Sometimes you just need to escape for a little family adventure without making a big fuss or breaking the bank. Enter Mount Rushmore and what I now call a “Rushmore”—a quick, 24-48 hour weekend trip that’s jam-packed with fun for the entire family. Not only did it offer a chance to see one of America’s most iconic landmarks, but you can also toss in waterparks, great food, and some good old-fashioned family bonding without a week-long commitment.
Let me walk you through how we turned a simple trip to Mount Rushmore into an unforgettable family getaway, full of giggles, splashdowns, and memories that’ll last a lifetime.
The Planning: When You Want a No-Fuss Adventure
I had always wanted to take my kids to see Mount Rushmore. I mean, who wouldn’t want to gaze upon the gigantic faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln carved into the Black Hills of South Dakota? But, like many parents, I found myself thinking: "Once we look at the mountain, what else do I do with my kids?"
The answer came when I stumbled upon **WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort** in Rapid City, South Dakota. With a quick look, I discovered that several hotels are all connected to WaTiki’s massive indoor waterpark by walkways. Perfect! My kids could splash and slide to their hearts’ content, and my husband and I could kick back and relax.
The best part? The hotels offer discounted waterpark tickets for guests. Double win! Here’s a tip: If you can, plan your trip during the off or “shoulder” seasons (spring or fall) when rates are lower, and the crowds are thinner.
Travel Time: Getting There
We left on a Saturday morning and hopped on a quick flight to Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP). We rented a car, which was a breeze since the airport is small and easy to navigate, and drove directly to Mount Rushmore. It’s only a 45-minute drive from RAP, and before we knew it, we were standing in front of one of the most famous monuments in the country.
Mount Rushmore: Bigger Than We Imagined
If you’ve never seen Mount Rushmore in person, it’s hard to grasp just how impressive it is. Sure, you’ve seen it in textbooks and on postcards, but standing there, gazing up at those colossal stone faces, it feels awe-inspiring.
Here’s the good news for families: There’s no reservation required, and it’s totally free to walk in. The only cost is a small parking fee (which is not bad considering the iconic view).
We started by walking down the Avenue of Flags, a stunning pathway lined with flags from all 50 states, leading up to the monument. It was a fun little game for the kids to spot our home state’s flag, and it really built up the excitement.
Once you get to the main viewing platform, the monument is right there in all its glory. The park also offers a visitor center with exhibits and educational displays where you can learn more about the history and construction of Mount Rushmore. If you want a deeper dive, there’s an audio tour you can rent, but we opted to just wander at our own pace.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Mount Rushmore was never actually finished? Originally, the plan was to carve the Presidents down to their waists, but funding ran out, and the project was halted in 1941. Still, those four heads are enough to leave anyone speechless.
Of course, no visit to Mount Rushmore is complete without a sweet treat. We made a pit stop at Carver’s Marketplace for their famous ice cream, which is apparently based on Thomas Jefferson’s very own vanilla ice cream recipe. Whether or not that’s true, I can’t say, but I can confirm it was delicious!
After about an hour of exploring and taking the obligatory family selfies with George and Abe, we were ready to head back.
WaTiki Waterpark: The Perfect Splash for Everyone
Now, let’s talk about the real highlight for the kids—the **WaTiki Indoor Waterpark**. After the monument visit, we checked into **Home2Suites**, one of the five hotels connected to the waterpark. I’m not going to lie, after spending the morning trekking around Mount Rushmore, the idea of lounging by a pool while the kids wore themselves out sounded pretty amazing.
WaTiki Waterpark is no joke. With 30,000 square feet of water slides, lazy rivers, splash zones, and hot tubs, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. My kids dove headfirst into the slides and spent hours zooming down the **Funky Frog** and the **Lily Pad Leap**. Meanwhile, my husband and I found our spot at the bar with a drink in hand, occasionally waving to the kids as they floated by on the lazy river. Win-win!
What’s great about WaTiki is that it’s big enough to be exciting but not so overwhelming that you’re constantly worried about losing track of your kids. They even have a toddler zone for younger kids, so there’s something for every age group.
Pro Tip: If you want to avoid peak crowds, aim for late afternoon or early evening when things start to wind down. We practically had the place to ourselves after dinner, which meant more slides for the kids and more relaxation for us!
Fun Facts About the Area: Black Hills and Beyond
One thing I didn’t expect was just how beautiful the surrounding Black Hills area is. The drive to Mount Rushmore is gorgeous, with winding roads and scenic overlooks. If you have extra time (and more patience than we did with our kids), Custer State Park is nearby and offers wildlife safaris where you can see bison, pronghorn, and elk.
Fun Fact: The Black Hills get their name from the dark appearance of the dense pine trees that cover the area, giving the hills a “black” look from a distance.
Another fun pit stop? Crazy Horse Memorial, which is still under construction. This massive monument to the Native American leader Crazy Horse is just 17 miles from Mount Rushmore and is set to be the largest mountain carving in the world—once it’s finished. It’s definitely worth checking out if you have a little extra time.
The Birth of the “Rushmore” Trip
After a fun-filled day of patriotic sightseeing, wild waterpark action, and a few well-earned cocktails, we crashed hard. The next morning, we were up bright and early to catch our flight back home. The whole trip, from start to finish, took less than 24 hours, and yet it felt like we had packed in a weekend’s worth of fun.
And that’s how the “Rushmore” trip was born. Quick, easy, and full of memories. We didn’t need a whole week off work or a complicated itinerary. Instead, we got to enjoy a mini-adventure with the kids, check off a major bucket list item, and still be home by Sunday afternoon.
Why a “Rushmore” Trip Might Be Perfect for You
Not every family vacation needs to be a grand, multi-day affair. Sometimes, a whirlwind quick trip is all you need to recharge and have a blast. Whether it’s Mount Rushmore or another nearby destination, the key is keeping it simple. Don’t overplan, don’t stress, and most importantly, don’t forget to have fun!
Pro Tips for Planning Your Own “Rushmore” Trip:
1. Check for Hotel Deals: Many of the hotels connected to WaTiki Waterpark offer package deals that include waterpark tickets. This can save you some cash!
2. Don’t Forget the Essentials: Even though it’s a quick trip, make sure you pack swimsuits, snacks, sunscreen, and a good pair of walking shoes for the monument.
3. Take It Easy: Don’t feel the need to cram everything into your day. Pick one or two key activities (like Mount Rushmore and the waterpark) and leave room for spontaneous fun.
So, what are you waiting for? Whether it's a trip to Mount Rushmore or your own local version, pack your bags, load up the kids, and get ready for your own “Rushmore” adventure!