As I stated in my last blog, traveling to the Black Hills of South Dakota is a rite of passage, a pilgrimage, for anyone in the Midwest. The journey may be long, but the vacation is worth it. The views and vistas are breathtaking as you enter Keystone, South Dakota. The smell of the pine trees and the arid temperatures awaken your senses.
There is a myriad of activities for both young and old! Some of my favorites are included below!
Activities to Do
Custer State Park (40 minutes from Mount Rushmore)
While exploring Custer State Park, South Dakota, it's crucial to remember that you're stepping into the home of a diverse wildlife community. As guests, we are responsible for maintaining a safe distance and not disrupting their natural habitat. Observing them from a distance can be a truly captivating experience. And if you're looking for a unique stay, consider spending a night at the Custer State Park Resort!
Hiking
There are many trails in the Black Hills of South Dakota. One of our family's favorites is Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park, South Dakota. It is a beautiful destination for swimming, kayaking, and simple hiking. We have visited this destination multiple times with our children and always enjoy its beauty.
Other locations for hiking are
Black Elk Peak
Pactola Reservoir
Flume Trail
Cathedral Spires Trail (1.5-mile trail one-way in Custer State Park),
Lover’s Leap Trail (3 Miles),
Little Devil’s Tower Trail ( 3.1 miles)
Visit the link below for more details on these trails, their history, and more extensive trails in the Black Hills.
Driving the Needles Highway
The Needles Highway is nestled inside Custer State Park, South Dakota. If you drive the Iron Mountain Road, you get a breathtaking view of Mount Rushmore National Memorial framed through the single-lane tunneled rocks made famous by Peter Norbeck. People will stop and honk their horns before approaching to ensure no one is coming into the tunnel before proceeding next.
During the busier summer months, the roads of the Needles are very congested with motorcycles, ATVs, and SUVs. Proceed with caution! If you are prone to motion sickness, I recommend Dramamine!
Crazy Horse Memorial (30 Minutes from Mount Rushmore)
About 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore, this Memorial is beyond epic in size. Even though it's not anywhere near completion, you can see the outlines of where the structure will be through all the rock. There is an on-site Native American culture center for the Lakota tribe where you can learn everything from traditional art to educational exhibits to viewing performances.
They also have different festivals and events during the year and a fun laser light show every evening over the Memorial!
Wind Cave National Park (45 minutes from Mount Rushmore)
Known for its vast, open prairies and as one of the last places left for Bison, Elk, Pronghorn, and other wildlife to roam freely, the area has an underground network of unusual cave formations. These cave formations are made of thin calcite that resemble honeycomb shapes. It is one of the World’s longest, most complex caves!
Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is the main attraction for people worldwide to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Gutzon Borglum’s vision came to life in 1941 with the help of his son, Lincoln, during President Calvin Coolidge to commemorate our National History with iconic views of four of our country's presidents.
George Washington represents the birth of our Country.
Thomas Jefferson represents the growth of the United States with the purchase of the Louisiana Territory.
Theodore Roosevelt represents the development of the United States; during the Panama Canal and rapid growth of the 20th Century, he was known as the “trust buster.”
Abraham Lincoln represents the preservation of the United States. He abolished slavery and saved our Country from near destruction of itself.
Mount Rushmore Tips
Visit early in the morning or around sunset if you're going during peak season. There are a lot of people! Especially if you have children, it will be cooler then, and they will get hot! Dress and plan accordingly.
Plan for half a day to spend
Join the Junior Ranger Program—Bring a pen or pencil with you. You can pick the booklet up at the gift shop. It will be a great activity to keep children (5+) engaged while at the Memorial. When finished, bring it back completed, and they can get sworn in as Junior Rangers!
I do not recommend a stroller on the Presidential Trail, as there are many stairs. I would recommend a baby carrier.
Stop for a snack or treat at the Carver Cafe. I highly recommend the Thomas Jefferson original ice cream. It’s his original recipe!
Stop in the Sculpture Studio. Park Rangers will show a ½ scale model of Mount Rushmore exhibited and discussed with tourists.
Avenue of Flags- look for all fifty states, three territories, two commonwealths, and one district!
Evening Lighting Ceremony- (May to September) There is a short film about the presidents to watch, and then a patriotic song recognizing all military service members while enjoying the lighting of the Memorial at sunset.
Again, I hope you enjoyed all the things to do in the Black Hills! There is even more with the town of Keystone! Ziplining, helicopter rides, Presidential Wax Museum, Shops, and you can’t go to the Black Hills without eating at the Historic RUBY HOUSE!
If you haven’t checked out my other blog post about everything to do in Rapid City, click the link below!
Until Our Next Adventure,
Lizzie ❤️