Hands-on fun with twist of history awaits at these Black Hills attractions

This paid piece is sponsored by Travel South Dakota.

There’s nothing that says South Dakota summer like a family trip to the Black Hills.

First, there are so many things to do. Second, it’s a stunning place to visit – no matter what activities you choose. If you love South Dakota, you definitely love the Black Hills.

The newly released Head for the Hills Passport, in partnership between Travel South Dakota and the Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association, is ready to guide guests toward great attractions. The passport features 39 locations for family-friendly attractions and experiences.

This also marks the second year of Travel South Dakota’s stewardship campaign – Forever 605 – promoting respectful and responsible travel throughout the state.

The campaign encourages people to celebrate and appreciate the beauty of the state, including respecting wildlife, keeping the outdoors clean and shopping locally.

To get involved, sign the Forever 605 pledge — and earn a sticker — at Forever605.com. Use #Forever605 on social media to celebrate your South Dakota favorites while showing the importance of taking care of the state.

Here are a few great visits in the Black Hills perfect for loving South Dakota and having a summer getaway.

Evans Plunge Mineral Springs

1145 N. River St., Hot Springs

There’s something important to know about the mineral springs at Evans Plunge: They are crystal clear and scentless. It’s easy to confuse Evans Plunge with Hot Springs, the name of the town where they are located.

“Our mineral springs water is a refreshing 87 degrees,” said Kris Hanson, facility director.

“We have two soaking tubs that hold the mineral water that are heated to approximately 104 degrees, and we have a dry sauna and steam room in addition to the tubs for those looking for heat.”

Founded in 1890, it’s one of the oldest mineral springs in the United States. About 5,000 gallons of water per minute flow into Evans Plunge from a spring at the north end of the pool.

“We offer three pools with a kiddie slide, two indoor slides, one outdoor slide, Tarzan Rings, basketball, volleyball and lap lanes that are open all the time,” Hanson said.

Plus, there is a cardio room and classes in spinning, Zumba and water aerobics, all included with the daily pass. There are full locker rooms with showers too.

“People love to come to the springs on vacation,” Hanson said. “People share we are a destination attraction for their Black Hills vacations, and many like to revisit.”

Plus, the daily admission is for a full day, so families can come and swim or soak, then leave to visit another nearby attraction and come back to swim more.

The springs have been open for 134 years, Hanson said, and they see many repeat guests.

Hanson recommends the Tarzan Rings.

“This is a series of rings that cross the pool that are challenging for all ages,” she said. “Many guests are just thrilled to be in a chemical-free pool that you can get out of and not have crunchy hair, itchy skin or red eyes.”

There also are slides for younger kids, water basketball and volleyball. After a day of playing, there are food and beverages available for purchase and a gift shop.

Admission is free for children 2 and younger, $10 for age 3 to 13 and $14 for 14 and older. There are group-rate discounts and punch cards as well.

Sprockets Fun Foundry

221 Swanzey St., Keystone

Sprockets Fun Foundry was built to look like an old mine.

Think rusty metal, old barn wood and artifacts from Homestake Gold Mine. But the Foundry isn’t a throwback – it’s a multisensory experience.

In fact, Sprockets is home to the largest variety of virtual reality platforms in the country, said Tom Hagen, managing partner for the park.

“Guests can choose from dozens of cutting-edge games, appropriate for all ages,” he said.

Hyperdeck is a fully immersive experience with headsets, moving platforms, heat and wind. Or, you can live out your dream of being one of the Ghostbusters or part of the Angry Birds game with the Hologate Arena – where players are immersed in those worlds. For Ghostbusters, players have a moving seat as they race through the city while chasing ghosts.

Plus, there are classic favorites, such as laser tag, Skee-Ball and more.

“Sprockets Fun Foundry provides a fun experience for the whole family,” Hagen said. “The whole family can be entertained by a game of duckpin bowling, while the adults can enjoy our variety of local craft beers.”

Ticket bundles start at $25 and include arcade credits and a virtual reality experience. The Foundry also hosts birthday and corporate parties. Guest can purchase experiences a la carte, including $6 for bowling and $9 for a virtual reality experience.

The Foundry also includes a restaurant, making it easy to spend the whole day there.

Reptile Gardens

8955 S. Highway 16, Rapid City

Reptile Gardens has a little something for everyone in the family. It also has one of the largest collections of reptile species and subspecies of any zoo or wild animal park in the world.

In fact, it was in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest reptile zoo.

The gardens have several main exhibits – including Cheyenne the bald eagle, a resident since 2001. Maniac the giant crocodile is almost 16 feet long. You also can see giant tortoises, prairie dogs and birds.

If you’re more into flowers than animals, consider visiting the SkyDome – a tropical oasis filled with rare and unique plants. There’s also a large playground.

Guests also can sit back and be entertained. A variety of shows are offered daily, including demonstrations with snakes, alligators and birds.

There’s even a virtual adventure, where you’ll be surrounded by gorillas, humpback whales, dinosaurs, sharks and an African safari.

The fun continues with a black light 3D safari inside the Spring Creek Gulch Fun-tier Town.

And once that’s done, there’s a spot for lunch and a gift shop.

The gardens are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Sept. 2. Tickets are $25 for adults and $21 for kids.

Four Mile Old West Town Museum

11921 U.S. Highway 16, Custer

If you’re looking for a bit of nostalgia on a summer trip or with your camping, you can’t miss the Four Mile Old West Town Museum and Campground, about 4 miles from Custer, dubbed “the friendliest little ghost town in Dakota Territory.”

The “Old West Town” features 50 buildings, boardwalks, artifacts and shopping. The doors to the buildings are open, giving a sense of how pioneers lived. Guests can learn a bit about life in the Old West or remember stories from how their grandparents lived.

“The town is meticulously designed to re-create the ambiance of a bustling frontier settlement,” the site says. “It’s easy to imagine the general store, stocked with vintage goods, the saloon where rowdy cowboys once quenched their thirst, and the sheriff’s office, where justice was served.”

Staff members are available to tell stories and make the experience come alive.

The site is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the town is $7.50, and camping at the RV park starts at $22.50 per day.

High Country Guest Ranch

12138 Ray Smith Drive, Hill City

You can pick the perfect stay when you visit High Country Guest Ranch.

From large vacation homes with hot tubs and pool tables to log cabins and small camping cabins to RV and tent sites, guests can tailor their experience to fit their needs.

And all of them are in a beautiful Black Hills setting, with the Mickelson Trail bordering the ranch.

And once you’re there, there’s plenty to do. Guests can go on trail rides in the Black Hills National Forest, led by experienced guides. Or book a pony ride for younger children or a roping lesson for would-be cowboys.

Guests also can bring their own horses – there are 15 stalls available.

There are grills at each cabin, pony-cart rides, donkeys, goats, pigs and campfires, plus a general store with basic necessities.

The ranch is the perfect location to also explore nearby attractions such as Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial and the Needles Highway.

Ready to head for the Hills? Don’t miss these road trip destinations