Pactola Visitor’s Center

The Pactola Visitor Center is located about 22 miles west of Rapid City, South Dakota on Highway 385. It has educational information about the hills and is normally open in the summer and early fall. There are picnic tables, benches and a restroom on site. I recommend doing the easy trails near the lake - The Aspen Leaf Trail and Veteran’s Point’s Trail if just passing through.

Pactola Reservoir is the largest and deepest reservoir in the Black Hills, boasting 14 miles of shoreline and 150 foot depths on 800 acres There is plenty to do here including boating, jet skiing, fishing, kayaking, camping, and hiking to name a few. It is by far the prettiest lake in the Black Hills and is located between Sheridan Lake Road and W Highway 44 on Highway 385.  There is a large campground, several hiking trails, a beach, and picnic area. The visitor’s center is a nice place to stop and gather information.