One of the cool things to do in the Black Hills each summer is to look at hot cars. I know, I know. With all the natural scenery, why look at cars?

But if you appreciate the streamlined beauty of a 1959 Chevy Biscayne, a 1950 Cadillac Coupe Deville dripping with chrome or the funky nostalgia of a 1944 Cushman scooter, head to the Hills this summer.

No fewer than seven national and regional rallies devoted to the open road are scheduled. At Sturgis you can see classic Harleys, cool old Indian Chiefs, beefy new Ford Mustangs and vintage Cushman scooters.  You can also admire a range of classic cars at Black Hills Overdrive and Kool Deadwood Nites, or ogle the sleek Corvettes in Spearfish.

Now, a new event is coming to the Black Hills — well, sort of a new event. The National Impala Association will return to Spearfish Aug. 24-26, Mistie Caldwell of Visit Spearfish announced this week.

It’s a homecoming of sorts for the NIA. The association, whose 2,000 members are devotees of Bel Airs, Biscaynes, Impalas and other full-sized Chevy cars built from 1958 to 1970, was founded by Larry Reuppel of Spearfish 30 years ago. In 1994, he sold it to Dennis and Byrdi Naasz of Mandan, N.D., who in 2007 sold it to Jody and Tonya Anderson of Minneapolis.

For most of its history, the NIA held an annual rally in Spearfish. Since 2007, however, it’s been moving around the country. Now, for its 30th anniversary, the Impalas are returning to Spearfish.

“Spearfish is a good place,” said Dennis, who is still active in the group. “People are really looking forward to coming back to the Black Hills.”

He expects about 150 cars and more than twice that many people. About 120 rooms have been booked at the Spearfish Holiday Inn, and another 30 rooms have been made available at other local motels.

By the way, the Impala event ends just as Kool Deadwood Nites gets underway. A lot of the Impala folks will likely stay over to hang out with the other car enthusiasts.