Visiting The Iconic Sculpture
Mount Rushmore is one of the most famous landmarks in the world and simply cant be missed on a visit to South Dakota.
Based on two personal visits, we think 3 hours is easily enough time to arrive, explore, hike the presidential trail and learn about its construction.
However, if you visit in Summer, be sure to check out the light show at night from the newly renovated amphitheater.
- The purpose of this guide is to help you plan your visit to Mount Rushmore, therefore we will only show you the top rated hotels by previous guests in each popular area.
- You will find a rating after each hotel name as per Booking.com, which we use to book all hotels when traveling.
Our Mount Rushmore resources to help with planning:
Black Hills Itinerary: Day 1
- Travel to Rapid City, South Dakota.
- Stop at the Mitchell Corn Palace along the way.
- Have lunch at The Depot Pub & Grill in Mitchell.
- Continue on down the highway and stop to tour the South Dakota Air And Space Museum.
- Upon arriving in Rapid City, visit the free Dinosaur Park and Storybook Island. Be sure to take lots of photos!
- Have dinner and drinks at Independent Ale House awesome pizza, beer, and a chill atmosphere.
Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center
In Lead, South Dakota, and just five minutes outside historic Deadwood is a massive hole in the ground thats impossible to miss when passing through this otherwise quiet town. This curious pit is part of Sanford Underground Research Facility, the deepest underground laboratory in the United States. Its facility occupies the former Homestake Mine, the largest and deepest gold mine in North America until it closed in 2002. Today scientists are working 4850-feet underground on various experiments to help understand cosmic curiosities such as dark matter, life potential on other planets, and the origins of the universe.
While you cant tour the Sanford Lab itself, you can learn all about it at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center where you can explore free exhibits and take a guided trolley tour through Lead.
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Where To Stay In The Black Hills
Popular cities to lodge in during your Black Hills itinerary include Rapid City, Keystone, Hill City, and Custer South Dakota.
We chose to stay in Rapid City, South Dakota as Rapid City has a central location, city-like conveniences .
Here, there is also a wide range of accommodation choices including family-friendly hotels, cabins, camping at campgrounds, or staying in vacation rentals.
For great places to stay in or around the Black Hills of South Dakota, check out their local deals here:
Black Hills Itinerary: Conclusion
We hope that this itinerary has provided you with fun inspiration for a Black Hills family vacation.
I recommend leaving your hotel by 8:00 or 9:00 AM every day and packing a picnic lunch on most days during your visit.
Similarly, be sure to pack a cooler with water and snacks to keep everyone content along the way.
Any Black Hills itinerary requires spending a lot of time spent in the car getting from place to place. It is worth consulting our essential road trip tips, and road trip food list to keep the kids calm and happy while traveling from place to place.
Would you add any other must-dos to this Black Hills itinerary? Please comment below wed all love to hear from you! -Jen
*Before leaving, be sure to check our Travel Resources Page to find exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*
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Log Cabin With Views Of Mount Rushmore
If you are looking for a Black Hills cabin rental with spectacular views, it doesnt get more spectacular than this! This home has unparalleled views of the famous Mount Rushmore National Monument.
This five-star-rated Airbnb has the perfect balance of modern and vintage features, creating a cozy and comfortable space. In the living room, guests can relax on the massive sectional couch beside a gorgeous stone fireplace and watch TV or enjoy a morning cup of joe. The full kitchen is well stocked with all the essentials, including a microwave, a dishwasher, and a toaster. Guests can enjoy their meals at the eight-person dining table.
In the master bedroom, there is a king-size bed and an en suite bathroom with a luxurious glass walk-in shower and double vanity. The second and third bedrooms share an en suite bathroom with a spacious walk-in shower. There are two queen-size beds in the second bedroom, and in the third bedroom, there is a queen-size bed and a double bed.
Outside, guests can gather around the firepit and watch the stars shine above Mount Rushmore. The decks rocking chairs are the best spot to sit with a glass of wine and watch the sunset.
South Dakota Air And Space Museum
A free attraction on the outskirts of Rapid City, SD, The South Dakota Air and Space Museum provides a fun way for kids to learn and interact with U.S. Air Force paraphernalia.
Our kids loved the outdoor airpark filled with WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and present-day aircraft. Similarly, four indoor hangars showcased additional military history and technology displays, as well as included a great gift shop.
Bus tours of the local Ellsworth Air Force Base are available for a small additional cost during limited months.
- Plan to spend 45 minutes here.
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Things To Do In The Black Hills And How To Ditch The Crowds
Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota Tourism
The locals divide the region into the southern hills and the northern hills. Most of the Black Hillsâ postcard attractions â Mount Rushmore National Monument, Crazy Horse Memorial, Rushmore Cave, Wind Cave National Park. Jewel Cave National Monument and Custer State Park are located in the southern hills. The northern hills are a bit wilder, a place where Gold Rush history, biker rallies, Wild West legends, Native American religion, and rugged beauty collide.
Cities in the region are small and accustomed to accommodating travelers from around the world but the Blacks Hills themselves are the main attraction. The Black Hills National Forest itself is roughly 110 miles long, 70 miles wide, and contains 1.2 million acres of forest that spill over the Wyoming border.
Thereâs no way to cover all that ground in a short trip, so choose the attractions that speak to you and leave plenty of time for taking in the scenery in between. This is a place best experienced slowly.ck
âYouâre not supposed to drive here at 60 miles an hour,â said Peter Norbeck, a South Dakota Senator and Governor throughout the early 20th Century and prominent conservationist in the early days of the movement. âTo do the scenery half justice, people should drive 20 or under to do it full justice, they should get out and walk.â
Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort
Located near Chamberlain on the banks of the Missouri River, the 1995 Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort offers fantastic views of the water and the surrounding nature. Guests can choose rooms in the main lodge building, in private cottages, or in the campgrounds. All guests enjoy access to the resort facilities, such as an on-site marina, free Wi-Fi, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, games room, exercise room, cable TV, and iPod docking station. The resort has two restaurants: Bridges Restaurant & Lounge, which serves classic American fare, and Waterfront Grill & Tiki Bar, which is open in full season and offers wonderful waterfront views and live entertainment on weekends. The resort is very popular with fishermen and hunters because of its proximity to the Chamberlain Recreation Area.
1500 Shoreline Dr, Oacoma, SD 57365-6518, Phone: 888-697-6363
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About Mt Rushmore And The Black Hills Hotels
New chain hotels with modern amenities are plentiful in the Black Hills, but when booking accommodations consider a stay at one of the area’s historic properties. From grand brick downtown hotels to intimate Queen Anne homes converted to bed-and-breakfasts, historic lodgings are easy to locate. Many have been carefully restored to their late-19th-century grandeur, down to antique Victorian furnishings and authentic Western art. Other distinctive lodging choices include the region’s mountain lodges and forest retreats. Usually built along creeks or near major trails, these isolated accommodations often attract outdoor enthusiasts.
Faqs When Booking At Best Western Black Hills Lodge
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Where is Best Western Black Hills Lodge located?
Best Western Black Hills Lodge is located at 540 East Jackson Boulevard, 0.4 miles from the center of Spearfish. Crow Peak Brewing Co. is the closest landmark to Best Western Black Hills Lodge.
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When is check-in time and check-out time at Best Western Black Hills Lodge?
Check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM at Best Western Black Hills Lodge.
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Does Best Western Black Hills Lodge offer free Wi-Fi?
Yes, Best Western Black Hills Lodge offers free Wi-Fi.
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How far is Best Western Black Hills Lodge from the airport?
Best Western Black Hills Lodge is 50.1 miles from Rapid City. Best Western Black Hills Lodge is 83.8 miles from Gillette Campbell County.
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Can you bring pets to Best Western Black Hills Lodge?
Yes, Best Western Black Hills Lodge is a pet-friendly hotel.
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Does Best Western Black Hills Lodge have a pool?
Yes, Best Western Black Hills Lodge has a pool onsite.
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Best Resorts In South Dakota
South Dakota is more than 4 giant heads on the side of a mountain. Sure, we all want to be in an Alfred Hitchcock movie, and lets face it, a visit to Mount Rushmore is an essential element of that experience. But there is more to do, and so much more to see while youre there. A tour of the Mount Rushmore state also needs to take in the Badlands National Park, with its surreal scenery of sculptured pinnacle and gullies hinting at the fantastic age of the landscape.
The Crazy Horse Memorial and the historic town of Deadwood are reminders of the trials and challenges that faced thousands of families as they pushed west against the Frontier. Jewel cave, Wind Cave and the Missouri River are there to speak to the overwhelming power nature has applied to the countryside.
South Dakota is a state that is proud of its place in Americas history, and proud of its rugged features and weathered landscape like any Frontiersman should be. And it is a magnificent place to visit, boasting some of the most wondrously spectacular and familiar scenery you are likely to come across.
Lets have a look at the best resorts in South Dakota:
Black Hills With Kids: Dinosaur Park
One of the Black Hills first tourist attractions, thisfreefamily attraction has been open since 1936.
Dinosaur Park is home to giant concrete statues of dinosaurs and is located high up on a ridge overlooking the Black Hills.
Somewhat of a quirky roadside attraction, one cant help but appreciate its historical age and spectacular 100-mile views.
Be mindful that there are quite a few uphill steps required from the parking lot to the dinosaur viewing area.
- Plan to spend 30 minutes here.
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Dc Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery
DC Booth is one of the oldest operating hatcheries in the country dedicated to fish culture and resource management.
Due to its uniqueness and the guaranteed experience of seeing tons of fish and other wildlife, DC Booth Fish Hatchery makes the Top 15 list of things to do in the Black Hills with kids.
The hatchery covers ten park-like acres with paved walkways and lovely landscaping featuring flower gardens and sculptures. The grounds are well-maintained and very clean.
Attractions include ponds and raceways full of trout, a museum dedicated to fish culture, the historic home of the Booth family built in 1905, a boat and a railroad car that were used to transport fish, a cute gift shop, two hiking trails, and an underwater fish-viewing area.
Admission to the hatchery grounds is free though they have quarter machines outside to buy food to feed the fish. You can also buy bags of fish food in the gift shop for $1 or $2.
- Plan to spend 1 hour here.
The Kid Tested Mother Approved Itinerary What To See And Do With Kids In The Black Hills
With its mix of authentically awe-inspiring landscapes and concentration of parks and hundreds literally hundreds of attractions, the Black Hills has served as an unforgettable vacation destination for generations of families.
So if youre traveling with the brood, heres what to see and do with kids in the Black Hills and Badlands Region. Its a four-day itinerary for those traveling with children to make the most of their family getaway to the Black Hills.
Notes we have not recommended accommodations or a community to stay in as so many work for this itinerary. Check out the wide offerings on the Places to Stay page to find what works best for you. There are larger, family-friendly hotels with water parks connected or if you would like a more natural experience cabins, campgrounds, and vacation homes are found all over.
Also, one thing missing from this extensive list are the Badlands and Wall area. They are a favorite of many and really are a must-see. If youre traveling from the east like most Black Hills visitors are, make sure to hit the park and Wall Drug on your way in. Stop at the overlooks, take a short trail and at Wall Drug, ride the Jackalope.
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Stay Historic In Deadwood Sd
Let loose in Historic Deadwood, South Dakota. Unpack your bag in a stately, historic hotel, full-service property or top-of-the-line casino and resort. Youll find brand name chains and locally owned and operated properties and boutique hotels. Take your pick of lodging. Room rates start as low as $39 .
Book your Historic Deadwood stay anytime day or night with our online booking engine. OR you can call during regular business hours to speak to a booking agent.
Rushmore Express Inn And Family Suites
Located within a national park and a short distance from the Black Hills National Forest, the National Presidential Wax Museum, and Rushmore Tramway Adventures, Rushmore Express Inn is a family hotel about 2 miles from Mount Rushmore. The charming rustic decor combines with modern amenities such as cable TV, free Wi-Fi, pillowtop mattresses, microwaves, coffeemakers, and fridges. Suites also have fireplaces, sofas, and luxury bathrooms with granite floors. Some rooms have bunk beds and whirlpool baths. Guests enjoy complimentary continental breakfast, free parking, an exercise room, a whirlpool, a heated indoor pool, and a 24-hour business center.
320 Cemetery Rd, Keystone, SD 57751, Phone: 605-666-4483
“12 Best South Dakota Resorts for Locals & Tourists – Restaurants, Hotels” Back to Top or Beautiful places near me, what to do, restaurants for breakfast, travel guide, nearest beach
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The Best Places To Stay In The Black Hills
It’s been called the classic American road trip — and for good reason. With sites that include Mount Rushmore National Monument and the gold town of Deadwood, the Black Hills of South Dakota provide a slice of American life, both old and new. If you’re looking for the best places to stay in the area, your options include the major towns, outdoor adventures and quiet cabins tucked among Ponderosa pines.
Best Hotels Near Mount Rushmore
With a big variety of accommodation and lodging near Mount Rushmore, finding the right hotel to suit the needs of your group isnt always easy. Not to mention that it takes a lot of time to research The good news is that Ive done the research for you. This Mount Rushmore accommodation guide is intended to help you find exactly what youre looking for.
Whether you are looking for the best price-quality hotel for your trip, budget accommodation or a luxury resort for a family vacation near Mt Rushmore, in this selection, you should be able to find the very best Mount Rushmore accommodation for your trip, travel style, group size, and budget. Find out!
Please note that this selection of the best Mount Rushmore hotels and cabins is made based on customer reviews on various websites, location, and facilities of accommodations, as well as the price and the ease of booking. This post is not sponsored and all opinions are solely my own and are meant to save you time and make your vacation planning easier. At no extra cost to you, we make a small commission for qualifying bookings.
Good to know: There is just one drawback when planning to stay near Mt Rushmore. There arent that many really nice, luxury lodging options in this part of the Black Hills. There are, however, plenty of nice, excellent-value 2-3 star hotels near Mount Rushmore. So its a perfect area to stay for everyone whos looking for a nice family vacation at affordable prices.
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