The Black Hills Travel Blog

Author Archive

is a resident of Spearfish, S.D. He grew up in the tall-corn state of Iowa, where he developed an early interest in all things outdoors. After high school he moved to Vermillion, S.D., where he earned his bachelor’s degree in public relations and advertising. During his college years, two things caught his attention: the beauty of western South Dakota’s Black Hills and a girl from those Black Hills. After graduating from college, Joe traveled across the country as a recruiter for the University of South Dakota. He saw the sights from Pittsburgh to Las Vegas and everywhere in between, but it was the Black Hills (and the girl) that kept drawing him back. He and wife moved back to the Black Hills in 2008. He's an avid hiker, mountain biker and road cyclist whose future plans include trying to fit a pair of kayaks into the spare bedroom. Email this author




Loving Fall, but Dreaming of Snow

By • Oct 15th, 2010 • Category: Outdoor Adventure

Today I got my season ski pass. When the little plastic card spit out of the magical season pass-making machine, visions of snow began to dance in my head…



Black Hills colors – not just during fall

By • Oct 14th, 2010 • Category: Outdoor Adventure

I think there’s a giant prism directly over the Black Hills region. A prism – you know – that glass thing that your grandparents used to hang in the windows…



Buffalo Roundup: After the Main Event

By • Oct 11th, 2010 • Category: Culture

Once the bison are in the corrals, park staff and veterinarians sort and examine the herd. The public is welcome watch the whole process. Not many do…



Social Media brought Alex & Luke to the hills

By • Oct 8th, 2010 • Category: Culture

Most people who visit the Black Hills have chosen it as their destination. Not so with Alex and Luke. They had ZERO say in the matter. You told them to come…



He Sapa Wicipi Na Oskate: Black Hills Pow Wow & Games

By • Oct 5th, 2010 • Category: Culture

The highly anticipated 2010 Black Hills Pow Wow will take place this weekend, October 8-10, at Rapid City’s Rushmore Plaza Civic Center…



Deadwood’s Oktoberfest Wants You!

By • Sep 30th, 2010 • Category: Events

Can you roll a barrel? Pound a nail? Eat a strudel? If so, you are wanted in Deadwood for the annual Beer Barrel Games during Oktoberfest this weekend…



Black Hills Fall Colors Update: Sept. 27, 2010

By • Sep 29th, 2010 • Category: Outdoor Adventure

The Black Hills of South Dakota are in their full ‘fall colors glory’ right now and look like they’ll stay that way for the next week or so. Spearfish Canyon…



Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup Video

By • Sep 28th, 2010 • Category: Events

The Custer State Park buffalo roundup is a management tool that park staff uses to make sure the herd number doesn’t outgrow what the grasslands can support…



Fall Festivals = Busy Black Hills Weekend

By • Sep 24th, 2010 • Category: Events

It’s a busy, busy weekend here in the Black Hills! Fall colors in their primes, active wildlife and special fall activities and festivals taking place…