Black Hills, Mt Rushmore area attractions

[G7ARYM]

25 years ago we stopped for a night with the kids to see the evening program at Mt Rushmore and left the next day. This year my wife and I will camp in Hill City with a car in tow in early May for a couple of days on our way east. I have two questions you can help me with. My wife does not think there is much to see and do in the Black Hills which is probably is not true. Also she insists on bringing an 80 lb. dog along which restricts what we can do. Please, any suggestions for attractions and activities would be appreciated. Thanks.

[TragedyTrousers]

https://www.nps.gov/mimi/index.htm
Minuteman Missile Launch Facility
Thought this place was really cool and very Interesting. You have to get their early for their tour.

[WhitehouseLV]

rent a SxS/UTV and explore the Black Hills that way. You can rent a RZR4 and the dog can ride in the back seat. Rent a boat and go boating and fishing on Pactola Lake. Its a great way to experience the Black Hills.

[drittal]

1880's train

[dewey02]

There are a couple of primitive roads in Custer State Park that head south into Wind Cave NP. We took a few, drove for a few miles and saw great herds of bison...and we were the ONLY ones there. The viewing experience was much different than seeing them along a paved road with lots of cars and people all clustered together. It was just us and them. Sometimes very close, sometimes running along on a hillside farther away.

[23hotrodr]

We were there last fall. Just to add a couple places-- The museum at the Air Force Base was fantastic. Also Spearfish canyon-- great drive!

If you are east of there-- The Pioneer Auto Show in Murdo was well worth the time and money. Tons of stuff to browse there. We spent a week and will go back again sometime.

[G7ARYM]

Thanks for the help. We should be able to fill two days there. All for now. By the way, the assumption that the dog is ever left alone to bother others is incorrect.

[Uma___Papa]

We were out there last summer, what everyone has said will keep you busy. We had a great time. Sorry but I'd leave the dog home with someone who could tend to it properly. I think it's mean to leave a dog in the RV while it barks and cries while you are site seeing besides its disturbing the RV neighbors.

[Thom02099]

All wonderful suggestions above for things to do/places to see in the Black Hills. The biggest problem you'll have will be with your fur friend and how to keep him/her entertained.


H E R E is a link to pet boarding/sitting in the Black Hills area. And H E R E is a link to pet friendly (and some not so much) locations in the Black Hills.

[rbtglove]

Lived in Rapid City for 4 years and really always found things to see and do. Sadly we liked Deadwood before gambling but after going back several times since it really has become very touristy and lost a lot of its charm. We still like wall drug touristy but it still one of a kind place. Be aware can't take your dog into Mt Rushmore at all. Can into Crazy Horse but only to the open deck area in the visitor center. There are plenty of other things to see within the Park and within easy drives. Gets pretty crowded avoid the bike rally just a total parking lot.

[Alabama_Jim]

It looks like all the advice listed is great. I will only add that I especially like Custer State Park. A slow drive to see bison and beautiful birds. When you get to the burros it is fine to feed them. They are like big pets that will eat out of your hand. The mammoth site is great, it is the best in the world and is studied by all leading paleontologist.

Have lots of safe fun and enjoy.

[southernsky]

http://mountrushmoretours.com/
We did this when we were there. I thought it was pretty good.

[dieseltruckdriv]

Wind Cave NP is a very overlooked attraction. There is so much more there than a cave. The wildlife viewing is better than the wildlife loop in Custer state park.

The mammoth site is also a must see if you enjoy that stuff.

Also, it isn't Reeds gold mine, it is in Lead, the Homestake gold mine. We live there, and has a great visitor center.

We have only been here 20 years, so I don't know if there is much to see or do, we are still looking and seeing stuff. GBG.

[RGar974417]

The Cosmos.Bear Country USA if they are still there. Badlands,Wall Drug.

[dewey02]

Circle B Chuckwagon and Dinner show.Link
This was the best evening of entertainment we've had.
Run by a family, all the family sings and entertains. Food was good, atmosphere and performance was GREAT.