Hey, I'll spare the lengthy description. You all know what this is. Worth a trip, spectacular view of the sculpture. Affordably priced. Shame you can't take your pets. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

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Everyone has to see this place once, if only to say you've been there. I went once as a kid, and now again as an adult and it was much cooler to see the enormity of it now. The history and making of it is also fascinating. There was also a local high school holding their graduation ceremony at the amphitheater. How cool is that?! read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Graduation ceremony for a local high school - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

DREAM COME TRUE!!!! Ever since I first learned about Mount Rushmore back in grade school, I've always wanted to see Mount Rushmore in person. I find it so AMAZING that this enormous sculpture was carved into the mountainside. How Incredible is that???? Construction started in 1927 and ended in 1941. Can you name the four faces depicted on Mount Rushmore? If you cannot, then you should brush up on your United States History. No reservations are needed to visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial. There is no entrance fee, but you do have to pay a minimal parking fee. We paid about $10 for our vehicle the summer of 2021 when we visited. There is a nice covered parking structure to park your vehicle at. Once you exit the parking structure and enter the grounds......you will see Mount Rushmore and the four former Presidents!! It truly is Majestic and Historic!!! There are other things to do and see at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. There is the visitor center where you can see the bookstore, view exhibits, and find out more information about the Memorial. The Avenue of Flags is an Awesome sight as well. 50 flags plus more! You cannot miss the sight because you walk right by the flags which line the walkway leading to the four Presidents. Have a seat and watch the flags blow in the wind. Wonderful photo ops!! We were able to get up closer to the Memorial sculpture by strolling along the paved trail called the Presidential Trail. You will find yourself almost directly underneath the Presidents. Another fantastic view!! Bottom line is that I was able to cross this visit to Mount Rushmore off my bucket list!! The visit not only met my expectations.....it exceeded them!! By the way, make sure to eat the Vanilla ice cream while you are here. It is made from Thomas Jefferson's homemade recipe. I can truthfully say that it is the Best Vanilla Ice Cream I have ever eaten!! Dreams do come true!!! I look forward to continuing to cross places off my bucket list, and I will continue to add to the reviews.....now at 4,000 Yelp reviews and counting! read more

BUCKET LIST-CHECK This place is amazing i loved it. We came in early at 6:30am to avoid the crowds we walked around the presidential trail to look closer at the faces. along the way there's information about the presidents and the monument. this place is bigger and more exiting in person than i thought. i Needed a second look at this place and this time we came around 6:30pm and the crowd was bigger. All you pay is parking and you are able to reenter as you like. If you have a chance to go once in your lifetime, do it you won't regret it. i love this place just wish the town near by had more things to do. read more

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#21 for 2021 This is such a wonderful place to visit. You read about it. You see pictures of it. Nothing compares to what you actually feel when you are there. Lucky for us we had the National Park Annual Pass well worth it but it does not get away from the $10 parking. It's a short walk from the parking lot. As you walk up see Mount Rushmore through the entranced, sort of framed. A great spot to take a picture. We decided to take the tour with the guide. It gives us a chance to hear additional information that you may not read about when looking up the historical record. And you should look it up. It's a marvelous accomplishment but it was not easy. There is still an ongoing territory dispute going back to the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie. To the Lakota it is called Six Grandfathers or Cougar Mountain but the settlers in the area have given the mountains many names too; Sugarloaf Mountain, Slaughterhouse Mountain and Keystone Cliffs. We were able to see a couple white mountain goats along the trail. Really pretty to look at. Many squirrels too. And birds. Some seem to hang around and not so afraid of humans. Many international visitors were there too. We got friendly with one group of guys who were there from Germany. They brought over their bikes for the Sturgis event happening in a week. Would have loved to hang with them longer. They did help us take pictures which we appreciated. This should be one of the top National Parks you should visit in our country. read more

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I enjoyed this much more than I thought. Make sure you watch the movies. It's incredible how this was built. One of the best visitor centers and gift shops I have been too Will have to try it at night with the lights. read more

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I was finally able to cross Mount Rushmore off of my bucket list after my latest road trip to South Dakota. This monument is absolutely spectacular and is definitely a place all Americans should aim to visit once in their lifetime. There is something so patriotic and awe inspiring about these four great Presidents forever honored in stone. I highly recommend coming towards the end of the night and staying for the lighting ceremony. The lighting ceremony features a 10 minute speech from one of the rangers, a brief video on the history of Mount Rushmore and it's presidents, lighting of the memorial, and a dedication to veterans in the crowd. Mount Rushmore is a reminder of the sacrifices that were made by those in this country to allow us the freedoms we have today. Words cannot describe how extremely grateful I am to finally be able to see this magnificent monument. read more

Its not good or bad. Just a $10 parking, go walk about 5mins, look at the giant head carvings and done... its a one time experience. A must? Probably not. But if youre in the area and your family really want to see it, sure, go for it. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

It's simply breathtaking. The thought, precision and execution behind Mount Rushmore is mind blowing. This should be on everyone's bucket list. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

One of those must see monuments in the United States. Took the trail to the base of the monument for a closer look at the majestic carvings

It's no lie, these guys have the best poker faces in the game! Mount Rushmore holds such a special place in my heart. It's truly the pride of South Dakota, and for me being from Rapid City (the closest city to the famous faces), I feel more pride than I can describe that Mount Rushmore was the backyard of my childhood and hometown. Living in such a close proximity to this monument only heightened my appreciation for this incredible work of art celebrating some of our nations most inspirational and foundational leaders. Sorry, that was a bit long winded. But you get my point, right? When we went recently to visit, we paid $10 for parking and that was it. I thought that was a pretty reasonable deal. It's a bit of a walk just to get to the top viewing plaza, so bring a pair of sturdy shoes that won't make your feet blister. Because, there's also a couple trails you can walk around to get even closer to the faces, and it's probably at least a mile round trip if I remember right. And if you're gonna go here you definitely should walk the trail, because why wouldn't you? Go all in! I'd also bring binoculars if you have them, or some way to view the faces closer because even the closest viewing point is still pretty far away. It really is just a serene area. Something about walking up that path with all the state flags and how quiet it is, away from the traffic and hubbub of any city, it's not like anything else. There are signs along the path telling you more about the life of each President featured in the rocks. It's really fascinating. I'd definitely say, if you have the chance to visit the area, do it! This is a place that is so worth seeing at least once, if nothing else to get a good dose of inspiration and patriotism (as well as some exercise on those walking paths). It's really such a neat place and the black hills are just unlike anywhere else you could go. Plus, there's an ice cream shop right at the front, and the gift store really has every knick knack you could think of. What's great too about where Mount Rushmore is located is that there is another big monument, Crazy Horse, right down the road, and if you drive any direction you'll run into a small town like Keystone, Hill City, Custer and more, which all have that charming SD character and are really cool stops, so you'll find plenty other things to do too! read more

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This was a wonderful place to experience for the first time. I've had this on my bucket list since I was a kid. We came with kids 6, 7, 8. There's still snow on the ground and it was super cold. They enjoyed it for 10min and wanted to leave due to the cold. I must say I thought it would look much larger in person. But I think because of photos being closer it gave this effect. However it was so beautiful to see in person with the scenic back drop. We went late so we got to see it with sunlight & with the lights on the monument. Be prepared of people not wearing mask. But you need one inside the store. The store was great. So many different souvenirs to purchase. The staff was friendly. There's lots of places for photo ops. Mostly everything was closed by time we arrived. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Great spot to take photos! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

It is very patriotic to go here; makes you remember how great America is and what the founding fathers did for us! My grandkids come here each time they come visit me from Oregon! read more

This has been on my bucket list before I even knew what bucket list was. I only saw this on TV, magazines, movies, textbooks but always wondered when will I get to see this monument. It's so damn patriotic I heard screaming eagles as I walked towards to entry gate. IYKYK :) So here is some info if you're thinking about visiting the park and witness this marvelous monument. About 2-3 miles before you get to Mount Rushmore there's a small town called Keystone. It has a lot of restaurants, shops and other activities. If you're into Native American products, take the time to visit the shops. They're amazing! It's really easy to get to the park. You go through a gate and then to the parking lot. If you're active duty military then the parking is free and it will get taken care of. The one thing is that if you're taking a pet, they won't let them in past the entry point to the monument. So there's a gate that you go through to get into the park and then an entry point to the monument. Pets can walk freely up to the entry point to the monument and then they can't go in. Understandably so. So if you have a pet, maybe plan on taking turns going to see the monument. Once you go to the entry point there are some shops you can go to for souvenirs. They're not that expensive. Then you keep walking until you see the beautiful monument. As an Army Veteran, I enjoyed this piece of American beauty. Not far from here is the Sitting Bull monument as well. Johan, Out! read more

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This was an exceptional experience. I went for the July 4th celebration and learnt there are no fireworks in the area. I visited twice on the same day. During the day time we arrived and parked in the paid spots. We checked out the visitor center and learnt what to explore on trails and what talks to attend that day. The ranger also let us know that our parking ticket is valid for 1 year. So if you plan to revisit this again you can save the ticket for next time. The trail is quite small but gives interesting views from each angle. In the night they perform the flag lowering ceremony and invite the serving or veterans to come on stage. This is followed by a movie and lighting ceremony of the mountain. read more

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Seeking a little birthday adventure, my husband decided to fly me to Rapid City and venture onward to Mount Rushmore. While this was his third visit it was my first and I was excited to check it out for myself! Star #1: Getting there from Rapid City is a piece of cake! There's tons of signage pointing you in the right direction and more-so as you get closer. Star #2: I'm a sucker for tourist traps and roadside attractions and both SD79 and SD40 definitely deliver on both! While we didn't have time to stop and check them out, I can see where families with small children would love to break up the drive a bit. Star #3: Mount Rushmore its self is truly beautiful! The admission fee is a mere $10 per passenger vehicle and there's a decent amount of parking right at the entrance to the memorial. It's also larger than pictures are able to capture. Star #4: Love the history exhibit above the amphitheater. Seeing how monuments like Mount Rushmore were made is one of my favorite parts about visiting them. Definitely not something to skip over for those interested in history! While I can't say I've been overly eager to check out Mount Rushmore it was still super neat to see in person and made for a fun and unique way to spend my birthday morning! Cheers, America! **COVID Tip: Social distancing, masks, and most any COVID cautious practices were really not at play by the visitors - though park rangers DID wear masks. So be diligent for yourself, since others aren't being as cautious! read more

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I left my dog in the hotel after reading the no dogs allowed policy and when I got there everyone had their dogs with them. The night light ceremony was boring af and we left. Go see the rocks and museum and leave. Paid parking however seniors pay half and if we knew the gate was just standing open we wouldn't have paid at all. read more

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Okay, I won't get into the controversy surrounding this monument. I enjoy my visit because I look at it from an Engineering perspective. The quality of the work from the people that risked their lives is amazing. You get different viewpoints as you walk the trail around. It's worthy of visiting and reflecting on the history behind it. read more

It's just one of those "bucket list" things I had to say that I had done at some point! Mt Rushmore National Monument is one of those treasures you have to purposefully decide to do as it is not as accessible as most national monuments. I used Deadwood as my home base to discover this part of the country, but most importantly to see Mt Rushmore! The grounds are immaculate, and the overall entering and exiting of the park couldn't be easier. Once you park it is really a short walk to the monument, and the walk is one of "awe inspiring" because you are looking at the monument as you approach. The viewing angle is superb, and though I didn't stay for the nightly lighting of the monument, I can imagine it's quite breathtaking! You have to be purposeful to see Mt Rushmore, but there is nothing that will have you regretting the choice once you see it in person! read more

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Most know Mount Rushmore as an icon of American culture but its actually an extremely controversial sculpture. Whether you love it or hate it, Mount Rushmore is absolutely worth a visit. The history of the sculpture and how the land was acquired is something you probably never learned in school. The memorial is extremely well kept. Make sure to take a walk on the Presidential Trail which will get you up close to the sculpture. The trail also leads to the Sculptures Studio which is worth a stop. The trail is fairly easy for most but there are stairs and there is a staggered descent and ascent in and out of the trail. It is completely paved or wooded planks. Parking is $10 per vehicle. Admission is Free. The store and food was open during Covid (man required in the building). read more

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An iconic, and controversial, landmark. Sculpted under the artistic supervision of Gutzon Borglum, the original plan was to carve both white and Native American heroes on the spires of the Needles formations that surround Sylvan Lake. Borglum rejected that recommendation as he felt that the Needles were too fragile for that lengthy carving process and would erode more quickly over time. Instead, he preferred the granite face of Mount Rushmore. Talk to a Park Ranger to get more information or pick up an audio which is available in several languages, including Lakota. The ranger that we met on the viewing terrace spoke openly and candidly about the views of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota, why the Black Hills are so sacred, and traditional customs and lifestyles prior to the arrival of western settlers. Try to visit both at night as well as during the day if possible. The view with the monument lit up is impressive. Nice to be able to see the Avenue of the Flags, walk the Presidential Trail and visit Sculptor's Studio during the day. The Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota Heritage Village is closed currently due to COVID concerns. Ice cream using President Thomas Jefferson's original recipe is available as well. Entrance is free. An "annual" parking pass is $10. Note: Although we wore face masks (and a face shield), most people that we saw were not wearing masks. When we arrived as the lighting ceremony had ended (not our plan), it was the most crowded place in our entire trip from Seattle to Chicago. read more

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As much as I LOVE National Parks, Monuments and Memorials, this one just left me in a very MEH place. We got there pretty early, and got a terrific parking spot, with a short walk to the monument viewing area. Yep. There they are. Yep. Ok. It was the strangest feeling to be surrounded by so many people who all looked and sounded the same, even though they were clearly from very different parts of the country. All of them seeming to feel very patriotic and puffed up. I love to celebrate American Presidents, but it just feels icky here. I guess my biggest beef with this place isn't just how it's been adopted and uplifted by a certain segment of the populous, but that it's existence is an affront to the Lakota Sioux for several reasons. We made sure to visit Crazy Horse and provide a donation to try and offset the icky feeling Mt Rushmore gave us. In positive areas, the restrooms are clean, the gift shop is HUGE and has some cool things to take home that aren't made of cheap plastic and you should definitely try the Vanilla Iee Cream made from Thomas Jefferson's recipe. read more

What an AMAZING place!! This place has been on my bucket list for years and I was finally able to make the trip!! Parking was very convenient and an easy walk to the Memorial. I spent about 45 minutes looking at the memorial. The level of detail on the presidents was stunning. I would recommend bringing some binoculars or a camera that zooms in really good to see how detailed their faces are. There was an ice cream shop but it was closed due to covid. We also spent about 30 minutes in the gift shop. There were some really nice memorabilia items but I felt they were slightly overpriced. We ended up getting all our Mount Rushmore swag from the local shops in town. We also took advantage of driving around the memorial and going through all the tunnels in the surrounding area. Driving in our car to all the different viewpoints was also very special. We also saw several wildlife along the drive. We spent about an hour driving through the hills, tunnels, and different roads in the area. I was a little worried that we would see the memorial and not have much to do afterwards but I was wrong. You can definitely spend 2-3 days seeing the memorial and taking advantage of all the attractions in the surrounding towns. read more

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Mark it off my list, even if it was originally on the bottom of the list. Sorry, History class was a must growing up on vacations, I try to avoid it now I'm in my adulthood, but this one, I did sell short. I was pleasantly surprised at the coolness. Marveled at the mastery. Enjoyed the quick walk around the Presidential Trail. We enjoyed listening briefly to the Ranger explain the story. The beauty of the mountains were heightened even more with the aspens in full glory. So go! Pat yourself on the back for being an adult. Take the pictures. Enjoy the wonder. read more

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The view is beautiful from the theater the cashiers are also super nice and when you exit there is a mini city and zip lining with a hotel also and there is also a camp area for Mount Rushmore This place is very family friendly read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Mount Rushmore sculpture - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

Breathtaking and educational fir all groups and ages. One of the finest man made marvels you can witness. Not too bad pricing wise. $10 to park. We did the presidential trail. I will offer advice. When taking the trail go left of the Amphitheater and not right. We went right towards the signs for the artist studio and then took the trail. We climbed over 400 plus stairs up only to come on the other side where it was all ramp ways. So if you go left you see the same exact thing except you get to walk down the steps. read more

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A place for all to see at least once. The monument itself it kinda cool but being in the Black Mountains is the coolest part of seeing Mt Rushmore. Driving through the state park you can see the memorial from various locations. Once inside the national memorial itself, there is a nice visitor center with a movie about the the building of the monument. There is also a cafe and gift shop. We ate at the cafe late in the evening and the food was remarkably good for a tourist attraction. I know others are saying it was $10 to park but I think it was only $5 and if you keep your receipt it is good for a whole year. Plenty of parking, benches to sit along the way if you walk the trail and a really big amphitheater where they show a movie, a ranger gives a 10 minutes presentation (written by the ranger him/herself), which was impressive and the folding of the flag when they invite all service men/women to come onto the stage as they are lighting the memorial at sundown. It was worth the trip. While in the Black Mountains be sure and see Crazy Horse memorial, still under construction and a bit more costly than Mt Rushmore but if you are that close it is a must do. Also a drive through the State Park to see the wildlife is a must. If you are lucky you'll see buffalo herds as well as other wildlife. A very cool area, We stayed in Rapid City and it was a central location for these sites as well as Deadwood, the Badlands, Wall SD and Devils Tower. All worth a visit, especially Devils Tower. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

For whatever reason, I didn't get that wow factor of seeing Mount Rushmore up close. Maybe, it had something to do with seeing it in history books and documentaries. Parts of the area were closed off for construction and other than walking around and buying souvenirs, it wasn't much else to do. The food in the cafeteria wasn't something I wouldn't even feed my dogs and everything was high for mediocre food. Some of the employees don't have any kind of training when dealing with foreigners tourists because one had a nasty attitude when one foreigner was taking pictures in her store (I don't think it was her store) and I called her out on it. My only positive experience is having a good view of the Black Hill Forest which is a beautiful scenery. read more

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Everyone should go and see this monument. It is impressive thinking that they did this a long time ago and completed it in 14 years. The entry fee is $5 per car which is only for the parking. The monument itself is free. You can get fairly close to the monument itself by taking a short walk up the left had side of the viewing area. It puts you almost directly underneath. Under the viewing area there is a theater with a short film on how the monument was built and also a large exhibit area with pictures and tools that were used during construction. I would highly recommend both. There is an eating area with take out food and ice cream and a gift shop which has everything possible with Mt. Rushmore on it. The drive is only about 10 minutes max outside of Keystone. I would recommend to see this at least once in your lifetime. read more

The key to visiting Mount Rushmore is to arrive as early as possible to avoid crowds. Even in the middle of the Covid pandemic this place was crowded by late morning. Park on the upper level of the garage and you won't have to climb stairs. Also pay for your parking when you arrive at one of the kiosks to avoid lines later. We had problems getting our credit card to work in the machine and had to rely on cash. If at least 62 it is 1/2 price, $5. There is no admission charge. Now onto the main event. Even though we have seen this monument many times in pictures and TV it is still an awesome sight in person. We enjoyed the presidential trail for the different views and to escape the crowds. The studio was also interesting but the museum under the viewing platform was excellent. A good movie and lots of historical displays. Don't miss this part - we almost did since it is hidden below. The place is a cliche but still worth the trip. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - By George! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

My son and I arrived to Mount Rushmore about 6:45 am to avoid the crowds during peek season. We saw them starting to pile in just when we were leaving about 7:45 am. We enjoyed most of the National Memorial from the Historic Viewing Terrace, walking the Presidential trail and climbing 250 steps to the Grand View Terrace. Unfortunately, the Sculptor's Studio does not open until 8 am and the Ranger talks don't start until 9 am. Great photo opportunities at every turn. $10 parking. Some masks being worn and people were somewhat practicing social distancing. We combined this visit in the same day so we could also see Crazy Horse, Custer State Park and the Black Hills. It is definitely worth seeing once in your lifetime. read more

Very beautiful and patriotic. Awesome to see in person. Another item crossed off the ol' bucket list. The carvings are very majestic and you feel a sense of pride and awe looking at them with your own eyes. Every American should see this place in person at least once. The Black Hills area alone are very pretty and look fun to explore. This memorial is very well-known and it is very well arranged. There are bathrooms at the entry area around the bookstore and gift shops, several food areas off to the side and a beautiful flag pavilion walkway to the central focus point. There is a $10 parking fee but that isn't much compared to what we paid at Crazy Horse. The parking ticket says you can use it for a year if anyone ever returns within a year. Great to see. Beautiful and patriotic! read more

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Mount Rushmore National Memorial is located in Keystone, South Dakota, and was created by Sculptor Gutzon Borglum. His son Lincoln Borglum assisted on the project, and finished it after his father died. The Memorial is  carved into granite and took 14 years of carving, which started in 1927 and ended in 1941. The sculpture features the 60-foot heads of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. There is a list of all of the several hundred workers who helped to create the sculpture at the Memorial. The workers were miners, sculptors, rock climbers. Collectively, they used dynamite, jackhammers and chisels to carve the images. Mount Rushmore was named for Charles E. Rushmore, a New York City attorney who was in the Black Hills working for a mining company in 1884. he donated $5000.00 towards the sculpture. 2-3 million people visit the memorial each year. The price of admission is FREE, other than $10.00 fee for parking per car. This is a bargain, in my opinion. The 'Avenue of Flags' a display of 56 flags represent the 50 states, one district, three territories, and two commonwealths of the United States of America, is in the foreground of the Memorial, and is a beautiful symbol of our country's unity. The sculpture itself is breathtaking in person. We were blessed with beautiful weather and no crowds during our March visit. A MUST SEE while near South Dakota! read more

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We went later in the evening so we could stay for the ceremony and the lighting of the presidents. They are under construction so you couldn't go all the way in just to the souvenir shop and the ice cream shop. And they were getting ready to close. Really disappointed but it is still beautiful and will catch the ceremony next time. And you can still stay and watch the lighting but no place to sit. Upon leaving if you turn to the right from the parking garage you can go down the road and see the profile of George Washington it's really cool there is a pull off so you can take photos. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

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I'll admit to being foiled by my own expectations here. Even on the drive up passing all of the touristy shops that you'd find in Gatlinburg, Myrtle Beach, and Niagara Falls, my mood started to sour. Nonetheless, I was looking forward to the moment of a grand reveal. But nope, one bend in the highway up the mountain and there it was. Was it the most majestic view? No. Nonetheless, there it was. Maybe the reveal was inside the park. Nope. As soon as you exit the parking garage, there's the money shot. The freedom of expression area was odd to me. Don't remember seeming that in other national parks. We briefly walked through the visitor center but found the exhibits to focus more on the history of the four presidents depicted than the monument itself. I'm conflicted. Should people go see Mount Rushmore? Yes. I think so. Will I return again? Probably not. read more

This is a spot that you want to visit at some point in your lifetime. I'm not big on history... but this is more than history when you think about the carving done up so high, etc. We went during off season and did not experience crowds. However, there was construction going on and the only thing open besides "viewing" the memorial was the gift shop. It was a quick visit... (I've just read about this Presidential Trail on other reviews and wish I'd known about that or seen signs). Be aware of weather and give yourself a couple days leeway... Our first day/visit it was foggy and we couldn't see the memorial, we went back the next day and it was clear. read more

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FORGET the AMUSEMENT PARKS!!! One of the most INSPIRATIONAL, FAMILY ORIENTED areas, we have EVER BEEN TO!!! We came for our first time here, the last week of May. While it was 90 and 100° in Fresno California, it was a cool, clean-aired week in the 70s HERE! We were totally STUNNED at the breathtaking beauty of the Black Hills area. . . that were actually GREEN, by the way. . . and we live near Sequoia and Yosemite National Park for perspective . . . You take your parking ticket & keep it with you, to pay ($10/$5 seniors) in the park or kiosk prior to leaving. KEEP that puppy, because it is good for a WHOLE YEAR! That's 'IT' for your total cost, as entrance into the park is FREE!!! We rented the audio tour ($6) that you wear on your wrist, OR use the optional earbuds they give you. I am so GLAD we rented them! It provided such INTERESTING , and thought provoking information! We started at the very beginning, and walked the entire 'President's Trail', punching into our audio the progressive numbers as we walked. It was like having your own personal tour guide! Without it, we would have MISSED too much! There is a Junior Ranger program available, for anyone who wants it. When you complete your booklet, they will give you a wooden Junior Ranger badge that they can stamp the back of, with the date. I GOT MINE! LOL! They are available in the Information Center, from the Rangers at the Visitor Center, and the Sculptor's Studio (not to be missed). I think it's a great FREE souvenir! The Cafe is beautiful! The gift shop has wonderful variety! EVERYTHING is pristine clean! Some workers in the Café come from all over the world! There is a special program available for them to work temporarily in our National Parks. So be patient, allowing time for them to understand what you're asking or ordering. Now I ALWAYS thought, shaggy mountain goats were primarily in the Swiss Alps. . . (as I erroneously thought S. Dakota was just FLAT). The amazing beasts ALSO roam HERE at Mount Rushmore and Cathedral Peaks! Well. When I found THAT out, it was MY GOAL to SEE them during our visit! HEY! One day, we even drove an hour and a half to Spearfish Canyon (lots there) in order to see them. . . which we didn't . . .They are ESPECIALLY fond of licking the inside wall of the 'single lane' stone tunnels in the Black Hills. . . for minerals. THAT is where we saw ours! In a LOCAL Black Hills, single lane stone tunnel. . . licking the inside wall. . . and holding up traffic (grin). They're best spotted early morning and early evening. We took our time and spent the entire day at Mount Rushmore, then drove to Custer for dinner. We ate @ Skogen Kitchen for a gourmet, farm-to-table dinner. For dessert, we had the BEST ice cream @ Horatio's (Custer) THEN returned to Mount Rushmore for the evening program. The Ranger who presented this 'first of the season' evening program was OUTSTANDING! I suspect, he was a teacher at some point in his life! INTERESTING and truly thought provoking information was brought forth through; audience participation, film, and presentation. BTW, sit in the lower seating area for the best seats, not in the top level area. Those who serve or served in our military, were encouraged to come to the front and they had a LONG, MERITED, STANDING OVATION! Then they lit up Mount Rushmore, which makes it look like it's floating in space! AWESOME! Learning about the character points that make men truly "great" such as; vision, endurance, effort and sacrifice given for the following generations, integrity, and responsibility that is carried out in the face of challenge, is what 'I' found uplifting. We actually felt encouraged afterward! We left Mount Rushmore inspired. Also, all the people we met in this beautiful state were friendly and CHEERFUL as a whole. We were so impressed with that. We stayed at the Bavarian Inn in Custer. That location gave us a SHORT drive to Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park (one of the TOP 10 wild animal parks IN.THE.WORLD), Crazy Horse Memorial, Cathedral Peaks, Rush Mountain Adventure Park in Keystone (Alpine Slide, Tube Run, Coaster, Zip Line), KOA Campground (has stables for horseback riding), hiking, fishing, Buffalo Hunt Coaster (Fort Hays in Rapid City), House of Scandinavia (Rapid City) and GOURMET chuck or Buffalo burgers at Black Hills Burger & Bun (Custer) !!! Parents, you have it all HERE for your family! This was one of the most beautiful, FUN, awe inspiring areas we have ever experienced! We are telling EVERYONE WE KNOW TO VISIT BEAUTIFUL SOUTH DAKOTA!!! read more

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Cool place with interesting history. Visited during memorial day weekend. Lots of crowds. But if you visit early in the morning right around sunrise, place is empty enough to spend more time near the monument. read more

My husband and I visited here this morning around 10:30 and the crowds were light. We thought it looked amazing in person. The gift shop was huge and had great items too. Parking is $10 and you park inside of a parking structure. If you prepaid for parking online, drive to gate 4 when you arrive to have them swap the voucher for a paid parking ticket. If you forget, just let the other gate attendant know and they can help you. There is no fee after that. read more

This is something else somewhat close up, it's huge. Couldn't get right below it but close enough. I was in South Dakota visiting a friend, who lived on the beach nearby. She of course told me I had to go see Mount Rushmore, doesn't everyone that comes here? It was as intriguing as I thought it would be. It's quite fantastic to think about this being such a large scale carving on a rock on a mountain. Not an easy feat, by any means. Once in a lifetime must see. read more

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