When planning your vacation to Mount Rushmore, getting caught up in the excitement of seeing the iconic monument is easy. But there’s so much more to explore in the Black Hills region that you won’t want to miss out on! To make the most of your trip, we suggest vacation packages that include tours of the surrounding areas.
During your visit, there are several regions to consider. We’ll divide them to easily understand. First, there is the Central Black Hills. This area takes an entire day to explore. It includes the best-known sites in the Black Hills. Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Crazy Horse Memorial are the main attractions. In addition, spectacular roads like Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, and Wildlife Loop Road connect these iconic places.
The second area is the Northern Black Hills. Country roads wind their way through this area, best known for the discovery of gold in 1876. The towns of Deadwood, Lead, Nemo, and Belle Fourche are situated here. Further north are the Bear Lodge Mountains that extend into Wyoming. You’ll find America’s first National Monument, Devils Tower, aka Grey Horn Butte, in this region.
Often overlooked, this area has all kinds of surprises that only a guide can reveal. Spearfish Canyon, Cheyenne Crossing, the old sawmill town of Nemo, just to name a few.
The Southern Black Hills is the ultimate destination for all your travel aspirations. Here, you’ll find Hot Springs, Cascade Falls, Wind Cave National Park, Fairburn Agate Beds, and The Mammoth Site.
Add these incredible destinations to your travel itinerary when visiting South Dakota.
The Black Hills of South Dakota are renowned for their stunning views, and there’s no better way to take them in than from the top. From Mt Rushmore to Crazy Horse memorial, these higher perspective points provide some of the best panoramas you’ll find anywhere.
The Lakota, also known as the Sioux, is a Native American tribe historically located in the Great Plains region of North America. The Lakota are well-known for their fierce independence and warrior culture, embodied by some famous leaders such as Red Cloud and Crazy Horse.
Custer State Park is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in America. From rolling prairies, rocky cliffs, and lush forests surrounding glistening lakes and crystal clear streams, this park provides a unique landscape for exploration.
Mount Rushmore is the number one attraction to South Dakota. The mountain depicts four American Presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Although it isn’t the largest rock sculpture in the world, each face is 60-foot tall. The mouths are 18-feet wide and eyes 11-feet.
Chief Crazy Horse is a legendary figure among the Oglala Lakota, celebrated for his unique skills, courage, and humility. The monument is truly awe-inspiring, and the monumental task of carving his face is complete. Crazy Horse valiantly fought to preserve the Lakota Way of Life.
So much amazing wildlife in the Black Hills. On the Wildlife Loop in Custer you may have to look hard some days, but it’s almost guaranteed to spot on of these amazing creatures. We’re so lucky here in the Black Hills to have a variety of wildlife that can be seen on any given day!
Iron Mountain Road is a Black Hills classic. Designed by Peter Norbeck, this road has twists and turns, quite literally. It’s fun to drive and a great way to experience the Central Black Hills.
Take your time, stop at the viewpoints and enjoy the experience Iron Mountain Road offers to drivers and passengers alike.
So much amazing wildlife in the Black Hills. On the Wildlife Loop in Custer you may have to look hard some days, but it’s almost guaranteed to spot on of these amazing creatures. We’re so lucky here in the Black Hills to have a variety of wildlife that can be seen on any given day!
At My XO Adventures, we guide you through the Black Hills and Badlands from sunrise to starlight, uncovering the region’s beauty in every moment.
We’ve spent years exploring this land, learning its stories, and discovering what makes it extraordinary. We’re ready to share those insights with you on a private guided tour.
The Black Hills and Badlands hold secrets you won’t find online or in a book—hidden trails, shifting landscapes, and moments that can’t be captured in a photograph. This is a place meant to be experienced, not just seen.
From encounters with wildlife to the stillness of the open plains, every journey reveals something new. And when night falls, we bring zero-gravity chairs, blankets, binoculars, snacks, drinks, and lasers for an awe-inspiring look at one of the darkest night skies in America.
The Badlands are breathtaking to drive, but they’re even more incredible to immerse yourself in. Let’s explore together.
Extra Tips and Places of the Black Hills
Mount Rushmore may be the most recognizable landmark in the Black Hills, but it’s only the beginning of what this incredible region has to offer. Beyond the famous faces carved in stone, a world of breathtaking landscapes, hidden gems, and untold stories awaits.
Venture deeper into the Black Hills, and you’ll find places just as awe-inspiring but far less crowded. Black Elk Peak, the highest point east of the Rockies, offers sweeping views that stretch for miles. Custer State Park is home to roaming bison, scenic drives, and pristine alpine lakes perfect for a quiet escape.
For those who love history, Crazy Horse Memorial tells a story still in the making—a tribute to a legendary Lakota warrior, carved from the mountain itself. Journey underground into Wind Cave or Jewel Cave, where labyrinths of ancient formations stretch beneath the hills.
The Black Hills and Badlands are filled with sacred sites, geological wonders, and landscapes shaped by time. Whether you’re seeking adventure, history, or a moment of solitude, the real magic lies beyond the monument.
At My XO Adventures, we take you beyond the ordinary, into the heart of what makes this region unforgettable. Let’s explore the Black Hills—beyond Mount Rushmore.
