This Is South Dakota's Quirkiest Little Town
Tucked away in the middle of South Dakota's gorgeous and untamed Black Hills region, Hill City is a community that genuinely earns its "Heart of the Hills" moniker, not only geographically but in its lively, endearingly off-center personality. With a population that is just shy of a thousand, this small city punches above its weight, blending a rich, occasionally rowdy past with a modern focus on off-the-beaten-path adventures like a themed train ride, historical significance in mining and paleontology, and an exciting location for spotting wildlife at places like the Custer State Park.
A History Forged in Gold and Tin
Hill City's quirky nature has its foundation deeply rooted in its history, which has a lot to do with metal. Founded in 1876, it takes pride in being the oldest existing city in Pennington County. The settlement began with the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874, sparking the Black Hills Gold Rush. "Hillyo," as the town originally went by, swarmed with prospectors. Yet, the first gold rush was sporadic, and miners migrated north to Deadwood in search of more lucrative strikes, essentially leaving Hill City a ghost town.
In 1883, the discovery of tin revitalized the settlement. The Harney Peak Tin Mining, Milling, and Manufacturing Company, backed by English investors, established Hill City as a center of tin mining. This was such a wild era that the town was once notoriously characterized as "a town with a church on either end and a mile of Hell in between." This reflected the fifteen saloons operating on Main Street at that time. Today, although the "mile of Hell" is a distant memory, a certain wild-west allure still lingers in the air, manifesting in surprising forms.
Offbeat Landmarks That Call Hill City Home
The attractions of Hill City are a testament to its strange mix of history, nature, and quirks. The 1880 Train is a steam locomotive that chugs along a 10-mile scenic route from Hill City to Keystone, offering not only stunning vistas of the Black Hills but also themed rides, including "Old West Shootouts" and the "Wine Express." That it goes to such effort to preserve the past and make it fun is what makes the 1880 Train a delightfully eccentric Hill City staple. It's a literal and figurative trip through time, with an emphasis on fun that reflects the town’s friendly personality.
Dinosaur fossils aren't the first thing that screams "quirky," but the museum at the Black hills Institute of Geological Research is an exception. It's home to some of the most significant paleontological discoveries, including one of the most complete T. Rex skeletons ever unearthed. This entire museum showcases the unique geological and paleontological significance of South Dakota. The quirk is the surprising wealth of ancient history in a small Black Hills town, an intriguing contrast to the area's cowboy and mining heritage.
Natural Wonders Beyond the Black Hills
Hill City's proximity to stunning natural marvels bears a hint of its offbeat personality as well. For example, the George S. Mickelson Trail is a 109-mile former railroad track that cuts straight through Hill City's center. It is a unique blend of modern recreation like biking and hiking with the deep-rooted history that Hill City and this entire region of South Dakota has with the iron horse. Because this path is an old railroad bed, it features gentle grades and rock tunnels, making it a scenic and exciting adventure for the active visitor.
While Custer State Park has long been one of the region’s top attractions, one of the quirky aspects of this natural wonder is the abundance of wildlife, such as herds of bison. Being able to take your vehicle down roadways that might be stalled temporarily by a massive herd of these towering creatures is surreal and memorable. Not only can you experience wildlife, but the park also boasts gorgeous panoramas of the Black Hills, which is perfect for the photographer in your group.
Charming Hill City Businesses
Hill City businesses tend to mirror its offbeat personality, with a dash of local ingenuity and friendliness. The community is full of unique and vibrant businesses, from places that specialize in handmade jewelry like “Jewel of the West” to exotic jerky like “Beef Jerky Experience.” One of the most peculiar yet sensible shops, given the town’s history with mining and geological discovery, is “Things That Rock.” This shop is focused on stones, gems, and crystals. Offering everything from home decor to one-of-a-kind souvenirs, it’s a popular stop for many exploring downtown Hill City.
In terms of local eateries, establishments such as the Alpine Inn and the Bumpin’ Buffalo Bar & Grill offer more than just food; they also provide a sense of local flavor and a casual, welcoming atmosphere. The Alpine Inn, in particular, is known for its limited menu, featuring only a handful of items cooked to perfection, which is an eccentric and confident approach to dining that prioritizes quality over quantity.
Hill City, South Dakota, is not merely a gateway to Mount Rushmore or the Crazy Horse Memorial. It is a place unto itself, a lively town with a firmly rooted past and a delightfully offbeat character. From its resurgence from a ghost town to its embrace of its mining, paleontological, and Wild West history, Hill City offers a unique and memorable experience that repeatedly gestures back to its charmingly eccentric character. This small village is where the past comes alive, nature is breathtaking, and uniqueness is embraced. Hill City lives up to its nickname, "Heart of the Hills," in every sense of the phrase.
