A couple rides a mountain coaster at Rush Mountain Adventure Park. Keystone, South Dakota.

4 Must-Have Experiences at Rush Mountain Adventure Park

Written by: TravelSouthDakota.com Staff Writer

Tucked in western South Dakota’s Black Hills just outside Keystone, Rush Mountain Adventure Park attracts fun-seeking families from near and far. The attraction is home to historical Rushmore Cave and adrenaline-pumping rides such as a mountain coaster and a zipline. Check out these four can’t-miss things to do while you’re there.

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Enjoy Heart-pounding Rides

Climb aboard the gravity-driven Rushmore Mountain Coaster to wind through trees and over a mountainside at nearly 30 miles per hour. Or soar through the air with a friend on the two-seat Soaring Eagle Zipline Ride. Adventure seekers can also test their balance and agility skills on the above-ground Wingwalker Challenge Course, equipped with ziplines, planks and other obstacles. There’s also a Sky Tykes option for pint-size adventurers!

Explore Geologic Wonders Underground

The winding subterranean passageways of Rushmore Cave, originally discovered in 1876, lead to rooms filled with dazzling stalagmites and stalactites. Book a guide-led walking tour for a one-hour interpretive experience, or opt for the thrilling Xpedition Adventure Tour, which requires visitors to crawl through tight spaces to encounter sights off the cave’s main tour route.

Battle Zombies and Robot Cowboys

The Gunslinger 7-D Interactive Ride is a multi-sensory attraction that enables visitors to shoot laser guns at targets while immersive effects (think moving seats and blowing air) make them feel like they're in the middle of the action. Choose from three different adventures, including one with a futuristic Wild West-themed plot.

Uncover Hidden Treasures

The entire family will enjoy hunting for precious rocks, minerals and fossils in the Gemstone Mining Area, where you can sift through dirt and sand in a real sluice box. After you work up an appetite, grab a bite at Sparky’s Snackitorium, which sells pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, drinks and snacks.

Pro Tip: For the best bang for your buck, purchase Rush Mountain Adventure Park’s 24-hour ride wristband with an add-on cave tour, which gives you access to unlimited rides for a 24-hour period after activation. The wristband also includes $5 of arcade or VR play at Rush Mountain’s sister property, Sprockets Fun Foundry in Keystone.

Learn more about Rush Mountain Adventure Park

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About the Author
TravelSouthDakota.com Staff WriterThis article was authored by Travel South Dakota's team of writers and editors. We’re passionate about sharing the best of South Dakota, whether it's exploring national and state parks, road-tripping, diving into local culture or uncovering hidden gems. Some of us grew up here, others got here as fast as we could — but we’re all on the lookout for the best spots to eat, stay and experience in the land of Great Faces, Great Places.