There’s More to Mount Rushmore Than You Know!
The Mount Rushmore National Monument is a sight to see, that can’t be denied. Those presidential faces carved and blasted into the side of the mountain have been marveled at for some time now. But, are the stone faces the only thing Mount Rushmore has to offer? Absolutely not! There is much more to do and see in South Dakota while you stay in the lodging around the area. Make sure you put a couple of these attractions on your list when you go to visit those four rock-solid presidents.
Travel on a completely restored 19th century steam engine train through the Black Hills of South Dakota with 1880 Train: A 19th Century Train Ride Tour. The sights and sounds that the train creates cannot be duplicated and the experience is incredible. There are gift shops and snack shops for those who like to shop. You’ll depart from either Keystone or Hill City, and you’ll pass by the original train depot from 1880, Elkhorn Mountain, the Kennedy House, and more. Catch this train ride to have a great time.
There’ll be country music, singing-along, chowing down, and lots of fun at the Flying T Chuckwagon Supper and Show. Before the show you’ll get a heaping plate of BBQ or chicken and a variety of other delicious foods, and then the cowboy comedy show will begin. From bluegrass to traditional country to country swing, the Flying T Wranglers bring it all and will have you smiling ear to ear.
At the Big Thunder Gold Mine you can take a tour of a real gold mine and a mining museum, then try your hand at panning for gold yourself. You’ll learn all about how the first gold miners lived their lives and get a first-hand look into their environment, the mine. If it tickles your fancy, you can pan for gold in the stream, and you’re guaranteed to find some!
Celebrate Mother’s Day Aboard the 1880 Train in Mount Rushmore
This Mother’s Day, do something Mom won’t soon forget by reserving her a seat aboard the 1880 Train in Mount Rushmore. The 1880 Train is a completely restored authentic steam engine train that takes you on a beautiful trip through the Black Hills of South Dakota from Keystone to Hill City and back. On May 8, Mom will be treated like a queen as she enjoys champagne, a yummy treat, a delectable dessert and an Old West style shootout. Make sure to stop by the gift shop before or after your journey to buy Mom a Wooden Whistle or Solid Brass Christmas Ornament commemorating her special day. You can also make lodging reservations in Mount Rushmore as well.
While staying in Mount Rushmore, you will want to visit The Journey Museum for what is sure to be an eye-opening and educational experience. The Journey Museum tells the story of the people who first shaped the area’s history and the scientists who study the Western Great Plains region. You will have the opportunity to explore the past in a fascinating and interactive way at the Museum of Geology, Sioux Indian Museum and the Archaeological Research Center. There is also an extensive collection of Sioux arts and crafts within The Duhamel Collection of Native American Artifacts.
You won’t want to miss visiting the National Presidential Wax Museum in Keystone, South Dakota. The museum displays life-sized, life-like replicas of every one of the American presidents for a patriotic journey through our nation’s history. While you are there, stop by the gift shop, which is considered an attraction on its own. The store offers museum-quality souvenirs of everything presidential including a wide variety of collectibles, fine porcelain, sculptures and presidential china.
Enjoy the Local Flavor of the Black Hills This January
Going on vacation is all about enjoying the local flavor of the area, and if you are planning a visit to Mt. Rushmore in January, you will have a great opportunity to do just that! The Taste of Spearfish will be a great night of family fun where you can taste many different culinary creations made by restaurants from many cities in the Mt. Rushmore area, including Belle Fourche, Deadwood, Lead, Sturgis, and Whitewood. Satiate your appetite after a long day of sightseeing at Mt. Rushmore by attending this exciting event! The Taste of Spearfish will feature many different types of food and will take place January 24 at the Spearfish City Park Pavilion at 5 pm.
During your stay in the greater Mt. Rushmore area, have the ultimate Mt. Rushmore experience by taking the Mount Rushmore Grand Legends Tour. This tour not only takes you to the Mt. Rushmore National Monument, but also through Custer State Park, where you will see breathtaking views of the Black Hills, and then to the Crazy Horse Memorial. To make this tour even more exciting, you will end the tour by riding the vintage 1880 Train through the gorgeous Black Hills.
The Black Hills are known for gold, and you can see how the precious metal is mined by touring the Big Thunder Gold Mine. This authentic mine was discovered in 1882 and has recently gained attention because another vein of ore may be present at the mine. At the Big Thunder Gold Mine, knowledgeable guides will take you on a tour of the mine and then you will get an opportunity to pan for gold in the stream. You may even strike it rich!
All Aboard for the Holiday Express on the 1880 Train
Enjoy a combination of Old West charm and holiday cheer with the Holiday Express on the 1880 Train. This fun event takes place November 26th and 27th at the Train Depot in Hill City and offers family-friendly entertainment for your enjoyment. The 1880 train will take guests on a magical journey to the North Pole where the kids will get the chance to meet Santa. Whether you’re 9 or 90, you will find this an enchanting experience and a great way to start your holiday celebration!
While you’re in the Mount Rushmore area, you can’t miss out on your chance to see the legendary Mount Rushmore monument in person. The Mount Rushmore Grand Legends Tour gives you the chance to explore the wonders of Mount Rushmore in full, and it gives you the chance to see some of the other famous attractions of the area. After seeing Mount Rushmore, you will visit the famous Custer State Park where you can enjoy some of the area’s best buffalo stew. Afterward, you will get to enjoy scenic views of Sylvan Lake before visiting the Crazy Horse Memorial. This tour is an overview that will give you the chance to see the best of the Mount Rushmore area.
After seeing Mount Rushmore, you may be interested in visiting some of the other area attractions that feature past presidents. Visit President’s Park – A Sculpture Park Tribute to get some fascinating information about the presidents who have helped shape our country. Each informational plaque is accompanied by an incredible 20-foot bust featuring over 40 of America’s past presidents. Flags are included, so you can see how many states were included in the union during each man’s presidency. It’s a wonderful way to trace America’s history and enjoy quality time with family or friends.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally’s 70th Anniversary Rumbles into the Mount Rushmore Area
Come to Sturgis, South Dakota and celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally from August 9-15. If you choose to break out the leather and polish up your bike to take a ride for Sturgis, you will have the opportunity to travel scenic routes like Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, and Wildlife Loop. Attractions along the way include Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and more. During this week long event you can see bikes, concerts, races, bike shows, and have a once in a lifetime experience during many more thrilling events.
If you are traveling to the Mount Rushmore area during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally or just want to take a fun filled Mount Rushmore vacation, we offer several great hotels in the area. For a list of hotels in the Mount Rushmore area, click here.
There are several great ways to experience all the Mount Rushmore area has to offer. Whether you are wanting to take a rock climbing excursion on the 3 Hour Black Hills Rock Climbing Adventure or experience everything at once with the Mount Rushmore Grand Legends Tour, there is something sure to fit your fun vacation schedule. For a full list of activities in the Mount Rushmore area, click here.
3 Hour Black Hills Rock Climbing Adventure
During this fabulous three hour experience you will have the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of the Black Hills area from a whole new perspective. A professional guide will provide the equipment and make sure everything is set up perfectly to ensure a safe and fun experience for all members of the family; no experience is necessary!
Mount Rushmore Grand Legends Tour
See four of the greatest U.S. Presidents in larger than life fashion when you visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Take time to explore the visitor center for shopping and exhibits before departing for Custer State Park where you will enjoy lunch. Sights on the way to Crazy Horse Memorial include Iron Mountain Road, amazing views of the Black Hills, and Sylvan Lake. For the perfect touch to the end of your tour, take a ride on the 1880 Train where you can see the rugged landscape of the Black Hills from a wonderfully restored train.
Rapid City Hosts Central States Fair and Rodeo
Rapid City is host to Central States Fair and Rodeo which is taking place from August 20-29 where you can see great grandstand events including Supercross racing, a metal crushing demolition derby, artists such as Clay Walker, The Band Perry, Uncle Kracker, Little River Band, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Gary Allan. To top off all the excitement there will be the PRCA Range Days Rodeo for three action packed nights during the fair. Bring the whole family to Central States Fair and Rodeo to enjoy fun crafts, a petting zoo, and many more exciting activities.
While you’re visiting the Mount Rushmore area, be sure to check out other great activities including the Chuckwagon Dinner and Music Show at Circle B Ranch, 1880 Train: A 19th Century Train Ride Tour, and many more! To view a list of activities in the Mount Rushmore area, click here.
Chuckwagon Dinner and Western Music Show at Circle B Ranch
This dinner experience has been entertaining guests with the Chuckwagon Dinner and Music Show since 1976. There are over 60 acres filled with trail rides, playgrounds, model calf roping, a wax bullet shooting gallery, and more fun activities. After a day filled with fun, you can enjoy a great supper that includes scrumptious roast beef, BBQ chicken, biscuits, and more delectable choices. After your meal, sit back and enjoy wonderful traditional cowboy music from Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, the Sons of the Pioneers, and many more classic artists by talented musicians.
1880 Train: A 19th Century Train Ride Tour
On the 1880 Train, you can experience how people traveled in the 19th century on an authentic steam engine train that has been fully restored. Enjoy the incredible scenery of the Black Hills as you travel along the smooth tracks. Choose to have a classic box lunch along the ride for the ultimate experience of the “good ole days.” The train departs from Hill City as well as Keystone making this a versatile option for your trip to the Mount Rushmore area in South Dakota.
During your trip to Central States Fair and Rodeo or if you just wish to travel to the Mount Rushmore area for your vacation, we offer several great hotels to make your stay comfortable. For a list of hotels in the Mount Rushmore area, click here.
Splendid Summer Fun in Mount Rushmore
There are several great activities in the Mount Rushmore area that are perfect for you summer vacation. If you are wanting to experience several Mount Rushmore area attractions in one great tour, take the Mount Rushmore Grand Legends Tour. Wanting to learn more about the vast history of the area? The Journey Museum in Rapid City is filled with historical information about the surrounding area. Also you can experience life in the 1880s at the Big Thunder Gold Mine in Keystone, SD. Whatever you choose, your summer vacation to Mount Rushmore is sure to be unforgettable.
Begin your Mount Rushmore Grand Legends Tour with the Mount Rushmore National Memorial where you can gaze in amazement at the massive memorial, take a tour of the visitor center, shop for souvenirs, and see exhibits. Next on the agenda is a stop at Custer State Park where you will enjoy lunch. After lunch, take a scenic drive on Iron Mountain Road where you can see the picturesque Black Hills and then travel on to Sylvan Lake. Next you will visit the Crazy Horse Memorial where you can see the ongoing “largest mountain carving in progress.” The last part of the tour includes a fantastic ride through the Black Hills on the 1880 Train. The Mount Rushmore Grand Legends Tour is the perfect way to experience the best places in the Mount Rushmore area all in one tour.
Learn how the history of the area was formed when you visit exhibits located at the Journey Museum. The Journey Museum allows visitors to visit the past in an interactive and fascinating way. There are a few different collections in the Journey Museum including the Museum of Geology, Archaeological Research Center, Sioux Indian Museum, M
innilusa Pioneer Museum, and The Duhamel Collection of Native American Artifacts. The Journey Museum is filled with educational information and items that inform visitors of the fascinating past this area beholds.
Take a trip back in time to the 1880s at the Big Thunder Gold Mine where you can take a tour of a real gold mine then pan for gold. The tour is led by knowledgeable and interesting tour guides that will show you how life was during the mining times in the Black Hills of South Dakota. After your tour is finished you can pan for gold and take home any treasures you may find. This attraction is great for the entire family and will be remembered for years to come.
If you plan on traveling to the Mount Rushmore area for your summer vacation, we offer a great selection of hotels in the area. For more information on hotels in the Mount Rushmore, SD area click here.
