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What to Bring to the Black Hills

     Appropriate Clothing: In summer, temperatures can vary wildly between daytime and nighttime as well as between the prairie and the mountains. Therefore, even in July and August you should bring a light jacket and sweater because evening temperatures can be cool, dipping into the 50s. Daytime temperatures, meanwhile, can rise well over 100 degrees in places like the Badlands, so a wide brimmed hat is a good idea, too. (A baseball cap won't protect your neck and ears from sunburn.You see, there's a reason cowboys wear cowboy hats.) In winter, temperatures on the prairie can be brutally cold with wind-chill factors well below minus 30 degrees. Dress accordingly. Also bring sunglasses -- even in the winter time. 
     Personal Chemistry Set: If you need prescription drugs, don't forget to pack them. You'd think this goes without saying but a surprising number of travelers do forget their medications. Finding a pharmacy can be a hassle and involve driving 30 or 40 miles to get a prescription filled. Also it's a good idea to bring along your favorite personal-care products: shampoos, conditioners, razors and the like. You should pack a good sunscreen (UV blocker), too. 
     Car Kit: If you are traveling in winter, a kit of winter survival gear is all but mandatory. The kit should include a warm blanket, a flashlight and extra batteries, emergency rations (high energy candy bars and nuts are great), a candle, matches, flares, a snow shovel, and rock salt or sand. Experts say you shouldn't carry extra fuel, however. In summer, make sure that you carry plenty of water. 
     Money or Traveler's Checks: You don't need to travel with a lot of money these days as long as you have some credit cards. But there are times when only cash will do -- for instance, you'll need cash to pay some park entrance fees. Cashing personal checks can be difficult, so don't count on it. But ATM machines are common throughout the Black Hills. Our personal preference is to skip traveler's checks in denominations smaller than $100. Most places will cash $100 traveler's checks.
     Other Stuff: A lot of people travel with ice chests, some of which are big enough to chill a side of beef! (Hint: Motel ice, which is kept at around 32 degrees, is lousy for ice chests. You are better off with hard-frozen (zero degree) ice that will last longer and keep your cooler, well, cooler.) The reason that we mention ice chests is that the Black Hills is ideal picnic country. So you may want to bring a sharp knife, salt shaker, plastic forks and spoons and other supplies for an impromtu picnic or two. Binoculars are nice for spotting wildlife and birds. And some folks wish they had a fishing pole along.