Black HIlls family itinerary

We have 2 kids age 12 and 14...and 3 days...to tour the Black HIlls area...oh and a dog!

We are staying near Hill City, and of course we want to hit Mt Rushmore, Custer State Park, one of the Caves, and the Badlands. Any other must sees? what are some suggested itineraries? Thanks!

Black HIlls family itinerary

The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs would be a good stop with kids that age. It%26#39;s a work in progress, so they could see where some of the animals were found.

Black HIlls family itinerary

The Mammoth Site is nice, and if you go there, you might want to incorporate a trip to the Wild Horse Sanctuary which is nearby. It%26#39;s a pricey tour, but if you enjoy mustangs, it will be worthwhile for you. I would also include Crazy Horse Monument.I think if I had my choice between the Hot Springs attractions (horses and mammoth site) %26amp; Crazy Horse, I would go with Crazy Horse. It has a fascintating story behind it. You could see Crazy Horse and one of the caves easily in a day. If I had to choose between Wind %26amp; Jewel, I%26#39;d pick Jewel for its lovely, diversified formations.

There%26#39;s also an alpine slide in Keystone near Mt. Rushmore, and there%26#39;s places to pan for gold. Going out to the Badlands will take most of a day, but you could do something in the evening, such as the lighting ceremony at Rushmore. I would also recommend taking a ride out to Devil%26#39; s Tower. This would also be close to a day trip if you are going from Hill City. You could take the opportunity to drive the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway either coming or going out to the tower. It%26#39;s a nice drive that provides opportunities to get out of the car to see some waterfalls.

Have fun planning, and please feel free to ask other questions.

So for one day, Mt Rushmore and Custer State Park?

one day Badlands and Wall Drug?

Could we fit Crazy horse MEmorial to Mt Rushmore Day?

or would you suggest Crazy Horse and Jewel Cave for day 3?

Thanks!

I would definitely allot a day for seeing the Badlands and Wall Drug. What you could do is include a trip to the lighting ceremony at Rushmore that night, and then you could return the next morning to walk the presidential trail and spend time at the visitor%26#39;s center. You could wrap this up by lunchtime. If you wanted, you can spend the afternoon in Custer SP driving Iron Mountain Road and the Needles Hwy, eventually looping back to Hill City. Don%26#39;t miss Sylvan Lake on the way back. You may or may not have time for the wildlife loop, depending on how things go. If you do have time, I strongly recommend it.

The next day, you could then see Crazy Horse and Jewel Cave. Crazy Horse, along with the museum, can be seen in a 1/2 day, and the tours at Jewel Cave are 2 hours. If you are going in peak season, I%26#39;d strongly recommend advance reservations. The tours sell out quickly. We had to wait about 2.5 hours for a tour, and with little to do on the surface, it can be a real time waster if you are on tight schedule.

You could also change it up and include Crazy Horse the afternoon you see Mt Rushmore. Then Day 3 could include seeing Jewel 1st thing, followed by heading east towards the Wildlife Loop at Custer SP, and then hitting Iron Mt. Rd to Rt. 753 past the Black Hills Playhouse. You can then pick up the Needles Hwy to Sylvan Lake and eventually head back to Hill City. This could be quite a long day, but do-able if you aren%26#39;t planning on a lot of hiking and time out of the car.

Hope this helps. If you haven%26#39;t already done so, be sure to order a travel guide from travelsd.com. There%26#39;s some really helpful maps there, along with a complete attraction listing.

Hey, it looks like we will have another day...so Deadwood? ideas?

With a 4th day, there%26#39;s no question on what I%26#39;d do. Take the drive out to Devil%26#39;s Tower. If you get an early start, you could make it to the tower by around 10 or 11. It will take about 2.5 hours from Hill City. On the way back to Hill City, you can drive the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway and the wind your way over into Deadwood if you choose. Tough to say if you would have much to spend in Deadwood. It depends on how much you spend at Devils Tower or checking out the waterfalls in Spearfish Canyon. I really enjoyed the Adams House in Deadwood..very interesting attraction with very good tour guides. You also have Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane%26#39;s graves. Deadwood also has ';shoot-outs'; that kids might enjoy. There%26#39;s also a place called Gulches of Fun there where you can ride go-Karts and bumper boats. The teens would probably enjoy it.

If you have more questions, please don%26#39;t hesitate to ask. We%26#39;d love to hear a trip report when you return.

When are you going? We went about the 3rd week in June and the lilacs were absolutely stunning!!! They are everywhere and huge!(can you tell they are my favorite flower?) The wildlife loop is really cool,and so is the Needles hwy. Oh yeah, the lighting ceremony at Mt. Rushmore is great, too. And the drive to Devil%26#39;s tower is well worth the time. Have a great trip!!!

thanks all! I really appreciate the feedback. We will be there a little';off-season';the beginning of April...will make sure to let you know about the trip.

All of the suggestions above should make for a great vacation for you and your family. Don%26#39;t forget to slow down and enjoy the scenery during your stay with us :)

Kirk

SD Office of Tourism

makeup hair