Winding its way from Custer State Park, the final 45 minute approach to Mount Rushmore follows the amazing Iron Mountain Road in the Black Hills Tour.
Buckle in – this scenic drive has tunnels, pigtail bridges, superb lookouts and 314 curves. One of the most magical moments of the drive is the view through the Scovel Tunnel where 4 presidential faces greet you at the other end, just like a postcard.
Spearfish Canyon in the Black Hills Tour is a superb 19 mile stretch of road with stunning waterfalls and 1,000 foot high limestone walls, and it’s one of the most beautiful ways to get from Deadwood to Spearfish.
There’s several hikes and waterfalls to stop at along the way, including the road-side Bridal Veil Falls and the gushing 47-foot Spearfish Falls, which is perhaps the most attractive waterfall in the Black Hills.
A short sidetrip from the Black Hills Tour is the mesmerizing rock formation, Devils Tower.
A place of intrigue and fascination even before it became the nation’s first National Monument. Native Americans celebrate what they know as “Bears Lodge” for its spiritual importance. Take a relatively easy walk around its base, or see longer views of the tower rising from the gentle rolling hills on other hiking trails.
The Badlands Wall is one of the most famous sights in Badlands National Park. This long, jagged ridge stretches for miles and shows off colorful rock layers shaped by millions of years of erosion. It’s a dramatic landscape you won’t forget.
Bridal Veil Falls is a 60-foot waterfall in the heart of Spearfish Canyon. It’s right by the roadside and easy to visit. Spring and early summer bring the strongest water flow, making it a great photo stop.
Still in progress, the Crazy Horse Memorial honors the Lakota warrior with one of the world’s largest mountain carvings. The visitor center includes exhibits, Native American art, and cultural events that share the story behind this powerful tribute.
Custer State Park in the Black Hills Tour is best known for its wildlife, especially the herd of around 1,500 North American Bison.
The Wildlife Loop is one of the most popular scenic drives in the Black Hills, and you’ll often catch glimpses of bison, bighorn sheep, deer and elk. As well as the small but beloved pack of “begging” burros.
The Door Trail is an easy, short walk through a break in the Badlands Wall. It takes you into a strange, eroded landscape that feels otherworldly. It’s a great way to explore the park’s terrain up close.
Needles Highway winds through narrow tunnels and towering granite spires. Don’t miss the famous “Needle’s Eye” rock and the amazing views around every corner. It’s one of the most scenic drives in the Black Hills.
Rapid City is the perfect base for exploring the Black Hills. Walk the downtown area, see presidential statues, visit museums, and enjoy family-friendly attractions like Reptile Gardens and The Journey Museum.
These two national monuments are among the longest caves in the world. Wind Cave is known for its rare boxwork formations, while Jewel Cave has large chambers lined with crystals. Both offer guided tours and underground adventures.
Yellow Mounds Overlook is one of the most colorful spots in Badlands National Park. Gold, pink, and red earth layers make this a favorite photo stop. It’s a vivid contrast to the park’s sharper cliffs and ridges.
Known as the “Crown Jewel” of Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake is perfect for hiking, paddling, or just relaxing. Surrounded by dramatic rock formations, it’s one of the most photographed lakes in the Black Hills.
Roughlock Falls is a two-tier waterfall tucked into a peaceful side canyon off Spearfish Canyon. It’s surrounded by greenery and has easy trails for walking and taking photos.
Watch dozens of these playful, chirping creatures pop in and out of their burrows. Prairie Dog Town is a fun and quirky roadside stop that delights kids and adults alike.
Along Iron Mountain Road, these spiral bridges and tight tunnels add a fun twist to the drive. Some tunnels frame Mount Rushmore perfectly. It’s a playful, scenic stretch of road with surprises around every bend.
This visitor center tells the story of America’s Cold War missile defense system. Learn how missile silos were hidden across the plains and the role they played in nuclear history. Exhibits bring this secretive era to life.
Keystone is a cozy mountain town just minutes from Mount Rushmore. It’s great for shopping, dining, and strolling through Old West-style streets. Families and history buffs love the friendly vibe.
Located in the town of Lead, the Homestake Mine was once the biggest gold mine in North America. Today, it’s home to a science lab and exhibits that explore both its gold rush roots and modern research.
Fossil Trail is a fun, family-friendly loop that shows off the ancient history of the Badlands. Along the path, signs and fossil replicas teach you about the creatures that once lived here.
Step into history in Deadwood, a gold rush town once home to legends like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Today, the town features casinos, museums, and a lively Main Street filled with Old West charm.
The most famous and recognizable memorial celebrating the nationhood of the USA must be the 4 presidential faces that look out from Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills Tour.
There’s no equivalent to seeing it with your own eyes and feeling the scale of the sculpture. Drive the Iron Mountain Road, following its specifically designed route from south to north across pigtail bridges, spirals and finally emerging from one of the tunnels with the ultimate view of Mount Rushmore.
