Name a single spot in the world that everyone loves.

I happened to love the entire area, including the Badlands and especially Custer State Park. I found the first glimpse of Mount Rushmore framed while going through a "tunnel" to be spectacular, and enjoyed it close up as well.

If people are looking for amusement park rides, bright neon lights, and lots of outlet shopping, then it's true -- there's not much to see in the Badlands.

I've done a lot of traveling around the USA over the last 47 years, and I definitely recommend the Black Hills / Badlands area as an overall worthwhile destination. You can visit one of the country's most unashamedly tacky places (Wall Drugs) or hike for five minutes in the national forest and feel like you're away from it all.

If you do go to this area, then Mount Rushmore definitely should be on your "visit" list, unless you object to a statue on these hills. It's an amazing mix of art, history, and technology.

I think Mt. Rushmore is definitely worth seeing. We stayed two nights and it was enough for us and combined it with a trip to Yellowstone.

I topped a post about the Black Hills in case you didn't see it yet.

I agree with the others, and, if you go, you will fulfill a lifelong ambition. What could be better?

I'm not sure how many Fodorites actually live in South Dakota, but it really warms my heart to hear such glowing reports from people who have visited the Black Hills. I live on the opposite side of the state and to be honest, haven't been to the Black Hills for several years, but I just beam when I read comments from visitors to my state. You really can't describe Mt. Rushmore - you just need to see it for yourself, at least once in your lifetime.

Mt. Rushmore is worth the time and the gas it take to get there. The Badlands have their own, rather stark, beauty that have to be experienced to really appreciate them. Have a great trip.

Unlike everyone else I was not that impressed with Mt. Rushmore - I think all the years of hearing about it and reading about it in textbooks I built it up to be something much bigger than it is. That said, the area it is located in (Black Hills) is beautiful, and well worth the trip alone. There is plenty to see, and experience. In Custer State Park you can see the resident buffalo herd, feed "wild" donkeys, and enjoy all the camping and fishing you could ever want.

I honestly hope you're kidding!! Who would find a trip that included the Badlands, Mt Rushmore, Black Hills and other sites such as Cusher's Last Stand, Crazy Horse Monument, as well as all the magnificient scenery in the area as possibly NOT WORTH SEEING.

What is worth seeing???

If this has slightly offended you then you can understand my offense to "Is this worth seeing".

Of all the family vacations we took when the kids were little, the Black Hills was our hands-down favorite. We stayed in a beautiful log cabin in Custer. Loved Custer State Park (begging burros! prairie dog towns! bison!), Jewel Cave, Wall Drug, the Badlands, Deadwood, Sturgis (right before the rally began, quite a sight), and of course Mt Rushmore was the highlight. Rapid City/Black Hills was such a friendly, affordable area. No glitz, not Disney-esque. A real slice of Americana, in my opinion.

From what I can gather from previous posts of yours I would say it's probably not for you.

You post a lot about Vegas, implying that you've been there often, and on can infer that you like glitz and glamor, not the natural beauty of a place like the Black Hills and the grandeur of Mt. Rushmore.

You post that the hokey, expensive, out of the way glass bridge at Grand Canyon West is a must see, but the GC Nat'l Park isn't worth the bother - implying that you're into trashy kitschty touristy touristy things, not the real deal.

No, I'd say Mt. Rushmmore isn't worth it for you, since you did ask.

From what I can gather from previous posts of yours I would say it's probably not for you.

You post a lot about Vegas, implying that you've been there often, and on can infer that you like glitz and glamor, not the natural beauty of a place like the Black Hills and the grandeur of Mt. Rushmore.

You post that the hokey, expensive, out of the way glass bridge at Grand Canyon West is a must see, but the GC Nat'l Park isn't worth the bother - implying that you're into trashy kitschty touristy things, not the real deal.

No, I'd say Mt. Rushmmore isn't worth it for you, since you did ask.

I loved absolutely everything I saw in South Dakota, with the exception of Mt. Rushmore. But if you're there, you should see it once. I've heard that it's more impressive at night- I saw it during the day. Our South Dakota family vacation was one of our favorites.

Whoa. Is that true -- that the OP posted "Grand Canyon National Park isn't worth the bother"? If so, then NO, definitely DO NOT go to the Badlands and the surrounding area.

Beautiful; the whole area. Mt Rushmore was worth seeing (even for a Brit!) and the Badlands were amazing. (But I hate Vegas and wouldn't give the walkway thingie over the GC the time of day).

Absolutely worth seeing - as is all the Black Hills area and the Badlands too (Mt. Rushmore is not in the Badlands, FYI). Learn about the local area and the time/energy that went into the monument. Discover why the the area is sacred to Native Americans.

To quote my eight year old son (who has seen upwards of 40 states, three Caribbean islands, Canada and Mexico)..."This is the best vacation ever, Mom!" Right on, my boy.

Caveat - only if you appreciate history and the outdoors.

My parents took me & my siblings to Mt. Rushmore & the Badlands back in the early 60's. It made such an impression in my mind, it is definitely on my list of places I want to see (again). I loved it then, and I know I'd love to see it again. If you can, go to Custer State Park and the Black Hills Nat'l Forest, we did that too and it was great. While in the area, shop for some Black Hills Gold jewelry. It's all beautiful.

While I love the black hills area and have been there many times, I HATE Mt. Rushmore. It has to be THE WORST national monument/park in the country. I have been to a lot of them over the years and my family found Rushmore so boring that we came up with "the Rushmore scale" to rate all other attractions by, with Rushmore on the bottom at one. So far we have found only one park/monument lower on the scale than the mountain and it was Plymouth Rock (a negative 2). But the badlands are interesting and the black hills area is absolutely beautiful. And there is nothing so amusing as seeing half of the Sturgis motorcycle rally participants trying to ride down a mountain in 6" of hail on August 8. We all cheered When the snow plow arrived!

Just for your information ipod robbie I do appreciate 'natural beauty' having been to Monument Valley, hiked the Grand Canyon for a week, camped at the side of Lake Tahoe, skied in Colorado, scaled El Capitan in Yosemete x 2 and love Death Valley, so don't presume just because someone LOVES Vegas they can't appreciate natural beauty. What I was trying to find out is, is it WOW or just wow, cos I have been wanting to go so much and I don't want to be disapointed.
I will not be posting anymore on Fodor website, will find another friendlier site, without narrow minded pompous people on it.

coldplay, I hope you change your mind and come back. We've all, at one time or another, been trashed here.

Sometimes we experience a real let down when out expectations are so high and I think that is what you are afraid of. We stayed at Custer State Park and that is what I would suggest you to do. Make the drive to Mt Rushmore to visit during the day and then make it at night. The "framed" Mt Rushmore while driving thru the tunnel that Patrick spoke about,is just awesome at night as it is lighted. I think that's Stone Mountain Rd? I might have that name wrong. Also, drive Needles. Enjoy Custer Park and the wildlife there.

Why not just travel to the area? Even if you don't see Mt. Rushmore, there is still a lot in the area to enjoy. You can see the monument without having to pay the admission fee to the park - as cd mentioned, you can see it as you drive up through the tunnel. If that sight alone doesn't thrill you, then turn around and go see something else. If you get that thrill, then keep on driving and see it up close!

I meant Mt. Rushmore itself -- the actual monument is a little bit of a hype. The area is one of my most favorite places in the world. Time has stood still for the past 40 years, the people are kind, the scernary is beautiful and overwhelmingly calm...and even more. So don't get me wrong on the previous post -- I've been to the hills every year since I was a little girl and have made sure to go back at least 1-2 times a year since I've moved out of Easter SoDak.

If you like fishing...check out Center Lake and "walk-in fishing". But watch out for the buffalo!

I live in the Black Hills and love the area for hiking and nature. We go to Mt. Rushmore probably once a year, and I still enjoy seeing the monument and hearing the story. We went this year on Father's Day, my H's choice. There were mountain goats gathered below the faces on the fallen rock.

Iron Mountain Road (driving north) is where Mt. Rushmore is framed through the tunnels.

I'll go back to my first statement above in the second post of this thread:
"Name a single spot in the world that everyone loves."

There is NO way anyone can tell another person that they will find it a WOW as opposed to a wow. To try to find such a guarantee of WOW and not just wow is pointless at best.

I LOVED seeing the Crazy Horse Monument when I was a child so if you have a child take them there. It might have been because all we heard about in school was Mt. Rushmore, but the story behind Crazy Horse is quite interesting.

We loved to take our kids on many road trips when they were younger, and we loved visiting Mt. Rushmore and the surrounding areas. Sure, South Dakota doesn't have big city appeal, but it is home to so many of the nation's wonders that it is a definitely a trip worth making. There is a lot of hiking to do around Mt. Rushmore, and you can make a stop to see the Crazy Horse Memorial that's being constructed. We also drove out a little bit further one morning to check out Devil's Tower, an eerie sight no doubt but worth checking out.

My family took a 2 week driving trip up to that area when I was about 8 or 9 and I can honestly say that it's one trip that I remember and that I would love to go back and see again.

I remember the area being beautiful. We stayed in a log cabin not too far from Mt Rushmore itself and we went to so many different historical locations, it was a blast!

My dad, the history buff, made the trip even more fun for my brother and I and it's a trip that I'll always remember.

Go and see for yourself...it's really amazing what you can do to a mountian side!

Custer State Park is one of my favorite places in the whole country.

I just find it mind-boggling that anyone, much less more than one person (you say "reports") could tell you there's not much to see in that area!

Just read the trip reports and other posts on this site. There are many and I don't remember ever seeing one that was negative.

Another person who loved my trip to the Black Hills Region. Custer State Park was wonderful, great wildlife spotting! Badlands were a little bit of a drive, but worth it. Very different scenery and a nice day trip.

Mt Rushmore was a bit of a mix for me. I don't think it takes that long to actually see the monument _ wouldn't plan too long for the stop. But it's impressive, and heck, I'm a fan of North by Northwest, so how could I not see it. But one morning for that part of the trip was fine. I did see three baby mountain goats on the drive up there, and the windy road down had some amazing scenic views.

But, I think it would be hard to find a really "posh" hotel. My room at Custer could kindly be described as "retro 50's". There are some good places to eat, but it's not a place to go for fancy dining. In many ways the whole area reminded me of a trip with my family when I was a kid.

But I loved it and am already making plans to take my niece and nephew.

Yes!!! I was mezmerized by Mt Rushmore and shot a roll and a half of film there (pre-digtal days). We, too, love the entire area. We hiked the Badlands which might be preferable to simply driving thru. It was great. Very other worldly looking. Custer State Park was also very interesting. We just did a drive thru with some stops. Bottom line: lots to do and see there. Would I go back? It's probably one of those places that seeing it once is enough but it's very, very worth seeing at least once.

"It's probably one of those places that seeing it once is enough but it's very, very worth seeing at least once."

I've been twice, 18 years apart. The last time was 6 years ago. I hope I get the opportunity to go again in 12 years (or sooner)!

YES,YES,YES, absolutely beautiful. The road from Sturgis to Mt. Rushmore and on to Devil's Tower and Custer State Park itself is just amazing.

I think Rushmore is just one of things you have to do just to know you say it for yourself. It doesn't take much time, and when I was there most of the visitors were in the gift shop, not looking at the monument.

When I was in the Dakotas, I didn't go to Mt. Rushmore.

I was on an extended driving trip through North America that took a looooong time. I drove through the Black Hills, which I quite enjoyed (and was especially fascinated by the town of Lead). I stayed in other places all around the Dakotas.

I didn't go to Mt. Rushmore.

I can't stand Las Vegas, so that theory doesn't fly.

I have no idea whether I would have liked Mt. Rushmore if I saw it. I simply can't imagine ever driving out of my way to see Mt. Rushmore.

I can't answer the question of whether it's "worth it" for someone else. But I doubt it would be worth for me.

I'm laughing as I type this, trying to picture myself looking at Mr. Rushmore.

It just doesn't hold any interest for me.

I loved North by Northwest though.

I'm heading to see the "four guys" as I call them the end of the month. No irreverence intended...this is something I've been wanting to do for a while and finally have made the trip - almost - come together. So much to see in the area and I know I can't experience it all. Thanks to this site for wonderful info and help. It will be interesting after my trip whether I will want to return or if this will be a "one-time" wonder. I'm excited!!!

You say you would love to see Mt. Rushmore but wonder if it's worth the trip. How will you know if you don't go. Everyone has their own opinion. Do yourself a favor and listen to your own mind. Go see for yourself. You can then say "been there done that". I've been to that area and would return in a heartbeat,but that's my opinion

The Black Hills is one our favorite placed to visit. To us second only to the Yellowstone/Teton area. My only thought is Mt Rushmore looks a little tacky now since they built the grandiose parking garage out front a few years ago... It definitely spoils the view of Rushmore thru the tunnels on Iron Mountain Road.

Oh, my goodness, before I started researching my trip up there three years ago, I thought there'd be nothing up there. But I was so wrong! We spent several days in that area, and we could have used more time!

There are hot springs, there are mammoth fossils (great for kids!), there are the hokey tourist traps which are still pretty cool (The Mystery Whatever Area, I'm talking about YOU). There are caves. There is wildlife! Slow down on the roads or you will hit it! And then there is Mount Rushmore, which is very worthwhile and amazing. Leave plenty of time to walk around and view it from different angles. I regret not going to the evening light show up there.

Start with the South Dakota tourist board website, and see what's up there. You'll be amazed!

When we visited the Black Hills we only had one day because of time restraints. Bad, bad, bad. We loved it -- walking around Sylvan Lake, the Needles, the mammoth dig, prairie dogs, wild donkeys, bison, short hikes here and there. And we just loved the beauty of the Badlands themselves. By the time we reached Mt Rushmore we were exhausted and had to get to where we had reservations, but we had plenty of fun without seeing it other than from a distance. If Mt Rushmore disappoints, go see Crazy Horse. Folks say it's even better.

Where is the best place to stay in Custer. I am planning on being there July 4, 2010. Do I want Sylvan, Legion, Game Lodge?

Spiro, I think that depends on what most appeals to you. I suggest that you check out the website and read up on each "resort". Obviously, you've got plenty of time. But if you wind up having your heart set on one particular place, make sure you book early.

Sylvan Lake is charming but far from
the other parts of the park.
Legion is for me has the best situation : you have not too miles to drive to be at the wild life loop or to drive needles highway.
We were there 2 yeras ago with our daughters.A 2 rooms cabin : 2 rooms, a great kitchen/dining room/living room and a bathroom, near the lake : that was perfect.
The lodge has a nice small restaurant perfect for breakfast and diners : the trout was delicious.
Erik

spirobulldog
Just make sure whatever one you take has AC. We stayed at the Game Lodge,( in the main lodge) and the room was not air conditioned, we had to ask to be moved to one of their motel rooms, it was not charming, but it was cool. It is just too hot in the summer to stay in a room with no AC.

I'm not an ecologist extremist, but
I think that if you travel to a national park like Custer, or Yellowstone or Yosemite or Glacier, ie not in the desert, it would be fine not to add to the warming on earth...
Just to open 2 windows in the room, to take close what can avoid the sun in the day and it's nice...
Same thing for the car : try to drive in those places with window open...(I'm not speaking/Utah, Arizona,...).
If everyone try to do some effort ,then perhaps in 50 years our small children will be able to see glaciers in Glacier national park...
Try to find some pictures 40 years ago/Grinnel Glacier and pictures from now and it's a drama...
So, hike more than drive. If you drive, windows open more than A/C and in motel/hotel, more window open or fans than A/C and this will be fine for the future...
Last year in a ranch, some hosts have asked , after a day hike, when we came back to the ranch, to be deposed at the door of their room more than at the lodge-150 yards for one, 200 for the others...Can you imagine that?...
Erik.

First of all Custer is a State Park.

It can get hot in the Black Hills. We have seen it well over 100° during the day and even in the 90's after nighfall. Those kind of nights don't make for happy campers. Doesn't matter if you are in a tent or a non A/C motel room. We spent the night in Buffalo to the north of the Hills one year and it was 100° at midnight.

Custer could be a state park, a national park, a national monument,
I continue to think it worth to do some efforts to preserve those marvels of nature.
Erik

Definitely worth it IMO but I'm biased because I grew up in that part of the world.

In the Summer, in the Black Hills....can it get hot..Oh yes and you'll want A/C if you can get it.

Erik, granted Custer could qualify as a National Park but SD has every right to be proud of their Custer State Park. We have camped and visited there many many times over the years. To us its second only to Yellowstone. In fact we plan on visiting both once again later this summer.

Dukey-
Yeah, but that river water sure is cold!!!! I spent two summers in a tent in the black hills ages ago, and I'll never forget how cold that river was to bathe in!


I also caught my first fish there. One kernel of corn and voila! a big fresh-water rainbow trout. Yuummee! (think: fish farm)

I know Custer could be more than a state park, but I don't know the "legal" way to such improvment...
We've been in SD 2 and 3 years ago, 2 weeks at each time and we'll find it marvellous.
My remark was too point out that whatever was Custer-state or national park or national monument- everybody have to do some effort to preserve
nature and that our tendance to want the best "comfort" is a little egoist.
Erik

Well call me egoistic, I want heat in winter and AC in the summer.