Uncover the hidden beauty and history of South Dakota with this combo tour of Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park. Get the full story behind one of America’s largest sculptures at Mount Rushmore. Learn who designed it, how they carved it, and why these four presidents were selected for the monument. Then, take a trip back in time to the Badlands, where a landscape of alien beauty hides ancient fossils, geological marvels, and Lakota history.
The tour of Mount Rushmore begins outside the Information Center. As you walk toward the mountain, you’ll stop at a memorial to the sculptor behind this monument and hear his story. Next, you’ll stroll down the Avenue of Flags before arriving at the main viewing platform, boasting a clear view of Mount Rushmore. Too many people? A less-crowded platform waits just ahead, where you’ll hear how workers carved the presidential faces. At Badlands National Park, your tour begins in the town of Wall (or Philip if it’s more convenient). Upon entering the park, you can choose to detour to a prairie dog colony that’s perfect for animal lovers. That’s followed by Pinnacles Overlook, a great place to see bison or bighorn sheep.
You won’t want to miss the next trio of trails known as The Notch, The Castle, and The Door. Boasting a whole breadth of difficulties and lengths, there’s something for everyone here. Finally, you’ll reach Big Badlands Overlook, which offers some of the best views of the whole park.
