Top 10 Things to do in Mount Rushmore and Beyond
Written and Photographed by Whitney O’Halek
Is Mount Rushmore on your must-go list? It should be! But there’s more in the area than the famous mountain carving. Here are the 10 best things to do, see and eat in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Be sure to download your free PDF copy of Top 10 Things to do in Mt. Rushmore and Beyond by clicking here. Join in on the fun as Randy, Caly and Whitney talk about Mt. Rushmore and Beyond on the RVD Podcast by clicking here!
10. Try the Bison, Elk, Antelope, Wild Boar and More – You can find all these, especially the bison, just about anywhere; it’s simply a must for meat eaters. You can have these as burgers, hot dogs, steaks, or even ravioli served in a cream sauce. Want to take some for the road? You’ll find locally sourced jerky in every gift shop and convenience store. If you’re curious, it’s well worth a try.
9. Go to Historic Deadwood – If you’ve ever wanted to visit a Wild West Gold Rush town, here’s your chance. Walk the same streets as Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok. See a genuine gold nugget at the Adams Museum. You can even eat at an authentic saloon and take a brothel tour.
8. Visit Wind Cave National Park – A lesser-known national park in the area is Wind Cave National Park, one of America’s oldest national parks. About 45 minutes south of Custer State Park, Wind Cave is where the Lakota people believe humans and bison first emerged. The park is home to all sorts of wildlife, 30 miles of hiking trails, and one of the world’s longest and most complex caves.
7. Take a Hike in Badlands National Park – Some of the most other-worldly trails are in Badlands National Park. There are numerous trails at all lengths and levels, and it’s truly the best way to get up close and personal with the Badlands. The landscape is both bizarre and beautiful. While you’re at it, take advantage of the Yellow Mounds Overlook. Yes, the mounds really are yellow.
6. Feed the Prairie Dogs – A few miles from Badlands National Park is a roadside shop called the Badlands Ranch Store with a sign that beckons, “Stop to Feed the Prairie Dogs.” You should do just that. Grab a bag of peanuts for just $1, then step out into the designated area and wait. These chunky critters are not afraid to come close. It’s a fun thing for kids and adults alike.
5. See the Bison – Searching for an epic experience? The bison here are giant, even in summer when they’re not at their fluffiest. You can see herds of them inside Custer State Park and at the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. Keep your distance, and do not approach them, but bring a camera or phone with a good zoom to capture the moment. Also, stop by the Custer State Park Bison Center for more information and pick up some bison jerky from the state park processing plant.
4. Visit the Crazy Horse Memorial – You can see it from the road, but it’s well worth visiting the visitor center and museum at the Crazy Horse Memorial. It’s still a work in progress and will continue to be, but visitors can see him taking shape in the meantime. Don’t miss the video at the visitor center that explains the story of Crazy Horse, the sculptor commissioned to carve the mountain, and the ongoing, self-funded project. You can also find the Indian Museum of North America and a restaurant serving authentic local, tribal fare.
3. Take the Scenic Route – Many of the roads in southwest South Dakota can be considered the scenic route because the general roads go through some beautiful scenery. But the road from Mount Rushmore to Crazy Horse and then through Custer State Park is one of the best routes for scenery. You’ll see George Washington’s Profile, Black Hills National Forest, Crazy Horse Memorial and more. The landscape of this area truly has that “big sky country” feel.
2. Visit Historic Keystone – The small town of Keystone is just like you might imagine an 1880s Western town to be. There’s the 1880 Train that will take you on a 20-mile journey between Keystone and Hill City, a place to pan for gold, and your pick of restaurants for any meal of the day. And, of course, Mount Rushmore is just around the corner.
1. See Mount Rushmore – Mount Rushmore is why Southwest South Dakota is even on your radar, right? And it’s a great reason. A trip to Mount Rushmore is an even more patriotic experience than you’d expect. When you see this massive monument down the Avenue of Flags and listen to the ranger talk about the making of the memorial, you’ll have a whole new appreciation for American skill, “stick-to-it-iveness” and ingenuity. They also have the best gift shops in the area, so leave room in your suitcase.
Ready for your road trip around Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills of South Dakota? This top 10 list is the best place to start.
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