2025 Pennington County Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#postandearn It’s one of America’s most famous landmarks — but Mount Rushmore is more than just a quick selfie spot. Nestled in South Dakota’s Black Hills, it’s the perfect launchpad for a day (or weekend!) of scenic drives, hiking trails, and hidden local gems. Think epic views, mountain goats, and prairie winds beneath the stony gaze of four presidents. 🇺🇸🐐🌲 ⸻ 🎯 Monument Highlights You’ll Want to See • 🗿 The Presidential Faces Carved into granite, the 60-foot-high faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln are even more impressive in person. Arrive early or late for golden-hour light and fewer crowds. • 🥾 Presidential Trail A 0.6-mile loop that takes you closer to the base of the carving — with shady steps, forest views, and fun angles for photos. ➕ Tip: It’s a great spot to spy mountain goats grazing nearby! • 🏛️ Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center & Sculptor’s Studio Learn the story behind the carving, check out historical tools, and see original models. Perfect for getting the deeper backstory of this bold project. • 🎆 Evening Lighting Ceremony (Seasonal) Held nightly during summer, this moving program includes a short film, flag lowering, and monument illumination under the stars. Bring layers! ⸻ 🗺️ Getting There • 🚗 Located near Keystone, SD, Mount Rushmore is easily reached via Highway 244, about: • 30 min from Rapid City • 20 min from Custer State Park • 1 hr from Badlands National Park • 🎫 Entry to the monument is free, but $10 parking fee per vehicle (valid all year) ⸻ 🌟 Tips from a Granite Explorer • 📸 Best Time to Visit: Mornings for soft light, or sunset + the lighting ceremony in summer • 🍦 Try the Monumental Ice Cream: Jefferson’s favorite vanilla recipe is served at the Memorial Team Ice Cream shop • 👟 Combine with Nearby Adventures: • Custer State Park: Wildlife loop drive for bison, burros, and pronghorns 🦬 • Needles Highway: A stunning drive with sharp granite spires and tight tunnels • Crazy Horse Memorial: Another massive carving still in progress — just 30 min away • 🏕️ Stay Overnight Nearby: Try camping at Horse Thief Lake, or book a rustic cabin in Keystone or Hill City ⸻ 💬 Final Thought Mount Rushmore isn’t just about four faces — it’s a place that captures the ambition, artistry, and contradictions of American history. With its stunning setting in the Black Hills and so much to explore nearby, it’s well worth slowing down, looking up, and letting the landscape tell its story. 🏞️🗿✨

#themepark Driving through South Dakota’s Badlands? Then you can’t miss Wall Drug, the ultimate roadside attraction that feels like a wild west-themed amusement park! From quirky photo ops to free ice water and animatronic dinosaurs, here’s why Wall Drug is a must-stop adventure! 🚗 The Entrance – Like Driving Into a Theme Park! You’ll know you’re getting close when you start seeing Wall Drug’s famous billboards—some placed hundreds of miles away! It's like the roadside version of a Disney queue, building up excitement before you even arrive! Tip: Snap a pic with the most creative billboard you spot! 🤠 Western-Style Main Street – A Step Back in Time! Walking into Wall Drug’s main area feels like entering a movie set for an old Western town. Wooden sidewalks, cowboy gear, and even a giant jackalope statue to ride make it an Instagrammer’s dream. Tip: Don’t skip the free museum displays showcasing the town’s quirky history! 🦖 Animatronic Dino – A Jurassic Surprise! Hidden among the gift shops and Western-themed storefronts, you’ll find a massive animatronic T-Rex that roars and moves every few minutes! It’s like stumbling upon an unexpected dinosaur ride without the long lines. Tip: If you have kids, be ready for some startled (but excited) reactions! 💦 Free Ice Water – The Original Attraction! Wall Drug became famous during the Great Depression by offering free ice water to travelers, and they still do it today! It’s like the classic refreshment stand of a theme park, except totally free. Tip: Grab a free cup, then cool off under the vintage water tower outside! 🍩 Famous Donuts – A Must-Try Snack! Theme parks have churros, Wall Drug has homemade cake donuts! These legendary treats, served fresh daily, are the perfect road trip fuel. Tip: Pair it with their famous 5-cent coffee for an unbeatable combo! 🎯 Fun and Free Attractions Everywhere! Beyond the shops, Wall Drug is packed with interactive fun—coin-operated fortune tellers, an arcade, and plenty of quirky photo ops like a giant cowboy boot and a six-foot rabbit. Tip: Wander through the Backyard to find even more hidden gems! 🛍️ The Ultimate Gift Shop – Take a Piece of Wall Drug Home! You can’t leave without grabbing a souvenir from one of the most eclectic gift shops in America! Whether it’s Western gear, jackalope figurines, or Badlands postcards, there’s something for everyone. Tip: Look for the classic “Where the Heck is Wall Drug?” bumper stickers! Wall Drug isn’t just a pit stop—it’s an experience! Part theme park, part roadside oddity, and 100% unique, this wacky wonderland is worth every mile. 🚗💨

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