In the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore stands unrivaled in the world - a tribute to the heroes and ideals that shaped a great nation. Celebrate this sky-high hail to the chiefs, from its monumental construction to its universal meaning as a shrine of democracy. Discover the wonders of a region rich in history, mystery and majesty!
Must-See List
- Visit Mount Rushmore, of course! Be sure to catch the Fourth of July fireworks spectacular if you are in July around that time.
- Stop by the city of Deadwood where you'll be transported back to the Wild West and legalized gaming. This region is also rich in Native American history - the Black Hills were granted to the Sioux Nation in the Treaty of 1868.
- Admire a gigantic sculpture of Crazy Horse carved out of Black Hills granite about 17 miles away from Mount Rushmore on Thunderhead Mountain. Click here to read more about Crazy Horse and the Badlands National Park in South Dakota.
- Take a hot air balloon ride to see the beauty of the monument and the 100-foot ponderosa pines.
- Custer State Park is one of the largest state parks in the U.S. and is home to the state game lodge. Here you can go on Safari Jeep Tours to get up close to the wildlife.
- Wind Cave National Park is nicknamed "Little Yellowstone" for the diversity of its wildlife. It's also a sacred site for the Lakota Sioux.
- Jewel Cave is known for its shimmering calcite crystals and unearthly formations, like the Soda Straw and the Bacon Draperies. One of the longest caves in the world, Jewel Cave is a must see!
