Local Black Hills

09/28/2026

And we have a Sweets & Treats Tour winner!

A big congratulations to Nicole V. and a big thank-you to everyone who joined us for the Black Hills Sweets & Treats Tour.

So many of you stopped by the participating local spots, enjoyed some special treats, and maybe even discovered a new favorite place along the way. We also want to thank all of the businesses that took part and helped make the tour so much fun!

And if you enjoyed this one, keep an eye out for the Fall Coffee Tour in the next issue of Black Hills Community Connection. ☕

Check out the Coffee Tour here: https://maps.localblackhills.com/r/X3OUCeAomWjrYI-8Mrcz?view=registration&challenge_id=6a0b408c62cfee1261fcdd84

Who are you hoping to see or take along on the coffee tour?

09/10/2026

Fall is starting in the Black Hills with Spearfish Canyon at about 18% color change. It will be perfect weather to enjoy outdoor events all over the hills from Crazy Dayz in Downtown Rapid City to the Jolly Lane Chili Pepper Festival and so much more. What's on your itinerary this weekend?
Check out the event blog at: https://localblackhills.com/blog/things-to-do-in-the-black-hills-this-weekend.html

09/02/2026

Working hard & ready for a break? Take in the beauty and events in the Black Hills this Labor Day Weekend!
Check out what's happening this weekend: https://localblackhills.com/blog/things-to-do-in-the-black-hills-this-weekend.html
Carol Markstrom Music, BW Buzz Band

08/25/2026

Our latest stop on the Black Hills Sweets & Treats Tour took us to Chubby Chipmunk Chocolates in Deadwood, and choosing what to take home is probably the hardest part of the visit. 😋

There are truffles, chocolate bars, coins, butterflies, monkeys, chocolate-covered marshmallows and Oreos. You’ll even find little Leones ice cream minis, cotton candy and dog bones & local author books!

So yes, you have an important chocolate decision to make. But take a little time to look around, too.

Read about our Chubby Chipmunk stop and join us on the Black Hills Sweets & Treats Tour:
https://localblackhills.com/blog/black-hills-sweets-tour--chubby-chipmunk.html

What would be the first thing going in your chocolate bag? 🍫

08/19/2026

The Black Hills Sweets & Treats Tour made its way to Emma's Ice Cream Emporium in Sturgis, and I quickly realized that calling this place an ice cream shop doesn’t quite cover everything happening inside.
There’s more to the stop than scoops, and it made for a fun addition to the tour.

Get the story from our latest stop and see where the Sweets & Treats Tour is headed next.

Read the blog and join the tour: https://localblackhills.com/blog/black-hills-sweets-treats-tour--emmas-ice-cream.html

What Black Hills sweet spot should we put on the tour next?

The Sweet Treats Tour continued with a stop at Emma's Ice Cream Emporium, and I quickly realized that calling this place an ice cream shop doesn't quite cover everything going on inside.

08/17/2026

🎉 We have a winner!! Congratulations to Daniel H. for winning a gift card to one of our participating Sweets Tour locations! Great job Daniel!
else, there's 3 weeks left until we draw the grand prize! Keep checking in for your chance to win. 🍬✨

Black Hills Sweets & Treats Tour: https://maps.localblackhills.com/r/9hszm-cZMo6zAUiLe9Ig

08/14/2026

Check out these delicious treats that our participants have enjoyed through the Black Hills Sweets & Treats tour! Have you checked in this week? Make sure to complete your check-in before the week wraps up for a chance to win another gift card! We'll announce the winner on Monday! 🎉 Want an extra entry? Comment below with where you visited this week! 🍰
https://maps.localblackhills.com/r/9hszm-cZMo6zAUiLe9Ig

08/13/2026

Looking for an easy weekend escape in the Black Hills?

We recently spent a weekend camping at Iron Creek Lake with family, and it was exactly what summer should be. Between paddleboarding, floating on tubes, fishing, swimming, and evenings around the campfire making s'mores, it was the perfect place to slow down and enjoy time together.

As a no-wake lake, Iron Creek is ideal if you're looking for a peaceful weekend on the water.

👉 Read more here: https://localblackhills.com/blog/iron-creek-lake.html

🎉 If you've never been, or it's been a while, Iron Creek Lake is celebrating 90 years on Saturday, August 29 at 5 p.m.

Stop by for:
🎸 Campfire music with Alvin McAmis
🥪 Free roast beef sandwiches (while they last)
🎂 Cake

Don't forget your lawn chair, memories, and old photos to share!

Have you camped at Iron Creek Lake or spent the day? Share your favorite memory in the comments!