What other attractions should we see near Mount Rushmore? Also any suggestions for restaurants and hotels would be appreciated.

Stop at the first tourist info area going into S. Dakota. We did a couple of years ago on our trip west and they were wonderful! Full of tips, maps, suggestions on everything. Try a search in Fodor's, or thru the SD tourist info web-most states have one. Maybe even thru the National park system. We were coming from Ohio, stopped in Mitchell SD to see the Corn Palace-very unique! Stopped at Wall Drug (had to after all the signs), drove thru the Badlands, stayed in Spearfish, drove down Spearfish Canyon (gorgeous-Part of Dances With Wolves was filmed there)into Rushmore, down thru Custer State Park where we fed wild donkey/mules, saw prairie dog towns and buffalo right along the road. Drove thru Deadwood. Rushmore is totaly awesome. We did not take the time to see the Crazy Horse sculpture-maybe next trip. Enjoy & take plenty of film.

mark -- i agree with the above post with a couple of additions and "exclamation points" -- don't miss the badlands & spearfish canyon -- in addition BE SURE to take the iron mountain road on the peter norbeck highway to see the pig-tail bridges -- you'll be AMAZED -- it was probably our favorite; and devil's tower in NE wyoming is certainly worth a visit.....have a GRAND time......gloria

Mark: The Black Hills is a wonderful vacation spot. There are many
attractions to see
including Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Monument,
Deadwood, the Needles, Harney Peak, etc. If you enjoy camping, there are
many campgrounds located throughout the Hills.

Some of my favorite restaurants are Guadalajara and Sanfords in Spearfish;
Chinatown, Consuelos, Jakes, and Silverado in Deadwood; or you can try a
buffalo burger at the Chief Restarant in Custer.

If you are a Kevin Costner fan, be sure to stop at the Midnight Star in
Deadwood.

Plan to spend about a week or more in the Black Hills. There is so much to see!
You will enjoy your trip!

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Geyser/1826

I'd recommend hiking to the top of Harney Peak (tallest point between the Rockies and the Alps). There are some "shorter" trails - and the round-trip hike may take about 4 hours. Beautiful scenery, etc.

Also - Hot Springs is a town a bit south of the Rushmore area - but it is worth a trip to see the Wolly Mammoths excavation site! The excavation in in-process and the skeletal remains of these huge beasts are unbelieveable! Very interesting!

Have a great trip!