Hill City, South Dakota

Hill City is the oldest existing city in Pennington County, South Dakota, United States. The population was 872 at the 2020 census. But as of 2024, the population is now over 1,000. Hill City is located 26 miles (42 km) southwest of Rapid City on U.S. Highway 16 and on U.S. Route 385 that connects Deadwood to Hot Springs. Hill City is known as the "Heart of the Hills", a distinction derived from its proximity to both the geographical center of the Black Hills, and the local tourist destinations. Near Hill City, there is a monumental peak dating back hundreds of years. Black Elk Peak was once on reservation lands where many Native people used to hunt and gather but they also used it as a prayer location.

The city has its roots in the Black Hills mining rush of the late 19th century. Tin mining was dominant in the 1880s and led to an influx of capital and people into the area. As the mining industry waned, tourism and timber became increasingly important industries to the area. The creation of Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial, led to an increase in awareness of the Black Hills as a tourist destination. Custer State Park and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally also draw visitors to Hill City. In recent years, the city has diversified to become a center for the arts in the area, featuring several art studios and festivals.