry, free-roaming wildlife and a relaxing pace, the Black Hills welcomes nearly five million visitors annually. That number will surely increase as the word gets out on what an amazing and captivating area the Black Hills of South Dakota truly are.