A Local’s Guide to Restaurants & Services in the Hill City area!

Explore the best local restaurants, shops, and attractions in Hill City we’ve personally visited and recommend.

Restaurants Near Hill City

Alpine Inn

Alpine Inn cabin exterior, Hill City, South Dakota


Alpine Inn is a long-standing Hill City steakhouse that’s known for its hearty meals and welcoming, no-frills atmosphere. A favorite among locals and visitors alike, it’s perfect for families, travelers, and anyone seeking a classic Black Hills dining experience. We’ve visited during local events and always appreciate the consistent quality and friendly service.

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Chute Rooster


Chute Rooster combines a casual, welcoming atmosphere with locally inspired comfort food. We’ve visited for lunch and found the menu varied, the service friendly, and the environment ideal for families or groups. A great choice for hearty meals and a taste of Hill City hospitality.

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Cohort Craft Brewery


Cohort Brewing Company’s Hill City location offers a relaxed taproom experience right in the heart of the Black Hills. We’ve visited this location while exploring town and attending local events, and it’s a great stop for craft beer in a casual, social setting. With a rotating selection of house-brewed beers and a welcoming atmosphere, Cohort is well suited for groups, couples, and anyone looking to unwind after a day of sightseeing or trail time.

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Sick N Twisted


Sick N Twisted is a popular spot for creative pizza and a casual beer selection. We’ve attended group dinners here, and the combination of inventive toppings, local brews, and laid-back vibe makes it a fun spot for families or friends. It’s a must-try for anyone craving something different in Hill City.

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Silver Dollar Saloon


The Silver Dollar Saloon in Deadwood is a historic spot for drinks and casual meals. We visited during live music nights, and it offers a fun, old-west atmosphere with great cocktails and hearty bar food. Perfect for anyone looking for a lively, authentic Deadwood experience.

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The Prairie Dog 


The Prairie Dog Taproom is a lively taproom and casual eatery in Hill City featuring self-pour craft beer, creative scratch-made food, and a relaxed Black Hills vibe. This unique spot lets guests pour their own drinks from 28 rotating taps of craft brews, wine, meads, and nitro options, while enjoying artisan hot dogs, hand-crafted pizzas, hoagies, burgers, and sides made in-house. The outdoor patio by a creek, live music, games, and family-friendly atmosphere make it a great place to unwind after a day exploring the Black Hills or to meet up with friends and family.

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Family Fun Activities

Indoor

Putz n Glo


Putz n Glo combines indoor black-light miniature golf with family entertainment in a fun, glow-in-the-dark setting. We’ve stopped here on local outings with guests looking for a break from outdoor adventure, and it’s a great indoor activity for families, date nights, or rainy-day fun. The lively neon environment and creative course design make it memorable for all ages.

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Sprockets Fun Foundry


Sprockets Fun Foundry in Keystone is a vibrant, multi-level family entertainment center offering a wide variety of attractions for all ages. Featuring one of the largest selections of fully immersive virtual reality experiences in the U.S., a modern arcade with 50+ games, and unique duckpin bowling, Sprockets is a great place to have fun whether you’re on a rainy day outing or breaking up a day of sightseeing near Mount Rushmore. There’s also a taproom with regional craft beers and wine, plus casual food options, making it ideal for families, groups, or anyone looking for interactive indoor fun.

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Outdoor

Adventure Rentals


Adventure Rentals in Hill City offers a variety of outdoor equipment rentals, including ATVs and bikes — perfect for exploring the Black Hills at your own pace. We’ve recommended this stop to visitors looking to add adventure to their stay, and the friendly staff help make planning easy whether you’re headed to trails or scenic backroads.

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Bear Country USA


Bear Country USA is a drive-through wildlife park where you can see bears, mountain lions, elk, bison, and other North American animals in natural-like habitats from the comfort of your vehicle, with a walk-through section for smaller species as well. This makes it a great stop for families or anyone who loves wildlife and scenic drives.

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Cosmos Mystery Area


Cosmos Mystery Area is a quirky Black Hills attraction where tours highlight gravity-defying phenomena that feel like illusions — balls roll uphill and water flows against expectations. A guided experience makes it fun for families and curious minds alike, and the combination of the Mystery House, geode mining, and gift shop means there’s something for everyone when you visit.

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Old McDonald's Farm


Old MacDonald’s Farm is a hands-on petting zoo and family attraction where kids and adults alike can interact with friendly animals, enjoy pony rides, bottle feeding, pig races, and tractor train tours. This classic farm experience provides a relaxed, educational stop for families exploring the Black Hills region.

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Reptile Gardens


Reptile Gardens is a unique Black Hills wildlife park featuring one of the largest collections of reptiles and amphibians in the world, plus tropical birds, botanical gardens, and daily animal shows. We’ve seen this attraction recommended often for families and wildlife enthusiasts — it’s especially fun for kids and anyone interested in up-close animal encounters.

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Event Centers

Blue Bell Lodge


Blue Bell Lodge is a beloved rustic lodge in Custer State Park that also serves as a charming venue for weddings, reunions, and special events nestled in nature. Known for hearty ranch-style dining and historic ambiance, this classic Black Hills property offers comfortable lodging and scenic outdoor settings, making it a favorite choice for gatherings that embrace the great outdoors.

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Chute Rooster


Chute Rooster is a historic Black Hills honky-tonk and restaurant that doubles as a lively event space. This iconic Hill City spot offers American Country/Southwest cuisine along with multiple dining rooms, outdoor patios, a dance hall, and five rentable event areas — perfect for live music nights, private parties, and gatherings. The property blends Western heritage with social gathering energy, and has been a community hub for decades.

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Diamond Spur Events Center


The Diamond Spur Events Center is a premium Black Hills event venue located just north of Hill City, designed to host weddings, corporate events, retreats, reunions, and celebrations. The nearly 7,000-square-foot venue features Cullinan Hall with soaring ceilings and a stone fireplace, optional prep suites, and a picturesque Great Lawn with fire pit and creek-side ceremony site, all set against the Black Hills backdrop. It’s ideal if you’re planning a larger gathering or celebration with indoor and outdoor options.

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Hill City Center


The Hill City Center is a community-oriented event venue in the heart of Hill City that hosts a wide variety of gatherings — from weddings and receptions to conferences, concerts, classes, and community celebrations. With flexible indoor space and local charm, it’s a great option for events both large and small, offering a welcoming setting for residents and visitors alike.

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Iconic Black Hills Landmarks

Mount Rushmore National Monument


Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States, featuring the carved faces of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. We’ve visited the memorial grounds and walking trails, and it’s an easy and impactful stop for visitors of all ages. In addition to the sculpture itself, the site includes a museum, Presidential Trail, viewing terraces, and evening lighting ceremonies during the summer season.

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Crazy Horse Monument


Crazy Horse Memorial is an ongoing mountain carving honoring the Lakota leader Crazy Horse and Native American culture. We’ve toured the visitor complex and museum, which provides important historical and cultural context alongside dramatic views of the carving in progress. The site also includes a Native American museum, cultural demonstrations, and seasonal events, making it both a landmark and an educational experience in the Black Hills.

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Public Lands & Natural Attractions

Black Hills National Forest


Black Hills National Forest covers over one million acres of forest, granite peaks, and open meadows across western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming. We’ve spent time exploring the forest through scenic drives, hiking trails, and nearby recreation areas, and it offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Visitors will find everything from quiet backcountry areas to popular trail systems, picnic spots, and wildlife viewing areas throughout the forest.

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Custer State Park


Custer State Park is one of the most iconic outdoor destinations in the Black Hills, known for its scenic drives, granite spires, and free-roaming wildlife. We’ve visited multiple areas of the park, including Wildlife Loop Road and Needles Highway, and it’s a must-see for first-time visitors. The park offers hiking, swimming, fishing, lodging, and some of the most photographed landscapes in South Dakota.

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Jewel Cave National Park


Jewel Cave National Monument is home to one of the longest cave systems in the world and offers guided tours that showcase sparkling calcite crystals and dramatic underground passages. We recommend this stop for visitors interested in geology, cave exploration, or educational experiences. Above ground, the monument also offers scenic hiking trails with views of the southern Black Hills.

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Wind Cave National Park


Wind Cave National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the United States and is famous for its intricate cave formations, including rare boxwork. Beyond the cave tours, the park also features rolling prairie landscapes, bison herds, and scenic hiking trails. It’s a great stop for visitors who want both underground exploration and above-ground nature experiences in a quieter national park setting.

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Hiking and Biking

Centennial Trail


The Centennial Trail is a rugged, point-to-point trail that spans much of the Black Hills, offering a more challenging experience for experienced mountain bikers. We recommend this trail for riders looking for remote terrain, elevation changes, and a true backcountry feel. While portions are shared with hikers and horseback riders, select segments provide rewarding riding through forested hills, granite outcroppings, and less-traveled areas of the Black Hills.

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Custer State Park Trails


Custer State Park offers some of the most scenic cycling opportunities in the Black Hills, including paved roads and shared-use routes through granite spires and open prairie. We’ve seen cyclists frequently riding Wildlife Loop Road and other park routes, especially during early morning hours. These rides are best suited for confident road or touring cyclists who want unforgettable scenery and wildlife encounters.

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George S. Mickelson Trail


The George S. Mickelson Trail is a crushed-limestone rail trail stretching over 100 miles through the heart of the Black Hills. We’ve been on multiple sections of the trail, and it’s one of the best options for scenic, low-traffic biking in the region. With gentle grades, historic railroad bridges, tunnels, and access points in towns like Hill City and Custer, the trail is ideal for families, casual riders, and long-distance cyclists alike.

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M Hill (Cowboy Hill)


M Hill, also known as Cowboy Hill, is a short but steep trail overlooking downtown Rapid City. We’ve been up the hill and it’s a favorite for locals looking for a quick workout or sunset views without leaving town. The trail climbs rapidly to the large “M” overlooking the city and offers panoramic views of Rapid City and the eastern edge of the Black Hills. It’s commonly used by hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers looking for a challenging but brief climb.

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Local Information

Black Hills National Forest 

SD Game, Fish, and Parks

Trail Addict