The Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota feature iconic attractions, including Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial
South Dakota, often called “the land of infinite variety,” offers stunning natural beauty and many attractions, making every corner of the state worth exploring. The Black Hills and Badlands, in particular, are home to a wealth of incredible attractions perfect for groups.
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Mount Rushmore National Memorial
No U.S. monument is more iconic than Mount Rushmore, where the colossal 60-foot faces of four legendary presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln—are carved into the granite cliffs of the Black Hills near Keystone, South Dakota. The memorial, which symbolizes the nation’s birth, growth, development, and preservation, was created between 1927 and 1941.
Open year-round, the site features a half-mile walking trail, a museum, a gift shop, and a dining area. From May to September, visitors can attend a nightly ceremony in the park’s outdoor amphitheater, which includes a video presentation, flag-raising, a salute to veterans, and the lighting of the memorial. Mount Rushmore is more than a tribute to the past—it represents a hopeful vision for the future.
Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota
Located in the heart of the Black Hills, the Crazy Horse Memorial honors Native Americans across North America. This monumental work in progress is set to become the world’s largest mountain carving, depicting the great Lakota warrior Crazy Horse. Once completed, it will span 641 feet in length and rise 563 feet in height. The memorial serves as a powerful symbol of reconciliation, unity, diversity, and respect, values deeply rooted in Native American culture.
Visitors can explore the Museums of Crazy Horse Memorial, which offer exhibits on Indigenous history and contemporary life. These include the Indian Museum of North America, the Native American Educational and Cultural Center, the Mountain Carving Gallery, and the Ziolkowski Family Life Collection. The Mountain Carving Gallery also provides updates on the next phase of the sculpture, which is currently focused on Crazy Horse’s left hand, forearm, right shoulder, and parts of the horse’s head and mane.
Custer State Park, SD
Custer State Park, located in southwestern South Dakota, is a treasure trove of natural wonders. With its breathtaking vistas of pine and spruce forests, meadows bordered by aspen and birch trees, and jagged granite mountains, the park is a true outdoor paradise. The Needles Highway, a scenic 14-mile route, offers some of the park’s most striking views, winding through the rocky terrain and part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. Other highlights include Sylvan Lake, a popular spot for both scenic photos and weddings; Cathedral Spires Trail, a 1.6-mile hike offering stunning views; the iconic Needle’s Eye rock formation, a favorite of experienced climbers; and the Needle’s Eye Tunnel, a unique granite arch.
For those who want to extend their adventure, the historic Sylvan Lake Lodge provides comfortable accommodations with a magnificent double-peaked wooden ceiling, a stone fireplace, and stunning views of the park.
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Submit the Form Below For More Info From
Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association
- Contact – Michelle Thomson
- Phone – (605) 355-3600
- Email – michelle@blackhillsbadlands.com
- Website
