Mount Rushmore Area Parks

The serene beauty of the Mount Rushmore area draws millions of visitors each year. They don't just come for a look at the national monument, however. Many of these visitors visit this area for its rich history and beautiful surroundings. If you're one of those people, then the Mt. Rushmore area parks are the perfect place for you to begin your Mt. Rushmore vacation.

Wind Cave National Park

Mt. Rushmore's nearest national park is Wind Cave, named for the wind that changes direction, alternately blowing out of the cave and then forming a kind of vacuum into the cave depending upon atmospheric pressure. This beautiful area combines more than 28,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie, pine forest and one of the world's largest and most complex caves. While exploring the prairie you'll revel in the magnificent wildlife such as bison, pronghorn, mule deer, coyotes, prairie dogs and more. A visit inside the cave itself offers an intricate display of an unusual cave formation known as boxwork.

Badlands National Park

The area's largest national park is Badlands National Park. Designated as a national park in 1978 and consisting of 244,000 acres of breathtaking rock formations, including buttes, pinnacles and spires, it is truly a sight to behold. Badlands National Park is also home to the largest, protected mixed-grass prairie in the country and the 64,000-acre Wilderness Area provides an opportunity to spot area wildlife. One visit and you'll see why paleontologists consider this one of the richest areas in North America. The park boasts fossil beds which have been dated at between 23 and 35 million years old and evolution studies are done frequently here. With a visit to the park you'll find tons of activities including horseback riding, hiking, biking, camping and even a chance to visit an active dig!

South Dakota State Parks

The beauty of this area doesn't stop with the national parks. The greater Mt. Rushmore area is also in close proximity to four of South Dakota's magnificent State Parks.

• In the Black Hills you'll find 71,000 acres of amazing scenery and wildlife known as Custer State Park. Here you can enjoy a day of backpacking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and even rock climbing. If you're not the hiking type, you can experience this beautiful park through a scenic drive down the Needles Highway or take a jeep ride to see the grazing bison.
• For the biking and hiking enthusiasts there is the George S. Mickelson Trail. This very accessible path winds through the beautiful Black Hills National Forest and is perfect for every member of the family. Spend a day getting in touch with nature and each other as you explore this magnificent area.
• For the water lovers Angostura Reservoir is definitely a must see. Located in the Southern Black Hills you'll find every water-sport and activity imaginable like boating, fishing and swimming. There are also playgrounds and picnic areas throughout the area as well as four campgrounds.
• Bear Butte State Park pays homage to Bear Mountain. The area is made up of rock formations that were formed millions of years ago and is considered sacred to many Native American Indian tribes who see this as a place to communicate with the creator. The park offers many activities such as hiking, camping, fishing and horseback riding and has been the site of archaeological digs which unearthed artifacts from more than 10,000 years ago.

Other notable parks in the Custer County region include Black Elk Wilderness, Jewel Cave National Monument and Zimbleman Deer Camp. For a true look into the history and diversity of this area you must get to know the area itself and there's no better way to do this than to visit the area parks. You'll find activities for the entire family and be amazed by the natural beauty of the South Dakota Badlands and Black Hills.