Head for the Hills Passport
Expiration: Apr 1st 2025
Welcome! Let our Head for the Hills Passport expand your horizons in the most entertaining of ways! This free, mobile-exclusive passport will take you on a journey of dinosaurs, water parks, gold mines and other fun found only in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
No cost. No app to download. Just the family-friendliest adventures – and some sweet prizes – that all await your discovery.
Included Venues
See locations on an interactive map.
1880 Town
Embark on an adventure through time at South Dakota's Original 1880 Town. With more than 30 buildings from 1880 to 1920, authentically furnished with thousands of relics, historical accounts and photographs, a Casey Tibbs exhibit, “Dances with Wolves” movie props, and fun activities for kids, visitors of all ages will delight in this tapestry of history, nature and family fun.
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1880 Train - Hill City Depot
All aboard the 1880 Train, an enchanting vintage steam train that traverses the picturesque Black Hills. The rhythmic chug of the train echoes throughout a 20-mile roundtrip journey between Hill City and Keystone, offering a captivating two-hour ride narrated for enthusiasts of all ages.
1880 Train - Keystone Depot
The 1880 Train is a historic train depot. This charming depot serves as the starting point for scenic train rides through the stunning Black Hills countryside. Step back in time as you board vintage steam or diesel locomotives and embark on a journey through this picturesque landscape. The depot also features a gift shop and museum where visitors can learn more about the history of the railroad in the area. Don't miss this unique and memorable experience during your visit.
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Bear Country USA
Enjoy a wildlife odyssey with more than 20 species of North American mammals in large, natural exhibits in the 250+ acres of this Black Hills drive-through wildlife park in western South Dakota. Stroll the Babyland area for a close look at adorable offspring and smaller animals. Don’t forget to explore the Bear's Den Gift Shop and Cub Grub Snack Bar.
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Big Thunder Gold Mine
Discovered in 1892 by two German immigrant miners, Big Thunder Gold Mine contains the biggest variety of rocks, structures and minerals indigenous to the area. Engage in mine tours, explore the mining museum, and pan for gold. Complete the experience with a delightful meal at the full-service eatery and a visit to the gift shop.
What's Included
- 10% Off With Passport Check-In
Black Hills Caverns
Have some historical fun in caverns discovered by gold miners in 1882. Discover a glittering underground world where nature has sculpted fantastic formations in a beautiful Black Hills scenic setting. Hourly tours beckon you into a mesmerizing subterranean realm.
Black Hills Escape Rooms
Unleash your inner adventurer at Black Hills Escape Rooms, where real-life escape games transport you into the historical tapestry of the Black Hills. Four historically based scenarios promise heart-racing, addictive fun for players of all ages.
What's Included
- 15% Off
Black Hills Mining Museum
Take an engaging and fun journey through rich Black Hills mining heritage. The museum offers a simulated underground gold mine tour that takes you through the history of mining and shows 125 years of changes.
Broken Boot Gold Mine
The story of one of America’s last great gold rushes comes to life at Deadwood’s Broken Boot Gold Mine, established in 1878. Experienced guides help you discover the mysteries and magic of old-time gold mining techniques. Try your luck at gold panning the same way countless prospectors did. Each guest goes home with a souvenir “share” of stock in this legendary mine.
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Cosmos Mystery Area
Come experience the strangest location in the entire Black Hills, a place where you can change heights on level platforms, stand on the wall, and much more. The Cosmos Mystery Area is an unforgettable experience where science, mystery and comedy all collide.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Marvel at the world’s largest in-progress mountain carving! Witness work on the mountain, enjoy American Indian museums, art galleries, the sculptor's home studio, American Indian artists & performers, and savor the restaurant & gift shop. You can even take home a piece of the mountain!
Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road
Welcome to where 1,300 bison roam the hills and prairies shared with pronghorn, big horn sheep, elk, and curious burros. Custer State Park’s Wildlife loop is the place for close encounters with these permanent residents along the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road that winds around the southern edge of the park.
D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery
Get a fun and educational look at the fish production process at the lively U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service hatchery and museum. Once you’ve taken in the variety of fish, check out the gift shop, historic house and rail car staffed by volunteers and available for educational tours.
Dinosaur Museum
Travel 90 million years in the past at the Dinosaur Museum. See life-sized displays, a new triceratops fossil exhibit, and touch a real duckbill leg bone. Play a round at the new & improved mini golf before getting lost in the mirror maze. Have a picnic or relax in the movie theater. All exhibits are indoors and rich with memory-making power.
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Dinosaur Park & Skyline Drive Wilderness Area
Rise above the ordinary at Rapid City’s Dinosaur Park, one of the area’s original tourist attractions. Sitting on a ridge of sandstone that encircles the Black Hills, the area is where dinosaurs of the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous have been found. View the seven life-sized, concrete replicas of monstrous prehistoric reptiles that inhabit the park as you take in a stunning view of Rapid City.
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Evans Plunge Mineral Springs
The oldest tourist attraction in the Black Hills has been providing splash-tastic fun in Hot Springs since 1890. Swim, splash and soak in the 87-degree mineral water. A natural thermal spring provides the crystal-clear, scentless water for the pool. There also is a jet slide, a whale slide, two kids’ pools, a frog slide, two hot tubs, a sauna and a steam room, plus concessions and a gift shop.
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Flags & Wheels Indoor Racing
Rev up your spirit of adventure at the only Black Hills attraction with indoor go-kart racing, bumper cars, laser tag, paintball, batting cages, arcades and activities for the whole family.
Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper & Show
Step back in time at Fort Hays Old West Town Square, where 99-cent all-you-can-eat cowboy pancakes await. Explore the “Dances With Wolves” film set, shop for unique crafts, and return in the evening for the Chuckwagon Supper & Branson-style Music Variety Show in the heart of the Black Hills.
Fossil Exhibit Trail
Connect with a prehistoric past along the Fossil Exhibit Trail, a self-guided, fully accessible boardwalk featuring fossil replicas and exhibits of extinct creatures that once lived in the area. The exhibits are tactile, so please feel free to touch.
Four Mile Old West Town Museum
Four Mile Old West town is a place to experience family fun and Western history as you walk through the 50 open-door buildings at the historic site. Step back into yesterday and experience the Old West as it really was.
George S Mickelson Trail (Rochford to Mystic)
With its scenic routes and well-maintained paths, the Mickelson Trail in South Dakota offers an ideal family biking experience. Exploring the trailheads from Rochford to Mystic not only provides a diverse range of landscapes but also a glimpse into the historical charm of Rochford, a once-bustling town in 1878 with log cabins, saloons, stores, hotels, a drugstore, a butcher shop, and a barber shop.
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Hayride & Chuckwagon Cookout at Blue Bell Lodge
Saddle up and explore the 71,000-acre wildlife preserve of Custer State Park on a peaceful guided horseback ride. Both beginners and experts are welcome to explore trails from one hour to full-day rides. Anyone 5 and above can participate, but don’t worry – there are pony rides for kids under 5.
High Country Guest Ranch
Take a trail ride in the beautiful Black Hills National Forest with our friendly wranglers—a must-do for your Black Hills vacation. Choose from morning & afternoon ride times six days a week (Mon.-Sat.).
Museum @ Black Hills Institute
The museum boasts a treasure trove of dinosaur displays, marine fossils, and region-specific paleontological exhibits. Dive into the mysteries of our planet and unearth the stories that lie beneath the surface.
What's Included
- 50% Off Admission With Passport Check-In
Old MacDonald's Farm
Your family can enjoy over 100 popular farm animals in a clean, relaxed, hands-on environment. This beautiful farm on the road to Mount Rushmore is a great place to play with many friendly animals.
Pioneer Auto Museum
With more than 300 vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles, the Pioneer Auto Show & Prairie Town just off Interstate 90 in Murdo is one of the largest, privately owned auto shows open to the public. With 42 buildings of exhibits, 60 tractors, 60 motorcycles, toys, animations and music machines, antiques, and an entire Prairie Town, there is something for everyone. The 1950s diner serves burgers, shakes and daily specials.
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Prairie Homestead
Prairie Homestead is an original sod dugout home and farmstead built in 1909 near the northeast entrance to Badlands National Park. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a visit lets you follow in the footsteps of pioneers, see farm animals and rare white prairie dogs, and dress in period clothing as you tour this history lesson about rural heritage. Enjoy our informative video, visitor center, snack bar and large restrooms. Visit our gift shop for real western gifts and souvenirs.
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Putz n Glo Indoor Black Light Miniature Golf
Black Light Mini Golf shines a new light on a timeless classic. Put your putting skills to the test for 18 holes while you enjoy awesome music and artwork in an 8,000-square-foot indoor facility. This mini golf will ROCK you! Putz N Glo also has a great arcade, snack bar, and gift shop.
Reptile Gardens
Reptile Gardens is home to the Guinness World Records’ largest reptile zoo plus stunning botanical gardens, tropical birds and birds of prey, a prairie dog town, giant tortoises and beautiful minerals.
Rush Mountain Adventure Park
Rush Mountain Adventure Park & Rushmore Cave offers family adventure with five thrilling attractions in one location. Tour scenic Rushmore Cave, cruise down the mountain on the Rushmore Mountain Coaster, experience the Soaring Eagle Zipride, test your aim at the Gunslinger 7-D Ride, and find your inner daredevil at the Wingwalker Challenge Course.
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Rushmore Tramway Adventures
Climb, ride, stroll, slide or zip – choose your ideal form of adventure around Mount Rushmore’s closest and most exciting attraction. Challenge the treetop obstacle course of the Aerial Adventure Park, cruise down the exhilarating 2,000-foot Alpine Slide, thrill to a speedy flight on the 800-foot Zip Line, or just relax on the Scenic Chairlift ride up to the beautiful mountaintop Garden Café, all with special views of Mount Rushmore.
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Sprockets Fun Foundry
Sprockets Fun Foundry is a family entertainment center featuring fully immersive virtual reality attractions, a new state-of-the-art arcade, a tap room showcasing the best regional brews, a restaurant with local flair, and even duckpin bowling!
Storybook Island
Storybook Island offers more than 100 storybook, nursery rhyme and fairytale settings where children can use their imaginations, see a live theatre production, and take a ride on Storybook Island Line through Middle Park.
Sylvan Lake (Watersports Rentals and Lake Loop)
Experience a day of clear waters, sandy beaches, and scenic trails at Custer State Park's picturesque lakes. Enjoy worry-free boat rentals, with beginner-friendly options and dockhands to assist, and return for post-trip snacks or shopping sprees.
Sylvan Rocks Climbing School and Guide Service
They’ve been making rock climbing fun for everyone since 1989. Climbing adventures are available for ages 5 & up, and beginners are welcome! Professional instruction & all equipment are provided for guests at Custer State Park, Palisades State Park, Mount Rushmore and Devil's Tower. Experience the beauty of a summit with friends & family.
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Terry Peak Ski Area
Terry Peak Ski Area is South Dakota’s premier destination for a winter vacation. Featuring skiing and snowboarding, the family-friendly ski resort is located in the northern Black Hills near historic Deadwood. The summit stands at 7,100 feet tall, with the highest lift service between the Rockies and the Alps.
The Journey Museum
The Journey Museum & Learning Center in Rapid City brings together five major prehistoric and historic collections to tell the complete story of the Western Great Plains. Interactive learning experiences give visitors the chance to learn and play every day, and discover that arts, science and culture have no boundaries.
What's Included
- $1 Off All Admissions
The Mammoth Site
The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs is an active paleontological dig site, boasting the largest concentration of mammoth remains in the world! The current mammoth count is 61, with 58 Columbian and three woolly mammoths. Come and tour this unique National Natural Landmark.
What's Included
- Gift Vial Of Sinkhole Sediment With Passport Check-In
Wall Drug Backyard
Since 1931, Wall Drug has evolved into a 76,000-square-foot wonderland of free attractions, including the Western Art Gallery Restaurant, which seats 520. Located in the city of Wall, just north of Badlands National Park, Wall Drug offers free attractions, entertainment, food, 5-cent coffee, shopping, the Big Back Yard, a unique mining experience, a Traveler's Chapel, and free ice water. It’s fun for the whole family.
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WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort
With over 30,000 square feet of swimming pools & water slides, WaTiki®️ Indoor Waterpark Resort is the largest indoor waterpark in the Dakotas. Located in Rapid City, South Dakota, the resort complex is more than just a waterpark! We are home to five hotels, several restaurants, and a huge arcade! Your next family adventure starts at our indoor water park in Rapid City.
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What's Included
- Buy One General Admission Pass, Get One General Admission Pass 50% Off