Yes we were there last year during July 4th, and we were there for 7hrs! We enjoyed the President's talks actors gave speeches and history about each President represented. It was awesome one of our favorite memories this past summer with our kids. Actually going back again since we didn't stay for the evening service so we are doing that this summer 😊
I consider myself somewhat of a Black Hills tourism expert. It began decades ago when I rode horseback over and through the BHs. I know all the best places & backroads. I find that almost everybody that goes to Mount Rushmore has spent little time researching what there is to see and do there. Unlike Yellowstone, the Black Hills is loaded with a variety of options from Kiddy activities, scenery, Old West history, and many times more food and accommodation options. Toss in the Badlands and Devils Tower, you can easily spend two weeks there. The BHs and nearby Fort Robinson State Park are my favorite locations in the USA. I have many of our past historic vehicle convoys trips viewable on RUclips. WARNING: If you just plan to be there for a few minutes before bypassing the rest of the Black Hills on your way to Yellowstone consider: I've arrived at Mt. Rushmore once when it was completely fogged in. You could not even see the sculpture! We were there for the week, no problem. We came back later when the weather cleared.
It truly is one of my favorite areas in the country! And you're exactly right...we return almost on a yearly basis and still haven't run out of things to do!
I can't believe It's been 30 years since I was at Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands...I was 15, now I'm 46 lol. And I never got to hike the trail there. I need to get back soon! Thanks for the info!
You are correct! There's so much more than just Mt Rushmore. I visited Badlands, Mt Rushmore, Custer State Park, Deadwood, Devils Tower. There's also some great drives in that area such as Needles Highway (my favorite), Iron Mountain (next to Mt Rushmore), and Spearfish Canyon on the way to Devils Tower. Deadwood was a great place to visit. Custer State Park has some good wildlife and camping. Your video makes me want to return to the Black Hills of SD.
From the video, was - at first, a bit disappointed that it wouldn't accept my Gold Star & Veteran Military Lifetime NPS pass. But, after additional research, this is designated as a National Memorial that is administered (or oversees) National Monuments by the National Park Service since 2020. National Memorials are free to the general public but as mentioned, may need to charge a fee for admission, parking, etc. I learned that there are 36 National Memorials in the United States and the National Park Service administers 31 of them. I guess I really didn't realize or differentiate between a National Park and Nation Monument. Great video on showing the importance of this monument and the variety of ways to enjoy it.
good video thxs for all the good information...this canadain is coming to radid city in late october for a demolition derby event at the monument GOLD RUSH Nationals....we are planning on going to mount rushmore fora sunrise ??? i hope to get be there like u say it opens at 5 am...is a sunrise worth the early morning 40 min drive lol ???
They do have some oversized vehicle parking. And I'm not sure about coming in on a bike and not having to pay. The website says to call Xanterra 605-574-2515 if you have any questions about parking :)
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Yes we were there last year during July 4th, and we were there for 7hrs! We enjoyed the President's talks actors gave speeches and history about each President represented. It was awesome one of our favorite memories this past summer with our kids. Actually going back again since we didn't stay for the evening service so we are doing that this summer 😊
Ooooh that's so cool -- I would love to be there for the 4th!
I consider myself somewhat of a Black Hills tourism expert. It began decades ago when I rode horseback over and through the BHs. I know all the best places & backroads. I find that almost everybody that goes to Mount Rushmore has spent little time researching what there is to see and do there. Unlike Yellowstone, the Black Hills is loaded with a variety of options from Kiddy activities, scenery, Old West history, and many times more food and accommodation options. Toss in the Badlands and Devils Tower, you can easily spend two weeks there. The BHs and nearby Fort Robinson State Park are my favorite locations in the USA. I have many of our past historic vehicle convoys trips viewable on RUclips. WARNING: If you just plan to be there for a few minutes before bypassing the rest of the Black Hills on your way to Yellowstone consider: I've arrived at Mt. Rushmore once when it was completely fogged in. You could not even see the sculpture! We were there for the week, no problem. We came back later when the weather cleared.
It truly is one of my favorite areas in the country! And you're exactly right...we return almost on a yearly basis and still haven't run out of things to do!
I can't believe It's been 30 years since I was at Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands...I was 15, now I'm 46 lol. And I never got to hike the trail there. I need to get back soon! Thanks for the info!
You do need to go back!
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. It was very informative and very helpful. Thank you. 🙏
Glad it was helpful!
You are correct! There's so much more than just Mt Rushmore. I visited Badlands, Mt Rushmore, Custer State Park, Deadwood, Devils Tower. There's also some great drives in that area such as Needles Highway (my favorite), Iron Mountain (next to Mt Rushmore), and Spearfish Canyon on the way to Devils Tower. Deadwood was a great place to visit. Custer State Park has some good wildlife and camping. Your video makes me want to return to the Black Hills of SD.
It's such a cool area, and my South Dakota Parks Itinerary covers all of it!
Thank you for this amazing information! We are going to have a much better experience because of your awesome tips!😊
Happy to help!
From the video, was - at first, a bit disappointed that it wouldn't accept my Gold Star & Veteran Military Lifetime NPS pass. But, after additional research, this is designated as a National Memorial that is administered (or oversees) National Monuments by the National Park Service since 2020. National Memorials are free to the general public but as mentioned, may need to charge a fee for admission, parking, etc. I learned that there are 36 National Memorials in the United States and the National Park Service administers 31 of them. I guess I really didn't realize or differentiate between a National Park and Nation Monument.
Great video on showing the importance of this monument and the variety of ways to enjoy it.
Correct, it's free to enter, but it's not free for parking.
Thank you so much for the valuable information. You made my day.
You are so welcome!
I like that idea ❤❤❤
Thanks for watching!
good video thxs for all the good information...this canadain is coming to radid city in late october for a demolition derby event at the monument GOLD RUSH Nationals....we are planning on going to mount rushmore fora sunrise ??? i hope to get be there like u say it opens at 5 am...is a sunrise worth the early morning 40 min drive lol ???
I don't think sunrise is necessary at Mount Rushmore. It won't be busy in late October!
Will the parking garage accommodate a 25 foot motor home? Can you bike in?
They do have some oversized vehicle parking. And I'm not sure about coming in on a bike and not having to pay. The website says to call Xanterra 605-574-2515 if you have any questions about parking :)
Do veterans have to pay the parking fee ?
It's free for active duty military only.
What’s the minimum days needed with your itinerary?
My South Dakota itineraries come in a 1-5 day option!