Exploring Mount Rushmore and Devil's Tower: 3-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary
Friday, August 11: Arrival and Rapid City Exploration
Begin your adventure by flying into Rapid City, South Dakota. Check flight and hotel prices here. After settling in, head to the downtown area and visit Main Street Square, a vibrant public space with interactive fountains and sculptures. In the afternoon, explore the Journey Museum, which offers fascinating exhibits on the history and culture of the Black Hills region. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing stroll along the scenic Rapid Creek and savor a delicious dinner at one of the local restaurants.
Main Street Square: Free, 1-2 hours
Journey Museum: $10 per person, 2-3 hours
Rapid Creek and Dinner: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast at Tally's Silver Spoon: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Tally's Silver Spoon, known for their creative twists on classic American dishes. With an average cost of $12 per person, you can indulge in their famous pancakes or try their delicious omelettes.
Lunch at Dakotah Steakhouse: For a satisfying lunch, head to Dakotah Steakhouse, where you can sink your teeth into a juicy steak or enjoy a mouthwatering burger. With an average cost of $15 per person, you can savor their high-quality meats and delectable sides.
Dinner at Firehouse Brewing Company: End your day with a memorable dinner at Firehouse Brewing Company, a local favorite known for its delicious brews and hearty pub fare. With an average cost of $20 per person, you can relish their flavorful burgers, steaks, and seafood dishes, perfectly paired with their handcrafted beers.
Saturday, August 12: Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Start your day by driving to the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial, approximately 30 minutes from Rapid City. Spend the morning marveling at the majestic mountain sculpture and learning about its history. Take a guided tour or explore the museum to gain deeper insights into the creation of this monumental landmark. Afterward, enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the beauty of the surrounding Black Hills. In the afternoon, consider hiking one of the trails near Mount Rushmore, such as the Presidential Trail, for an up-close view. In the evening, head back to Rapid City and treat your family to a delightful dinner at a local restaurant.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Free admission, $10 parking fee per vehicle, 3-4 hours
Presidential Trail: Free, 1-2 hours
Lunch and Dinner: Cost varies, 1-2 hours each
Restaurants
The Black Hills Bagel Company: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at this cozy café known for its freshly baked bagels and gourmet cream cheese spreads. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
Harriet & Oak: For a tasty lunch option, visit Harriet & Oak, a trendy coffee shop and eatery offering a variety of sandwiches, salads, and coffee drinks. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Firehouse Brewing Company: Treat your family to a memorable dinner at Firehouse Brewing Company, a historic brewery turned restaurant that offers a diverse menu featuring mouthwatering steaks, burgers, and local brews. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Sunday, August 13: Devil's Tower National Monument
On the final day of your trip, embark on a scenic drive to Devil's Tower National Monument, located in northeastern Wyoming, approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Rapid City. Marvel at this awe-inspiring geological formation and take a leisurely walk around its base on the Tower Trail. Consider a picnic lunch at one of the designated areas while enjoying the splendid natural surroundings. In the afternoon, explore the visitor center to learn about the cultural significance of Devil's Tower. Capture some memorable photographs before starting your journey back to Rapid City. In the evening, celebrate your incredible trip with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Devil's Tower National Monument: $25 per vehicle, 3-4 hours
Tower Trail: Free, 1-2 hours
Lunch and Dinner: Cost varies, 1-2 hours each
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Black Bear Café located in Spearfish. They offer a variety of breakfast options including omelettes, pancakes, and breakfast burritos. On average, a meal here costs around $10 per person.
If you're looking for a great lunch spot, stop by Firehouse Brewing Company in Rapid City. This historic brewery offers a menu with tasty sandwiches, salads, and burgers. You can enjoy a meal here for around $12 per person.
For a satisfying dinner, try Tally's Silver Spoon in Rapid City. They serve a range of dishes from comfort food classics to gourmet options. The average cost for a meal at Tally's is about $20 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Rapid City, don't miss out on visiting Dinosaur Park, a unique attraction featuring life-size dinosaur sculptures that kids will love. Take a scenic drive through Custer State Park and spot wildlife such as bison and pronghorn antelope. Another family-friendly activity is the Reptile Gardens, where you can encounter a variety of reptiles, birds, and other animals. Additionally, consider venturing to Bear Country USA, a wildlife park offering an up-close encounter with North American wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and elk. These off-the-beaten-path attractions are sure to add extra excitement and enjoyment to your family vacation.