Playground

Stockade Lake is genuinely one of the more underrated spots in the Black Hills, and the playground here is a solid reason to make a day of it. The equipment is newer and well-kept, which you don’t always get out this way, and the shaded seating means parents aren’t just standing around baking in the sun. Little ones two through twelve have plenty to keep them busy, and when they’re done you’re steps away from the lake beach. Pack a lunch — the picnic tables are right there, the restrooms are actually decent, and the whole place has this calm, unhurried feel that’s hard to find once tourist season kicks into gear.