South Dakota/Mt. Rushmore
 

My husband and I are planning on going to Mt. Rushmore sometime this late summer or early fall. Any recommendations on places to stay or other things to see? We'll be driving and are not opposed to camping a couple nights. Thanks for the help!

Michelle: We did this trip twice. Camping both times. Some beautiful sites in the Black Hills National Forest. The Wind Cave National Park is nearby and worth a visit. You'll also be very close to the Badlands, which I also would recommend. On the east side of the Badlands is the famous Wall Drug Store in Wall, SD. Check out Deadwood (which has changed alot due to casinos), drive through the gourge at Spearfish. This is the area where Kevin Costner's Dances With Wolves was filmed. We also found a small rodeo in Belle Fourche which was lots of fun. If you have time, drive into Wyoming and see Devils Tower National Monument and walk around the base. Oh, and beside Rushmore, there's the Crazy Horse Monument, too. You're picking a good time to travel there. Enjoy!

The Black Hills area is a marvelous area to visit, with tons of stuff to see and experience. It's quite tourist oriented so it's NOT a place to get away from crowds, but it is a place to have fun. <BR> <BR>Most definitely see the Crazy Horse Monument, it will one day dwarf the faces on Mount Rushmore. <BR> <BR>Also check out Custer State Park and the Homestake Gold Mine Tour. Climb to the top of Harney Peak or ride the chairlift to the top of Terry Peak. Visit the tourist traps (including Wall Drugs) so unashamedly hokey it's enjoyable!