Top 10 Things to See Near Mount Rushmore
The Black Hills offer fun and adventure. There is lots to do and see near Mt Rushmore. Here are the top ten things to see when visiting the area.
#10
Crazy Horse Monument
Crazy Horse was a Lakota war leader who lived in the 19th century (1840 - 1877). He fought against encroachment settlers and worked to preserve the traditional Lakota way of life.
The Memorial is a mountain monument under construction depicting the Oglala Lakota warrior, riding a horse and pointing into the distance.
Crazy Horse Memorial is 16.1 miles southwest of Mount Rushmore National Memorial and 37.1 miles from Rapid City.
#9
Black Elk Peak
At 7,242 feet, the Black Elk Peak is the highest natural point in South Dakota and lies in the Black Hills National Forest, just west of Mount Rushmore.
The hike is a fun thing for the whole family and offers expansive views from the top.
Trail No. 9 is the most common way to get to the top. Just a 7-mile drive from the town of Custer, the trail begins by Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park.
The round trip hike can take 2-4 hours to complete but we promise the views are worth it.
#8
Custer
Custer, South Dakota is a beautiful community nestled in the Black Hills National Forest just five miles west of the Custer State Park entrance.
Boosting a range of culinary experiences and farm-to-fresh restaurants, Custer, SD welcomes foodies from all over the world.
Positioning in the heart of everything, there is no shortage of fun activities. Visitors have lots of options from museums, monuments and national parks to historical sites and nature hikes.
Spend a few days and we think you'll agree, it's heaven.
From Mt Rushmore, Custer is just 3O min away via SD-244 W and US-16 W/US-385 S.
#7
Black Hills National Forest
The Black Hills National Forest, headquartered in Custer is beautiful in every way and visited by millions each year. Located in western South Dakota, the forest consists of 1.2 million acres and is approximately 110 miles long and 70 miles wide. Its picturesque highways and many winding roads take visitors through tunnels and over bridges from one fantastic destination to another.
The Black Hills of South Dakota rise from the adjacent grasslands into a scenic ponderosa pine forest and is known for its roaming elk and large buffalo herd. The forest offers views of Mount Rushmore and many natural wonders.
#6
Custer State Park
Custer State Park welcomes 1.8 million people every year.
South Dakota's largest and first state park is known across the world for its natural beauty, unique rock formations, bison herd, scenic drives, welcoming lodges, and activities.
The park encompassing 71,000 acres of natural splendor and truly has something for everyone. You won't be disappointed. From Mount Rushmore National Memorial head northeast. The Custer State Park Visitor Center is less than 20 miles away.
#5
Needles Highway
The northern 14 miles of South Dakota Highway 87 is known as Needles Highway.
Pull in your mirrors, inch forward and don't scratch the paint on the rental. The Needles Eye Tunnel is one-car only and makes for a good story. That said, all 14 miles have something to offer. We invite you to enjoy the highway's twists and turns, narrow tunnels, granite spires and awesome views.
This trail promises some speculator views and a few surprises. From Mount Rushmore, the Needles Highway Scenic Overlook is just 17 miles.
#4
Iron Mountain Road
Iron Mountain Road is well known for its 17 miles, 314 curves, 14 switchbacks, 3 pigtails and 3 tunnels but's views are what make it famous. U.S. Route 16A is designed to slow you down and offers some of the best scenic driving the area has to offer.
We encourage you to take your time and truly enjoy the natural beauty of the Black Hills. From Mount Rushmore National Memorial take SD-244 E. U.S. Route 16A begins less than 10 minutes from the memorial.
#3
Wildlife Loop
The Wildlife Loop is one of Custer State Park's top highlights and Dave loves sharing it with guests. This scenic byway is a beautiful 18-mile stretch of grass prairies and pine-covered rolling hills. It’s also where much of the park's wildlife call home, included the park's famed buffalo herd.
Break out the cameras! You'll likely see buffalo, prairie dogs, antelope, mules, hawks, pronghorn sheep, elk and much-much-more.
From Mount Rushmore National Memorial take US-16A W. The Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park is only 21 miles away but can take up to an hour depending on traffic.
#2
Sylvan Lake
Photo Credit: Green Owl Media & Photography
Sylvan Lake was created in 1881 and has captured the hearts of millions ever since. The scenic lake offers places to picnic, trails and a host of activities including rock climbing, small rental boats, swimming, and hiking.
Located in Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake and its picturesque shoreline, clear waters, and accessible trails is just a short 15 minute drive from the town of Custer.
The fastest route from Mount Rushmore is via SD-244 W and SD-87 S. Sylvan Lake is 15 miles and half an hour away from the four faces monument.
#1
Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is synonymous with The Black Hills.
Rushmore is a symbol of America's hope and welcomes almost three million visitors each year. It is the largest work of art in the world with the entire carving covering nearly 1,300 acres and each face measuring 60 feet tall.
The forested area near Mount Rushmore is filled with natural beauty and the visitor facilities host numerous activities and historical exhibits.
The Mount Rushmore National Memorial is open all year, seven days a week.
Read more about Mount Rushmore
For a fun day of adventure. Dave's World Tours offer guided van tours for the whole group. We drive so you can enjoy. Make the most of your time in the Black Hills. Give Dave a call at 605-673-1130.