South Dakota Mount Rushmore
The sculpture is as breathtaking as you’d expect, but the surrounding park is worthwhile as well
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, located 23 miles southwest of Rapid City, is something you don't want to miss. It's the greatest FREE Attraction in the US!
"Until the wind and the rain alone shall wear them away." Those are the famous words Sculptor Gutzon Borglum used to describe the length of time his most famous work, Mt. Rushmore, will endure.
The mountain itself was originally named after Charles E. Rushmore, a New York lawyer investigating mining claims in the Black Hills in 1885. Gutzon Borglum chose this mountain due to its height (5700' above sea level), the soft grainy consistency of the granite, and the fact that it catches the sun for the greatest part of the day. The presidents were selected on the basis of what each symbolized. George Washington represents the struggle for independence, Thomas Jefferson the idea of government by the people. Abraham Lincoln for his ideas on equality and the permanent union of the states, and Theodore Roosevelt for the 20th century role of the United States in world affairs. The carving of Mt. Rushmore actually began on August 10, 1927, and spanned a length of 14 years. Only about six and a half years were spent actually carving the mountain, with the rest of the time being spent on weather delays and Borglum's greatest enemy - the lack of funding. The total cost of the project was $900,000. Work continued on the project until the death of Gutzon Borglum in 1941. No carving has been done on the mountain since that time and none is planned in the future.
The granite faces of four American presidents' is scaled to men who would stand 465 feet tall! President Calvin Coolidge believed Mount Rushmore was "decidedly American in its conception, magnitude and meaning. It is altogether worthy of our country," Coolidge proclaimed at the dedication of the project in 1927.
The most spectacular program at Mount Rushmore is the evening lighting ceremony held in the new amphitheater, 9:00 PM sharp. A must see when you are touring the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.
A $56 million redevelopment was completed in 1998 with the addition of a new parking structure, amphitheater, museum/theater complex, Visitor Orientation Center, Presidential Trail, gift shop, bookstore, and dining facilities. To complete your Rushmore experience, view the evening lighting ceremony. The National Park Service sponsors a special program Memorial Day through Labor Day. It consists of a 10-minute talk followed by a 20-minute film. The highlight of the evening is the slow exposure of light to the monument until it is fully illuminated. It's a good idea to go early and bring a jacket. Program times are as follows: 9:00-9:30 P.M. lighting ceremony, 9:30-10:30 P.M. illumination. For these traveling in the off season, the faces are illuminated nightly. There are few people who are not subdued by the moments as they gaze upon the beauty of Mt. Rushmore. Just as the monument challenged its creator, so should its splendor challenge its viewer.
Black Hills Lodging & Camping
After a day of activity, you can rest assured you’ll find comfortable and affordable lodging through BlackHillsVacations.com. Choose your level of comfort, ranging from campgrounds to cozy B&Bs, and we’ll reserve your stay. We have rooms listed in most area communities, so your experience has all the charm of the Black Hills of South Dakota with all the comforts of home.
Bed & Breakfasts
Find a homey feel – and home-cooked meal - at a Black Hills B&B. From restored Victorians to beautiful new log homes, the Black Hills area Bed & Breakfasts offer a wide range of amenities and plenty of character.
Emerald Pines B&B
A beautiful new log home with jacuzzi tub in the rooms. A place where you can truly relax, enjoy the fresh air and wildlife. We offer a very secluded atmosphere.
Black Hills Hideaway B&B
Located on 67 acres in the heart of the Black Hills, just off hwy 385 seven miles south of Deadwood, 1 mile off Hwy 385. The Black Hill Hideaway is a traditional B&B in a peaceful setting,
Strawberry B&B
A unique deck connects four spacious cabins nestled in the pines and eight beautiful acres on top of Strawberry Hill 3 Miles South of Deadwood on Highway 385.
Cabins
Black Hills cabins are a great option for visitors seeking relaxation and seclusion. Cabin options range from one-room rustic to larger and lakefront (great for family stays!).
Crooked Creek Resort
This quiet clean Resort is the perfect location for your family vacation. Affordable, fun and only minutes to Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse and the 1880 Train.
Berry Patch Cabin
A rustic two bedroom cabin with queen beds, private bath and deck, living area with a single sleeper sofa, and kitchen.
Spearfish Canyon Lodge
Spearfish Canyon Lodge is a luxury lodge that reflects the beauty and serenity of its surroundings. Located in Spearfish Canyon, this lodge offers year- round sport and nature activities or an escape
Hotels / Motels
From economical family lodging to luxurious lodges, the Black Hills of South Dakota has the hotels and motels to fit any traveler’s amenities checklist.
Spearfish Canyon Lodge
Spearfish Canyon Lodge is a luxury lodge that reflects the beauty and serenity of its surroundings. Located in Spearfish Canyon, this lodge offers year- round sport and nature activities or an escape
Best Western Golden Spike Inn
The Best Western Golden Spike Inn, Hill City, is located in the "Heart" of the Black Hills National Forest and is only minutes to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park
Rodeway Inn and Suites-Spearfish
The Rodeway Inn and Suites, located at exit 14 on I-90, is your headquarters for every season and reason. Offering a continental breakfast, indoor pool and indoor hot tub.
Camping & Campgrounds /RV Parks
Rated as some of the cleanest, best-developed camping territory in the country, the Black Hills of South Dakota offers hundreds of campsites in a variety of settings. State-of-the-art RV campgrounds are perfect for a luxury stay, while basic and beautiful streamside spots are perfect for tent campers wanting to experience the Black Hills of South Dakota outdoor living at its best.
Crooked Creek Resort
This quiet clean Resort is the perfect location for your family vacation. Affordable, fun and only minutes to Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse and the 1880 Train.
Flintstones Bedrock Campground
30 Acre campground with 125 sites, 52 pull through hookups, 23 electric, 50 tent sites and camping cabins. Outdoor heated pool, free mini golf, basketball, volleyball, playground
Hill City Mount Rushmore KOA
Every amenity in the heart of the Black Hills Forest between Rushmore and Crazy Horse. Horses, two pools and spas, movies, hay rides, nightly entertainment, children's activities
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is America’s premier motorcycle event. Hundreds of thousands of classic and modern bike owners cruise into Sturgis every August for a ride they’ll never forget.
Hotels and housing rentals are available for lodging, but many attendees also camp.
The Trails Side
Centrally located in Hill City (Heart of the Hills) on the Mickelson Trail and Newton Creek. Walking distance to galleries, restaurants, pubs, unique shopping and so much more that Hill City
Baxter/Pratt Home
Three Bedroom, 2 bathroom home with 3 car garage, deck, patio, grill, view of the Black Hills. Only about 15 minutes from Sturgis, 20 minutes from Deadwood, and 5 minutes to Spearfish Canyon.
Tribby Home
Lovely brick and steel siding home on a hill on the North end junction in Sturgis. Only two blocks from Lazelle Street and three blocks from Main Street.
Vacation Homes
Black Hills Vacations can help you book the perfect vacation home, even for larger groups and longer stays. Choose from a collection of some of the most beautiful and luxurious vacation homes in the Black Hills of South Dakota for your home away from home.
Sunny Knoll Cabin
Two (2) bedroom log cabin has an all new living room with stone fireplace and fully furnished kitchen. Bathroom has a claw foot tub/shower combination
Deadwood Main Street Inn
Deadwood Main Street Inn is located in the Historical Main Street district of beautiful Deadwood, SD just a quiet 5 minute walk from its famous gaming complexes, museums, and shopping.
Madsen Log Vacation Home Rental
A minimum 3 Night Stay is required. Fully furnished, three level log home with fully equipped kitchen. Easy access to the Mickelson Trail for snowmobiling, x-country skiing and bike riding;
