Dinosaur Park
Located at 940 Skyline Drive in Rapid City , Dinosaur Park is one of the area ’ s original tourist attractions . It sits on a ridge of sandstone that encircles the Black Hills . Along this ridge , dinosaurs of the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous periods have been found . View the seven lifesized , concrete replicas of monstrous prehistoric reptiles that inhabit the park . There is also a visitor center , gift shop and cafe . The park has been open to the public since 1936 . Not far from the park , dinosaur footprints have been found . As you stand at Dinosaur Park , take in the spectacular 100- mile views . Looking to the east , you can see the South Dakota Badlands . Dinosaur Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a trailhead for hiking and biking on the Skyline Wilderness Trail .
Poet ’ s Table
The writings of those who have been there before , some dating back many years , are left in a wooden bureau by a table and chairs . From Sylvan Lake , take the Harney Peak Trail 4 trailhead . Look for a leaning birch tree that points up the slope . At the top , climb over some rocks on the left and find the small alcove in the rocks .
Jenny Gulch
Jenny Gulch , located on the west side of Pactola Reservoir , is a local favorite spot to jump off the cliffs into the cool , clear waters of Pactola Lake . Boating , picknicking , swimming and snorkeling are popular activities in the gulch . It can be reached by boat or by hiking .
36 Black Hills Adventure Guide 2023