10 Fun Things To Do Near Hot Springs, South Dakota (Fall River County)
If you’re dreaming of a low-key getaway with hot springs, wild buffalo, and western charm,
Hot Springs, South Dakota should be on your radar. Tucked into the southern Black Hills in
Fall River County, this small town packs in a surprising amount of adventure, history, and natural beauty.
Whether you’re planning a family road trip, a couples’ weekend, or a solo escape, here are
10 fun things to do near Hot Springs, SD that show off the best of this underrated corner of the Black Hills.
1. Soak in the Natural Warmth at Evans Plunge Mineral Springs
If there’s one thing Hot Springs is famous for, it’s… well, hot springs.
Evans Plunge Mineral Springs has been welcoming visitors since the late 1800s. The huge indoor pool is fed by warm mineral water from a natural spring that flows at about 87°F year-round. The floor of the main pool is lined with smooth river rocks, so you really feel that natural vibe.
- Relax in the warm mineral pools and hot tubs
- Try the water slides and splash areas with the kids
- Visit any time of year – the water stays warm even when it’s freezing outside
If you’ve been driving all day or hiking the Black Hills, a soak here is the perfect way to unwind. It feels a bit like stepping into a warm river that just happens to be inside a building.
2. Visit the Mammoth Site – A Real-Life Ice Age Dig
Just south of downtown lies one of the most unique attractions in South Dakota:
The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs.
This isn’t a recreated exhibit. It’s a real, active
archaeological dig where more than 60 mammoths have been found. The dig is preserved inside a climate-controlled building, so you can walk around elevated walkways and look down on massive bones exactly where they were discovered.
What you can do here:
- Take a guided tour and learn how the mammoths got trapped in a sinkhole
- See actual mammoth skeletons still in the ground
- Let kids join hands-on programs (check seasonal offerings)
If you’re into history, fossils, or just want to see something totally different from the typical tourist stop, this is a must-do in Hot Springs.
3. Drive Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park
About 30–40 minutes north of Hot Springs,
Custer State Park is one of the best places for wildlife viewing in the entire Black Hills.
The famous
Wildlife Loop Road, around 18 miles long, winds through open prairie and rolling hills. It’s common to spot:
- Large herds of bison (buffalo)
- Pronghorn antelope
- Wild burros (donkeys that sometimes walk right up to your car)
- Deer and prairie dogs
Tip: Go early in the morning or closer to sunset for the best wildlife activity. Bring a camera and keep a safe distance – especially from the bison. They may look slow and sleepy, but they are wild and powerful animals.
4. Hike and Swim at Angostura Recreation Area
Looking for a beach day in South Dakota? It’s not only possible, it’s pretty awesome.
Just southeast of Hot Springs,
Angostura Recreation Area sits along a large reservoir with about 36 miles of shoreline. Think sandy beaches, blue water, and wide-open skies.
Here you can:
- Swim and relax on the beach
- Rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard (seasonal)
- Fish for walleye and other species
- Camp near the water and enjoy starry skies
On a hot summer day, Angostura feels like a hidden lake getaway that most out-of-state travelers never discover.
5. Stroll Historic Downtown Hot Springs
You don’t have to go far to enjoy the charm of Hot Springs. Just head downtown.
The main streets are lined with striking
pink sandstone buildings that date back over a century. It gives the town a warm, almost glowing look, especially in the late afternoon sun.
Take your time to:
- Pop into local shops and galleries
- Grab coffee or ice cream at a small café
- Walk along Fall River on the paved riverwalk
- Check out murals and historic markers
If you like small-town vibes and Old West architecture, you’ll enjoy just wandering here with no set plan.
6. Explore Wind Cave National Park
Only about a 20-minute drive north of Hot Springs,
Wind Cave National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the country. It’s famous for its fragile cave formations called
boxwork, which you won’t see many other places on Earth.
There are actually two parks in one:
- Underground: Guided cave tours (check the schedule and book in advance if you can)
- Above ground: Rolling prairie, bison, elk, and hiking trails
If you’ve never been in a big cave system before, the tours are a great way to try it out. Rangers explain the geology in easy-to-understand terms, and the temperature stays cool down there, even on hot summer days.
7. Visit Cascade Falls for a Local-Style Swim
About 8 miles south of Hot Springs along Highway 71,
Cascade Falls is a small, spring-fed swimming hole the locals love.
Don’t expect a giant waterfall. It’s more of a series of small falls and pools, with refreshingly cool water and a peaceful setting.
Things to know:
- Great spot to cool off on a summer afternoon
- Easy walk from the parking area
- No big facilities – think simple and natural
If you like low-key, “off the beaten path” places, Cascade Falls feels like a little secret in Fall River County.
8. Learn Local History at the Fall River County Museum
To really understand Hot Springs and Fall River County, step into the
Fall River County Pioneer Museum (often just called the county museum) in town.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Artifacts from early settlers and Native American history
- Old photos of Hot Springs and the surrounding area
- Exhibits about ranching, mining, and the growth of the town
It’s not a huge, flashy museum, but it has heart. If you’re the type of traveler who likes to know the story behind the places you visit, this is worth an hour or two.
9. Take a Scenic Drive Through the Southern Black Hills
One of the best
things to do near Hot Springs is simply… drive. The
southern Black Hills are full of quiet backroads, rolling hills, and pine-covered ridges.
A few ideas:
- Head north toward Wind Cave and Custer State Park for classic Black Hills scenery
- Drive along Highway 71 and Highway 18 for views of open ranch land and buttes
- Time your drive around sunset for glowing skies over the hills
If you enjoy road trips where the journey is just as fun as the destination, you’ll love exploring the highways and byways around Hot Springs.
10. Use Hot Springs as a Base for Mount Rushmore & More
Hot Springs sits in the southern part of the Black Hills, which makes it a quieter home base for exploring the region.
From town, you can make easy day trips to:
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial – about 1.5 hours away
- Crazy Horse Memorial – around 1.25 hours away
- Jewel Cave National Monument – another stunning cave area, roughly an hour and a half drive
You can enjoy the big-name sights during the day, then come back to a calmer, less crowded town in the evening. For many travelers, that balance is perfect.
Final Tips for Visiting Hot Springs, South Dakota
To make the most of your trip to
Hot Springs, SD and
Fall River County, keep these quick tips in mind:
- Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for warm weather and open attractions
- Pack layers: Even in summer, evenings can get cool in the Black Hills
- Book early: Lodging can fill up in peak summer months, especially weekends
- Slow down: This area rewards a relaxed pace – soak, stroll, and explore without rushing
Share Your Hot Springs Experience
Have you visited
Hot Springs, South Dakota or the
southern Black Hills before?
- Which of these 10 things to do near Hot Springs would be first on your list?
- Do you have a favorite hidden spot in Fall River County?
Drop a comment below with your tips, stories, or questions. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a South Dakota road trip. Your share might be the nudge they need to discover this warm, welcoming corner of the Black Hills.
Comments
Post a Comment