The town of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota was named from the mountain butte gap that lies within a short distance; from which large herds of buffalo would migrate in and out of the Hills with the seasons. Buffalo Gap, SD was one of the first established towns in the Black Hills area, as it was an outfitters town for gold miners. The railroad ran through the town dropping off prospectors and supplies. At one time a boomtown with numerous hotels, saloons, banks and retail stores, but the gold dried up and so did the town. Today the population of Buffalo Gap is less than 100 but many of the old buildings are still standing. Love history? You will want to stop and explore.