tidy

we plan to visit Mount Rushmore with our grandkids (ages are 10, 11, 13) in August. Unfortunately, it is the week of Sturgis but that is the time that works for us, are we crazy? We do not plan to go to Sturgis. We plan to stay in Custer City and do day trips from there: Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, Mammoth & Evans Plunge and possibly the Badlands. We are not cave lovers but may take the kids to one, which would you recommend, Jewel or Wind Cave National Park? Thank yuo,

PrairieHikerI

If you have reservations in Custer City, I don't see a problem with Sturgis. Other things to see/do: Check out Roughlock Falls Nature Area and Bridal Veil Falls which is the easiest of the three waterfalls are both in Spearfish Canyon. Iron Mt. Road (16-A) is an incredible 17-mile experience with 14 switchbacks, three pigtails and three tunnels. It starts at Hwy 16 and goes south to Hwy 30. Ride the 1880 Black Hills Central Railroad steam train. Wander around Deadwood’s historic Old Town where Wild Bill Hickok was killed.

tidy

thank you for these suggestions. Do you have any thoughts on either Jewel Cave or Wind Cave Nat'l Park?

PrairieHikerI

I'm not much into caves but Wind Cave NP has a bison herd.

tidy

I sort of feel the same but thought the kids might like one.

HotWheels

In reference to your choice of caves - Jewel Cave National site (short distance West of Custer) is a series of huge caverns underground; you're taken down by elevator & view with multiple layers of steps to maneuver. Wind Cave is within Custer State Park (heading towards Hot Springs) & the "rooms" are not as large as Jewel Cave, but are equally interesting. Either would be good, especially on a hot August afternoon! Check to see if you need to make reservations at either site.
In reference to Sturgis - Custer is a good distance to the South & you shouldn't experience any problems. There are multiple fun things for kids to do - horseback rides, rent paddleboats at Sylvan Lake, Bison Jeep Tour at State Game Lodge within the park, mini-golf in Custer, 1880's train & dinosaur museum in Hill City, Reptile Gardens, Bear Country, etc. in addition to just touring/viewing wildlife. If interested, on this site check the "States" box (South Dakota) & view the comments for other things to do.

tidy

thank you for all of your help. I think we will do Reptile Gardens on the day that we visit Rushmore and then do Wind Cave the day we head home. We leave tomorrow.