Ingalls Homestead and Mount Rushmore

You could try Horse Thief Lake campground about 2 miles from Rushmore. Federal campground. However , no electric or water hookups. Very close, nice sites, cheap.

Hondavalk wrote:
Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, and the Bad Lands

X2 The kids will like the Bison at Custer State Park

DW and I visited the Ingalls Homestead back in 2005 on the way home from Yellowstone. DW had been reading Laura's book about the DeSmet area aloud as we were driving. Visiting the actual place really brought the book to life. In addition to the homestead, the Surveyor's house is still in town.

We also visited the cemetery. In addition to headstones for Ingalls family members, we found headstones for their neighbors, the Boasts.

One day there should be plenty of time to see everything.

If you are going to spend that much time in SD, there are some other places that you should consider.

The hill to the Wilder place should be no concern. We did not stay there. I thought about putting on water, but the next OMP was a Cabelas. Suggestion - Get there late in the day and spend the night and hit it first in the next morning so the girls have all day.

There is a historical museum in De Smet that offers a walking tour, it was not open when we were there in September. The Wilder place is good and there is a lot for the girls to soak up.

On the Way..
There is a butterfly house in Sioux Falls. Watch the hours on that one as the published were wrong.
In Mitchell there are two stops. One is an archaeological dig just north of town. It and the connected museum are very interesting. The other is the Corn Palace. That is fun for the art work done in corn, but it really is good because it is just off I-90.

Don't miss the walk around Devil's Tower. It is only a little over a mile. Seeing Mt. Rushmore is good but only just worth the parking cost. Wall Drug is just a tourist trap with cheap coffee.

Your girls will have a time to remember.

Matt

Thanks All!!! That was a quick answer. YC1 if you got a 40 footer in we should be fine. We have a 33 foot TT. The cemetery is a neat tidbit. We will definitely visit there. My wife is a huge fan of the show and books. the kids are just getting into the books right now so this should be a great stop for a few days.

Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, and the Bad Lands

Yes, we stayed at their campground. Water and electric only. As you mentioned, about 4-6 spaces only. We have a 40 footer and did not have any issues. The view is wonderful and you can imagine watching the kids tumble down the rolling hills. Their home in town is worth seeing. Friendly folks. In the evening we were the only ones there for a couple of nights. Hard to imagine the severe weather they suffered through. We are native Kaliforninans so have to go to the Sierras to see snow. Do take their little tour if possible. If you are a Little House fan this is a must see. Don't forget to visit the cemetery just about 2 miles away as well.

craigecarey wrote:
We are planning a family trip out to Mount Rushmore, and possibly Yellowstone. I was wondering if anyone has stayed at the ingalls homestead in Desmet SD? The place sounds like a great place to visit, but I can't find any pictures or details of the camp site. It sounds like there are 6 sites and you have to drive up a steep hill. I am just not sure what that really translates to without a picture or two. Also does anyone have any other ideas on things to see either in DeSmet or near Mt Rushmore? We have two young girls (9 and 5) so are really focusing on the quality family time

There's a LOT to see and do in the area, particularly with some kiddos! Lots of family attractions to see, things to do.

Here's a good website, one that I've used in the past for getting information on the area. Custer/Hill City is a great base area, so much to see and do in that area of the Black Hills.

Custer/Hill City/Black Hills area

I remember reading this article last year. Not sure if it will answer all your questions but may help:

MotorHome Magazine travel feature, Little RV on the Prairie