Make the Most out of the Last Days of Summer
– By #Powder House Lodge
As we head into August, it often feels like we start grasping at the last few straws that summer has to offer. We’re not sure why, but it always feels like summer went by too quickly, and that we didn’t pack enough adventure into those first two months. Well, today we’re here to show you that there is still plenty of time to get in on some warm weather fun, as we’ve outlined some of the area’s best late summer events that are taking place. Remember folks, summer doesn’t end until September 23rd!
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Experiencing the local art scene of an area is one of the best ways to get a feel for the culture and history of the region, and checking out the eclectic mix of artwork that captures the essence of the Black Hills is a must while visiting the region. Taking a day to tour the area’s art galleries will not only be an enriching learning experience for the entire family, but also an inexpensive way to spend the day since many attractions are free and within a short drive from the Powder House Lodge. From exquisite paintings to one of a kind sculptures, the variety of South Dakota art museums is as diverse as the people, and below are some of the art galleries in the area that are loved by visitors and locals alike.
One of the most popular ways to celebrate The Fourth of July is by watching a firework display, and .just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you will have to miss an annual tradition. Many places throughout the Black Hills have firework displays, parades, live music, fun and games scheduled over the long Fourth of July weekend.
The annual Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally™ brings hundreds of thousands of bikers to the beautiful Black Hills to celebrate, rock out at concerts, and ride the twists and turns of Western South Dakota. The Hills offer a unique riding experience rivaled by few other areas in the country and bikers flock yearly to take part in the unique rides and outrageous events that surround the Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally™. Each year new concerts play and new Sturgis events are added to the long list of things to do and this year is no different. From the basic to the most outrageous, these are just a few of the new events added to the lineup this year at the Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally™.
Summer has arrived, which means it’s time for family friendly vacations for the next few months. Vacations can be tough on the pocket book, but only if you let them. There are many simple ways to make the most of your money while you’re on vacation. We’ve compiled a list of our top tips for saving money while on family friendly vacations to help you get the most bang for your buck this summer.
The Black Hills are full of adventurous and unique things to do. From national monuments to state parks, local museums, and attractions, there is something for everyone to see while on vacation. The craft beer industry is growing and South Dakota breweries are located throughout the Black Hills.
Spring is here. The weather is getting warmer, the grass greener, and the roads ready to drive in the Black Hills. One of the unique characteristics of our beautiful Black Hills is the diversity in our communities. This diversity often translates into the kinds of shops we find throughout towns like Keystone, Hill City, Custer, and Deadwood. While visiting the Black Hills, you’re sure to experience a number of tiny shops and Black Hills restaurants that you won’t find anywhere else.
St. Patrick’s Day is a day for us to celebrate not only the Patron Saint of Ireland, but our Irish heritage as well. While we might not be open for a few more months, we thought it’d be fun to combine our love of the Irish with the area’s love of our presidents. For your St. Patrick’s Day pleasure, we present to you a list of US Presidents who have a bit of the ole’ Irish heritage in their background.
This last year was full of surprises, but one of the biggest hits of 2016 was the mobile app Pokemon Go. Kids and adults alike are spending time integrating the digital world of Pokemon with the physical Black Hills attractions around the area. Even the Powder House Lodge is a PokeStop! So not only can you sit down, relax, and have a refreshing meal during your stay, you can also stock up on gear for your next big Pokemon Go adventure. We’ve got a few tips on how to work playing Pokemon Go into your vacation. With all of the great Black Hills attractions in the area, it’s hard not to try and catch those cheeky little critters.
Some of the best stories we hear from our guests is how they remember their Black Hills vacation from when they were kids. They return – many years later – with children of their own and marvel at how much has changed, while how much of the area has stayed the same. Traveling with kids is all about providing experiences, of building the sense of family, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. However, as any parent knows, traveling with kids isn’t always the hassle-free experience one could expect. We’ve listed some tips to help make traveling with kids on your Black Hills vacation easier and more enjoyable for the whole family. 
Booking your vacation can seem like a daunting task. After you’ve chosen a destination, you need to consider lodging. Obviously, there are many different factors that determine where you may or may not stay. At the Powder House Lodge, we offer Black Hills cabin rentals with accommodations that truly meet the needs of almost everyone. From a pool and playground for kids and families to a covered back patio for pre- or post-dinner libations, electric car chargers, free WiFi and cable, we truly try to make sure that we have something for everyone. While some hotels may have some of these amenities, there are some unique advantages to cabin rentals like those at the Powder House. 
Fall is here. The leaves are turning beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red. In many areas around the Black Hills, they’ve already started falling off the trees. The nights are quieter than we’re used to. The traffic from traveling tourists in the nights has been replaced with only the sound of a slight breeze and rustling leaves. The pine trees, entrenched in the granite hillsides and peaks of the Black Hills, create a silhouette against the moon-lit Dakota night. It’s easy to let your mind wander to thoughts of the area’s rich history and legends. How many of those legends might still be roaming around? We present some of the most haunted places in the Black Hills…in no particular order.
getting ready to go on vacation. You’ve got your hotels booked, your route planned, and your itinerary set. There’s only one problem. One of your family members has four legs and fur. If you booked pet-friendly lodging in the Black Hills, like the Powder House Lodge, you have a little less to stress about. But there’s still the question of how to deal with traveling with pets. We’re here to give you some tips and tricks on how to make traveling with pets enjoyable for everyone.
There are many beautiful places to go hiking in the Black Hills, but one of the favorites is Sylvan Lake. One of the reasons the area is so popular is because Sylvan Lake offers more than just hiking in the Black Hills. With a picnic area, paddle boats for rent, fishing, and rock climbing, Sylvan Lake is a location in Custer State Park where you and your family could easily spend a few hours to an entire day. 
There’s nothing quite like feeling the thunder beneath your feet as you see a massive herd of buffalo driven across the rangeland. Cowboys and cowgirls gather to drive the herd of buffalo in a spectacular site that also functions as a critical herd management tool. This year, the annual Buffalo Roundup in Custer State Park will take place on Friday, September 30, 2016 at 9:30 am. 
of the Black Hills Gold Rush. Gold mines and gold panning are part of the rich history that the area has to offer. Along with Wild West legends like “Wild Bill” Hickok, Potato Creek Johnny, and Calamity Jane, it’s no mystery why the myth of the Old West and the Black Hills Gold Rush is still a prominent piece of today’s culture. Visitors from around the world are always eager to visit Black Hills attractions that are fun and delve deep into the area’s rich history. We’ve put together a list of some of the fun gold panning and gold mining attractions around the Black Hills.