Forum Discussion
rolling_rhoda
Jan 04, 2013Explorer
Crazy Horse is not the best of the Black Hills for kids IMO. My kids favorites in the Keystone area were the cave tour at Rushmore Cave, the alpine slide both of which are near Mt. Rushmore. If you'll be a bit south of there in Hot Springs, the Mammoth Site is excellent for the family.
Badlands NP is two hours from Mt. Rushmore. It's stark and beautiful with scenic short hikes. A drive through takes about 90 minutes. However, the NP campground would be a good place to overnight and take in a ranger-led night sky program with the kiddos.
For family-oriented prairie pioneer history, DeSmet, SD is well worth leaving the interstate. If you are acquainted with the "Little House on the Prairie" TV show, it's based on books that Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote about her childhood. Five of the books are about her life in DeSmet. The Laura Ingalls Wilder home tours are led by good story-tellers. You'll find lots of hands-on activities and a campground at the Ingalls Homestead
Depending on your family's interests and time, you may have to make choices for this part of your trip.
Badlands NP is two hours from Mt. Rushmore. It's stark and beautiful with scenic short hikes. A drive through takes about 90 minutes. However, the NP campground would be a good place to overnight and take in a ranger-led night sky program with the kiddos.
For family-oriented prairie pioneer history, DeSmet, SD is well worth leaving the interstate. If you are acquainted with the "Little House on the Prairie" TV show, it's based on books that Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote about her childhood. Five of the books are about her life in DeSmet. The Laura Ingalls Wilder home tours are led by good story-tellers. You'll find lots of hands-on activities and a campground at the Ingalls Homestead
Depending on your family's interests and time, you may have to make choices for this part of your trip.
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