Glacier National Park or Mt. Rushmore
 

We're going to Yellowstone and are also doing a few side trips. We can't do both Glacier National Park and Mt. Rushmore. Which do you suggest? Why also?

If you are going to Yellowstone and considering either Glacier or Mt Rushmore a side trip, I would definitely chose Mt Rushmore. You can see all you need to see at Mt Rushmore in a matter of hours to half a day. Save Glacier for later. This is a trip onto itself. You won't do Glacier justice as just a side trip. We did both Mt Rushmore, Yellowstone and Grand Tetons 2 years ago.

If you are looking for other side trips consider adding Grand Tetons or Jackson Hole. Both are very close to Yellowstone.

If you tell me more about who is going and where you are coming from and what interests you have I can give you some more tips from our trip to Yellowstone/Mt Rushmore/Gand Tetons.

The Black Hills have much more to offer than just Mt Rushmore. Throw in the Devils Tower NM in SE WY, Wind Cave NP, Jewel Cave NM and the Badlands NP, just to name a few things in the Black Hills and you have a vacation destination all to its self. You did not mention your travel plans and the time you were allowing for your trip so it would be hard to determine if you could make all three.

Glacier if you like natural beauty.

Black Hills is you like human-made fun.

Neither unless you are willing to give at least three days (travel to and from included) to either.

How many days do you have for this side trip?

Utahtea

My husband and I have been to both of these places in 2001. We did a big trip (Glacier, Yellowstone, Tetons, Custer, Badlands.) As mentioned previously, Glacier NP is a trip in itself - beautiful!! Mt. Rushmore is a couple of hours at the most. We are in/out in an hour I think. BEWARE - there is a parking lot close to entrance - $8.00 in 2001. They don't tell you there is a FREE parking lot adjacent - no sign either. The surrounding area of Rushmore/Black Hills has a lot to offer - Crazy Horse Memorial which we thought was more exciting, Needles Hwy, Custer SP, Norbeck (sp) scenic hwy. Depending on your timeframe you may even venture over to Deadwood or the other direction to the Badlands. Beautiful country!

Rushmore, and don't forget Devils Tower National Monument, it is awesome. The Badlands are very interesting as well.

"man made fun"? is a statement from someone who has never been! The Black Hills have days of adventures. Mt. Rushmore is an "in/out" but for the rest of the area that is simply a poor statement! You will get out of your visit what you put in to it. Historic Deadwood, Custer and Keystone are very unique towns to visit. There are incredible drives including the Needles highway, Custer State Park, Badlands and Devils Tower. Numerous caves, lakes and hiking. Of note the Black Hills are a fair drive from Yellowstone no matter what enterance you are coming from. Plan on at least 8 hours of driving to Rapid City due to alot of 2 lane roads. The East enterance would be the closest and end up in Spearfish, stay the night, drive through Spearfish Canyon into the Black Hills. Have fun!

Go to Glacier. YOu'll never regret it. Unless you prefer schlocky tourist stuff (been to both, and both are great)--save SD for when you have more time.

Having been to the Black Hills three times; having spent a total of eleven days there; and having gone to Mount Rushmore, Dinosaur Park, Chapel of the Hills, Homestake Gold Mine Tour, Needles Highway, Western Woodcarvings, Black Hills Caverns, Pactola Lake, Rushmore Tram, Crazy Horse Monument, Bear Country, Circle B Ranch, Deadwood, Mount Moriah Cemetery, Spearfish Canyon, Custer State Park, Bear Butte State Park, Terry Peak, Iron Mountain Road, Harney Peak, Little Devil's Tower, Bethlehem Shrine, Jewel Cave, Bedrock City, Wind Cave National Monument, Sylvan Lake, Mount Coolidge, Geology Museum, Mining Museum, and Petrified Forest -- I conclude I CAN speak about its attractions!

I never said there is NO natural beauty in the Black Hills. Indeed, you could spend several days there and not visit a single human-made attraction. It's just that there is FAR more natural beauty at Glacier NP. If seeing nature is your goal, then your choice MUST be Glacier over the Black Hills. If you prefer human-made attractions over nature (some do, and I have no problem with that), then the Black Hills is your clear choice. Which is exactly what I said.

It's interesting that you list Deadwood, and its completely artificial casinos, as a place to visit. That recommendation proves my point exactly.

Mt. Rushmore is at best an hour or two stop. The Black Hills are beautiful. That said, if I was voting it would definately be Glacier. It is GORGEOUS!! It is several hours drive from Yellowstone, so plan accordingly.