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My wife and I are planning on taking a driving trip from St. Paul, MN to the Black Hills area with our daughter (6) and son (3). I have read some of the links on this site and they have been helpful. First, we are looking for a decent hotel that would be large enough to accommodate the four of us. Second, what are the top 5 or more sites that would be great for mom and dad (of course), but the kids would enjoy as well? Finally, we are looking to go from August 6 through August 9 (Thursday through Sunday). Is it too short to take a trip such as this? It may be possible to go on the 5th. Any other insights would be helpful.
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black hills driving trip with young children (6 and 3)
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You can rent a whole cabin at Palmer Gulch. It is inexpensive. Kids can have own room--so you all get some privacy. These are summer cabins. Rustic. NOT the Marriott. Mt. Rushmore and Custer National Parks are nearby. Sturgis (sp?) is fun. Evan's Plunge is a GREAT swimming place for the whole family. RELAXING, laid back, fun. I would stay at Palmer Gulch 3-4 nights. Food is inexpensive at Mt. Rushmore--lunch and dinner. Crazy Horse Monument nearby. Eat there--native American food is delicious and different.
Your dates coincide with the Sturgis motorcycle rally. The Hills will be crowded with upwards of 500 thousand bikers,and lodging difficult to find, especially in Rapid City, Sturgis, Keystone, Deadwood, Hill City.
It may be slightly less crowded in the southern Hills, the towns of Custer & Hot Springs, but Mount Rushmore will be packed & in the afternoon Custer State Park will have streams of bikers on the narrow winding roads.
The Rally isn't a great time for families to enjoy being in the Black Hills.
Thanks for the feedback. I completely forgot about the Sturgis motorcycle rally. It looks like the Black Hills will have to wait another year. If anyone has ideas of good 4-5 day trips with kids our age outside of Disney (We are willing to fly), let us know!
Deadwood would be a fun place to go especially if you and your family likes the era of the old west. There is a shotout and a trial regarding Wild Bill Hickok. It is very neat to watch. Please research it first though to make sure it will be ok for the kids.
Don't forget to stop at Wall and see Wall drug. It is a big tourist trap. But fun to see.
Hope you enjoy your trip!!