The Best of Mt Rushmore & the Black Hills: 21 things to do including Custer State Park and more

Come for Mount Rushmore, stay for the Black Hills! Pay attention because we cover A LOT in this video about the gorgeous Black Hills, which has something for everyone.
The Black Hills are located in South Dakota. They aren't towering like the Rocky Mountains, but they are really fun to explore by hiking, biking, or driving. An added bonus: a lot of wildlife!
There are six national park sites in the Black Hills: Mount Rushmore, Jewel Cave, Wind Cave, Badlands, Minuteman Missile, and Devil's Tower. Theodore Roosevelt also sits 4 hours to the North.
💥 We have a mission to make your trip to the West GREAT 💥
We have a great RESOURCE for you: 👇
⚡️There are so many things to do in the Black Hills that you probably can't do it all. But we have a game plan for you to see all the best things, in an efficient manner. Get our must-have, travel guide to Mt Rushmore/Black Hills, complete with step-by-step itinerary and amazing audio. We also have travel guides to many other national parks. Check them out here: wereintherockies.com/store/
Enjoy a FREEBIE: 👇
⚡️Not sure how to plan a trip to the Black Hills? Sign up for a FREE email course on how to plan a trip to the Black Hills in 5-days. It includes: when to visit & how many days, where to stay + free quick start planner, best places to eat, road trip ideas + audio sample, and what to do (besides Mt. Rushmore). Sign up here: rockies.ck.page/c6adeedf5c
Great resources to WATCH: 👇
⚡️Yellowstone: • Yellowstone
⚡️Grand Teton: • Grand Teton
⚡️Zion: • Zion National Park
⚡️Bryce: • Bryce Canyon
⚡️Grand Canyon: • Grand Canyon
⚡️Mt Rushmore & the Black Hills: • Mt Rushmore & the Blac...
Prefer to read about amazing places? Check out these blog posts: 👇
⚡️How to plan the perfect trip to Yellowstone: everything you need to know [2022 Updates]: wereintherockies.com/yellowst...
⚡️How to plan the perfect trip to Grand Teton: everything you need to know:
wereintherockies.com/grandteton/
⚡️The best places to eat in each city of the Black Hills: wereintherockies.com/black-hi...
Stay up to date on what we’re doing!
⚡️Email list: rockies.ck.page/landing
⚡️Instagram: / wereintherockies
⚡️Subscribe on YT: kzbin.info...
Chapters:
0:09 Preview
0:35 Map and Introduction to the Black Hills
1:49 Mount Rushmore
7:25 Custer, SD
9:35 Custer State Park
10:11 Wildlife Loop
12:12 Needles Highway
14:43 Sylvan Lake
16:50 Black Elk Peak
19:06 Iron Mountain Road
20:39 Crazy Horse Memorial
23:23 Hill City
24:05 Keystone
24:26 1880 Train
26:40 George Mickelson Trail
27:36 Wind Cave National Park
30:36 Reptile Gardens
31:11 Rush Mountain
32:30 Rapid City, SD
33:25 Deadwood, SD
34:18 Lead, SD
34:43 Spearfish Canyon & Devil's Bathtub
35:53 Devils Tower
40:08 Badlands
42:10 Wall Drug
44:40 Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Gear I use:
I shoot with a Sony A6600: amzn.to/3Dc6xOY.
I use a basic tripod: amzn.to/32MXPtP
I use a RODE microphone: amzn.to/3o8ZC4t
For lighting, I use a basic ring light: amzn.to/3pc2FIt
For music, I use Epidemic Sound: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
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[@amyv2278]

Wow This was awesome,you did an amazing job with information and instructions to do family fun!! I'm planning trip now to head to SD and WY with my family for the 1st time... looking forward to seeing some of these amazing places you mentioned! Thanks for helping me out with our itinerary...so excited thank you 💕🙏🏽

[@WereintheRockies]

Glad it was helpful! Super cool places!

[@Redfour5]

One of my favorite things is driving into the park from Custer in the morning and seeing the road cuts with flat mica rock faces being hit by the sun. They shine so bright its amazing.

[@WereintheRockies]

So beautiful!

[@davepov]

A VERY thorough guide. I lived in Rapid City in 1976. I was a TV news reporter and along with our "Weather Girl" (yes, we called her a "girl" back then), I met Korcrak Ziolkowski. We interviewed him and he took us to the top of Crazy Horse Mountain. They blew a big chunk out with dynamite that day. Spectacular! I worked with another reporter whose parents owned Reptile Gardens then. It was a great time in my life and to this day, I can say the Black Hills was the most beautiful place I have ever lived!

[@oooh19]

Lol why wouldn’t she be called a girl? Why would that be offensive?

[@richardbaginski]

This past June, 2022 - my family and I visited South Dakota. Without a doubt, I found this state to be very beautiful, clean, full of history, and the people are very friendly. My family and I are going back in 2023 for the Buffalo Roundup. God Bless Kristi Noem and the people of South Dakota.

[@laceelk47]

I LOVE YOUR VIDEO! One of the best I’ve seen…not just the scenery but the character by which you made your presentation! Unmatched, and I watch many. I’m researching to see if the Black Hills is a place I’d like to move to. But above all I loved your all American clean look…no visible tattoos, just how God made you. And I love how you love and appreciate your family. Thank you for giving us something enjoyable and clean to watch and listen to.

[@WereintheRockies]

Thanks so much and thanks for watching.

[@SG-vc3wb]

You did a great job at sharing one of the most beautiful areas in the country. Thanks for inadvertently encouraging me to plan my next adventure to this great place.

[@WereintheRockies]

Thank you and you should!

[@jonnie3112]

I discovered the Black Hills several years ago and keep going back. I believe it is the most beautiful area in our country. There is so much to do and see in the area, check it out for you and your family. You will not be disappointed.

[@WereintheRockies]

We agree!

[@susantellez8179]

Another great video! Followed your Yellowstone videos to plan my 2021 trip and it did not disappoint, best trip ever! Hope you and Cheryl realize what your videos do to help so many! 😃

[@WereintheRockies]

Thank you so much Susan! Really appreciate it.

[@hellokitty2848]

Agreed!!!

[@pamlovell9125]

Lower your expectations?! What are you talking about?! It was even better than we expected!!

[@FollowThomas]

South Dakota has so much to offer. Nice video and great to learn about this area.

[@WereintheRockies]

Yes it does! Thank you for watching!

[@madelineharkins5643]

My son just retired from the NYPD and moved to South Dakota!

[@seanleaverton8125]

This was a great video. Thank you so much for putting it together.

[@debrasternhagen6598]

Mount Rushmore is wonderful!

[@KiltedVeteran]

I am from and currently live near the Black Hills and it really is a stunning area. I retired a year ago and now I want to go out and see the rest of what our country has to offer.

[@WereintheRockies]

So much to see. We hope you get to go explore.

[@dougclayton1652]

Very well done, thinks for all the information!

[@ufoundwaldo5995]

I stumbled on your videos while researching my western parks trip for 2023. They are as enjoyable as they are informative. You look like you’re enjoying yourselves while sharing information. Thank you and God Bless.

[@WereintheRockies]

Glad you like them! Have a great trip!

[@doreneconnelly1097]

Mt rushmore is amazing

[@Truck-it150]

Thanks for sharing your hints and historic facts about Mt. Rushmore and Black Hills. Appreciated. Good footage, great background information and even greater recommendations what to visit and what not.

[@WereintheRockies]

Thank you! Black Hills is really one of our favorites because of the variety of things to do.

[@hellokitty2848]

Another very informative video! Thank you!

[@WereintheRockies]

Our pleasure!

[@Hail_Mary_Studio]

We are planning a trip this August. Thanks for your insight, I found this vid super helpful. I definitely took note on some of the suggested locations. 😀

[@WereintheRockies]

Black Hills is a trip you will never forget. Enjoy and glad the video was helpful.

[@curiousone2581]

So nice to see a normal family enjoying their vacation!! I haven't been to ND but after seeing this video, I plan on visiting this summer! Thanks.

[@WereintheRockies]

Awesome! Thanks for watching.

[@kerryclark8022]

You guys always do a great job, thanks.

[@WereintheRockies]

Thanks, and you're welcome.

[@jimw544]

Enjoyed every minute! Yes, all 52 of them. Thank you so much.

[@WereintheRockies]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andrewlombara3165]

Thanks for the great recommendations!

[@WereintheRockies]

You are so welcome!

[@susanfusuma6472]

Mahalo once again for your very informative and educational video on the Black Hill which my boyfriend and I are road tripping in mid May, 2022. I can tell that both of you are excellent educators as you give great history lessons on your travels and you speak slow enough for me to remember as much I possibly can from your travel blogs! Great job once again!!

[@WereintheRockies]

Why thank you, we love what we do. Have fun this May!

[@NoOverhead]

This was great!! I love the historical facts. I'm looking forward to seeing Mt Rushmore for the first time on my next trip to Montana in the spring. Safe travels!

[@WereintheRockies]

Thanks for watching!

[@milespalero]

I just want to say thank you guys so much! We just visited the Black Hills and followed your guide.

[@WereintheRockies]

Awesome! You are welcome, we hope you had a great vacation. 😊

[@annkretovics8223]

Thanks

[@howardcunniffe8738]

I like what you had to show. Brings back memories when I was in South Dakota in the 70's.

[@WereintheRockies]

Thanks Howard!

[@howardcunniffe8738]

@@WereintheRockies Your welcome !

[@ForTheLoveOfHomes]

Really enjoyed your commentary. Great video. Cute kids.

[@cocoyc495]

Thanks for sharing. I was there this past winter. You are very thorough in your tour. I think this is the best video on you tube about visiting the Black Hills area of South Dakota!

[@WereintheRockies]

Thanks so much!!

[@jamesansell4081]

Thank you very much for your video! I am watching from South Africa and I would love to see it one day. In the meantime I have subscribed to your video's. Thanks again!!

[@WereintheRockies]

You're very welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@ivanpaultaurua9246]

Thank you so much I’ve been curious about the iron mountain roads and black rocks in intimate detail definitely exciting history and the itinerary tourist attractions 🇳🇿

[@WereintheRockies]

You're welcome!

[@triciarichardson2411]

This was fantastic! We are planning a cross country trip to Montana from Maine and plan on visiting TRNP, Mt. Rushmore, and Badlands- so helpful and informative!!!

[@WereintheRockies]

Glad it was helpful!

[@buddyvars9175]

Thank you now I have to go

[@Sunshine-uz4cx]

Wow wow wow.. what a great video and whole presentation! We are heading those places soon , your video is best ! Thank you so much !!!!

[@WereintheRockies]

You’re welcome! Glad you liked it

[@larrydraper4451]

You just did the first half of my 2019 road trip. Love the Black Hills and want to return. Been there twice like you, once in low def (1960s) and once in high def. I too decided to visit Roosevelt NP, south and north units, and so glad I did. In the north unit the bison outnumbered the visitors by a large margin. But you must hold onto your hat or the wind will send it to a neighboring state. The Cannonball Concretions were amazing work of nature. You did miss another tourist attraction on the way to Roosevelt, the Enchanted Highway. A collection of the world's largest scrap metal sculptures. My inner Clark Griswold sent me to this one. Enjoyed your presentation and look forward to more. Yes, she is cute!

[@WereintheRockies]

I actually looked up the enchanted highway but it was just too far out of the way! Happy that you made it there. Thanks for watching Larry!

[@babyseals4872]

What a treat that was watching this. My family is planning an august black hills trip and this really has my gears churning now

[@WereintheRockies]

Exactly!!! Such a cool place to take a family

[@thomask2194]

Thank you !!!

[@WereintheRockies]

You're welcome!

[@andyoconnor4972]

Great video - I watched it while I was at work and then watched again as a family on the big screen when we got home. We live in Scotland and are visiting the Midwest in 2 weeks and our first stop is Mount Rushmore and the surrounding area. My kids are super excited after watching your video - thanks!!

[@WereintheRockies]

That is awesome! Have a great time.

[@MLPdiver]

This was my favorite of your videos! My wife and I live in FL and will be making a 5 week road trip oin April. We’ve been to many NPs and will revisit a few on this trip. I’m 62 and haven’t been to SD since I was 16. I’m still planning our trip and this video was quite helpful in setting our itinerary. Thanks!

[@WereintheRockies]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Chimp_6]

We're planning an RV trip this fall to this area. Thank you for some really great tips!

[@WereintheRockies]

You're welcome!

[@davidyost3407]

Best travel video ever!!!

[@WereintheRockies]

Wow, thank you so much! 😃

[@user-em2uy2pf4n]

❤ mountain😊

[@suongpho8365]

Thanks for sharing!🇺🇸❤️🙏

[@WereintheRockies]

Thanks for watching!

[@richardlibby2407]

Well done video. Love the family interaction. Especially cow-chip baseball.

[@WereintheRockies]

Thanks!

[@vegasstoker9647]

Great video

[@margaretImhappy]

Well, you’ve convinced me- I need to plan a trip to South Dakota soon!

[@WereintheRockies]

Yes you do!

[@richardroos5965]

This Summer (2022) I only have 2 weeks to see Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. But this video of yours makes me feel I should start planning my Vacation of 2023...to include days in the Mt. Rushmore area.

[@WereintheRockies]

Definitely. The Black Hills are a 3-4 day trip on their own.

[@jimdent5339]

We have been watching a lot of travel videos of all around the US. I can’t pinpoint exactly why but this is one of the best! Watching the whole video to just see to see what’s next! Highly recommended!!

[@WereintheRockies]

Thanks so much and thanks for watching.

[@margaretImhappy]

Aww, you guys are so cute! ❤

[@WereintheRockies]

😊

[@myracarbajal4978]

Thanks!

[@WereintheRockies]

Thank you!!! You are our first person to say Thank you : )

[@timbillings6884]

👍👍 One of my faveret places !!! Is the needels eye gone!? I love the black hills! Bike ride looked like fun, I have been mountain biking since the were invented love it.!!! Good show. And devels tower is cool!!!😂 My father brought home a buffalo flop a big one gave it to his friend and he chalicked it and kept it on his coffee table ! 🤪😂👍😂

[@WereintheRockies]

The Needles Eye is still there, but I guess I forgot to include it. Thanks for all your comments and support Tim!

[@china-trip]

Wow... !!! My best friend, It's always great. Your video is excellent quality. We liked and enjoyed to the end. Thanks

[@WereintheRockies]

Thank you very much

[@waltdurling9487]

I gotta say that I very much enjoy your videos. The effort you guys put into them really shows. They are always informative and particularly enjoyable to watch during the winter here in PA! If you're ever back in Yellowstone in the Lamar Valley, stop at the Tower ranger station and ask for Walt - I'm a wildlife management volunteer between mid-May and early August.

[@WereintheRockies]

Walt, thanks for watching and thanks for the comment! We certainly will ask for you when we visit Tower!! Would love to say hi.

[@WereintheRockies]

Are you still at Tower this summer with all the floods?

[@kevinkinnell5849]

Great video very informative.My wife and I went to Mt. Rushmore a couple yrs back and stayed at hill city. My boss recommended eating at Alpine Inn oh my it was so good. Can't wait for a return trip

[@WereintheRockies]

Thank you and great tip!

[@joemanpjg]

The best, hopefully we will be dining there in early Oct, weather permitting.The video of the Black Hills very informative. Thanks for the great tour...

[@WereintheRockies]

You’re welcome!

[@theangrycamper]

🎵🎶Goin off the rails of the keystone train🎶🎵... Ozzy Approves this message ha ha ha🎵

[@chrismilana1144]

Visiting Rapid City this summer. We were wondering if there was going to be something other than Mt. Rushmore to see. After watching your video, we have decided to extend our stay. Enjoyed the views, the activities, and watching your family having a great time. Thank you for an educational and entertaining video.

[@WereintheRockies]

We're so glad it helped! Enjoy your vacation, you will love it.

[@tanya5368]

I grew up in South Dakota. Mount Rushmore is actually my least favorite part of The Black Hills. It’s such a gorgeous area and there are so many things to do.

[@eileenellingsen3669]

Hi! We are planning a trip for Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, driving the Needles Highway, Wildlife Loop, and Iron Mtn Road. Your suggestions if the weather doesn't look promising. Only will have two days. You guys have always been so very helpful! Thanks!

[@WereintheRockies]

We always say, “bring your own weather!” Still do all the things you listed even if the weather isn’t great. Nice thing is that there are a lot of scenic drives so even if it’s raining you’ll be able to stay out of it. We have a trip planner video coming out Sunday all about the black hills!

[@1m2rich]

I was there in theb70s. Few tourist stuff or visitor center. They had Buffalo herds in Custard Park. Mt. Rushmore is awesome. No,stairs then.

[@steveh2956]

Well done, very nice video

[@WereintheRockies]

Thanks!

[@Bganno]

Next time in Custer SD....go to the Purple Pie House. The Very Best.. only open in the Summer.

[@WereintheRockies]

Awesome! Thanks for the suggestion

[@jasminekasad2708]

Do you have more videos of other places ? Where can I find them? I have subscribed and hit the bell icon. Thank you for this amazing video.

[@WereintheRockies]

Check out my playlists here: kzbin.infoplaylists. Also, I have articles and videos organized on my website by location: wereintherockies.com/national-parks/. Thanks for watching!

[@elizabethpreviti598]

Sorry hit thumbs down by mistake. Loved to look at this video again today on the 4th of July. Shared with my brother & sil & they really enjoyed it too. Hoping to go to Alaska in 2024 so this would be part of the trip. We full time Rv. Love your content!!!

[@WereintheRockies]

Thank you! We're glad you enjoy it. Have a great time on your trip. It sounds amazing.

[@neildewitt2869]

I've been to all but Custer and the park. For some reason I always miss the chance for one reason or another. Been out their 11 times now.

[@WereintheRockies]

Well, it gives you a reason to got there a 12th time. 😂

[@Murph_.]

My favorite part of this whole thing is when the train derails and you put up a graphic on your wife which said "Super Cute". That, my friend, was AWESOME.

[@WereintheRockies]

Haha.

[@jerryw6699]

I still remember my first train wreck, some called it a wedding.

[@RW797]

Wow, this is a perfect tour guide with so many details! I am going to visit the Black Hills the 3rd time next month, and this provides me so many new places to visit!! Thanks for the great content sharing! What's the best season/month to visit the Black Hills in your mind?

[@WereintheRockies]

Thank you for the nice comments. Spring or fall 😊

[@RW797]

@@WereintheRockies Nice, I will visit in a month~

[@caroleleonard2024]

Going in august

[@bridgetg1916]

Nice video! What time of year was this filmed, in what season?

[@WereintheRockies]

July!

[@Jeremy-jx4kq]

Great video with some awesome facts and history! We are headed out there (from Ohio) in September for the first time as our first major stop, then on to Yellowstone. I’m constantly debating internally as to which one I’m more looking forward to: Yellowstone in all its natural grandeur or Black Hills with its forested hills, spires and diversity of things to do! Coming from the East, our first major stop will be Badlands, which I think will be a good intro to the Black Hills. Have you ever stopped at the Minuteman Missile National Historical Site? Seems like a really cool museum and a place oozing with history that Matt would especially enjoy.

[@WereintheRockies]

We went there this year and it was closed! Make sure to check the website for its hours and you have to book a tour in advance. It was sad I couldn’t see jt.

[@Jeremy-jx4kq]

@@WereintheRockies oh no, sorry you missed it. It’s one of those roadside stops I’m really looking forward to on the way out, so I hope it’ll be open next Fall!

[@WereintheRockies]

Yes, I was looking forward to it as well. I believe it’s the only national park site dedicated to the Cold War. I’ll get to it someday! Happy to hear about your big trip. We’ve got a lot of Yellowstone videos for you as well, and we will do a KZbin live about Yellowstone in January

[@katieandkevinsears7724]

Enjoy your trip. I'm heading out from Ohio in June with my family. My last time out was 2014. We didn't have our son yet and it was my most challenging vacation ever. The Black Hills and Yellowstone are a coin toss as to which you'll like best.

[@PigBenis69420]

I went to prom with gutzom Borglums grandsons step daughter back in the day.

[@WereintheRockies]

Lol!

[@jerryw6699]

@@WereintheRockies I'll be she was chiseled.

[@eileenellingsen3669]

So very happy to find you guys did a Video on Mt. RUSHMORE and the Black Hills! We are planning a trip soon! You helped us tremendously last year when we went to Bryce, Zion and the Grand Canyon. Can you suggest where a good place to book a hotel for a 'base' to travel from? I admire all the wonderful information you provide !! 👍😊

[@WereintheRockies]

Eileen, thanks for watching our channel! There are a lot of places to stay in the Black Hills. I think Custer is the best place for the southern black hills. If you want to spend time in the northern black hills, perhaps deadwood or rapid city.

[@eileenellingsen3669]

@@WereintheRockies thanks for the information! 😊

[@WereintheRockies]

You’re welcome!

[@KenCustis]

Great video, but I think you missed the most beautiful and unique ways of seeing the Black Hills, that is by taking a Hot Air Balloon ride with Black Hills Balloons. A very must do when you are in the area.

[@WereintheRockies]

Great suggestion! Would also like to attend the balloon festival in Hot Springs one day

[@pattyaaron5227]

I think the bad lands are awesome

[@tararandall1638]

Curios where did you start your hike for Black Elk Peak? I tried looking it up & it shows several hikes to take, I also have a teenager & looking for something to do like this while we’re there

[@WereintheRockies]

Sorry, I’ve been out of town. I started the hike from Sylvan Lake. There are 3-4 trailheads for it and all the trails there seem to connect so you have to pay attention!

[@ttau1997]

How many state in this video? Look so beautiful.

[@WereintheRockies]

Three!! Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota

[@brandongligor9842]

I saw you guys have travel plans on your website and are working on one for the Black Hills! I'm curious when you guys are planning on releasing this plan?

[@WereintheRockies]

This week or next. Just finishing it up!

[@WereintheRockies]

It's on the page now : )

[@subrinawaseem4647]

Awesome! Hope to make a trip to SD one day. What’s the best time of year, in your opinion, to visit Black Hilla and not be overwhelmed with crowds and traffic jams?

[@WereintheRockies]

We've written an article about when to visit Mt Rushmore. If you're interested, here you go: wereintherockies.com/best-time-to-visit-mount-rushmore/. Short answer, shoulder seasons would be best May and Sept/Oct.

[@stevedietrich8936]

Avoid early August at all costs. The Sturgis motorcycle rally occurs then and the Black Hills are inundated with motorcyclists. Everything is crowded and more expensive then. Any time from late May to mid October is good other than the very end of July and first half of August. If you want minimal crowds go when schools are back in session, September or early October. I edited to add that they have the Bison Roundup, which is open to the public, in late September and although I have never been there it is my understanding that it is pretty special. Google Custer State Park bison roundup and I am sure it will link to a website with information.

[@alext3102]

How long did you rented the slingshot for?, wanting to do this but I’m wondering for how long should I get it. Thank you

[@WereintheRockies]

For 24 hours

[@cierakitty]

I stayed a week there last year...saw everything there was to see. Enjoyed the Badlands most of all. The Reptile Gardens was nice as well. 8 of the giant turtles (I cannot spell Geolopas..see told you) anyway you got to feed them and they roamed right up to you. Mt. Rushmore was ok.

[@scootypuffjr.]

You did NOT see everything there is to see in just a week. I'm going back in two weeks for my fourth year in a row.

[@cierakitty]

@@scootypuffjr. I saw what ALL I wanted to see and went there to see...didn't care about Mt. Rushmore, so skipped it but still saw it coming out of one of the tunnels anyway. Myself, I prefer Wyoming, so will be going back there most likely.

[@scootypuffjr.]

@@cierakitty What are your favorites in Wyoming?

[@cierakitty]

@@scootypuffjr. Been going up there since I was 3, and go every chance I get. I usually fly into Bozeman, get my rental car to go to Gardnier and stay. I am right there at the entrance so I like that. LaMar valley is always a treat. I am there by 8am to see the bison come by my car crossing the road to get to the river, then I go to Soda Butte and see people year to year and up the mountain to the old mining camp etc. Usually Bear Tooth area, etc. In Gardiner, up on Bear mountain is an old mining camp and cemetery (pretty old). Just out of town I always like Yankee Canyon. I hop all over to the geysers, mud pits, etc. off the beaten path places to look for fossils. Haden Valley is ok, but often way to many people. I like going behind Mammoth, all the elk, bear, wolves, badgers, and such.A lot of scenic drives here and there. Up and around the Tetons, some off the wall places for the moose. And before I leave I always go the drive north to Cody and hit Wind River, then back to the hotel. Greybull, I'm just all over.

[@scootypuffjr.]

@@cierakitty Wowzer, that sounds amazing. I will be looking into that.

[@ExtremeRecluse]

I did a road trip. I bought a one way ticket to Vegas. I found a minivan on Face Book the day before. I landed and met the seller at the airport. I inspected the car and bought. I dropped the seller at his house. I got a good nights sleep. Then my road trip commenced. The itinerary was as follows: Sequoia Yosemite Yellow Stone Mt Rushmore Chicago Detroit A lot of driving but worth it. My recommendation, do not drive at night if you know you are going through a huge mountain range. Hwy 16 is one of those roads you need to travel during the day.

[@WereintheRockies]

Wow, what a trip!

[@joemanpjg]

What a way to break the van in..fabulous planning on your part..Hope you brought your camera with you !!!!!

[@megha12344]

Which tour would you recommend in wind cave national park?

[@WereintheRockies]

That's a difficult question to answer because everyone's interests and physical limits are different. I'm sure you can't go wrong with any of them. There is some great information on the national park webpage. Hope this helps: www.nps.gov/wica/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm

[@richardlibby2407]

Bring on Crater Lake video!

[@WereintheRockies]

Some day!

[@BUSTER.BRATAMUS]

A highlighted map would be nice

[@WereintheRockies]

good suggestion

[@tonyrowland9216]

Crazy horse hasn’t changed in 6 yrs.

[@roarrman]

I've been twice and want to take the whole family out this next summer. Which month did you go in? Looked ideal

[@WereintheRockies]

We went in July. Sometimes it's super hot in the summers, though. We visited in September once and it was amazing. But a lot of things start to close down after Labor Day.

[@roarrman]

@@WereintheRockies right... I was thinking about possibly May. I Crazy Horse starts to have that display around that time and I figure it's warm enough to go on the lake (we're also from Colorado) so definitely ready for the cold waters. But the fun looks

[@kimw349]

We are coming out of AK, myself and grandkids (8-16). Do you have a suggestion for lodging around Mt. Rushmore? We are driving up from Denver…can we get there in a day? Then spending a day seeing the area and the badlands the next day. Suggestions?

[@WereintheRockies]

Yes, you can get there in a day. There are so many places to stay in the Black Hills! If you're visiting Badlands, you may want to stay in Rapid City so you're in between Rushmore and Badlands.

[@allanhigby139]

Make sure you have reservations, this is close to Sturgis rally time.

[@allanhigby139]

Hill city or Keystone are actually a good.place for first time visitors. Centrally located to main attractions.

[@jackieblome1795]

We live about 30 minutes to MT RUSHMORE, this is a nice place to visit, but do it in the summer or fall, Not in winter lolol

[@WereintheRockies]

Good advice!

[@wncjan]

The bisons do no not always know the rule about keeping 25 yard distance 😉. Once, in Yellowstone though, a bison bull came out between the trees right in front of me. When I pulled back between my car and the next one it just followed along. I guess the distance beteen us was 1,5 yard at the most. Fortunately it continued into the forest on the other side of the car. Btw I still haveca T-shirt I bought at Wall Drug back in 2012.

[@WereintheRockies]

😂 So true about the bison! Lol. Thanks Daddy Sage. Good to hear you made it to wall drug as well.

[@ExtremeRecluse]

When I was at Yellowstone, the bison were grazing all over the place. A large group was relaxing on a flat rock formation. A bull tried to assert his dominance over a female caring for its calve. The female wasn't having any of it. The female rammed the bull flipping it onto its back. It was helplessly flailing away and growling. The female looked as though to say; "You want some more?" She then returned to her baby.

[@WereintheRockies]

@@ExtremeRecluse Unreal!

[@alexuslawns]

How long did you rent the Slingshot?

[@WereintheRockies]

One day!

[@rjforz6956]

Good video. We just went to Rushmore and surrounding area (Black Hills). I completely disagree with you about lowering your expectations. It’s Top 3 places to visit. Crazy Horse is a good place to visit as well.

[@WereintheRockies]

Thanks! Yes, I really enjoy both, but I'm surprised at the number of people who say Mt Rushmore was underwhelming to them!

[@joemanpjg]

@@WereintheRockies You find idiots everywhere as you encountered here or where ever

[@joemanpjg]

I am from Pa. we do a lot of East to West coast to coast trips. I have been at Mt Rushmore at least 12 times. I am totally amazed at how they were able to complete this spectacular Monument in 14 years excluding winter months, by mostly unskilled persons at that time, but led by a excellent Sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, who died before it was actually finished. Never did I hear anybody say they were not impressed by it. All loved it. I am wondering where you heard all these dislikes. I cannot wrap my mind around that. I think you might have been there 1 or 2 times a few hours at most.The only criticize I have, is for when they changed the lighting for the night time ceremony a few years back.My opinion...... I never heard one person or persons say Mt Rushmore was underwhelming, and I have been there many many times. Otherwise, your video was fabulous... @@WereintheRockies

[@WereintheRockies]

@@joemanpjg Well that's good to hear! I'm surprised by the number of people I've talked to who said it was "smaller than they expected," or otherwise were underwhelmed. Personally, I've always loved it.

[@rickchipman4477]

Deion Ssnders, watch this video. Test tomorrow.

[@rmdodsonbills]

A couple of notes: No Teddy Roosevelt Vacation is complete without a trip to Mt. Roosevelt near Deadwood. Wall Drug is the pharmacy in the city of Wall. Wall Drug is the business, Wall is the town. Having lived here most of my life, I'm pretty certain the 1880s train was a going concern earlier than the 1990s; perhaps as early as the 70s but definitely in the 80s. All that said, this is a great review of the gorgeous place I call my home.

[@WereintheRockies]

Wonderful suggestions! And yes, you caught me on my Wall Drug mishap! Nice job!

[@WereintheRockies]

Thanks for your insider knowledge. Even though Utah is my home, the Black Hills feels like home too. I can see why you love it so much.

[@oscarmolinaoutdooradventur1648]

👍🏼👍🏼❤️❤️

[@roxannegordon6162]

It's really nice to see what the videographer is looking at. So many people keep the camera on themselves and woah....please don't stick your tongue out at the camera. What's up with that???

[@tonyrowland9216]

Make sure you ck the dates for the Sturgis motorcycle show and plan around that 2-3 weeks or be prepared for MAJOR CROWDS AND TRAFFIC!

[@WereintheRockies]

Yes, great advice. It's crazy that time of year.

[@pauleverson8408]

The Iron Horse monument is a tourist trap. It hasn’t had any movement in years .

[@MichaelWite19]

2:47 You’ve never been more right

[@WereintheRockies]

Hahaha. You a Marylander?

[@richardroos5965]

"Still super cute" you say. I agree. But more than that...a super good woman who has hung in there with you all these (how many?) years...gifted you with how many children...amazing woman who has juggled her Special Ed career along with "holding down the fort"...and supporting you in this hobby of yours (travel and YouTubing). Yes, she is a super good and cute woman. I'm glad that you reaffirmed (and publicly at that) that truth via your editorial highlights.

[@judyberen4126]

You could mention the cost