Mt. Rushmore, Keystone & Hill City
Mount Rushmore
Completed in 1941, Mount Rushmore is one of the Nation’s top landmarks and along with the Statue of Liberty, one of America’s most inspiring symbols of democracy. A granite memorial commemorating four Presidents each five stories high. The three dimensional faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln appear fluid in the early morning or late afternoon light as they gaze across the Black Hills from their mountaintop home. The memorial which took 14 years to complete, was literally cut out of the Mountain by Gutzon Borglum and finished just before his death in 1941. A $56 Million dollar redevelopment of the site has just been completed and incorporates a new 2,000 seat amphitheater, new visitors center and gift shop and greatly enlarged car park. The new Presidential Trail, a concrete and plank walkway which takes visitors to the base of the monument should also be completed by summer, opening up an area never before accessible to the public.
KEYSTONE
The little town of Keystone lies at the foot of Mount Rushmore. An old reconstructed mining town, it now caters primarily to passing tourists with a plethora of unique gift shops and museums. Tour the nineteenth century style town or escape from the sun on an underground tour the Big Thunder Gold Mine and experience the Gold Rush of the 1880s.
Rushmore Borglum Story
One of Keystone's more interesting places to visit, is the Rushmore Borglum Story - a museum dedicated to the sculptor who created the now famous mountain.
Parade of the Presidents
This unique museum features incredibly realistic, life-size wax images of every President of the United States. Get the family photograph taken standing next to someone that'll impress the neighbors!
Rushmore Cave
Six miles east of Keystone lies Rushmore Cave complete with its ‘Big Room’ and enormously large collection of stalactites hanging from it’s ceilings.
Black Hills Central Railroad (1880 Train)
Hill City 1880 Train The Black Hills Central Railroad or '1880 Train ' as it’s know hereabouts, is a fully working steam hauled railway that travels the rails through the Black Hills, in much the same way as the early pioneers did 120 years ago. Antique steam locomotives and vintage railroad cars expertly restored and maintained, wind their way through the forested hills on a two hour leisurely journey between Keystone and Hill City. Board at either town but advance reservations are advisable in peak months. Also see the first steam locomotive in the Black Hills.
HILL CITY
On weekday evenings through the summer, Hill City’s Main Street turns into a venue of fun and entertainment. Don’t be surprised to witness the occasional gunfight as outlaws attempt to rob the bank. Full of unique shops and galleries, this little city has worlds of charm. Don't miss lunch or diner at the Alpine Inn. The best lunch variety and flavors in the Black Hills and the least expensive steak in the evening.
The Mickelson Trail
The Mickelson Trail is a 26 mile walkway and cycle-trail that follows the old railroad trackbed from the 1880 Train’s terminus in Hill City through the hills to Custer (15 Miles) and on to Pringle (a further 11 miles). Being an old railway, the gradients are gentle, making this a pleasant easy walk for those looking for an alternative to hill climbing.
Bear Country USA
Literally next to the Mystery Mountain Resort, you can go on a drive-through safari and see bear, elk, bighorns and other North American wildlife. A truly AWESOME adventure for all the family!
Reptile Gardens
Two miles or so down the road towards Rapid City finds you visiting the worlds largest collection of reptiles in a tropical dome filled with birds, and plants as well as reptiles of every kind. The pleasant gardens are also host to some spectacular orchids and tropical plants as well as Bald Eagles and other birds of prey along with a fine collection of snakes and alligators etc. Also part of the attraction is a birds of Prey show, alligator show, and a snake program.
Rushmore Waterslide Park
For those looking for a little more action, check out the Rushmore Waterslide Park three miles before Rapid City on Hwy. 16. High speed Bonzai chutes and 400 foot long twisters will have everyone sleeping well afterwards!
