Area Attractions
DAY TRIP EXCURSION OPTION A:
View all three via the incomparable Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road.
• Crazy Horse Memorial — A compelling tribute to the Greater Sioux Nation’s most revered leader, it is the world’s largest sculpture in progress and will stand an impressive 563 feet high and 641 feet long when complete. www.crazyhorsememorial.org
• Mount Rushmore National Memorial — Carved from a mountain of granite and standing proud since 1941. This internationally recognized “Shrine of Democracy” is located 17 miles from Rapid City. https://www.mtrushmorenationalmemorial.com/
• Custer State Park — Home to one of the largest free roaming buffalo herds; it’s so beautiful that the State Game Lodge served as the “summer White House” for President Calvin Coolidge in 1927. www.custerstatepark.com
DAY TRIP EXCURSION OPTION B:
• Devil’s Tower National Monument — For some, it’s a sacred place of worship. To others, it’s a geological wonder. No matter what it means to you, one visit tells you that Devils Tower National Monument is a beautiful sight to behold. Hiking trails available. https://www.nps.gov/deto/index.htm
• Spearfish – Limestone canyons, flowing waterfalls and pristine beauty surround Spearfish. The town is also uniquely positioned at the mouth of Spearfish Canyon. Flyfish, hike or bike Spearfish Canyon www.spfcanyon.com
• ATVers and Off-Roaders: find your trails by checking out this great website https://blackhillsatvdestinations.com/
• Hiking Trails:
- Centennial Trail — The perfect way to experience the Black Hills for an hour, a day or a week, it can be accessed from Sturgis RV Park. It begins at Bear Butte, travels through Fort Mead Recreation Area, Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park and ends at Wind Cave National Park.
- Mickelson Trail — This 109-mile hiking/bicycling trail runs from Deadwood at its northern end to Edgemont at its southern end. Fees applicable.
• Deadwood — Deadwood’s history is readily apparent in its lively downtown district and once home to Wild Bill Hickock, Calamity Jane, Seth Bullock and other icons of the Old West. Gambling was legalized in Deadwood in 1989. www.deadwood.com
• Badlands National Park — Located an hour east of Rapid City, this spectacular park is a naturalist’s dream, with its rugged beauty, expansive prairies, abundant wildlife, and rich fossil beds. www.nps.gov/badlands
