Historic Mount Rushmore Area Vacation Ideas

Mount Rushmore Tour

Mount Rushmore Tour

Mount Rushmore

East of the Rocky Mountains in South Dakota's Black Hills is one of our country's most unusual, impressive and patriotic man-made monuments — the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The four figures carved in stone represent 150 years of American history and the devotion and commitment of a visionary many years ahead of his time — the sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, who began this enormous undertaking in 1927 when he started drilling into the mountain. The finished epic sculpture features the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. These 60-foot high faces are 500 feet up the sheer rock bluff, overlooking a setting of pine, birch, spruce and aspen in the clear Western air. There isn't a more exciting way to learn about these great men in our history and feel the impact of their powerful and gifted influences on our nation. The lengthy and stressful undertaking of this monument is a parallel to the obstacles facing the progress of our government under the leadership of these men. Observing the history of this sculpture's emergence from the bare rock is an overwhelmingly accurate metaphor for the achievements of these men, who led our country through equally difficult times.

Mount Rushmore Area Shrine of Democracy

The Creation of the Shrine of Democracy, as it is called, took 14 difficult years to complete and its final cost was only one million dollars, although now it is considered priceless. As visitors approach on foot, the Avenue of Flags leads from the Concession Building to the Grandview Terrace. The flags of the 56 states and territories furl in the wind below the memorial and the avenue provides easy access to the Presidential Trail, which is a half-mile walk offering spectacular views every step of the way of the breathtaking, vast mountain sculpture.

Mount Rushmore Tour

The Mount Rushmore Tour is a must for any American venturing close enough to see this wonder of appreciative patriotism. Included on the tour is a side trip to see an ongoing sculpture in progress, that of the Crazy Horse Memorial, which is a project being pursued at the request of Native Americans. It is called the world's "largest mountain carving in progress." The last leg of the tour leads to the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. The granite formations visible are sure to keep your cameras busy and when you pass through Custer State Park, you will see the largest wild buffalo herd in our nation.

Mount Rushmore Area Chuck Wagon Dinner and Western Music Show at Circle B

A visit to the Old West town is within easy reach as is its accompanying Chuckwagon Dinner and Western Music Show at the Circle B. The tin plates full of barbecue and beans, gingerbread and lemonade to drink will enhance your nostalgic experience. The Old West town is like a step into the past with woodcarving exhibits, a trail ride, or panning for gold, where everyone has a chance to find some gold dust. You can play miniature golf and a game of horseshoes; there's fun for every member of the family.

Mount Rushmore Big Thunder Gold Mine Museum

If you have ever wondered what life was truly like during the Gold Rush of 1880, the Big Thunder Gold Mine Museum gives you hands-on experience of those "good old days." The mine was discovered in 1882 and was a working mine until 1914. Panning for gold in the adjacent stream, just like the old miners did, is exciting for everybody and you might find more than just a nugget!

Mount Rushmore 1880 Train Ride and Lighting Ceremony Tour

The high point of your visit to Mr. Rushmore is the 1880s Train Ride and the Lighting Ceremony Tour, after dark. This is a very dramatic moment for observers as the faces of our great pioneer leaders are illumined in the shadows of evening and shine with dedication from the past, through us, into the future of this great country. Don't miss it.

Learn about millions of years of South Dakota history, from dinosaurs to frontier settlers, at the Journey Museum in Rapid City.  You'll find fascinating displays of Native American arts and crafts, and can see life-size replicas of dinosaurs.  And to gain further perspective of the Native American people that inhabited the Black Hills, you'll want to visit the Wounded Knee Museum.