The Mount Rushmore Of Family Vacations

Four Rock-Solid Ways to Explore Rapid City

Our world-famous monument has become part of our national culture, representing the patriotism of generations and something different about the American experience for all who see it. So what does it mean to be the Mount Rushmore of family vacations?

Well, imagine a family vacation with fun and purpose, inspired by the reasons Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln were selected as the faces of Mount Rushmore in the first place. Take inspiration from these four presidents when planning your vacation and you will leave with everyone asking, "Can we do that again!?"

A Legendary Start

George Washington

As Washington knew all too well, beginnings can be tough, with uphill battles and unlikely odds before you. There may be no better way to appreciate these brave beginnings than a visit to Mount Rushmore National Memorial itself. Take time to learn the story of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, the history behind the memorial, as well as the tons of dynamite and the years it took to complete this vision.

Find more ways to experience the evolution of our area by going back in time at the Journey Museum in Rapid City or with a trip to The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs. Let the fossil discovery continue with more area history at the Museum of Geology found on the campus of South Dakota Mines.

To experience the prehistoric in all their life-size, and quirky, glory walk through Dinosaur Park found along Rapid City's iconic, Skyline Drive. A life-size statue of George will be waiting to hear all about your adventures at the corner of 6th and St. Joseph Street downtown in the City of Presidents.

Remarkable Growth

Thomas Jefferson

Jefferson is credited with the Westward expansion of the country through the Lewis and Clark expedition and the Louisiana Purchase, so westward we too shall go. Cruise through the Black Hills for spectacular scenery on the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway or head to Devils Tower National Monument which stands just across the South Dakota and Wyoming border, an hour and 40-minute drive from Rapid.

Jefferson was a foodie who worked hard at growing a vineyard and making wine – so it’s only fitting you indulge in some delicious food as well as local spirits at Firehouse Wine Cellars. While exploring Downtown Rapid City, grab a scoop of one of his culinary gifts to America, ice cream, with a sweet scoop from The Silver Lining Creamery. You will find his original ice cream being served inside Carvers Café at Mount Rushmore. Jefferson’s cultural side is easy to honor in Rapid City as well, where galleries, performances, and public art are part of daily life found throughout downtown.

Stop at the corner of 7th and St. Joseph Street for some face time with Jefferson himself in the City of Presidents, tune into the audio and you might discover more passions of this well-known President.

Iconic Development

Theodore Roosevelt

A conservationist with big plans for the future, Teddy Roosevelt was a Rough Rider, reformer, progressive, and the father of our National Park System. Teddy was especially fond of our region, and even campaigned as “The Cowboy of the Dakotas,” so we’re off to meet the bison at Custer State Park on his behalf.

Gain appreciation for the National Parks Service by checking out the beauty of Wind Cave National Park, one of the longest cave systems in the world, which was signed into protection by President Theodore Roosevelt himself. Or let the wind whistle through your hair as you hike to Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower. Built as a tribute to the lifelong friendship between Seth Bullock, the famous Deadwood sheriff, and Roosevelt, this iconic view will have the whole family falling in love with the area just like Roosevelt.

To get a feel for the region during Teddy’s time here, try your hand at leather working during one of Tandy Leather's skill sharpening classes or by taking home your very own kit. Get a close-up glimpse of the man himself when paying a visit to Teddy’s life-sized statue, at the corner of 9th and Main Streets in the City of Presidents.

Timeless Preservation

Abraham Lincoln

Keeping it together on a family vacation is an accomplishment all on its own, but Lincoln had a much bigger challenge to preserve the nation after the Civil War. We’re feeling the gratitude on a trip to Badlands National Park, where the landscape has a way of making us feel small and the Night Sky Program has us concentrating on the heavens.

Appreciate diversity in Downtown Rapid City, where the Suzie Cappa Arts Center, Dakota Drum Company, and The Celtic Connection of the Black Hills show us how much more alike we all are than different.

Continue the adventure while in the Paha Sapa - Lakota for the Black Hills - taking in the wonder that is Crazy Horse Memorial®, the world's largest mountain carving in progress honoring the Indigenous people of North America, and learning more about the region's Native American culture with a tour through the The Indian Museum of North America. Make sure to stop by the corner of 9th and Main Street in Downtown Rapid City so you can appreciate the statue of honest Abe.

Inspired by the iconic interests of these four famous men, your Rapid City vacation will be one to remember. Discover more vacation must-dos or presidential ties to the area by exploring the related content below!