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Apr 8, 2020 · Our Top 10 things to do around Mount Rushmore [Rapid City, Deadwood, Badlands, Black Hills] Every year, 3 million tourists come visit the Black Hills of South Dakota and Mt Rushmore is...
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Dec 2, 2023 · With so many things to do near Mount Rushmore with kids, it makes the perfect family getaway. Whether you have a weekend or a week, you’ll have plenty of options for making memories. Drive up to Bear Country or along Wildlife Loop for a chance to see animals in their natural habitat.
- Best Things to Do Near Mount Rushmore
- Top 20 Things to Do Near Mount Rushmore
- Map of Things to Do Near Mount Rushmore National Memorial
1. Check out the Black Hills National Forest
Distance from Mount Rushmore:0 minutes (it touches the memorial) If you’re visiting Mount Rushmore, you’re also visiting the Black Hills National Forest – why not go a little further? Mount Rushmore National Memorial is surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest. To get to the memorial you have to (get to) drive through this beautiful forest. Of all the magical natural places I’ve traveled to in America (and beyond), the Black Hills National Forest might just top the list. Maybe it’s just...
2. Hike to the Highest Point In South Dakota: Black Elk Peak
Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak) is the highest point in all of South Dakotaat 7,244 feet elevation. Hiking to the top is a wonderful way to see the best views in the Black Hills. 1. Distance:7.1 miles 2. Elevation Gain:1450 feet 3. Time Required:3-4 hours 4. Difficulty:Moderate I regard the Black Elk Peak hike as perhaps the best in all the Black Hills.The trail starts in pine forest, works its way across a creek, and then ascends up to the peak itself with an incredible tower at the to...
3. See the Stunning Spearfish Falls
Spearfish Falls is an 80 foot waterfall located on the Spearfish Creek that is often overlooked by folks as signage is lacking and the falls are not visible from the main road. If you’re visiting in the autumn season, the falls are especially beautiful with stunning foliage flanking the cascade on either side. To get to the falls, visitors should park at the Latchstring Restaurant and look at the end of the parking lot for the trailhead. The trail is only about .8 miles long round tripand des...
11. Check out the Crazy Horse Memorial
Distance from Mount Rushmore:30 minutes (17 miles) TheCrazy Horse Memorial is currently being constructed just 17 miles down the roadfrom Mount Rushmore as a response to the Rushmore project. Visitors can tour the grounds, learn about the native history, and walk up to the memorial itself. This project is much larger in scale than Mount Rushmore and once completed will feature Crazy Horse riding his horse. Currently just the face has been finished. At just 30 minutes away this is a must-see a...
12. Find solace at Buffalo Gap National Grasslands
Distance from Mount Rushmore:1 hour (42 miles) If you’re really looking to escape the crowds there’s no better place to do so than Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. Consisting of 600,000 acres of beautiful rolling prairie, badlands formations, and home of the the world-famous Fairburn agate, this is a great thing to do near Mount Rushmore.
13. Go Rock Hounding in the Fairburn Agate Beds
Distance from Mount Rushmore:40 minutes (21 miles) The Fairburn Agate is a world famous and rare gemstone found exclusively in the agate beds of South Dakota and Nebraska. These beautiful rocks can fetch upwards of $10,000 to the right collector. As such these gemstones are hot commodities for rock hounders around the world. The good news is that the forest service allows for rock hounding in the Black Hills (but not in Badlands National Park). A great spot to start is the French Creek Campgr...
List of 10 Best Things to Do Near Mount Rushmore
1. Black Hills National Forest 2. Wind Cave National Park 3. Jewel Cave National Monument 4. Minuteman Missile National Historic Site 5. Badlands National Park 6. Wall Drug Roadside Attraction 7. Devils Tower National Monument 8. Crazy Horse Memorial 9. Black Elk Peak 10. Spearfish Falls
More Things to Do Near Mount Rushmore
1. Visit Historic Deadwood 2. Pactolla Lake 3. Iron Mountain Loop Road 4. Buffalo Roundup 5. Mammoth Site 6. Boot Hill Cemetery 7. Keystone, South Dakota
Why Listen to Us About Things to Do Near Mount Rushmore?
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands. We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for yearscreating filmson important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us national parks experts. We’re...
Dec 5, 2023 · Best Things to Do At Mount Rushmore with kids. Walk the Avenue of Flags; Spot the Faces from the Grand View Terrace; Take a Hike on the Presidential Trail; Visit the Lincoln Borglum Museum; Become a Junior Park Ranger; Visit the Sculptor’s Studio; Eat the famous Mount Rushmore Ice Cream; Watch the Mt Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony; Drive ...
Jun 28, 2021 · Take your kids into one of the 2 theaters to watch the short video called “Mount Rushmore: the Shrine.” It’s 14 minutes long, and screens on the outside of each theater will let you know how long until the next showing of the film.
May 7, 2024 · Mount Rushmore is the most visited National Memorial outside of Washington, DC. Located in the Black Hills, it is more than a road trip stop. Visitors can spend several hours exploring the area. South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore offers day and night activities, along with dining. Here are the top things to do at Mount Rushmore.
For Kids and Families. During summer months, special programs for children are given in the Sculptor’s Studio. These programs are 30 minutes long and get children involved in the history of Mount Rushmore with hands on activities. Check at the visitor center for details and times.
