Must-See Attractions Near Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore might be the star of South Dakota’s Black Hills — and as someone who’s visited multiple times, I totally get why people make a beeline straight for those famous faces. But while watching the sunrise hit Washington’s nose is cool, sticking only to the main monument means missing out on so many hidden gems scattered throughout the region.

The Black Hills area actually spans over 5 million acres of pine forests, rugged peaks, and winding roads where bison still roam freely, plus small towns that feel frozen in time. There’s way more to explore here than just the main attraction, from underground cave systems to scenic railways. I’ve spent weeks discovering what makes this corner of South Dakota special, and I’m excited to share my favorite things to do around Mount Rushmore.

Custer State Park, South Dakota

Just 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore lies Custer State Park, a 71,000-acre paradise that draws visitors for its roaming buffalo herds and scenic drives. The park serves as both a wildlife sanctuary and an outdoor playground, with granite spires and rolling hills that provide excellent spots for rock climbing and hiking. Along the famous Wildlife Loop Road, you’re likely to encounter not just buffalo, but also wild burros, pronghorn, and elk wandering freely through the grasslands. While many people come for the wildlife viewing, the park offers year-round activities including fishing in mountain lakes, exploring historic lodges, and camping beneath the stars of the Black Hills night sky.

Jewel Cave National Monument

Just 30 minutes west of Mount Rushmore lies the hidden underground world of Jewel Cave National Monument. First discovered by prospectors in 1900, this intricate network of passages is now recognized as the third-longest cave system in the world, with over 200 miles of mapped tunnels. The cave’s interior features a maze of calcite crystals, flowstones, and unique formations that glitter like gems when illuminated – hence its fitting name. Guided tours take visitors through sections of this subterranean wonderland, where everything from tiny crystal needles to massive rock chambers tells the story of millions of years of geological history. The surface area above the cave system offers hiking trails through ponderosa pine forest, making it possible to experience both the Black Hills’ underground and above-ground beauty in one visit.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Witness Native American history come to life at the Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest mountain carving in progress. This massive sculpture honors the legendary Lakota leader and celebrates the rich heritage of North American Indians. You can explore the Indian Museum of North America, watch skilled artists at work in the Native American Cultural Center, or time your visit for the spectacular nighttime laser light show. For an up-close look at the carving process, take the special bus tour to the base of the mountain, where you’ll get a deeper appreciation for the scale of this decades-long project.

Black Hills National Forest

Many visitors come to Black Hills National Forest for its pine-covered peaks and rocky outcrops, but the area offers much more than just mountain scenery. The forest spans over a million acres across South Dakota and Wyoming, providing endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, from hiking and rock climbing to wildlife watching. While Mount Rushmore draws crowds year-round, the surrounding forest trails, pristine lakes, and hidden caves give travelers plenty of reasons to extend their stay. Whether you’re camping under starlit skies, fishing in mountain streams, or exploring old gold mining towns, Black Hills National Forest delivers adventure in every season.

Badlands National Park

If you want to see one of America’s most remarkable landscapes, head to Badlands National Park. Located about an hour east of Mount Rushmore, this sprawling park spans 244,000 acres of otherworldly rock formations, fossil beds, and mixed-grass prairie where bison and bighorn sheep roam freely.

Deadwood Historic District

If you’re a fan of the Wild West, you’ve got to make time for the Deadwood Historic District. Located in the heart of the Black Hills, this former gold rush town brings the frontier days back to life with its preserved 19th-century architecture, historic saloons, and gaming halls. Walk the same streets where legends like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane once roamed, and experience how this lawless mining camp transformed into one of America’s most famous frontier towns.

Iron Mountain Road

Iron Mountain Road is one of those classic Black Hills drives I recommend to anyone visiting Mount Rushmore. Winding through Custer State Park, this 17-mile stretch features three spiral “pigtail” bridges, three rock tunnels, and multiple spots where you can see Mount Rushmore perfectly framed through the rocky openings. As you navigate the road’s 314 curves, you’ll pass through pine forests and open meadows where buffalo often graze nearby.

Rushmore Cave

When it comes to exploring the Black Hills, Rushmore Cave offers one of the most fascinating underground experiences you can find. This natural limestone cave system stretches deep beneath the earth’s surface, with narrow passageways and open chambers that have been forming for millions of years. While many visitors focus solely on Mount Rushmore above ground, venturing down into these caverns gives you a completely different perspective on the region’s geology. The guided tours take you through well-lit pathways where you can see unique rock formations, and if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s even a zipline course and other attractions above ground. It’s a bit chilly down there – the cave maintains a constant 58 degrees – but that’s part of what makes it such a welcome escape during those hot South Dakota summer days.

Sylvan Lake

Just 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore lies the pristine Sylvan Lake, often called the “crown jewel” of Custer State Park. Unlike the rushing streams and rugged peaks that dominate the Black Hills, this lake offers a peaceful escape where granite outcrops meet calm waters. The lake’s history dates back to 1881 when it was created by damming Sunday Gulch Creek, and since then, it’s become a natural playground for both locals and visitors. You’ll spot kayakers gliding across the surface, hikers circling the shore on the mile-long loop trail, and rock climbers scaling the surrounding spires. During summer evenings, the lake’s surface reflects the sunset like a mirror, making it easy to understand why this spot has been featured in several Hollywood films, including “National Treasure: Book of Secrets.”

Bear Country USA

Looking for a unique way to see Black Hills wildlife? Bear Country USA offers a drive-through experience where you can spot bears, wolves, elk, and mountain lions from the safety of your car. Located just 8 miles south of Rapid City, this 250-acre park lets you cruise past native animals in their natural habitat. The park’s “Babyland” section gives you a chance to see adorable bear cubs and other young animals up close.

1880 Train

Have you ever ridden on a real vintage steam train? It’s a regular occurrence in the Black Hills, where the 1880 Train chugs along between Hill City and Keystone just like it did in the Old West. This historic narrow-gauge railroad takes you on a two-hour journey through the heart of South Dakota’s pine-covered hills, following the same route miners and settlers used during the gold rush era. You can watch the steam locomotive puff clouds of smoke while winding past old mining camps, creeks, and rocky outcrops, all while guides share tales of the region’s rich history. During summer, they even offer special tours where you might catch sight of local wildlife or enjoy dinner aboard restored vintage cars.

The Mammoth Site

Step back in time at The Mammoth Site, where you can explore the world’s largest concentration of mammoth fossils. This active paleontological dig site houses over 60 Columbian and woolly mammoths that were trapped in a natural sinkhole thousands of years ago. Take a guided tour to watch scientists at work, or join a simulated dig to try your hand at uncovering prehistoric bones. The climate-controlled facility makes this an ideal year-round activity, and the on-site education center offers fascinating exhibits about Ice Age animals and their environment.

Needles Highway

The Needles Highway was my first introduction to the Black Hills back in 2006. One of the most remarkable drives in South Dakota, this 14-mile stretch winds through towering granite spires that pierce the sky like ancient stone needles. The road twists past dense pine forests and meadows, leading travelers through narrow tunnels carved right into the rock faces. Small turnouts dot the highway, offering spots to pull over and watch mountain goats navigate the craggy peaks. The Iron Creek tunnel is particularly memorable – its tight passage forces drivers to slow down and appreciate the impressive engineering feat that made this scenic byway possible.

Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway

Want to see the Black Hills from a whole new angle? The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway winds through 70 miles of South Dakota’s most impressive landscapes, where granite peaks rise above dense pine forests. This road trip takes you through narrow tunnels carved right into the mountain and over wooden “pigtail” bridges that spiral through the air. Named after a former South Dakota governor who literally laid out the route by horseback, this drive puts you up close with Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. You can pull over at dozens of lookouts to spot mountain goats scaling the cliffs or watch the sunrise paint the valleys in soft morning light. Pack a picnic – there are plenty of spots to spread out a blanket among the towering ponderosa pines.

Reptile Gardens

Step into a world of scales and wonder at Reptile Gardens, the largest reptile zoo in the world. This family-friendly attraction houses an impressive collection of snakes, alligators, and rare reptiles from across the globe, all waiting to meet curious visitors. Watch expert handlers showcase these fascinating creatures during daily demonstrations, or wander through the Sky Dome, where tropical birds and plants create a lush escape from the South Dakota landscape. For a memorable photo opportunity, stop by the giant tortoise habitat, where you can get up close with these gentle giants who love meeting new friends.

Devils Tower National Monument

Many travelers venture to Devils Tower National Monument for its famous rock formation, but this sacred site offers much more than just a peculiar landscape. The 867-foot tower, formed by ancient volcanic activity, stands as America’s first national monument and continues to draw both rock climbers and casual visitors alike. While climbers tackle its vertical columns, the surrounding prairie and pine forests provide excellent opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting. You can follow the Tower Trail for a complete circuit around the base, join a ranger-led program to learn about Native American traditions, or simply find a quiet spot for stargazing, but you’ll find plenty of ways to experience this geological wonder throughout the year.

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

History buffs shouldn’t miss the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site when visiting Mount Rushmore. Located about an hour east of the monument, this preserved Cold War facility gives you an up-close look at a deactivated nuclear missile silo and its original launch control center. You can tour Delta-01 and Delta-09, two sites that were once part of America’s nuclear defense system during the arms race with the Soviet Union.

Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary

A short drive south of Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary offers visitors a chance to witness hundreds of wild horses roaming freely across 11,000 acres of prairie land. This unique sanctuary provides a home for formerly neglected horses and preserves Native American cultural sites that dot the landscape. Visitors can take guided tours to see the horses in their natural habitat, learn about their rescue stories, and discover ancient petroglyphs carved into canyon walls. While most people come for the horses, the sanctuary also houses native wildlife like antelope and prairie dogs, making it an ideal stop for nature photographers and animal lovers alike.