Planning our trip to Mt. Rushmore. We want to stay in or near Rapid City. Any good recommendations for places to stay? Thanks!

Stay off George Washington's shoulder like Cary Grant did.

Sounds like fun. Exploring America.

(01-18-2024, 07:20 PM)Replying to gulfportdawg

When are you going and how many people?

Is there an Indian Casino in the vicinity? They’ll give ya a nice room while scalping your wallet.

(01-19-2024, 09:09 AM)Replying to Rogasingingdawg

There is a casino in Deadwood. Not sure if it's owned by the natives or not.

It’s been a few years, 2018 I think,but we stayed at the Spring Hill Suites in Deadwood. It was brand new then and a nice place and we used points. 

We went in August (good escape from our humidity).  Weather was great with mid 70s and clear blue sky the day we went to Rushmore.  Be sure to go in the museum and watch the film on how it was made.  Also in same bldg there is a decent NPS cafeteria, I had the Bison chili, pert good!

About 2 mi from Rushmore is Sylvan lake where they filmed the last scenes of National Treasure 2, pretty place, in fact we found the Black Hills area very interesting and scenic.  Did the loop road in Custer State Park, lots of Buffalo and Prairie Dogs.

Enjoyed the Deadwood tour with guide and Mount Moriah cemetery, Wild Bill Hickock & Calamity Jane + others there.  Went to Wall Drug.

If time, recommend heading west on I-90 (posted speed limit is 80, semis passed us like we were standing still!) into Wyoming to Devils Tower.  Worth the trip.  There is a mile walking loop around DT where you can stretch your legs from the drive…if you do that, stop at the plaque overlooking the vast prairie and read the history of the Indians, Bison, cowboys, cattle…interesting if you are into American history.

(01-19-2024, 08:34 AM)Replying to mansfielddawg

When are you going and how many people?
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Mid to late May. Just wife and me.

(01-19-2024, 11:45 AM)Replying to gulfportdawg

When are you going and how many people?
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Mid to late May. Just wife and me.
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We are VRBOing it but we have five couples. I have been there before and was disappoint in Rushmore. Nice to see but.... Make sure you drive through Custer State Park!!! The fish hatchery in Spearfish is cool too. Do not go to the Cosmose or the Grizzly World (or whatever it's called). Deadwood and Sturgis are pretty cool too.

(01-19-2024, 01:54 PM)Replying to mansfielddawg

When are you going and how many people?
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Mid to late May. Just wife and me.
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We are VRBOing it but we have five couples. I have been there before and was disappoint in Rushmore. Nice to see but.... Make sure you drive through Custer State Park!!! The fish hatchery in Spearfish is cool too. Do not go to the Cosmose or the Grizzly World (or whatever it's called). Deadwood and Sturgis are pretty cool too.
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Thanks for the info! We're going to Grand Tetons Park after SD. Then south through Colorado on our way home. Probably 3 weeks total, maybe 4.

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(01-19-2024, 09:39 AM)Replying to E.CobbDawg

Thanks, good info. After SD, we're driving over to Grand Tetons Park for a few days. Then, south through Colorado on our way home. 3-4 weeks total. Not sure about that yet. Probably play/plan it as we go.

(01-18-2024, 07:20 PM)Replying to gulfportdawg

Crazy Horse memorial is great. Big carving in mountain, still in progress.

(01-19-2024, 03:00 PM)Replying to zdawg

Crazy Horse memorial is great. Big carving in mountain, still in progress.
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Yes

(01-19-2024, 03:00 PM)Replying to zdawg

Crazy Horse memorial is great. Big carving in mountain, still in progress.
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Thanks, it's on our to do list.