The ultimate family-friendly guide to visiting Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills
I'm often asked if we have any advice for taking kids to Mt. Rushmore and the surrounding area including Badlands National Park. Since our whole family loves the Black Hills, you can bet I do!! LOTS of information. Finding specific visitor information online was hard to come by in the past, but I am happy to find it is getting better. There is so much to see and do in a small area that you definitely won’t be bored.
Why should families visit Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills?
There are many reasons why families should visit Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills of South Dakota! Educational opportunities - a visit to Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills region can be a great educational opportunity for kids. They can learn about the history of the region and the process of carving the faces of four American presidents into the mountain. Outdoor adventures - the Black Hills region is home to many outdoor adventures that are perfect for families, such as hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Cultural experiences - the Black Hills region is home to a number of Native American reservations and cultural centers, which provide families with the opportunity to learn about and experience the culture and traditions of the Lakota Sioux. Fun attractions - in addition to Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills region is home to a number of other fun attractions for families, such as the Crazy Horse Memorial, Reptile Gardens, and the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary. Beautiful scenery - the Black Hills region is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United States, with towering mountain peaks, rolling hills, and beautiful forests. I hope these reasons give you some ideas of why a trip to Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills of South Dakota can be a great experience for families!
15 Can't-miss attractions for families in South Dakota's Black Hills region
The Black Hills of South Dakota are picturesque and without a doubt worth the trip no matter where you reside. One minute you're standing amongst wildflowers on the prairie and the next you're marveling at nature's magnificent sculptures along Needles Highway.
Mt. Rushmore itself will take about three hours if you really want to get the most out of your visit. And trust me, you do! You MUST go to the museum downstairs, there is so much information in one place. There is a paved/wooden walking trail that you should go on, it is the only one at the monument. Now trust me on this one (seriously!), start the trail on George's side first and follow the trail from Mr. Washington to Mr. Lincoln, the trail is much more leisurely when you walk it this way and easier with kids. You'll end up at the sculptor’s studio, which is also worth a quick visit, and then wind your way back up to the Grand Terrace. The ice cream hits the spot on a hot summer day. And the gift shop will draw you in.
Tip: I highly encourage you to visit early on your first day and get a good feel for Rushmore - then on the 2nd or 3rd day once you've seen other things go back for a night lighting after dinner - it's very patriotic and you get a totally different feel for the sculpting. The parking pass you pay for allows you unlimited times for a year, so you only pay once. Sadly, your National Park Pass doesn’t allow you free entry.
The Black Hills is a driving area. There is a fantastic map that you can find just about anywhere in town, in the tourist areas, or where you're staying. Grab that map and don't lose it! Actually, grab two. It looks like this.
You'll want to do the Wildlife Loop for sure - bring some carrots for the kids to feed the begging burros and a camera for the bison pictures.
Iron Mountain Road is a must-do - just don't have the camper with you.
Needles Highway - get out of the car and take pictures when you get to the rock formations. It’s so fun to see the kids in awe of these rocks.
Crazy Horse - some people swear you have to go, others say eh, it's not really worth it because you can see it from the road. Read the website and see if it interests your family. With the current national conversations, this might be a good way to start a discussion with your family.
The 1880 Train is great, my little kids loved it and they ask to go back often. Just a note, it does get stuffy on a hot summer day.
Sylvan Lake is the lake you'll recognize from National Treasure 2 - though you will notice it is not behind Mt. Rushmore ;-) sneaky Hollywood! Get there about 10:30, before the big crowds, walk around and explore, then sit down and have lunch. Then skoot before it gets crazy.
Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak) is a GREAT hike!! Beautiful views - must do! This will be better for big kids or if you have a hiking pack to carry the little ones.
A kid-friendly hike - we stumbled upon the Badger Clark cabin and trail and it was a nice tiny little hike with some interesting history on the Poet Laureate of South Dakota. The shade feels fantastic on those hot summer days.
Deadwood (I don’t recommend it for kids) - personally, I feel they hype up Deadwood a little too much and we were extremely disappointed - it's all casinos, T-shirt shops, and one main street shoot-out reenactment that you can't even hear what they say. Unless you’re a fan of the show, I would skip it.
Tip: There are several little towns in the area that don't really have anything specific to see, but all of them have good options to grab a bite of food. Check Yelp for advice.
My husband LOVES both Wind Cave and Jewel Cave, though we've never been as a family because I have a thing about caves, mostly bats. But it is a big hit with kids. Check ahead for information on cave tours and fees.
Prairie Dog Exhibit - We literally didn't see a single prairie dog at the Prairie Dog Exhibit, don't bother heading down there unless you're on your way to a cave. Update: MANY people have let us know they saw tons of prairie dogs there. So you decide for yourself.
Bear Country USA and Reptile Gardens- kids love both these places.
Additionally, museums, helicopter tours, chuckwagons, trams, and other experiences abound in this tourist-driven area. No matter where you turn there is something else to do! I can tell you that you can have a wonderful trip without any of them. But, I also know people who say these places are a must-see. In nearly all of the touristy places you can buy tickets online and save a little money, so I recommend a Google (or Instagram) search on the Black Hills before you go. I will say a chuckwagon meal is SO much fun, we went to this one.
Adventuring beyond Mount Rushmore
If you head to Badlands (which you should!) a stop at Wall Drug is almost necessary. The kids will love it! It's goofy and hyped up and you only go once. Don’t forget to grab a donut and your cup of water.
Now Badlands National Park is simply awe-inspiring. I highly encourage a day trip to the area and you can read more about what we did at Badlands National Park.
Years ago during a family vacation as a teen, my husband did go to Devil’s Tower and many people say it’s a must-do. We haven’t done this as a family, but I hope to change that soon.
Where do we camp near Mount Rushmore?
The Black Hills has options galore when it comes to places to stay. I don’t have any hotel advice because we like to stay at the campgrounds in the area, this way our kids have more things to do after we’ve been exploring.
We usually stay at Palmer Gulch KOA - it is very close to Mt. Rushmore and this place is amazing. There are literally hundreds of RV and tent sites plus cabins and a lodge. And there is SO much for the kids to do that they will beg you to never leave. This campground is amazing and so close to the action, it’s a must-do with kids. And do not skip the pancake breakfast, they have this down to a science!
Another campground we love is in Custer State Park at the Game Lodge Campground. The price is more budget-friendly, but you do need to be prepared to snatch up a site 6 months in advance. Honestly, any campground in Custer State Park is going to be a great option. If you need more advice on finding a campground in the Black Hills check Campendium.
Depending on your plans, don’t rule out the Hot Springs, SD area, there are good camping options there as well, but you are further from all the action.
More tips
If you have elementary-age kids make sure to watch National Treasure 2 before you leave on vacation. Then visit Mt. Rushmore and Sylvan Lake to see famous spots from the movie.
What works great for us, especially in this area, is to go sightseeing early morning and see everything before the crowds get bad, then in the afternoon we head back to the campground when everyone else is out and let the kids play or swim. Then we have dinner, eat s’mores, and head to bed.
Rapid City has a Walmart that is perfect for a big stock-up of groceries. Especially if you don't want to tow a camper chock-full of supplies while traveling. Otherwise, Lynn’s Dakotamart in Custer is a good last-minute option though the prices are higher due to the area.
Bobkat's Old Fashion Purple Pie Place apparently has amazing pie, but we haven’t managed to stop yet.
And use that trusty Gas Buddy app for the best prices on gas (this is always great advice in touristy areas).
I hope these tips and ideas for a GREAT trip to Mt. Rushmore helped you plan a little for your next vacation. If you have any questions please feel free to ask in the comments below!
Bring GyPSy Guide Along for the Ride
The GyPSy Guide GPS tour for Mount Rushmore, Black Hills, Badlands National Park, and Devil's Tower area is an excellent option for families traveling with kids.
Engaging and educational: The tour provides a self-guided audio tour that is both engaging and educational. Kids can learn about the history, geology, and culture of the area while being entertained by the informative commentary.
Flexible and customizable: The tour is flexible and customizable, allowing families to explore the area at their own pace. With the GPS-enabled app, families can choose which stops to make and how much time to spend at each location.
Interactive and fun: The app also includes suggestions for places to stop and explore, making the tour interactive and fun for kids. They can visit museums, go on hikes, and see wildlife up close.
Convenient and stress-free: The tour is convenient and stress-free, as families don't have to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or finding their way around. The app provides turn-by-turn directions, ensuring that families can focus on enjoying their time together.
Overall, the GyPSy Guide GPS tour is a great way for families to experience the natural beauty and rich history of Mount Rushmore, Black Hills, Badlands National Park, and Devil's Tower area in a fun and educational way.