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Me and my soon-to-be-new-husband will be roadtripping in late August, and we'll be stopping by the black hills area.
We are not sure if we should spend one or two whole days in black hills (we'll be arriving in late afternoon one day and leaving early morning the day)?
Pretty much the stuff we want to do are:
Mount Rushmore
Custer state park
Some gold mine place (which one?)
Some cave (I'm thinking Jewel Cave)
And do you think the following are worth it?
storybook island
dinosaur park
journey museum
museum of woodcarving
thunderhead falls
reptile gardens
bear country usa
cosmos
four mile ghost town
crazy horse memorial
We haven't booked our accomodation yet, but probably will be in Custer or Hill City
Wow, your list was like a trip down memory lane. We visited a number of those places when I was all of 9 years old back in 1962.
Can't really comment on most of them since I haven't been back since, but I still vividly remember Mt. Rushmore and have since read several books on how they actually made it. Fascinating!! When you drive to Mt. Rushmore the tunnels that were built frame Mt. Rushmore as you come through them. This was done on purpose and as a 9 year old didn't realize that until I happened to read one of the books.
Looking at all you wish to see, i would recommend two days. mt rushmore is impressive but crazy horse memorial is worth a visit, the best scenery in that part of the world is in the black hills paha sapa i think it is called in lakota language
rapid city and the environs during summer months are very touristy and in a way Nashville is touristy, it attracts a specific kind of peoplem since most of the attractions are geared towards the adults. two days would be enjoyable. i have been several times to the area to be with the Indians of that regionm stayed at a lovely old hotel in rapid city. also a short drive away in the devils tower which was impressive
i am sure you would cover the area of prehistoric hills on your way over there, which is also quite close to rapid city
Looking at what you want to do - I would recommend a week. :)
Those are not fast roads to travel on, they are narrow and curvy. You are also running into Sturgis in August, so be sure you have accommodations, it is difficult to get them if you are there at the same time. People book a year in advance sometimes.
Bear Country is a must. I love to go in and drive through the bears and other animals. They are so funny to watch!
Crazy Horse can be seen from afar. And yes they are still working on it.
Reptile Gardens needs updating.
I am sure I have been through Jewel Cave, but I think it was when I was about 14. :) The cave I do remember is the one in Leads. It was fun and they did mine it. Learned about how to spot lead rock, which is where the name of the town is from.
Deadwood is an interesting spot. They do re-enactments of the death of Wild Bill Hickcock at the saloon he died in. Then there is a trial of the man who shot him in another place, but don't recall the name. Lots of old west history there. Good wax museum on the history of the town and it is a good way to cool off on a hot afternoon there.
