The majority of visitors to the Black Hills arrive with a singular focus: Mount Rushmore. Which is to be expected- it is the #1 tourist attraction in South Dakota.
But there is a lot to do in this upper Midwest state beyond gazing at massive carvings in mountainsides – you can explore an archaeological dig, go deep beneath the prairie, and even find gourmet food in a biker bar!
The world’s largest mammoth dig is in Hot Springs, South Dakota
Hot Springs, South Dakota – the Southern Gateway to the Black Hills
published by The Scenic Route at GoRVing
Before we purchased our motorhome we rented one, just to see if we would enjoy RVing as much as we thought we would. And, to no one’s surprise, we loved it. That trip took us to Yellowstone National Park and back, with an overnight stop in the Black Hills.
We made the obligatory visit to Mount Rushmore and the girls earned their Junior Ranger Badges, but we had time for little else, leaving us longing to return to southwestern South Dakota.
Fast forward a few years and we were back in our own RV. This time, we set up camp at the KOA in Hot Springs, the southern ‘Gateway to the Black Hills’.
Though I had a few attractions on our itinerary, this trip was more a ‘let’s explore and see what we find’ adventure, with plenty of pool time for my water babies in the evenings.
Intersting post. I have been there but never get a chance to observe these settings? have you enjoyed visiting them and would they allow you to join and experience it? I love archeology and love exploration.
Hi Marc. There are opportunities to join in digs at The Mammoth Site. Visit their website (linked in article) for information.