Anyone been to Mount Rushmore?

Question

We are planning a family vacation to Mt. Rushmore - Any trip suggestions from those who have been there before? We will be taking our 5 year old for his b-day, so any family oriented activity ideas would be great!

Answer 1

I'm sure you've noticed that Mount Rushmore is a great attraction, but isn't the only thing in the area.  The Black Hills are rich with culture, scenery, all kinds of good stuff.  That's why it's among my all-time favorite parts of this country.  Anybody who says there's nothing there has not really explored much!

Take a ride through some of the parks around there!  Get a look at Custer State Park, and go on its Wildlife Loop Road!  You will see wildlife, maybe drive amongst a bison herd, have burros walk up to your car, things like that.  It's a beautiful drive, and I strongly recommend it.

While you're at it, stop by Wind Cave National Park.  Jewel Cave National Monument is a pretty spectacular stop as well.

The Badlands!  Of course, ride through Badlands NP, there are a bunch of walking trails.  Some are long, but some are short; half-mile loops, things like that.  Make sure to bring your camera.  You'll see colors unlike any you'll see anywhere else.

Of course, American Indian heritage is very important in the region.  The Pine Ridge Reservation is full of history.  Crazy Horse Mountain is up along US-16 a few miles out of Custer, and is a massive monument to honor Crazy Horse; it has been under construction for a long time, and will continue to be under construction for a long time.

Check out the Mammoth Site, in the town of Hot Springs.  Interesting museum there, it's a nice visit.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head for now, but I'll toss in some more ideas if I come up with any.  Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Been there and there is not too much to do.  However, you can spend the day at the park at Mt. Rushmore.  Rapid City is right there you can go to the mall.  Honestly,  other than to to a bar, there is not much there unless it has changed since my last visit.

Answer 3

NYC Fan had a lot of great ideas.  For kids I would add Bedrock City in Custer, SD.  It's especially good if they have seen the Flintstones.  Also Cosmos Mystery Area in the Rapid City area was a lot of fun.  

We drove all the way across South Dakota, so I know the following are in South Dakota, but I'm not sure they're close to Mount Rushmore.

Wall Drug

Dinosaur Park

The Corn Palace