Mt. Rushmore?

Huh--I'm of the opinion that Mt Rushmore is more of a drive-by, but I rather enjoyed my time at the Badlands and could easily spend more time there.

I guess all that shows is that tastes differ.

Mortimer Brewster wrote:
My recommendation would be to go straight to the Black Hills to camp. The RV parks are far superior in comparison to the Badlands. My favorite is the Rafter J Bar Ranch, but there are other good ones as well. You could still drive through and see the Badlands on the way. You could take a day trip to the Devil's Tower. It's only a little over 2 hours away from the Rushmore area. There are all kinds of things to do in the Black Hills. I could easily spend a week or more there.

x2. Badlands is an interesting drive through but no need for a night's stay. Same for Devil's Tower. Both are worth seeing but no need to spend much time at them. The Black Hills are wonderful and you can spend as much time as possible there.

Stay in Wall, the see Rock City of the West. Its worth it just to say you did. It is on the edge of the Badlands. The restaurant in the Badlands has lousy service but a great gift shop.

If you get there early enough you can take the tour down to the launch capsule for the old Minuteman 1 silos. You have to get there early because the tour fills up early.

My recommendation would be to go straight to the Black Hills to camp. The RV parks are far superior in comparison to the Badlands. My favorite is the Rafter J Bar Ranch, but there are other good ones as well. You could still drive through and see the Badlands on the way. You could take a day trip to the Devil's Tower. It's only a little over 2 hours away from the Rushmore area. There are all kinds of things to do in the Black Hills. I could easily spend a week or more there.

Personally, I would slow down on the Interstate to see Devils Tower and trade that time for either Cody or Rapid City. Probably Rapid City. You could spend a lot of time doing scenic drives around RC.

The Badlands is a very easy drive-through from one exit of the interstate to another. Unless you're into hiking there's no reason for two nights especially if you're eliminating something else for it. The same for Devil's Tower - just a drive to see it - unless you want to climb it.

Perhaps only one night in the Badlands, one at Rushmore, hit Devil's Tower and push on to Cody for a night instead of Buffalo. It would be a shame to drive through Cody and not get to stop at the Buffalo Bill Center.

I'll talk it over with my wife. Right now we're trying to fit in some places to stay and some miles to cover as we head toward Yellowstone. We have to work backward from our reservations there.

Plan was, Badlands 2 nights, hit Rushmore, Devils tower for 1 night, then somewhere near Buffalo for 1 night.

Yes they have parking, you really need to stay more than just a quick stop at Mt Rushmore, You should really see the lighting ceremony after dark it will guarantee you some goose bumps. There is a KOA just a couple of miles from there or a great campgrounds in Hill City, Rafter Bar J. Driving Needles Hiway is also a must, but not with a camper, tunnel restrictions. Please stop and stay a few days

If doing Mount Rushmore you need an overnighter.....

Reason:
Go during daytime THEN go back at night

Two completely different experiences.

Well worth an overnight stay!