Gold Discovery
Golden Valley , where the Custer Expedition camped in 1874 , is just west of Custer State Park . Gold was discovered by Horatio Ross in French Creek . There is a sign on America Center Road marking the spot . Custer ’ s initials and the year are carved into a rock where these men stand .
Stratobowl
Along Highway 16 , about 12 miles southwest of Rapid City , is a natural bowl where the world ’ s “ space age ” was born in 1934- 35 . The U . S . Army Air Corps and National Geographic set a balloon altitude record and sent the first manned space flights into the stratosphere . Commemorative markers are on the westbound lane of the highway .
Gordon Stockade
The Gordon Party followed the wagon tracks left by Lt . Col . George Armstrong Custer ’ s Expedition in 1874 and built this stockade between the city of Custer and Custer State Park . The stockade kept the first “ gold seekers ” relatively safe from attack from Indians who frequently came into this area . The fort was abandoned when the miners were forced out by the Army . The builders consisted of 26 men , one woman and one boy .
Hippie hole
A rock wall with a waterfall dropping into a deep pool provides a great place for swiming and jumping off a cliff . It is about a 15- minute hike off of Foster Gulch Rd ., which departs from S . Rockerville Rd . Stay right on all forks until the road comes to an end at a parking area .
32 Black Hills Adventure Guide 2023