Would like opinions about going to Mt Rushmore and Chief Crazy Horse. Is it better to view Chief from inside the area or from afar. Pros and cons. Thanks.

Maybe my visit was more enjoyable because we arrived by car on September 13 and it felt very patriotic.

I really loved Mt. Rushmore, way more then I thought I would. Crazy Horse was interesting. I was a bit surprised that they charged an admission fee but I was more then happy to pay it when I found out the carving is made possible by donations and admissions. They will not take government money. What I liked the best about these two places is the history and story of human endurance associated with them. To me, looking at these massive monuments to human ingenuity was the best part. No cons from me. The scenery is beautiful and the drive to Crazy Horse very scenic. I would suggest if you go, pay to get in. They have an exhibit based on Native American Culture and also the story of the making of the memorial is interseting. There is almost more to do there then Rushmore.

My husband and I had a great time.

Aimi: Mt. Rushmore is nice but Crazy Horse Memorial is much better in my opinion. I think only once (sometime in the beginning of June) are you allowed to observe Crazy Horse up close & personal. Most of the time it's from a distance but it's still beautiful & majestic. The entire Black Hills National Forest area has a lot to offer to see & do. We just winged it & enjoyed it tremendously.

Thanks jk and Gary. Gary are you saying you can't get close to Crazy Horse. My sister said something about a horse statue on one leg that I should see. A friend living in SD says the view from the distance is about as good as it gets. That was my dilemma. I think if possible I will try and get as close as possible. Thanks again

Aimi,
Definitely see both. We've never been 'up close' to Crazy Horse, prefering to view it from the highway so we can see the entire project in its entirety. I do believe there's a small scale finished model in a visitors' center. Mt. Rushmore is so soul-stirring--not hokey at all. Try to go there at night, if possible. The program (lights, patriotic music) will make you cry, especially post 9/11. It makes me very grateful to be an American. The Black Hills area is gorgeous--I would suggest a drive through Custer State Park. It will take half a day but it's worth it.

I was very disappointed in Mt. Rushmore. Those 4 guys look nothing like the Beatles.

Didn't you know this is America's most popular rock group...groan!

Aimi: What I meant was is that there's an observation area (deck) once you get inside the visitor's center. And also there is a small scale version of the future completed monument in the center as well. The area where we observed the statue was relatively close, but once a year they have a special tour where you can go right up to where the extended arm of Crazy Horse is (I think it's sometime in the first week of June). Please take the time to see it, it's well worth it.

Thanks Gary, but I think I'll prob make the trip sometime in April. Want to avoid summer tourists. gt;)

Glad to hear that others felt some patriotic stirrings at Rushmore, I felt the same way when I visited three years ago and was amazed at my own feelings! Reading about the founders of this nation deciding that the happiness of the common people was just as important as the happiness of the European aristocracy and clergy was wonderful. This country is truly remarkable for the opportunities it presents for people from around the world. Almost feel like bursting into song with "The Star Bangled Banner!"

I was very disappointed in Crazy Horse. I expected to hear all my old favorites like Cinnamin Girl, and Down by the River, but they didn't play any. And..Neil Young was no where in site!!

aimi, I lived in Rapid City for many years and have gone to both Rushmore and Crazy Horse several times. You should go inside the gates at Crazy Horse, why not? your there and you can still see it from afar. At Rushmore, do go both in the day and night for the lighting. Walk the presidential trail and get up next to the base of the mountain, it really is spectacular. If you have time, stop in Hill City at the Alpine Inn and eat. They only serve steak (small or large). It draws big crowds but it's fun. Enjoy

Both of these sites make me so proud to have been born in South Dakota. Take the time to stop at both. I always make a plea for people to take the time to go inside Crazy Horse. The project is entirely funded by admission costs. They don't accept any government money. It isn't very often that you get to experience a memorial that will not even be complete in your lifetime. When Crazy Horse is finished it will dwarf Mt. Rushmore. You can see it from the road, but you can't get the true experience.

I'm also going to suggest that while in the hills you make a stop at Custer State Park. If you have time take the jeep rides. They're great.

kkj
Are the jeep rides, the one that takes you out and you see buffalo. Think my sister told me about them. Will try and do it all. Looks like I may be there longer than I thought. No one has mentioned the Badlands. How about that area also. Thanks everyone

The Badlands are a day's drive (roundtrip, with time for sight seeing) from the Black Hills and well worth the visit. Take the Badlands Loop off I-90. Have lunch at Cedar Pass Lodge and order the Indian Taco, a local favorite. Be sure to stop at Wall Drug coming or going. They have a wonderful art gallery and book store. April will be a nice time to visit western South Dakota, though the weather will be a bit unpredictable. The later in April, the better.

Thanks all, Plan to be there about the 24 or 25th of Apr. Just hope it warms up a little. We're to have snow tonite and it's spring!!!!