Family-Friendly Adventures in , South Dakota!

Custer State Park

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Custer State Park

Day 1: Wildlife Loop Road and Mount Coolidge Lookout

- Morning: Wildlife Loop Road

Start your adventure at Wildlife Loop Road, an 18-mile drive through diverse landscapes where wildlife roams freely. Keep an eye out for the park"s famous bison herds, playful prairie dogs, and majestic elk. Bring binoculars and a camera for wildlife watching and scenic views.

Directions: Enter the park through the Wildlife Station Visitor Center on the southeast side. Follow signs to Wildlife Loop Road.

- Afternoon: Mount Coolidge Lookout

After lunch, drive up to Mount Coolidge Lookout for panoramic views of the Black Hills, the Needles, and even the distant Badlands on a clear day. The fire lookout tower at the summit provides a historical perspective on forest fire monitoring.

Directions: Take SD-87 north from the Wildlife Loop Road. The entrance to Mount Coolidge is marked, but the road is gravel and can be steep, so drive cautiously.

Day 2: Sylvan Lake and the Needles Highway

- Morning: Sylvan Lake

Start your day at Sylvan Lake, known as the "Crown Jewel" of Custer State Park. The lake offers fishing, paddle boating, and a simple hiking trail around its perimeter—perfect for families. Don’t miss the photo op with the stunning backdrop of rock formations.

Directions: Head west from the Park Office on Highway 16A, then take the left on Needles Highway to reach Sylvan Lake.

- Afternoon: Needles Highway

Drive along the Needles Highway (SD-87), a spectacular 14-mile road featuring sharp turns, narrow tunnels, and granite spires. Stop at various pullouts to enjoy the views and snap photos. The Needle"s Eye and Cathedral Spires are must-see formations along the route.

Directions: Continue on Needles Highway from Sylvan. The road is scenic and well-marked, suitable for a leisurely drive.

Tips

- Purchase a park entrance license online or at visitor centers.

- Pack lunches, water, sunscreen, and hats, as areas with amenities can be spread out.

- Early mornings or late afternojos are best for wildlife sightings and avoiding crowds.

Enjoy your family trip filled with nature, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes at Custer State Park!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Black Hills

Why Visit?

Day 1: Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Start your adventure at Mount Rushyou cannot miss the iconic Mount Rushmore. Located near Keystone, it"s easily accessible by car via Highway 244. Here, marvel at the grandeur of the 60-foot sculptures of four U.S. presidents. Take the Presidential Trail for close-up views and visit the sculptor’s studio. Don’t miss the evening lighting ceremony, a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Day 2: Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park

Drive about 30 minutes southwest to the Crazy Horse Memorial. This still-in-progress monument honors the Lakota leader and is set to be the world’s largest sculpture! Learn about Native American culture at the onsite Indian Museum of North America.

Next, head to Custer State Park, about a 20-minute drive away. The park offers splendid drives like the Wildlife Loop Road where you can see bison, pronghorns, and elk. Enjoy a family picnic by Sylvan Lake and take a short hike around the lake for picturesque views.

Day 3: Wind Cave National Park

About 20 minutes from Custer State Park, explore one of the world’s oldest and most complex cave systems at Wind Cave National Park. Join a guided tour to learn about rare formations like boxwork and frostwork. Above ground, hike the rolling prairie or spot wildlife like bison and prairie dogs.

Day 4: Deadwood

End your trip with a drive north to the historic town of Deadwood (about 1 hour from Wind Cave). This Old West town, where legends like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane roamed, offers reenacted shootouts and historic tours. Visit the Adams Museum to see artifacts from Deadwood’s gold rush days.

Each destination offers family-friendly educational exhibits, guided tours, and plenty of photo opportunities, making your trip both fun and informative!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

National Presidential Wax Museum

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable journey through American history at the National Presidential Wax Museum, located in Keystone, South Dakota, just a few minutes from the iconic Mount Rushmore. Start your adventure by driving into Keystone, with ample parking available at the museum.

Morning Exploration

Open year-round, the museum is perfect for a morning visit, starting at 9 AM. Begin with a self-guided tour where you"ll encounter life-size wax figures of all U.S. presidents. Each display is not only a photo opportunity but a learning moment. Delight in the realistic portrayal of famous scenes such as John F. Kennedy in the Oval Office or Ronald Reagan standing by the Berlin Wall.

Interactive Learning

Engage with the interactive exhibits where children can listen to famous speeches or participate in a simulated presidential decision-making process. It"s a hands-on way to understand the weight of presidential duties and the pivotal moments that shaped the nation.

Lunch Break

Around noon, head outside to the picnic areas near the museum for a relaxing family lunch amidst the scenic views of South Dakota"s landscape.

Afternoon Activities

Post-lunch, dive into the special exhibit on presidential campaigns and elections. This segment is particularly fascinating as it features authentic memorabilia and artifacts, providing a tangible connection to historic electoral moments.

Souvenir Shopping

Conclude your visit at the museum’s gift shop, which offers a variety of presidential memorabilia—perfect for keepsakes or educational gifts for kids.

Did You Know?

The wax figures you see were crafted by the same talented artists who create figures for Madame Tussauds, making them not only educational but artistic masterpieces.

Plan for about 2 to 3 hours to fully enjoy and explore the National Presidential Wax Museum. It"s a captivating way for a family to immerse themselves in U.S. history while having fun!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.