Things to Do Near Mount Rushmore That Go Beyond the Monument
Mount Rushmore brings people to the Black Hills, but it’s what surrounds the monument that makes most trips unforgettable.
Local travelers often ask, “What else should we see while we’re here?” The good news is, you’re already in one of the most scenic corners of South Dakota. Here’s what to see nearby, and how to fit it all into a day without rushing.
What’s Worth Seeing Near Mount Rushmore?
Beyond the carved granite faces, you’ll find winding roads, mountain lakes, wild herds, and cultural landmarks that deserve more than a passing glance. Here’s a short list worth planning around.
Crazy Horse Memorial: Massive, Moving, and Still in Progress
Just 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial is hard to miss. The scale of it is just staggering. Crazy Horse Memorial is larger than Rushmore, and it’s more than just a photo stop.
What you’ll find:
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Ongoing mountain carving honoring Lakota leader Crazy Horse
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Native artisan demos and local crafts
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A museum filled with stories often left out of textbooks
The mood here is different. Visitors tend to slow down, read the plaques, and stay a little longer than expected.
Both Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore are part of our full-day tour if you’d rather skip the driving.
Custer State Park: Wildlife, Water, and Granite Highways
Custer State Park sits roughly 40 minutes from the monument and easily holds its own. From granite spires to scenic lakes, this park packs in more than most national parks twice its size.
Things to do:
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Spot bison and burros from the car
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Drive Needles Highway past cathedral-like rock towers
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Take a break at Sylvan Lake for a walk, picnic, or paddle
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Catch views that stretch past the Black Hills
This isn’t a place to rush through. Many guests say they wish they’d allowed more time.
Planning your day? Check out our Mount Rushmore itinerary guide for how to time your stops.
Iron Mountain Road: Curves, Tunnels, and a Perfect View
Built with care to frame Mount Rushmore through narrow tunnels, Iron Mountain Road is both a feat of engineering and a joy to drive if you’re not in a hurry.
What stands out:
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Single-lane tunnels that line up with the monument
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Wooden pigtail bridges that loop back on themselves
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Slow climbs, sharp turns, and photo-worthy views
Many tourists miss this road entirely, but those who don’t tend to remember it more than the monument itself. For passengers, it’s one of the best rides in the Hills.
Fort Hays Old West Towns is home of the Fort Hays Chuckwagon, Music, Blacksmiths, and Western Flavor
Fort Hays Old West Town is part tourist attraction, part restauraunt, part time machine. Known for its chuckwagon supper and Old West set, Fort Hays is also the starting point for the Mount Rushmore Tours guided sightseeing bus tours.
What you’ll see:
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Blacksmith shop, rope-making demo, and live cowboy music
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Recreated frontier town used in Dances with Wolves
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Homemade breakfast and hearty dinners served mess-hall style
This isn’t a tourist trap, it’s a family-run stop that stays with people long after they’ve gone home.
Curious about the full experience? Here’s what’s included in the tour.
Keystone, South Dakota: Shops, Snacks, and Gold Pans
Located just minutes from the base of Mount Rushmore, Keystone is where many visitors start or end their day.
Worth a stop for:
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Homemade taffy, fudge, and ice cream
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Gold panning and old-time photos
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Local shops and a few oddball museums
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Summer gunfight reenactments on the main boardwalk
It’s a classic western town built around tourism and a fun way to let the kids burn off energy before heading back.
Sample Day: One Ticket, All the Highlights
If you don’t want to juggle maps, reservations, and parking, our one-day tour includes all the spots listed above. Here’s how it typically runs:
8:00 AM – Cowboy breakfast at Fort Hays
9:00 AM – Board the coach and begin scenic drive
10:00 AM – Iron Mountain Road with photo stops
11:00 AM – Visit Mount Rushmore
12:30 PM – Drive through Custer State Park
2:00 PM – Break at Sylvan Lake
3:30 PM – Explore Crazy Horse Memorial
5:00 PM – Return to Fort Hays
6:30 PM – Chuckwagon supper and live music
This day trip fills up quickly. Reserve your seat here.
Frequently Asked Questions: What to Know Before You Go
What’s the closest thing to see near Mount Rushmore?
Keystone is about five minutes away. Crazy Horse is roughly 30 minutes by car.
Can I see all these places in one day?
Yes. With a tour or good planning, you can hit the highlights in one well-paced loop.
Is Custer State Park open year-round?
Most of it is, but the best time to visit is between May and October when the roads are clear and the wildlife is active.
Which drive has the best views?
Iron Mountain Road is designed for scenery. For raw beauty, Needles Highway is another favorite.
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