The possibility of motoring through various sections of the Black Hills for pleasure and business has long been known. The idea is new, however, of selecting good automobile routes to reach the larger cities and points of scenic interest in this region, and of platting the same as a guide to the stranger who may be easily lost amid the windings and branchings of the roads in forest, mining camp or city. The strenuous efforts of various localities and counties along these routes to improve them during the last two years has made them now such as may be travelled with pleasure.

The natural scenery on a scale majestic in size, yet of readily appreciated magnitude; the proximity of the primitive forest to the noise and rush of the mining or industrial center; the strange thoughts on realizing that here lies the richest tract one hundred miles square on earth, all serve to make the trip through the Black Hills a memorable one; even to him who has traveled far and near across ocean, desert sands or broad plains in search of nature’s beauty spots.

From a personal standpoint, the renewed vigor, and quieted nerves that result from rest among such pleasant surroundings, breathing pure air, laden with the odor of the pines, bathing in or drinking mineral waters all make it a trip well worth while.

It is hoped that to the stranger to the Black Hills region this book will bring some idea of the pleasure and profit to be found amid such surroundings, and that it will be an aid to him in the proper enjoyment of the same.