Alternatively, you can also make a round trip from either Sioux Falls or Rapid City. We have given plenty of options to customize your South Dakota itinerary. We recommend at least 4 to 7 days for this road trip to enjoy the many monuments, attractions, scenic drives, and hikes.
How many days do you need at Mt Rushmore?
3 days
As you can see from the suggested itineraries, it’s best to spend a few days exploring the Mount Rushmore area. You’ll need at least 3 days in order to have time to experience just the main attractions of the Black Hills.
What is the best month to visit South Dakota?
The best time to visit South Dakota is usually from late spring to autumn, particularly from May to October. Summer is typically the peak tourist season, but late spring and autumn are generally better regarding accommodation and fewer crowds.
How long should I plan to visit Mount Rushmore?
Not counting the drive to Mt Rushmore, you should allow 1-1.5 hours to visit the memorial. The drives thru Custer State Park (Iron Horse, Wildlife Loop, Needles) can be covered in 2-3 hours, depending on how often you pull off to view the scenery. This should be doable if you have an entire afternoon.
How can I spend 3 days in South Dakota?
The Ultimate South Dakota Road Trip 3 Day Itinerary
- Cosmos Mystery Center (Driving time- 45 minutes from Rapid City)
- Take Iron Mountain Road to Custer State Park.
- Mt. Rushmore during the day.
- Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.
- Belle Fourche – Center of the Nation.
- Sturgis.
- Bear Butte.
- Lead, South Dakota.
Is Mt Rushmore worth the trip?
Is Mount Rushmore worth it? Ultimately, yes it is. History buffs can read all the exhibits and learn about the history of Mount Rushmore and its four presidents. You’ll get to see an American landmark and check it off your travel bucket list.
What is the best month to visit Mount Rushmore?
The best month to visit Mount Rushmore is October for peak fall foliage but May & September are also great. Summer in Mount Rushmore brings massive crowds (especially for the 4th of July) and major heat (sometimes over 90 degrees).
How much does it cost to go to Mount Rushmore?
There is no entrance fee for Mount Rushmore National Memorial. However, fees are required to park at the memorial. Parking fee is for private passenger vehicles, valid for one year from date of purchase. Parking fee for Seniors, 62 and older, is $5 and Active Duty Military parking is free.
Can you see Crazy Horse without paying?
Crazy Horse Memorial is only sustained by admission and private contributions. Your admission dollars support Crazy Horse Memorial’s mission to protect and preserve the culture, tradition, and living heritage of the indigenous people of North America.
What is the best month to visit the Badlands?
Due to the uptick in sightseers, the best time to visit the park is during the shoulder seasons of spring, April through June, and fall, September through November. If you find yourself in the park during the peak season of summer, be sure to hit the trails as early as possible to avoid crowds and the heat.
Do you need reservations for Mt Rushmore?
You do not need a reservation for any programs at Mount Rushmore, including the Evening Lighting Ceremony.
What is there to see between Mt Rushmore and Yellowstone?
What is there to see between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone?
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
- Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.
- Devils Tower National Monument.
- Cloud Peak Skyway.
- Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway.
- Grand Teton National Park.
- Yellowstone National Park.
Are the Badlands and Black Hills the same?
The Badlands
There are five national parks in the Black Hills, including Badlands National Park (nps.gov/badl). Here, you step away from civilization in a desolate locale with incredible rock formations including buttes, pinnacles and spires and the largest expanse of protected prairie grass in the United States.
Can you do Mount Rushmore and Badlands in one day?
We recommend three days, which gives you time to explore all three driving loops, as well as tour downtown Rapid City. But if you only have one or two days, you can still make it work. In two days, we recommend visiting the Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills on day one, and the Badlands on day two.
What is there to see between Mount Rushmore and Sioux Falls?
Located at Exits 110 and 109 on the northwestern rim of Badlands National Park, Wall is a small town of roughly 800 residents. And yet, each year, the town is visited by thousands of visitors from all corners of the globe.
Wall
- Wall Drug Café
- Red Rock Restaurant.
- Cactus Café & Lounge.
- Badlands Saloon & Grille.
Is Sioux Falls worth visiting?
Any visitor to Sioux Falls will quickly recognize that the city has made an enormous effort to preserve its historical sites and maintain a very visitor-friendly environment. Falls Park in the downtown area provides a great glimpse at the city’s history.
Is the Badlands worth seeing?
The scenery is beautiful and stunning. Nice hiking trails (can get hot so bring water). The is definitely worth a visit. You can see a lot just driving through, but if you like to hike there are some nice options for that too.
How long does it take to see Crazy Horse Memorial?
I would plan for three to four hours at this site. You start with a free movie about the history of the memorial, and then plan on taking a tour up the mountain to see it up close and personal. They have live entertainment a few times a day, which varies.
What do people in South Dakota do for fun?
12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in South Dakota
- Mount Rushmore National Monument. Mount Rushmore | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane.
- Badlands National Park. Badlands National Park | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane.
- Custer State Park.
- Crazy Horse Memorial.
- Wind Cave National Park.
- Mammoth Site.
- Deadwood.
- Spearfish Canyon.
How many days do you need to see Badlands National Park?
Start to Finish: Park rangers suggest spending two full days to truly experience the park, but you can certainly visit in less time. If you have one full day to spend, plan on being at the park for both sunrise and sunset – the light cast over the Badlands is incredible.
Is Mount Rushmore lit up at night?
No ceremony, sculpture is illuminated nightly at sunset. No ceremony, sculpture is illuminated nightly at sunset. All times are mountain time.
