The Best things to do in the Black Hills

We stopped in the Black Hills on our return home from Yellowstone. The are has a lot to offer. However, we only had 3 days, but easily could have spent a week here.

Mount Rushmore

We actually went to Mt Rushmore twice. First, we went in the evening for the light show, where they light up the carving with spotlights. It is very popular so make sure you go early to get a seat if you want to hear the presentation. Also, we went back during the day to tour the visitor center and see how it was created.

To learn more about the history of Mt Rushmore, I enjoyed reading this Histotravel.com page detailing numerous facts on the history of Mt Rushmore!

Crazy horse

We were only able to see this from the highway and for a lot of people that seems to be enough. It has been under construction for a long time and the reviews on the actual museum are mixed. However, they do have a Saturday event where you can hike up and walk out onto the monument, which might be fun.

Custer State Park

Custer State Park is amazing and definitely worth a visit. Make sure to drive through the park (fee required) through beautiful rock spires.

Also, there are some hikes, but they had limited parking. Lastly, make sure to do the Wildlife Loop Road in the south of the park as there are bison, wild donkeys and prairie dog towns.

Additionally, make sure to take a drive through the US-16A, better known as the Iron Mountain Road. It has a few 270 degree “pigtail” turns and some tunnels that frame Mt Rushmore as you drive through.

Camping

The campground we chose was Mount Rushmore KOA. It is easily the largest KOA I’ve ever stayed at and has its own horse stables, large camp store, coffee shop and water slide. The pool was cloudy and completely packed, but the kids didn’t seem to mind. I prefer a bit more quiet and less crowds, but there is no denying that there’s a lot to do here.

Wall Drugs

Additionally, as you drive east (or drive west towards the Black Hills), Wall Drugs is a popular stop. Love it or hate it, it is an odd sight to see. Interestingly, it gained reputation in the early days of the area by giving away “free” water. However, these days, it is a large conglomeration of a stores and restaurants.

Wind Cave National Park

Jewel Cave National Monument

Devils Tower National Monument

Also Consider visiting these nearby areas

Consider visiting nearby Badlands National Park and other sites in the Rocky Mountain region.