Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills Travel Guide

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"An emerald isle in a sea of prairie," as they are sometimes called, the Black Hills rise up from the western South Dakota plains just over the Wyoming state line and about 150 mi east of the Big Horn range of the Rocky Mountains. They aren't as high—Harney Peak, their tallest summit, measures 7,242 feet—and they cover a territory only 50 mi wide and 120 mi long, but these ponderosa-covered mountains have a majesty all their own. Alpine meadows, thick forests, and creek-carved canyons: the landscape of the Black Hills and Badlands region more closely resembles Big Horn and Yellowstone country than it does South Dakota's typical flat farmland.

Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills Hotels

New chain hotels with modern amenities are plentiful in the Black Hills, but when booking accommodations consider a stay at one of the area's historic properties...read more

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Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills Restaurants

Like neighboring Wyoming, the Black Hills are not known for culinary diversity, and no matter where you go in this part of the world, beef is king. Nevertheless...read more

Things To Do in Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills

The 2 million acres of the Black Hills are about evenly...read more

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Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills Experiences

Planning Your Time

Every small town in the Black Hills has something to offer—a fact that you may find surprising. This region has the highest concentration... Read more
Educational Offerings

There are several educational programs offered by the rangers of Badlands National Park. An outreach program is available for classes K-12, free... Read more
America's Shrine of Democracy

Like most impressive undertakings, Mount Rushmore's path to realization was one of personalities and perseverance.... Read more
Top Reasons to Go to Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills

Underground exploring: Wind Cave offers visitors the chance to get their hands and feet dirty on a four-hour guided tour through one of American's... Read more
Wind Cave in One Day

Pack a picnic lunch, then head to the visitor center to purchase tickets for a morning tour of Wind Cave. Visit the exhibit rooms in the center... Read more
Top Reasons to Go to Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills

Here a fossil, there a fossil: From the mid-1800s, the fossil-rich Badlands area has welcomed paleontologists, research institutions, and fossil... Read more