Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse Memorial

The Blue Route is basically a quick trip into the southern Black Hills from Rapid City and should only take about 4 hours if you stop for short breaks. The best part is that it joins up with the RED route, the popular Peter Norbeck Scenic Highway.

As you travel south you will see & and hear about many attractions like Fort Hays Chuckwagon & Dances with Wolves film set, Reptile Gardens, Bear Country USA, and Big Thunder Gold Mine. Learn about old ghost towns like Rockerville and drive scenic side routes that have wonderful hiking trails like Silver Mountain Road.

Blue Route Suggested Itinerary

8:00 am - Depart Rapid City, SD and drive south on Hwy 16w

8:15 am - Visit Fort Hays Dances with Wolves Film set 4 mi south of Rapid City
- Enjoy an all you can eat cowboy breakfast ($4-$5)
- Browse the Dances with Wolves film set

9:30 am - Drive to Mount Rushmore Memorial.  Parking $10
- Visit the Grand View Terrace
- Visit the Lincoln Borglum Museum
- Walk the Presidential Nature Trail
- Visit the Sculptors Studio

11:00 am - Drive to Crazy Horse Memorial (30 min away)
- Visit the Sculptors Studio
- Visit many sculpture and Indian culture museums
- Ride the tour bus to the base of th monument
- Watch documentaries on the carviing of the memorial

12:30 pm - Return to Rapid City via Hill City on Hwy 16e