Best cave tour in Black Hills? other attractions (Spearfish, Custer: eat, things to do)

[star_gazer]

Hi, I'm taking the family to the Black Hills in a week... and I'm wondering if there's one cave tour which stands above the rest ?

And if anyone has time... perhaps I could get a list of 'top 10... non tourist trappy ' things to do.

Of course we'll have to make a Mount Rushmore visit... and I always enjoyed the nature loop at Custer State Park... anything else?

Thanks,
Jeff

[DannyBanany]

Wind Cave National Park is the largest cave in North America (4th world) and it is government funded so it's far from "tourist trappy" unlike many other privately owned caves in the Black Hills. I suggest trying that or Jewel cave National Monument which is also government funded. As for other "real" sights, hike Harney Peak, climbe The Needles, eat at The Alpine in Hill City, visit art galleries from local Native American artists, or take in a festival. There's plenty to do here!

[Jammie]

For something non-touristy~definitely take a drive through Spearfish Canyon. You can get out and hike part of it, too. They have maps with instructions that'll get you way back in there so you can admire the sound and the freshness of their beautiful waterfalls. There is a creek that runs through the Canyon and it is just so nice there. Of course, there is no charge for it because it's just part of the nature in the Hills area.

I also like to hang out in Keystone. It's just the cutest little town at the bottom of Mt. Rushmore.

You could also drive over to Interior and go down through the Badlands. They are beautiful and pretty unusual.

[MJ1986]

I saw a story on KELO about a family from Milwaukee who was the 6 millionth visitor to Wind Cave just recently. They received a framed picture, sweatshirts and cake.