The Kid Tested, Mother Approved Itinerary – What to See and Do with Kids in the Black Hills

Duration:

Four Days

With its mix of authentically awe-inspiring landscapes and concentration of parks and hundreds – literally hundreds – of attractions, the Black Hills has served as an unforgettable vacation destination for generations of families.

So if you’re traveling with the brood, here’s what to see and do with kids in the Black Hills and Badlands Region. It’s a four-day itinerary for those traveling with children (that’s the average length of a BH vacation – although we suggest more) to make the most of their family getaway to the Black Hills.

Notes – we have not recommended accommodations or a community to stay as so many work for this itinerary. Check out the wide offerings on the Places to Stay page to find what works best for you. There are larger, family-friendly hotels with water parks connected or – if you would like a more natural experience – cabins, campgrounds, and vacation homes are found all over.

Also, one thing missing from this extensive list (and its a big one) are the Badlands and Wall area. They are a favorite of many, and really are a must-see. If you’re traveling from the east like most Black Hills visitors are, make sure to hit the park and Wall Drug on your way in. Stop at the overlooks, take a short trail and at Wall Drug, ride the Jackalope.

Day 1

Mount Rushmore is the main draw and we always suggest including that on the first day’s agenda. Doing so will negate the effects of inclement weather.

Highway 16 – the road to Rushmore – is lined with some of the best BH attractions. Reptile Gardens, Bear Country USA, Old MacDonald’s Farm, Fort Hays, BH Maze, Cosmos Mystery Area, Alpine Slide at Rushmore Tramway Adventures, National Presidential Wax Museum, Big Thunder Gold Mine and 1880 Train are on – or right off – the highway. And that lengthy list isn’t all of them, just most.

But in the interest of getting Mount Rushmore checked off the list, save most of those in Rapid City for a different day.

On this day, hit those in, or very near Keystone – like the classic Cosmos Mystery Area – in the morning. The whole offering at both Rushmore Tramway Adventures and Rush Mountain Adventure Park are fun on all levels, for all ages and could be a great time before going to the memorial.

Grab lunch in Keystone or better yet, lunch with George, Thomas, Teddy and Abe (don’t pass on the Thomas Jefferson-recipe ice cream) up on the mountain. While at Mount Rushmore, depending on the age of your crew, either check out the new kid’s area (located off the Presidential Trail) or continue the along the trail for a nice hike and some great views of the sculpture.

Next, head over to Hill City to check out the Museum at Black Hills Institute, 1880 Train, and the other offerings of this little mountain town. The Institute is an old armory that’s filled with amazing fossils from floor to ceiling. The 1880 Train is a perfect way to end the first day with a scenic, 2-hour ride from Hill City to Keystone and back.

Alternate stops here include Holy Terror Mini-Golf, Rushmore Borglum Story, SD Railroad Museum, Brule at High Country Guest Ranch, Circle B Chuckwagons, and Teddy Bear Town.

Day 2

Honestly, with Mount Rushmore anchoring so many attractions, you can continue cleaning up along the Hwy. 16 corridor but, here’s where it can be good to mix in some of the natural Black Hills offerings.

On this day, we recommend heading to Custer State Park, heralded by national media as one of the world’s best animal destinations, and touring one of the world’s top-five longest caves nearby in Jewel or Wind Cave.

Start the day of with the cave tour. The tours are first-come-first-serve and are one of the hottest tickets to score. It’s a definite Black Hills experience that can blow minds of any age.

Afterward, plan on a good half-day in Custer State Park. Seek out the park’s buffalo herd on the Wildlife Loop or on a Buffalo Jeep Safari tour, hike around Sylvan Lake, feed the begging burros and drive Needles Highway.

Teens might love the chance here to climb the amazing formations in Custer State Park, give Sylvan Rocks Climbing School a call.

Another popular Black Hills experience are trail rides from outfits like Hollingsworth Horses, Rockin’ R Trail Rides, Sage Meadow Ranch, High Country Guest Ranch and more.

Other alternate stops could be the Mammoth Site, BH Balloons, Evans Plunge, Beaver Lake Water Park, and Four Mile Old West Town.

If the group is still cooperating, know Crazy Horse Memorial, yet another mountain carving – and the bigger one at that – is right outside of Custer. If late in the day, stay for their laser light show.

Day 3

Rapid City is the largest city (by far) and on the first day, everyone in your traveling party had to of taken note of all the attractions here. It’s been a hub for tourists since the 1930s while work on Mount Rushmore was just taking shape. Today, it’s known as the City of Presidents for the statues located downtown and the thriving rejuvenation of that area.

Reptile Gardens with its Guinness-record holding collection of reptiles, tropical fauna, and animal shows is a must. Adding to the fun, other animal attractions like Bear Country USA and Old Macdonald’s Farm are nearby. Load up on a cheap cowboy breakfast at Fort Hays on the way. After the morning fun, heading back into Rapid City your group can clean up any other Hwy. 16 stops you wish.

In Rapid City, we also suggest some time at Storybook Island, a free attraction that’s a fav of locals, and the action downtown at Main Street Square. There’s a fountain the kiddos can cool down in and usually all sorts of other things going on.

Alternate stops in Rapid City are the 30,000 SQ. ft WaTiki Indoor Waterpark, Dinosaur Park, Dinosaur Museum, Putz n Glo, Rapid Escape, Journey Museum, and the Outdoor Campus – West.

Day 4

With Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, a cave and Reptile Gardens done, the last region to hit is the region locals call the Northern Black Hills. Here, you’ll find many of the mid-sized Black Hills towns in Spearfish, Sturgis, Deadwood and more.

You’ll also find great attractions that aren’t as well-known as previous day stops.

Spearfish Canyon, with its waterfalls and hikes, is where locals often make a fun day of. Roughlock Falls is a beautiful stop and one of the easiest hikes in the Hills leads to it.

In Spearfish, feed the fish at DC Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and enjoy the City Park. In Deadwood – catch award-winning Old West shootouts and reenactments on historic Main Street, see if you recognize any famous names buried at Mt. Moriah Cemetery or play the games at Kodiak’s Arcade and Shooting Gallery. In Lead, stop by the Sanford Homestake Visitor Center.

Devils Tower National Monument is a scenic hour drive away (a great chance to nap for the littlest ones) and has an easy trail around the base. This was the nation’s first national monument and is worth the trip.

For groups with older ones seeking more adventure, rent a UTV from outfits like Mystic Hills Hideaway, Rec Springs, Mad Mountain or other outfitters and head into the forest.

Alternate stops in the Northern Hills include the Adams Museum, Thermosphere Gallery, Vore Buffalo Jump, Bear Butte State Park, Broken Boot Gold Mine, Spearfish Rec and Aquatics Center, Wonderland Cave, Trail Rides at Diamond 7 Bar Guest Ranch or the Black Hills Mining Museum.

This list jam packs the action in but with traveling with kids, it is all subject to change. Highlight one or two stops a day and know that you can always come back.

You certainly wouldn’t be alone and while the attractions may change, the Black Hills experience will be here for more generations to come.