Posted By indyharleyguy on 08/02/2006 2:59 PM
How far is hot springs from Sturgis?
Hot Springs is about an hour away from Rapid City via Hwy 79 South. There's a great big spring-fed indoor/outdoor pool there-Evans Plunge.
If you're looking for something a bit cheaper, there is an abundance of streams and creeks throughout the hills. If there's anybody local on the board, post up directions to Hippy Hole! (I don't remember how to get there).
There's also Sheridan and Pactola Lakes. Both have free swim beaches and great water. (Pactola is usually "crisper", IMO)
You could also shoot over to Nemo via Vanocker Canyon--once you get to Nemo, go through "town" and head back towards Boxelder Campground (located next to Boxelder CREEK)...keep your eyes on the right towards the creek...not even a mile up the road (not even a half a mile, actually) there's a great swimmin' hole...used to be about 5 feet deep. Right next to a big boulder/rock wall.
There's a lot of kids that hop into Rapid Creek too (runs through Rapid City)...tubing, wading, etc. Not sure where the BEST swimmin hole is in town, but I remember there were always people in the Creek over by Canyon Lake Park. If ya head West on Hwy 44 (Jackson Blvd.), go past Canyon Lake on your left, pass Blessed Sacrament Church on your right, take your next left at Chapel Ln. Right next to the bridge that crosses over the Creek (on the right hand side of the bridge) is where I would see people swimmin'. Might wanna check that spot out.
You could always brave the Spillway at Canyon Lake Park, also  That's a fun ride!
Oh, and there's one more spot off of Nemo Road. About 4 miles before you hit Nemo (coming West from Rapid City. If you're coming from Vanocker Canyon, about 4 miles Past Nemo, then) is Steamboat Rock picnic area. Another swimmin' hole there.
That's all I know of for the time being...happy swimming!
~Wendy
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