Are you ready to check Mount Rushmore National Memorial off your bucket list or fulfill your dream of recreating your favorite childhood family vacation to the Shrine of Democracy with your own children? Not sure where to start? One option is to utilize free resources or guide services to help you! Ditch the map and make the most of your time - book a tour with Black Hills Adventure Tours & Vacation Planning - Come face-to-face with monumental figures, continue on to Highway 16 for more excitement and hear great stories along the way.
It's also easy to drive yourself - We've put together a three-day itinerary that is jam-packed with some of the region's top attractions, dining and lodging – all conveniently located along Highway 16. Beginning at Mount Rushmore, take a left onto Highway 244 East towards Keystone. Continue east on to Highway 16 where the fun awaits.
If you want the full Black Hills experience, our itinerary includes three great lodging options that offer their own unique amenities for each night of your stay. Or, you can pick the accommodation that best suits your needs.
Day 1
Start your three-day adventure at Cosmos Mystery Area, the strangest location in the entire Black Hills. Once you enter, all laws of nature and physics appear to be suspended. Water flows uphill, tall people appear shorter, and what seems to be crooked turns out to be completely level. Making your way through the Mystery House is a physical experience you'll never forget. After touring the Mystery House, dig up some treasures in the Geode Mine. Then cool off with some delicious ice cream on the deck that overlooks the surrounding wilderness. You may even spot some of the areas four-legged residents.
From there, head down the road to Fort Hays Old West Town & Dinner Show and experience the Old West like never before. Fort Hays is the site of the Oscar award-winning movie set of Dances with Wolves. Check out the film set and stand in the same spot that John D. Dunbar (Kevin Costner) was given his new posting orders in the movie. As you walk up and down the boardwalk you'll find craftsmen at work making tools and ropes. Make your own tin plate or brick and even watch your own hunting knife take shape at the Blacksmith shop. At 6:30 p.m. the Supper Bell rings loud. Bring your appetite for the tastiest Chuckwagon menu in the West. Supper is served on handmade tin plates with drinks poured into tin cups. The Fort Hays Wranglers then take the stage to entertain you with the Black Hills' most popular music variety show – guaranteed to be a foot-stompin', belly shakin', good time! If your visit leaves you wanting more, come back for their daily 0.99-cent, all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast.
End your day with an authentic western stay in The Wagons at Rushmore Shadows Resort. The luxury Conestoga Wagon rentals feel like you stepped straight into the past, while still enjoying the amenities of today. Your stay at Rushmore Shadows gives you access to the swimming pool, volleyball court, free bicycle rentals and a mini golf course. Explore hiking trails on the property then kick back in the hot tub. The resort also has cabins, tent sites and full hookup RV sites. You'll wake up feeling rested and ready for more.
Day 2
Prepare for tons of wild action on day two, which begins with a visit to Old MacDonald's Farm. This beautiful farm is home to over 100 farm animals – Cows, pigs, horses, sheep, donkeys, goats, rabbits, chickens, ducks and so much more. The best part is that you can get hands-on with the animals. Take the opportunity to play with, feed and even bottle-feed some of their friendly animals. The fun-filled farm also has World Class Pig Races, pony rides, farm tours in a kid-sized tractor train, a picnic area and playground.
Continue the fun at Putz n Glo Indoor Black Light Mini Golf, which offers three great attractions in one location. Be sure to ask about the Triple Play Pass for awesome savings. Put your putting skills to the test for 18 holes of Black Light Mini Golf, while you enjoy awesome music and artwork in an 8,000 square foot indoor facility. Then, get lost in Miner's Maze human maze adventure. Race against the clock in search of G-O-L-D and win a prize every time. Pan for gemstones at Finders Keepers, where everyone is a successful miner. Grab a tasty treat or a cold drink from the snack bar to wind down before your next stop.
Get up-close to wildlife in their natural environment, from the comfort of your own vehicle, at Bear Country U.S.A. Nestled over 200 acres amid towering pines and rolling meadows, take a leisurely three-mile drive through several enclosures and encounter black bear, elk, reindeer, deer, cougars, bobcats, rocky mountain goats, bighorn sheep, pronghorn and buffalo. After your drive, stroll along the walking tour to view the antics of baby bears and smaller animals as they frolic outdoors. Along the way, be sure to say hello to the grizzly bear. Shop in rustic elegance in one of the biggest gift shops in the Black Hills, located in the park. After taking it all in, grab a meal at the Cub Grub Snack Shack and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the patio area surrounded by waterfalls.
As the excitement of your second day commences, cozy up at Happy Holiday RV Resort & Motel. The resort is billed as one of the highest rated parks in the Black Hills and has all the amenities travelers are looking for. RVs of all sizes, even the big rigs, are welcomed to hunker down at the full hookup sites. You can also stay in one of the comfortable cabins set under beautiful shade trees, or at the quiet motel with in-room kitchenettes. Relax in the heated pool, or challenge your friends to a game of basketball.
Day 3
Start your third day by traveling back in time, 90 million years ago, during your stop at the Dinosaur Museum. You will see some of the most life-life and detailed displays in the world, while enjoying a few bonus activities for a unique experience. The museum has 50+ life-size dinosaurs on display, as they appeared in the flesh many eons ago. They also have a few new exhibits, one of which features a dinosaur leg bone that you can touch! Be sure to go through the Mirror Maze and play a round of mini golf while you’re there, which are free with admission. Finally, relax and watch a film about dinosaurs in the movie theater. The entire museum is located in indoors, while the mini golf is located outside.
You won’t want to miss Reptile Gardens to experience the thrills and learn about reptiles – one of nature's beautiful but often-misunderstood creatures. This unique animal park is set in stunning botanical gardens planted each season with thousands of flowers.
Reptile Gardens’ Sky Dome houses the World’s Largest Reptile Collection according to Guinness Book of World Records. In the Safari Room watch for free-roaming bird and reptile friends while you explore South Dakota’s original indoor jungle filled with orchids, bromeliads, and tropical plants. Don’t forget to catch all three of the exciting wild animal shows. These fun and interactive presentations featuring snakes, gators and crocodiles, and birds will have you on the edge of your seat. Meet Maniac the Giant Saltwater Crocodile. At over 16 feet long and 1,350 pounds, he’s a sight to be seen! Slow down and mingle with the Aldabra Tortoises. Get up close and personal with these gentle giants. Swing by Prairie Dog Town and get down to their level in the underground bubble. You can’t help smiling as you watch these little furry creatures frolic and play. Take a break and refuel with delicious food from the Green Parrot Café. Try a buffalo burger, Black Mamba Shakes, Indian tacos, or funnel cake. Make sure you browse one of the biggest and most unique gift shops in the Black Hills before you leave. It has something for everyone from t-shirts and stuffed animals to rocks and minerals, jewelry and exotic tribal arts and crafts from New Guinea.
