Mount Rushmore/Rapid City
 

My husband and I will be spending two days in the Mount Rushmore/Rapid City area. We interested in sightseeing, shopping, restaurants, hotels, etc. We plan to go to Devil's Tower, the Badlands, and other points of interest in the area and then move on to Cody and Jackson Hole. Would appreciate any suggestions!! Thanks.

The Black Hills are an unusual mix of scenery (both natural and artificial), wildlife, historical sites, craftmanship, and tourist sites (which can be good or bad). Is there anything specific you are looking for OR want to avoid? <BR> <BR>One thing EVERYONE must avoid -- the trip north of Belle Forche to see "Geographic Center of the US." This is because (1) the U.S. Geologic Service has NEVER officialy designated such a spot and (2) the place the tourist trappers pretend to be that spot is five km from the road on private property, and thus totally inaccessible. All you see is a sign saying the spot is three miles east of the sign!

<BR>Go and see the historical town of Deadwood which is not far from mt. Rushmore and if you have time the ride on the old train from Keystone to Hill City is very interesting to . Crazy Horse monument that has been publicized in the papers is also something to see that is part of the old west history.

If you have any interest in wildlife,especially large herds of buffalo in the wild,a visit to Custar State Park to the near south of the Mt.Rushmare area.A friendly word of warning,the large bulls don't congregate with the cows and calves(the bulk of herds),but coming around a blind curve you might be surprised by three or four of these behemoths about the size of volkswagon beetles.Also check out Needles Highway,A beautiful drive back to Mt.Rushmore from the Custar State Park area

The sculpture at Mount Rushmore was inspired by one in pre-Christian Egypt of the Pharohs. Think of this as you look at it. I grew up climbing all over Mt. Rushmore because the sculptor was a friend of my mother's. There is a street in Stamford, CT. named for him and I have always wondered why..anybody have any thoughts?

Melissa: I'll echo the recommendations for Custer State Park; the Needles Highway is a great drive and the Cathedral Spires are incredible to look at. The are several inns at Custer, and I'd like to go back there to do some hiking. We found a good place to eat near Crazy Horse called Heritage Village. Nice service and a great buffet--try the buffalo stew!!

Jodi, <BR> Found your post to be very interesting. I don't know about the street in CT, but that is a great question. I grew up in SD, my mother's uncle ran a jackhammer doing the honey-combing on the monument. He used to tells lots of drinking stories, sounds like they had a heck of a good time after work was finished for the day. <BR>

The information everyone has provided with the Mount rushmore/Rapid City travel questions is great. <BR> <BR>My family is planning an excursion to this area in the future. We are looking for a travel guide and other information on Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, Rapid City, and other sites in the area. <BR> <BR>Beleive it or not, we are having problem locating a travel guide specific to the area. we have used FODORs in the past for other excuresions we have had. <BR> <BR>Would anyone be able to provide information? <BR> <BR>Email - [email protected] <BR> <BR>Thank you!!!!!!

The Black Hills of South Dakota is a wonderful vacation spot. There are many attractions to see <BR>including Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Monument, Harney Peak, etc. It is the <BR>perfect destination for those who enjoy hiking, camping, and just being outdoors! <BR> <BR>http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Geyser/1826 <BR>