You’re in luck! Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a stone’s throw from all kinds of adventures around South Dakota’s western region. The memorial’s grounds overflow with activities for the whole family, and nearby charming towns like Custer, Deadwood, Keystone, Hill City and Rapid City easily fill out an itinerary. Sprinkle in a generous handful of nearby national parks, monuments, forests and historic sites, and you have a recipe for endless fun. It’s easy for visitors to find plenty of things to do in this area with unplanned exploration, but if you want a preview of what to uncover near Mount Rushmore National Memorial, you’re in the right place.
Explore the Memorial Grounds
There’s much to see and do for visitors at Mount Rushmore, America’s Shrine of Democracy. Stop by the Sculptor’s Studio to see the original vision for the project. Stick around until dusk in the summer months for an inspirational evening lighting ceremony. Craving a treat? Pick up a cone of Thomas Jefferson ice cream — based on the first written recipe for ice cream in the United States — at the Carver’s Cafe. Kids can embark on an exciting quest led by the National Park Service to become a Junior Ranger. No matter your age, you’ll find something to enjoy at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Stop by Crazy Horse Memorial®
Like coffee pairs with cream, Crazy Horse Memorial® complements Mount Rushmore National Memorial. While Mount Rushmore may be one of the most famous sculptures in the world, Crazy Horse Memorial® holds the title for largest — and is only 13 miles away. The massive project began in 1948 and will be the largest mountain carving in the world when completed. The surrounding campus is a treasure trove of Native culture. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Native tribes at the Indian Museum of North America or The Native American Educational and Cultural Center to learn about the traditions and culture of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota tribes. Check their calendar of events for unique programming that happens on-site.
Visit Custer State Park
How do 71,000 acres of granite towers, sprawling meadows and clear mountain lakes populated by vibrant wildlife sound to you? If the answer is “incredible,” don’t skip Custer State Park while visiting Mount Rushmore. Custer State Park is one of the last remaining wild places in the country. Discover trail rides, scenic drives, bike rides and mountain lakes just waiting to be explored. Drive through the heart of the park and watch for some of the 1,300-plus bison that wander the park on the Wildlife Loop Scenic Byway. Spend a day sprawled out by the water at Sylvan Lake — one of the many picturesque mountain lakes in the park where visitors swim, kayak, paddleboard and fly-fish. Hike through (or rock-climb on) the Needles, one of the park’s most marvelous rock formations that stuns millions yearly. If you enjoy an outdoor activity, it will be even better at Custer State Park.
Drive the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway
Consider driving the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway if you want to upgrade your Mount Rushmore visit into a stunning, all-day road trip. The byway takes you through some of South Dakota's most breathtaking landscapes, including Custer State Park, the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, the Black Elk National Wilderness Area, and past the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial. As you wind your way through the scenic byway, you and your fellow travelers will be treated to stunning views. Keep your eyes peeled for shaggy white mountain goats, grazing deer and playful chipmunks. Don’t miss the view of Mount Rushmore framed through the tunnels along Iron Mountain Road. With so much natural beauty to take in, you'll be glad you chose to experience it all from the comfort of your car.
Spelunk Through Jewel Cave & Wind Cave
About an hour’s drive from Mount Rushmore National Memorial lies Wind Cave National Park, a must-visit destination in South Dakota's western region. Wind Cave offers an enchanting journey through its intricate network of caverns decorated with boxwork formations and shimmering crystals. Above ground, the park sprawls with undulating hills carpeted in lush, wild grass, providing a home for abundant wildlife, such as bison, elk and prairie dogs. Visitors can embark on guided cave tours to uncover the hidden treasures below or explore the park's diverse landscapes through its network of hiking trails. PLEASE NOTE that cave tours are suspended to late fall/early winter for elevator replacement.
For another unforgettable caving experience, Jewel Cave National Monument awaits. Renowned for its jewel formations and being the third-longest cave in the world, Jewel Cave offers a unique adventure. Both Wind Cave and Jewel Cave offer various guided tour options, from accessible explorations of the main caverns to more challenging excursions delving into narrow passages illuminated only by the soft glow of headlamps.
More Things to Do Near Mount Rushmore National Memorial
The rolling forests and towering granite formations of the Black Hills make an incredible playground for unexpected outdoor recreation. Rent an all-terrain vehicle, hike in the Black Hills National Forest or chase waterfalls along the Spearfish Canyon State & National Scenic Byway.
Looking for more? Book an open-back Jeep tour to get up close to wildlife, take a peaceful horseback ride or feel the adrenaline rush at an adventure park. Embrace your inner historian by visiting a courthouse museum or an Old West-style town. Start an 1880 Train ride in either Keystone or Hill City. Explore the uncanny valley by posing for a photo with a wax president or a Rushmore-sized recreation of Lincoln’s eyeball.
Bring the spirit of discovery along with you to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Whether at the memorial or exploring the surrounding area’s Great 8 spots, every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered, an experience waiting to unfold and a moment waiting to inspire.
