Plan a Visit to Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills of South Dakota

Aug 19, 2025

Today’s road trip guide takes us to the magnificent Black Hills of South Dakota. The historic Mount Rushmore National Monument sees around 3-million visitors annually, and is one of the biggest attractions in the area, but that’s not all there is to see and do. With scenic drives such as the Needles Highway, historic towns such as Deadwood, and numerous outdoor recreation options, we think you’ll find it an exhilarating road trip destination. Explore real archaeological and paleontological sites, take a tour through a massive underground cave, check out the beautiful geology and topography of the nature reserves and parklands, and enjoy some real memorable moments. It’s a great way to explore the intersection of United States history and Native American history in one location. We bet you’ll leave feeling inspired! So, what are you waiting for? Hope into your new car from Classic Toyota of Waukegan, and let’s hit the road to explore.

As the sun peaks up over the horizon of Mount Rushmore, it begins to light up this South Dakota national landmark.

Visiting Mount Rushmore: What to See At the Monument Grounds

The Avenue of Flags features all 50 state flags as well as those of US Territories, in alphabetical order. Visitors can walk between them as they approach the Grand View Terrace, leading you to a fantastic photo op! There’s also a unique aspect to this area as it is an open ground for all to commune, and you’ll find a diverse group of people here from all ethnicities and religious backgrounds. Many times folks will find groups speaking about their beliefs and sharing with others, giving us but a small taste of the things that make the US a special place to live, and reminding us that there is beauty in that diversity and difference. Not looking to do a self-guided tour alone? No problem! You can also opt in for an audio tour that gives you more insight and depth into each flag and its history, as well as Mount Rushmore itself.

The Grand View Terrace is the iconic spot that you see in most folks’ photographs. It’s a very busy area as it’s the main viewing area for the Mt Rushmore National Monument and first area with a fully unobstructed view of the carvings.

The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, Museum, and Theater offer a comprehensive look into the history and creation of the monument. Learn about the techniques used to carve the faces into the mountain side, historical quotes from our presidents past, and more. At the theater you have the option to watch a series of educational films which loop every 15 to 20 minutes throughout the day, with a new film added this year for 2025! You can also see the presidential sculpture from the visitor center’s windows for a different perspective. There’s also a bookstore that will please even the most avid history buff, filled to the brim with history of the monument, South Dakota history, and presidential information. From the center you will also be able to pick up the Presidential Trail; this hike is only a mile in length but considered to be fairly strenuous as it contains 425 stairs, but it’s worth it for the views and experience if you can make it!

During the Summer months, special programs like the “Jr Ranger Program”, Ranger Led Pop-Up Talks, and the Nightly Lighting Ceremony. These events generally run from May or June through September, and are worth catching if you’ve never experienced them.

Other Things to See Around Mount Rushmore:

There are several state and national parks in the area including Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, The Crazy Horse Memorial, Spearfish Canyon, and the Black Hills National Forest. Custer State Park offers numerous scenic drives which allow scenic vistas of the park and optimal viewing of majestic wildlife like bison! Badlands National Park offers stunning rock formations and geological wonders as well as beautiful hiking trails. Badlands Loop Road makes for a very pleasant scenic drive, too. Wind Cave National Park is the perfect place for wildlife viewing and cave exploration! There are guided tours of the park’s unique and impressive cave system, as well as wildlife spotting on the prairie and ponderosa pine forest trails.

For families you may want to check out The Reptile Gardens focuses primarily on herpetology, and is located in Rapid City, SD. This unique zoological park is set within a stunning botanic garden that’s entirely family-friendly.

The 1880 train takes you through the beautiful Black Hills area on a scenic steam train ride with vintage steam engines. Enjoy a 2 hour, 20-mile round trip on the oldest continuously operating standard gauge excursion train in the world.

The National Presidential Wax Museum features more than 100 lifelike waxen sculptures including all 46 US presidents. The displays and dioramas depict key points in US and global history featuring life sized wax replica statues.

The Mammoth Site is worth a visit to take a look at an active paleontological site up close and personal! This museum and dig site offers visitors a chance to see how scientific research works in the real world, and a chance to see real, actual mammoth bones in person. Kids will love all of the opportunities to engage in hands-on fun and learning.