One of the most iconic American monuments, Mount Rushmore National Memorial is visited by nearly 3 million people each year, according to the National Parks Service. Established on March 3, 1925, the monument was carved into a granite edifice under the guidance of Gutzon Borglum and a crew of 400 workers, just outside the town of Keystone. It took nearly 14 years to complete and is now one of the most visited attractions in South Dakota. The park and visitor center are wheelchair accessible. Pets are not allowed inside the monument, with the exception of service animals. Guided and audio tours are offered, including evening programs.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
13000 S Dakota 244
Keystone, SD 57751
605-574-2523
nps.gov
Located in western South Dakota near the town of Keystone, Black Hills National Forest covers a 125-mile-long by 65-mile-wide area. The forest is a natural attraction with grasslands, pine forests and numerous geologic features including caves, canyons and gulches. In addition to the park's natural beauty, the Black Hills have a rich cultural legacy of Native American sites including Inyan Kara ("Rock Gatherer") and Harney Peak, which are both mountains sacred to the Lakota people. There is no entrance fee to visit Black Hills National Forest, although campers must buy a permit. The park is open year-round.
Black Hills National Forest
1019 N. 5th Street
Custer, SD 57730
605-673-9200
fs.usda.gov
Located in the town of Keystone, Borglum Historical Center is dedicated to the history, legacy and works of Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor of Mount Rushmore. Born in St. Charles, Idaho, in 1867, Borglum was the son of Danish immigrants and a Harvard-educated sculptor. He accomplished many works of art dealing with presidential figures, and at age 60 began the work that would define his career: Mount Rushmore. The historical center holds many of his works on display, complete with their context within his biography. A gift shop sells books and souvenirs.
Borglum Historical Center
342 Winter Street
Keystone SD 57751
800-888-4369
rushmoreborglum.com
Discovered in 1882, Big Thunder gold mine is one of Keystone's oldest attractions. Although it is no longer an active mine, it continues to draw visitors who want to learn about the history of South Dakota's gold rush. The mine offers tours of the shaft and surrounding area, a museum built in the likeness of the old Tykoon Gold Mill that houses a collection of photos, equipment and artifacts, as well as gold panning in the mine's slough. The entire attraction is wheelchair accessible and features an eatery and gift store.
Big Thunder Gold Mine
604 Blair Street
Keystone, SD 57751
800-314-3917
bigthundermine.com
Rushmore Cave, one of the largest public stalactite caves in the Black Hills, is located just outside Keystone near Mount Rushmore. The cave was discovered by miners in 1876 and was opened to the public in 1927. Geologists believe the cave to be 60 million years old based on fossil evidence embedded in the walls and the size and abundance of the stalactites. Tours are conducted between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. during peak season, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the rest of the year. Tours last for approximately 1 hour and are suitable for people of all ages.
Rushmore Cave
13622 Highway 40
Keystone, SD 57751
605-255-4384
beautifulrushmorecave.com
