Trying to decide which part of the country to visit this time...Are there lots of things to do in South Dakota if we fly and drive for a week or so? Want to see Mt. Rushmore...we are two pretty active retirees.

Although I think of the Black Hills/Badlands as being the ultimate area for a family vacation, I'm sure there would be lots to interest retirees as well. It's a beautiful area with so much to offer.

Custer State Park is wonderful and I always recommend staying in one of the lodges in the park (custerresorts.com). And staying at Cedar Pass Lodge in the Badlands when you're visiting there.

I've only been in the area in the summer. But there are many others on this board who are as fond of the area as we are. And I'm sure you'll hear from some who've been there in October. And who will be able to give you more info about things to do in the area that time of year.

There have been a couple of good trip reports on the Black Hills posted on this board recently. If I can find them, I'll bring them back to the top for you.

There is alot to do and see. Custer is close by and the Crazy Horse Memorial, Needles Highway Scenic Drive, Sylvan Lake.Deadwood is sorta neat, with casino's and shows performed in the streets. The Deadwood Tour is great, gives the history of the area and you go to Boot Hill cemetery where Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok is buried. Keystone is also very close by and the Borglum Historical Center is a must.There is also Gold Mines you can tour.

I pulled up three posts that I thought might be helpful to you. But if you type Black Hills in the search box and then click on South Dakota, you'll find lots of other threads on the area.

If you decide to go, I hope you enjoy the area as much as we have!

Dont forget to bring apples when you visit Custer state park for the donkeys.They are the only animals you can feed.Paul

Oh my gosh! That's why they let us pet them! They were waiting for apples! Wish I had known.

Our driver gave us bread to feed them.

My apologies for "talking" to you as though you were new to Fodor's. I see that you've been posting for quite a while. So, of course, you're well aware of how the board works!

We always found it best to give the Loop Road donkeys breath mints when they stuck their heads in the window of the car. They love Altoids (sp?). Figured we were doing the next traveler a favor.