Visit Mt Rushmore Attractions Your Kids Will Love
Although the fantastic historical attractions in Mt Rushmore are appealing to many visitors, they are not always able to keep the interest of children. Although one day your children may appreciate the history in Mt Rushmore, you can take them to activities that kids of all age will have fun at to make sure that everyone is entertained during your vacation.
At the Holy Terror Mini Golf attraction in Keystone, Colorado, you and your family can enjoy an afternoon of fun while testing your putt-putting skills. This course was named after the last active gold mine in Keystone and features 18 fun and interactive holes. While you go through the gold-mine themed course, you can also enjoy the beauty of the area. This attraction is located at the Presidential Wax Museum, so you can also fit in some history during your visit if you want.
For a historical attraction that is also really fun, check out the Big Thunder Gold Mine. Kids of all ages will love trying their hand at striking it rich panning for gold. At the Big Thunder Gold Mine, you can enjoy a tour of the mine as well as pan for gold, as well as visit a museum. You are guaranteed to find gold during the panning experience, so everyone will have a shiny piece of South Dakota to take home with them.
Flying T Chuckwagon Supper and Show
What better way to end a day of fun activities than with an interactive cowboy-style supper? At the Flying T Chuckwagon Supper and Show, you and your family can enjoy an Old West meal complete with a barbecue feast and singing around the campfire. While you enjoy a meal with buffalo, chicken, or roast beef, you and your family can enjoy a stage show with the Flying T Wranglers. This unique dinner show is sure to please even your pickiest eater and provide an evening your family will not soon forget!
Mt Rushmore Area Most Popular Activities
Planning a vacation can be difficult, but the process is made easier if you know what previous visitors enjoyed. We’re here to help you out with that. The activities discussed below are the three most popular events in the Mt Rushmore area, as determined by the previous visitors. Browse these activities or log on to Vacations Made Easy to see more options!
Mount Rushmore Tour
When visiting the Mt Rushmore area, the most popular attraction is going to be the Mt Rushmore Memorial itself. However, there are so many tours available, it can be tough choosing the right one. Of all the tours we offer, the Mount Rushmore Tour was the front runner by a landslide! The tour begins at the Mt Rushmore Memorial and heads off to Custer State Park and ends at the Crazy Horse Memorial. The tour also includes a ride on the 1880 Train. Previous visitors have commented that this is the best tour in the area! Don’t let your family miss out on this incredible opportunity.
Chuckwagon Dinner & Western Music Show
The next most popular attraction is the Chuckwagon Dinner and Western Music Show at Circle B Ranch in Rapid City, South Dakota. During dinner, you and your family will enjoy classic cowboy grub such as BBQ chicken and foil-wrapped potatoes. After dinner, the show begins with classic country music from artists like Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and the Sons of the Pioneers. If you would like to make a whole day of the experience, there are several activities including model calf roping, gold panning, miniature animal petting corral, and trail rides. Take advantage of this classic cowboy fun!
Number three on the list of most popular events is the Big Thunder Gold Mine. Visitors love this activity because you and your family will not only tour the original gold mine, but you can try your hand at panning for gold with the traditional tools! The best part is, you are guaranteed to find gold when you try gold panning in the nearby stream. The biggest recent news is the suspected discovery of another strip of gold deep in the mine. This activity is also one of the few registered “Family Approved Attractions”! Don’t miss your chance to take part in the famous gold rush of South Dakota!
Study Native American History in Mt. Rushmore
The Black Hills of South Dakota are filled with the history of its past inhabitants. With many museums and monuments in the area, the Mt. Rushmore area offers many opportunities to learn more about the early residents of this region.
Located in Rapid City, the Journey Museum contains many exhibits on the development of the Mt. Rushmore area. Visitors can see the Museum of Geology, Archeological Research Center, Sioux Indian Musuem, Minnilusa Pioneer Museum, and the the Duhamel Collection of Native American Artifacts. In addition, admission to the museum includes a film that covers the history and development of the region. Each exhibit contains many artifacts that help tell the story of the past of the Black Hills region. Visitors can see pieces from the Sioux Indians, the early pioneers, and a collection of Sioux arts and crafts. Also, the Archeological Research Center contains an archeological dig and artifacts that are thousands of years old.
Wounded Knee Museum
The Lakota Indians were another native resident group of the Black Hills, and the Wounded Knee Museum is dedicated to their life in this area. The museum contains many artifacts on Lakota life and the Wounded Knee Massacre that happened in 1890. This museum also chronicles the struggle of the Indians against the pioneers in the 1800s. Visitors will see newspaper clippings, films, photographs, artifacts, and eye-witness accounts of what happened the day of Wounded Knee. This museum shows a realistic presentation of the Lakota’s struggle in South Dakota and preserves their memory.
The Crazy Horse Memorial is another must-see tribute while on a trip to Mt. Rushmore. Crazy Horse was the warrior who led the Sioux Indians in the Battle of Little Bighorn. This memorial has been in ongoing construction for the past two decades. When the sculpture is completed, it will be 563 feet tall and over 600 feet wide. The sculpture is on Thunderhead Mountain located between Custer and Hill City. The Crazy Horse Memorial is one of the stops on the Mt. Rushmore Tour.
Make Plans to Attend Oktoberfest in Deadwood, South Dakota
Deadwood, South Dakota is a unique town in the Black Hills of South Dakota that is a great destination to visit during your vacation to Mt. Rushmore. In the first weekend of October, you can join visitors and residents in celebrating the beginning of fall with Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest takes place October 2 through 3 in Deadwood. The weekend begins with a polka fest, brat giveaway, and beer belly contest on this first day. Saturday is a day full of events, including more polka contests, brat giveaways, and more. Visitors can enjoy the annual weiner dog races and the beer barrel games. In addition, Oktoberfest features a German cook-off where you will be able to find your favorite German dishes. The event culminates with a wife-carrying contest.
While in Deadwood, you can visit the Historic Adams House. This restored property was originally built in 1892. The house was once owned by the mayor of Deadwood, W.E. Adams. Since then, the house has functioned as a bed and breakfast and private residence. Today, it is open to the public through the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission. Tours are available of the house, and visitors can see many artifacts and items from the 1920s and earlier.
Why not also visit the Adams Museum? Founded by W.E. Adams, this museum features the past of Deadwood. The museum contains information on famous outlaws and cowboys that called Deadwood home, including Calamity Jane, Wild Bill, and Deadwood Dick. The museum contains artifacts from these people as well as other items from Deadwood’s past.
Celebrate Past Presidents at Mount Rushmore
For this upcoming Labor Day weekend, you can plan a trip to Mount Rushmore, South Dakota and celebrate the lives of our past presidents by visiting the area museums and monuments.
National Presidential Wax Museum
One of the most unique attractions in the area is the National Presidential Wax Museum. You can see life-size figurines of past presidents, including Abraham Lincoln, Richard Nixon, and Theodore Roosevelt. The life-like figures are set in realistic scenes from events during their presidency. A highlight of the wax museum is the gift shop that offers an extensive array of memorabilia, collectibles, and souvenirs. This attraction is a perfect activity for families as kids of all ages will enjoy taking a look back into the past.
President’s Park in Lead, SD
For a larger-than-life look at the presidents, visit the President’s Park in Lead, South Dakota. This attraction features 20-foot-tall busts of the 42 former presidents. Each bust also features biographical information and state flags from the state where the president lived. Self-guided tours are available here. All of the sculptures are the work of artist David Adickes. A cafe is available on site for meals and snacks.
Mount Rushmore Guided Tour
Of course, no visit to Mount Rushmore would be complete without visiting the monument featuring Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson. The monument also features a gift shop and other attractions. The guided tour at Mount Rushmore includes stops at the Crazy Horse Memorial site, Big Thunder Gold Mine, Sylvan Lake, Iron Mountain Road, Harney Peak, and Custer State Park. In total, the tour lasts approximately nine hours and features knowledgeable guides and narration of the different sites.
Upcoming Summer Events in the Mt. Rushmore Area
If you have been waiting for the perfect time to plan a trip to Mt. Rushmore, July is a great time to visit. With a number of festivals and events going on in the area, you will have plenty of options to keep you entertained during your vacation. In addition to seeing the great monument up close, you will also be able to get a taste of the area’s unique culture and history.
For a day full of summer fun, take your family and enjoy a day at the Festival in the Park in Spearfish, South Dakota. This festival takes place at Spearfish City Park July 17 to 19, which will give you plenty of time to take advantage of all that the festival offers. Live entertainment goes on throughout the festival, featuring performances from dance troupes, bands, and choirs. A highlight of the festival is the hundreds of local and regional arts and crafts booths set up. From Native American crafts to Americana, you will be sure to find something to take home. Your kids will love the special entertainment area just for them, complete with a boat race and a children’s musician. Of course, there will be a variety of food vendors set up for your refreshment throughout the festival.
Another great family event is the NAJA Shrine Circus in Rapid City, SD. The circus happens on July 15 at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. This three-ring circus features traditional circus acts like high-flying trapeze artists and roaring lions. There will also be clowns, elephant rides, and more fun activities. Of course, you can get all of your favorite circus food like cotton candy and popcorn while you are being entertained by the show.
On the weekend of July 16 to 18, the Black Hills Corvette Classic will be taking place in the Mt. Rushmore area. The weekend-long celebration includes over 300 classic and contemporary Corvettes. The highlight of the weekend is the Corvette Caravan from Sioux Falls to South Dakota. The weekend is full of various events including mixers, a drag race, a fashion show, and more. Any car lover, and especially a Corvette lover, will have a great time at this event.
Plan a Peaceful Sightseeing Adventure in Mount Rushmore
In addition to viewing the historic landmarks the Greater Mount Rushmore Area is known for, take some time this summer to roam the rolling Black Hills surrounding the area for a look at beautiful waterfalls, unique wildlife, and calm streams. With its combination of national parks, forests, canyons, and trails, you will find no shortage of tranquil locations to give you the peaceful vacation you deserve.
Located within Black Hills National Forest, Spearfish Canyon offers the kind of scenery you would hope to come across during your sightseeing quest: superior waterfalls (such as the stunning Bridal Veil Falls), widespread plant growth, and native wildlife. Summer marks the perfect time to view all of the colorful plants set against the rolling terrain of the area. Hike along the streams and cliffs for a completely absorbing natural adventure.
For further recreational fun, look into Custer State Park. A full 71,000 acres of land, Custer State Park is perfect for more adventurous travelers looking for open space for their activities. You can enjoy such activities as rock climbing, horseback riding, hiking along rougher terrain, and witnessing some of the wildlife indigenous to the area. Don’t be surprised to see hundreds of buffaloes, mountain goats, deer, and more nearby. Spend the whole day journeying through the natural beauty of the Black Hills, then spend the evening camped out under the stars at one of the local campgrounds.
Give yourself a history lesson during your sightseeing adventure by walking along part of the Lewis and Clark Trail that winds all the way through South Dakota. Put yourself in the shoes of the world’s two most famous explorers as you walk past such sites as South Dakota’s Great Lakes, the Missouri River, and Indian reservations. Camping and recreational opportunities are available on the way, giving you the peace you want on your vacation with just a touch of civilization along the way.
Give yourself a summer vacation away from big-city commotion by taking in some of Mount Rushmore’s peaceful outdoor beauty.
Plan a Patriotic Weekend in Mt. Rushmore
Mt. Rushmore pays tribute to some of the United States’ most important presidents, making it a tribute to the history of America. What better place to celebrate July 4th than at this beautiful monument? With a variety of July 4th weekend festivals and events, there is no better time to visit Mt. Rushmore and South Dakota.
The Black Hills Heritage Festival takes place July 1-4 in the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota in Rapid City. With a variety of craft vendors, food vendors, musical features, and a spectacular fireworks show, this festival is sure to provide a memorable and fun way to spend July 4th weekend. You will be able to experience the local culture and native artisans as you celebrate America at this event.
While celebrating at the Black Hills Heritage Festival, you will also be close to the Annual Black Hills Roundup Rodeo in Belle Fourche, taking place July 2-4. Featuring real cowboys and cowgirls, this annual event features beauty pageants, a carnival, food, and fireworks as well as traditional rodeo events like bull riding and calf roping. Perfect for families, this rodeo will be an unforgettable and festive event.
For a July 4th event at Mt. Rushmore, the Mount Rushmore Independence Day Celebration is your best bet. Taking place on July 3rd, you will get a head start on your celebration. Featuring food vendors, family entertainment, and a dazzling fireworks display, this event is sure to be an unforgettable way to celebrate America as you enjoy the Mt. Rushmore Monument lit up by hundreds of fireworks.
With this variety of events in the Mt. Rushmore area, you are sure to have plenty to fill your vacation. You will be able to take in the culture of the area as well as celebrate America at one of America’s most well-known monuments.
Schedule Your Mt. Rushmore Trip During the Annual Black Hills Bluegrass Festival
While the terrific natural beauty of the Black Hills is reason enough to visit the Mt. Rushmore area of South Dakota, this June 26 through June 28 offers another reason with the 29th Annual Black Hills Bluegrass Festival. The longest running bluegrass and acoustic music festival in South Dakota, the Black Hills Bluegrass Festival welcomes music fans from all over the world to attend this three-day event.
The festivities begin on Friday evening with the First Night Performer’s Concert. This year’s event already has commitments from such musicians / groups as The Martins, Midnight Flight, Chuck Suchy, and The Greenman Band, plus the dancing team of the Care Country Cloggers. On Saturday morning, the Kids Bluegrass Workshop will provide kids with the opportunity to learn bluegrass music from local musicians. A Saturday afternoon performance is next, followed by the annual bluegrass picnic and the Saturday night performances. Wake up Sunday morning and attend the Gospel Music Show to cap off the weekend.
Of course, no trip to the Black Hills would feel complete without taking in some of the outstanding scenic beauty. So take some time for yourself to explore both the natural and man-made wonders of the Black Hills. The Mount Rushmore Tour offers a way to see both, as you will witness the Mt. Rushmore Monument, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and the Big Thunder Gold Mine in addition to the beautiful landscape.
The Black Hills Bluegrass Festival only comes around once a year. Act now and schedule your summer vacation in South Dakota during this popular event.
Take in the Great Outdoors in Mt. Rushmore
Because Mt. Rushmore is best known for the famous monument, people often overlook the fact that it is located in the beautiful Black Hills. Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of the outdoor activities Mt. Rushmore has to offer.
Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon
Coming up on June 6 is the Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon. Twenty-six miles is a long distance, but running through the breathtaking Black Hills may make the miles go more quickly. The marathon begins in Rochford with special guest speakers and ends in Deadwood, a town famous for the scandalous figures who called this town home. Bring the whole family to enjoy this outdoor escape in the Black Hills. We also offer a selection of hotels nearby.
The Discover Climbing Adventure
For an adventure available throughout the summer, try rock climbing. The Discover Climbing Adventure is a three hour rock climbing experience, suitable for novices and children. Climb high to get a beautiful view of the Black Hills guided by a professional climber. Whether you are a novice or expert, this adventure is sure to provide a thrilling experience. Enabling you to get an aerial view of the South Dakotan landscape, this climbing excursion will provide you with breathtaking pictures and lifetime memories.
Basic Rock Climbing Adventure
If you have never rock climbed before, check out this six-hour introductory experience. You will have step-by-step directions in the basics of rock climbing, including instructions on knot tying, belaying, and more. A part of the educational experience is learning how to communicate safely and effectively. Offering an interactive and educational experience, this rock climbing adventure will give you and your family an unforgettable Mt. Rushmore vacation.
