Mt. Rushmore Vacation Photo Opportunities

Big Thunder Gold Mine - Keystone, SD

Big Thunder Gold Mine Sign

Have you ever wondered what life was like during the 1880 gold rush? This attraction will bring you back to those exciting times.

Well known for its beautiful scenery, the Black Hills area is even more spectacular a sight in the fall. The surrounding foliage becomes a veritable rainbow as the leaves change to bright yellows, oranges and reds. Don't forget your camera because with all the breathtaking scenery you'll want to have pictures to show family and friends back home and to keep you looking forward to your return trip which you're certain to plan for the next year.

After a summer filled with visitors, Presidents Jefferson, Lincoln, Roosevelt and Washington seem to enjoy the quiet serenity of fall as they stare out over the Black Hills area. You'll find that this is the perfect time of year for a visit since the tourist season has slowed down. You'll be able to get that perfect snapshot of Mount Rushmore without other visitors showing up in your vacation photos. Lines and parking troubles are almost nonexistent this time of year and the weather is sure to be perfect.

With a fall visit to the Mount Rushmore area you'll find that you still have access to all the top attractions including Wind Cave where you'll get a guided tour. Jewel Cave is also open to fall visitors and offers fantastic photo opportunities. The third longest cave in the world, Jewel Cave takes its name from the calcite crystals that shimmer along the walls. Established as a national monument in 1908, more than 129 miles of the cave have been surveyed and within the cave you'll find more than nine species of bats which use the cave for summer or winter roosts. Set in a 1,279-acre ponderosa pine forest, Jewel Cave contains hundreds of amazing geological formations including stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, frostwork, flowstone and boxwork.

If it's perfect photos you're looking for then Badlands National Park is sure to oblige. The park contains 244,000 acres of amazing scenery including buttes, pinnacles, spires and the largest protected mixed grass prairie in the country. You just never know what will show up in the tall prairie grasses. With the absence of so many tourists you'll have an opportunity to get some wonderful shots of the area wildlife as they prepare for winter including bison, prairie dogs, coyote, pronghorn and more.

The area offers many options for hiking and biking through the region and fishing is also a great way to spend a lazy fall afternoon. Of course, all the great attractions are open for family fun including:

• Big Thunder Gold Mine
• The Flying T Chuckwagon Dinner
• The Journey Museum
• the 1880 Trains

For comfortable accommodations, check out: 

• Best Western Town 'N Country Inn
• Comfort Inn & Suites -- Custer
• Historic Franklin Hotel and Day Spa in Deadwood
• Palace Express in Lead  
• Radisson Hotel in Rapid City

This fall, don't just plan a vacation; plan a real getaway in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The serenity of nature and beautiful scenery will help you get the relaxation you need to get away from it all.