Embark on a journey through the heart of American history and natural wonder as you explore Mount Rushmore and the surrounding Black Hills.

Marvel at the towering faces of iconic presidents before immersing yourself in the rugged beauty and rich cultural heritage of this breathtaking region.

1. Cosmos Mystery Area

• Duration: 1-2 hours

In 1952, two college students discovered strange occurrences on the site of an old summer cabin.

Balls rolled uphill, water flowed upwards, and people appeared shorter or taller than they actually were.

Today, Cosmos Mystery Cabin is a popular tourist attraction known for these mind-bending illusions and unexplainable phenomena.

2. Keystone, South Dakota

• Duration: 1 hour-several days

Once upon a time, Keystone was a gold mine outpost. Then, it became a home base for the folks that carved Mount Rushmore. Now, it's a lively resort town!

Keystone offers a taste of the gold rush era with restaurants, gift shops, old old-fashioned candy stores, alongside thrilling adventures like zip lines and helicopter tours.

It's the perfect basecamp for exploring the Black Hills' natural beauty and iconic monuments.

3. Mount Rushmore National Monument

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• Duration: 1-4 hours

There's so much more to do at Mt. Rushmore than gaze at those four iconic faces. Hike the 0.6-mile Presidential Trail for a closer look.

Learn about sculptor Gutzon Borglum at his studio, and explore the visitor center's exhibits.

Catch a ranger talk or watch the awe-inspiring evening lighting ceremony, too!

4. Wrinkled Rock Climbing Area

• Duration: 1 hour-several days

Offers a variety of climbing opportunities and routes for all skill levels.

There are several free tent pad sites available near the trailhead on a first-come, first-served basis.

The trailhead provides parking, a restroom facility, and some climbing information.

5. Breezy Point Picnic Area

Five-site picnic area with accessible bathrooms and scenic overlooks of the Black Elk Wilderness, Mount Rushmore, and the Black Elk Peak

6. Horse Thief Lake Trailhead

• Duration: 1-6 hours

There are two hiking options here:

Shorter Scenic Hike: a 2.7-mile out-and-back, moderate trail. It follows a gentle creek with scenic views of rock formations and towering pines.

Longer Loop Adventure: a challenging 11-mile loop trail. This route takes you through dense Black Hills forests with occasional glimpses of dramatic rock outcroppings.

Be prepared for some muddy sections and potential horse encounters.

7. Needles Highway Scenic Drive

• Duration: 1-2 hours

This is a 14-mile scenic drive through Custer State Park. This historic road was built in the 1920s, and it twists and turns alongside dramatic scenery.

Keep an eye out for the iconic Needle's Eye Tunnel. This narrow passage (around 8 feet wide) cuts through a towering granite spire.

Don't forget to pull off and explore! Short trails lead to viewpoints where you can admire the Needles up close.

For a panoramic vista of the entire Needles Highway, stop at the Cathedral Spires Overlook.

Here, you can take in the breathtaking display of granite spires reaching towards the sky.

8. Little Devil's Tower Trailhead

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• Duration: 2-4 hours

The trail is a 3.8-mile out-and-back with moderate difficulty. The initial section is easy, but expect switchbacks and some climbing later on.

The final ascent to the top of Little Devils Tower involves some scrambling over rocks. Despite the climb, the payoff is incredible.

Enjoy 360-degree views of the Black Hills, including the Needles, Black Elk Peak fire tower, and more.

9. The Needle's Eye

• Duration: 5-30 minutes

The Needle's Eye Tunnel is 8 feet 4 inches wide by 12 feet high. It was carved through a towering granite spire, is a highlight of the scenic Needles Highway.

Imagine driving through a natural frame, with the rock formation mere feet from your car!

It allows only one car at a time, adding a touch of excitement (or challenge) to your road trip adventure.

10. Cathedral Spires Trail

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Short but moderately challenging 1.5-mile out-and-back trail. The trail leads you right up to the base of the Cathedral Spires, towering granite pillars that resemble a cathedral.

Be prepared for some sections where you might need to scramble over rocks.

The hike rewards you with stunning views of the Needles, a unique landscape of spiky granite formations.

11. Custer State Park

• Duration: Multiple Days

Nestled in South Dakota's Black Hills, Custer State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Cruise the Needles Highway, a scenic drive with tunnels that pierce granite spires.

Hike to the top of Little Devils Tower for panoramic views. Spot bison roaming free in the wild or take a scenic train ride.

The park offers a historic lodge, campgrounds, and cozy cabins for an unforgettable Black Hills adventure.

12. Norbeck Outdoor Education Center

• Duration: 1-2 hours

The Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center ignites curiosity about the Black Hills' wonders.

This historic lodge, built from local stone, is a haven for families.

Inside, exhibits showcase the park's wildlife, geology, and history. Kids can explore a recreated mine and learn about nature through interactive displays.

Outside, play areas and trails provide hands-on learning adventures for all ages.

13. The Wildlife Loop

• Duration: 2-4 hours

Custer State Park's 18-mile Wildlife Loop is an unforgettable animal encounter. This scenic drive winds past rolling prairies, forests, and canyons. Be sure to pack your binoculars!

The star attraction is the park's 1,300-strong bison herd, often grazing in the meadows.

Keep your eyes peeled for other residents like elk, deer, pronghorn antelope, and even the occasional bighorn sheep or burros.

Remember, stay in your car and observe from a distance – these are wild animals!

14. Badger Hole Historical Site

• Duration: 1-2 hours

This humble cabin was once home to South Dakota's beloved poet, Badger Clark. Explore the site and imagine Clark crafting cowboy poetry amidst the Black Hills' beauty.

While the cabin itself might be closed for preservation (depending on the season), the surrounding area offers a short trail for a peaceful walk through history.

15. Custer, South Dakota

• Duration: up to 4 hours

Stroll down historic Main Street lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Take a ride on the 1880 Steam Train for a nostalgic journey through the Black Hills.

16. Crazy Horse Memorial

• Duration: up to 3 hours

This colossal work in progress depicts Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse on horseback, honoring his fight for his people's freedom.

Started in 1948, it's the world's largest mountain carving underway. At the visitor center, you can explore the Indian Museum of North America to delve into the rich history and culture of the Lakota people.

Catch traditional Lakota dance performances or browse authentic Native American arts and crafts. Special events throughout the year offer a deeper dive into their heritage.

17. Wind Cave National Park

• Duration: Up to a full day

Explore intricate caverns adorned with glistening crystals on a guided tour. Marvel at the Boxwork Formation, a one-of-a-kind web of calcite blades.

Feel the cool air rushing through the cave – it's the namesake wind, one of the strongest winds ever recorded underground!

Above ground, hike scenic trails spotting prairie wildlife. Wind Cave offers a unique adventure for all ages.

18. The Iron Mountain Scenic Drive

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• Duration: 1-2 hours

Cruise the scenic Iron Mountain Road, a 17-mile adventure connecting Custer State Park to Mount Rushmore.

Prepare for twists and turns with breathtaking Black Hills views. Keep an eye out for the Doane Robinson and Scovel Johnson tunnels.

Time your drive to see Mount Rushmore framed perfectly through the openings!

Pigtail Bridges: These ingenious structures loop the road back under itself, allowing for steeper climbs and showcasing engineering marvels.

19. Norbeck Overlook

• Duration: up to 1 hour

Perched along the Iron Mountain Scenic Drive, the Norbeck Overlook offers a free glimpse of Mount Rushmore's grandeur.

This short detour rewards you with a breathtaking vista of the Black Hills, with the iconic presidents' faces peeking above the pines in the distance.

It's a perfect spot to snap photos and appreciate the scale of Mount Rushmore without the entrance fee.

For a closer look, continue your journey on the scenic drive towards the monument itself.

20. Jewel Cave National Monument

• Duration: up to 4 hours

Explore a labyrinth of sparkling calcite crystals on a ranger-led tour. Descend hundreds of feet for a glimpse of the otherworldly formations – glistening frostwork, delicate needles, and massive cave balloons.

Choose from easy walking tours to lantern-lit spelunking adventures for a taste of historic cave exploration.

While the surface offers hiking trails, the true wonders lie beneath, waiting to be discovered.

Final Thoughts

Explore a labyrinth of sparkling calcite crystals on a ranger-led tour. Descend hundreds of feet for a glimpse of the otherworldly formations – glistening frostwork, delicate needles, and massive cave balloons.

Choose from easy walking tours to lantern-lit spelunking adventures for a taste of historic cave exploration. While the surface offers hiking trails, the true wonders lie beneath, waiting to be discovered.

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Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Mount Rushmore Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Mount Rushmore Know Before You Go article.