Tag Archive: crazy horse

  1. Black Hills Rainy Day Activities

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    FROM THE DESK OF KEELY

    LOCAL RECOMMENDATIONS – Best Black Hills Rainy Day Activities

    Hot air ballooning is weather dependent.  Meaning that the conditions need to be just right, to fly.  A perfect day consists of winds under 10 mph, great visibility (no fog or low clouds), and no rain or precipitation in the surrounding area.  That’s why we fly at sunrise here in the Black Hills.  It’s the best time of day for predictable light winds.  Not to mention stunning sunrise views while local wildlife is waking up and the meadows are covered in morning dew.  We love those days, but every now and again we have rain.  It’s okay really.  We love the rain too.  It makes sure our forests are safe from fire danger, keeps our meadows green and lush, and our lakes and streams primed for outdoor activities like fishing and kayaking.  We’d always prefer to fly, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans.

    So, what do you do when it rains?  The Black Hills are known for fantastic hikes, camping, rock climbing, Mount Rushmore Memorial, and more…but most of our amazing summer activities are outside.

    Luckily, the Hills have lots of indoor activities too, so it’s fairly easy to pivot to an indoor activity when the weather is less than stellar.  Below are a few of our favorite activities to share when it’s raining.

    Best Black Hills Rainy Day Activities:
    #1:  Old Pine Social

    If you’re looking for a perfect place to bond with friends or family over a game or two, check out Old Pine Social.  Located right next door to our passenger meeting location, these guys are a lot of fun.  Try axe throwing, play a game of bocce ball, grab a board game or puzzle, and enjoy a beer.  Occasionally a food truck parked right outside, but if not, pizza delivery (or any outside food) is a welcomed option.  And they are always fully stocked with locally brewed beers like one of our Rapid City favorites, Lost Cabin Beer Co..

    old pine social axe throwing target
    #2:  Wind Cave National Park or Jewel Cave National Monument

    The Black Hills are home to some of the most unique cave systems, and both offer fantastic tours.  Rainy days tend to be busier at these locations, so plan ahead to arrive early and get signed up.  The caves are also great for extra hot days too because they maintain a cool temperature year-round.  And if the rain lets up, there are always a few hikes within a short distance, to enjoy the parks above ground too.

    #3:  Moccasin Springs and Evans Plunge

    Check out some naturally warm spring water in Hot Springs, SD!  If you’re looking for a spa feel, check out Moccasin Springs.  The outdoor pools are a beautiful way to relax, even in the rain, and their spa services are pretty great.  For families, Evans Plunge is a great way to go.  Their indoor pool features water slides, rings, and more, to enjoy the naturally warm spring water.

    #4: The Journey Museum and Learning Center

    If you’re interested in American History, Black Hills history, and Native American culture, make sure you stop at the Journey Museum located in Rapid City.  The museum showcases the history of the Black Hills and Native American culture through four collections:  Geology and Paleontology, Archaeology, Native American Culture, and Pioneer History.  It’s not to be missed.

    #5: Reptile Gardens

    Known by the Guinness Book of World Records for being the world’s largest reptile zoo, Reptile Gardens is also home to a two-level sky dome filled with an oasis of tropical plants and flowers, a prairie dog town, giant tortoises, and more.  Founded in 1935, they certainly know a thing or two about being a top Black Hills attraction.

    #6:  Crazy Horse Memorial

    Just two miles from Custer sits one of the most mind-blowing collections of Native American history and art.  Obviously better known for its ongoing rock carving; its museum alone is more than worth it.  They also have an on-site restaurant (Laughing Water), so plan on spending more than a couple of hours on-site enjoying their amenities.  The indoor view of the carving is pretty great too, through a gorgeous window that perfectly frames the memorial.

    The best thing about rain in the Black Hills?  Our forests, prairies, and farmland can always use the rain.  And because it’s so easy to find something to do, it won’t put a damper on your day.  Sure, it might mean a change of plans, but the Black Hills are known for being a bit go-with-the-flow, and hopefully, our Best Black Hills Rainy Day Activities make it a little easier to enjoy the moment and embrace the spontaneity of it all.  Black Hills Balloons will always be here if you want to try again*.

    *Booking tip:  Plan to fly with us early in your stay, so you have some flexibility IF Mother Nature provides less than favorable weather on your scheduled day.  If we can move your booking to later in the week, we’ll do our best to get you in the air.  The balloons look like rainbows, after all.  And you know what they say about rainbows after the rain…

    A rainbow over a shadow of a hot air balloon

    Check out more Black Hills Balloons tips and Frequently Asked Questions here.

    We hope you enjoy your visit to the Black Hills, and as always, feel free to reach out to us with questions about the area.  We love sharing what we love about the Black Hills.

  2. EAT LIKE A LOCAL  – BREAKFAST

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    BREAKFAST RECOMMENDATIONS

    A sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Black Hills is a magical experience. It’s a stunning way to start the day.  The wildlife is active, the lighting is beautiful, and once the flight is over and the world is waking up, all you can think about is breakfast.  We know.  It happens to us too.

    A flight with Black Hills Balloons starts at sunrise, but the whole experience lasts close to three hours.  With drive time to and from launch and landing sites, the inflation, flight, pack up, and champagne toast (yes! Complimentary and traditional champagne, and light snacks are served after the flight), it’s not surprising that people are hungry for a full meal when we return to the Hangar.

    We always tell people ballooning chose us, not the other way around.  We aren’t actually morning people, we’re just balloon people.  And so over time, we’ve become skilled in the act of finding a great breakfast.  Lucky for us (and you!), the city of Custer has some amazing breakfast options.

    Iced Coffee from the Feel Good Cafe

    Located in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota, smack-dab in the middle of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Devils Tower National Monument, Wind Cave National Monument, Jewel Cave National Monument, Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands National Park, and more, we’re not just a place to hike, bike, swim, and snowshoe. We love to eat too and have some amazing restaurants here in Custer.  Below are a few of our favorite spots to grab breakfast before you spend your day adventuring in the hills.

    SIT DOWN OPTIONS

    If you’re looking for the traditional small-town diner, full of locals that make up our great community, then Our Place is it.  Not, “our place”, although, we’d be happy to cook for you if you don’t mind a crazy Labrador retriever running amok.  I’m talking about Our Place, located directly across the street from our meeting place.  It’s so convenient, you can leave your vehicle where you parked pre-flight, and walk across the street for yummy traditional pancakes, eggs, and bacon, or whatever your heart desires.  They even have an endless variety of hot sauces for you to jazz up your meal.

    HJEM AM is our newest (and most unique) option, and might easily end up being the most memorable meal of your trip.  Originally based on an earlier breakfast concept of Skogen Kitchen (which is now only open for dinner.  Reservations are highly recommended!  Read “48 hours in the Black Hills for the foodie” for our favorite things about Skogen Kitchen), HJEM AM is what breakfast dreams are made of.  Pronounced “hem” (the “J” is silent), it means “home” and it certainly feels that way when you’re greeted by owners Cami and Erik.  Where else can you get a Breakfast Caesar, Salmon Deviled Eggs, Fresh Oysters, Walleye (with bacon, buttermilk sauce, sugar snap peas, and roasted mushrooms), or Pancakes covered with fried chicken, franks hot sauce, and maple syrup for breakfast?  Check out their menu and make your reservations asap.

    gurgle pot on table atCuster SD breakfast restaurant hjem a.m. salmon breakfast deviled eggs from HJEM AM quiche and hashbrowns at hjem a.m. in custer south dakota quaint seating inside hjem a.m. in custer sd

     

    GRAB AND GO OPTIONS

    If you desire more than drip coffee, try Miners Cup.  Just down the street, Miners Cup is a grab-and-go option with a huge menu full of yummy breakfast sandwiches and a coffee menu that will satisfy anyone.  They offer Gluten Free bread, and you can order off the lunch menu any time, making Miners Cup a favorite of ours.  The Drive-thru is super handy when you’re heading to Iron Mountain Road for a scenic drive to Mount Rushmore.

    Maria’s Mexican Food Truck is just a few doors down and offers fantastic breakfast burritos perfect for anyone looking to grab something quick before they continue their Black Hills adventures.  You’ll find the Black Hills Balloons crew here almost daily after the flight, spending their tips on bacon egg and cheese or sausage egg and cheese burritos.  The salsa is homemade and delicious.  It’s a great option if you’re grabbing something and heading into Custer State Park.  Just make sure you finish your burrito before you come across the famous Begging Burros.

    Feel Good Café is a casual order-at-the-counter café with lots of cozy indoor and outdoor seating.  Located next door to the famous Bavarian Inn, Feel Good Café has a Zen European vibe with crustless quiche, build-your-own breakfast bowls, tropical overnight oats, and even a breakfast banana sundae featuring a split banana covered in vanilla yogurt, granola, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

    breakfast banana split at feel good cafe Feel Good Cafe

    No matter where you go when you’re visiting us here in Custer, stick to the local recommendations to find some of the best food in the Black Hills.  You know what they say.  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Choose wisely.