Top 5 Must Do's

This National Monument is way out in the awesome Badlands of South Dakota. The low population density in this part of the country gives you the peaceful feeling that you are in the middle of nowhere. The lack of ambient noise here is remarkable and therapeutic. You don’t need to zip through Mount Rushmore. Stay a few days. There are definitely more things you must do here than gaze at presidents. Take a few days and explore the National Parks and historical towns close by this spectacularly scenic area.

Mount Rushmore

The obvious highlight of the area is Mount Rushmore, the iconic sculpture of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Millions of yearly visitors can’t be wrong. Gutzom Borglum is the sculptor who began this project and his son finished it. You can see the famous faces of our forefathers; they look wise as they gaze off into the distance. Take the short and easy hike to get closer to this majestic monument to America. Entry is free but parking is not and the park is closed on Christmas.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Still under construction, this is a monument to Crazy Horse, an Oglala Lakota warrior. The sculpture is him riding a horse while pointing into the distance. This memorial has been a work in progress since 1948. It would be the world’s largest statue if finished. Crazy Horse Memorial is only 8 miles away from Mount Rushmore.

Rapid City

Rapid City is less than 20 miles away and has many activities to choose from. Reptile Gardens is a favorite attraction here with 50,000 flowers, giant tortoises and a variety of bird species. Take a Rapid City trolley tour through the historic district. The highlight for kids will be Storybook Island, a place where storybook characters come to life.

Badlands National Park

About an hour drive from Mount Rushmore is Badlands National Park. This grand park features mountains, valleys and plateaus. Strips of stratified rock decorate the spectacularly minimalist and vast landscape. As you drive through the park pull your car over to the side of the road and get out. Take a short hike up one of the many hills and throw snowballs anytime of year.

Deadwood

Deadwood is livelier than it sounds; it’s the largest historic preservation project in the USA. This Victorian gold mining town is about a one hour drive from Mount Rushmore. Historical reenactments and trail heads also make this town famous. Start 300 miles of snowmobile trails here or head out on the 110 mile bicycle trial. Restaurants and shopping area available.