The Black Hills are truly spectacular, and completely blew my expectations out of the water. There were times that I felt like I was in the Rocky Mountains, and other times when I felt like I was in Maine. If you want to see it all but don’t have much time, I’m here to help! Here’s how to spend one day in the Black Hills of South Dakota!
Sunrise at Mount Rushmore
Start your day bright (well- dark) and early! Sunrise at Mount Rushmore is truly indescribable. Watching the colors change on the mountain every few minutes as the sun slowly rises over the horizon is an experience I’d recommend time and time again. Try to plan your arrival for about 20 minutes before the official sunrise time. Even though it hasn’t peaked over the horizon, you’ll still get a soft orange glow over their faces (the famed “golden hour”).
Arriving at sunrise has so many positives! Aside from the perfect golden lighting for photos, you’ll have the place to yourself. I saw only one other couple there for the first hour or so. I was able to capture spectacular photos without anybody else in them. As an added bonus, if you arrive before 7:00 am, parking is free!
Read More: 4 Reasons to Visit Mount Rushmore at Sunrise
Crazy Horse Memorial
After your morning at Mount Rushmore, make your way about 20 miles west to Crazy Horse Memorial. You’ll pay a $12 entrance fee per person, but this covers parking, access to the museum, and terrace with views of the carving. Crazy Horse has been a work in progress for over 70 years (and will be for quite some time), and it’s so fascinating to see it incomplete. When I visited in September 2020, the face was finished and they were working on the arm. Once it’s complete, it will be a Native American man with long wavy hair riding his horse (see here). Hope I can see it complete in my lifetime!
I’m not a huge history buff, but trust me when I say- make time for the movie they show. It’s about 20 minutes long and is right inside the museum when you arrive. It is incredibly interesting and informative and made me appreciate the memorial so much more. Don’t miss it!
Custer State Park
After back-to-back activities, take some time to refuel in the nearby town of Custer. Custer has plenty of restaurants to choose from and plenty of side streets to make for easy parking.
Just a couple miles outside of town, you’ll meet the entrance to Custer State Park. This state park is spectacular, and frankly better than some National Parks I’ve been to. You’ll truly feel like you’re in the Rocky Mountains, rather than in South Dakota. Take the time do drive the Wildlife Loop Road. Here you’ll see plenty of elk, deer, prairie dogs, and even buffalo!
Tip: Stop at the Wildlife Visitor Center on your drive. Each day they go out and find where the buffalo herds are, and they will tell you exactly how to find them!
Wind Cave National Park
Finally after a long drive, you’ll want to stretch your legs. Make your way down to Wind Cave National Park to wrap up your day! The park is located right next to Custer State Park and is an easy (and beautiful) drive down. Visit the cave, do some hiking, or even see some more wildlife.
As with any National Park (especially in this Covid-era), make sure you look at the park’s webpage ahead of time. They will post any major announcements, closures, and other important information that pertains to your visit. I had checked a few days before and everything seemed fine, but when I arrived the day of the cave was closed to visitors. I can only assume it was due to coronavirus, but still a little disappointing. I was still able to walk around the grounds (which are beautiful), but I feel like I did miss out by not getting to access the caves.
Traveling soon? Check out my Travel Tips page to help you score good deals on flights, packing tips, tools to help you plan, and more!
