One Day in the Black Hills: A Hot Springs KOA Itinerary

The Black Hills of South Dakota are home to some of the most iconic and beautiful spots in the United States. From Mount Rushmore to Custer State Park, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the Black Hills.

If you are planning a trip to the Black Hills, consider staying at the Hot Springs KOA. The Hot Springs KOA is nestled into the  southern Black Hills, and it is the perfect place to base your adventures.

Here is a one-day travel itinerary for the Black Hills, starting and ending at the Hot Springs KOA:

Morning:

• 8:00 AM: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the Hot Springs KOA. We serve breakfast daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and then weekends through September.
• 9:00 AM: Begin your drive to Mount Rushmore National Memorial through Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, and along the Iconic Iron Mountain Road. The drive itself is about an hour, but leave plenty of room to stop and enjoy the wildlife along the way. Mount Rushmore is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States, and it is a must-see for any visitor to the Black Hills.
• 11:00 AM: Take a tour of Mount Rushmore. The Presidential Trail is really neat, as is the museum. Both offer great ways to learn about the history of the monument and the significance of the four presidents who are carved into the mountainside. The first .2 miles of the .6 mile trail are handicapped accessible.

Afternoon:

• 1:00 PM: Have lunch at one of the many restaurants in Keystone, South Dakota. Keystone is a charming mountain town located just a few miles from Mount Rushmore.
• 3:30 PM: Begin heading back, but make sure you take 244 to Needles Hwy. You'll love the views. Then drop back through the other side of Custer State Park, and Wind Cave

Evening:

• 6:00 PM: Have dinner in Hot Springs. A few favorite places to dine are Two Cows Creamery, The 1891 Steakhouse, and even Winner's Circle which serves up better than typical food with an optional game of bowling.
• 8:00 PM: Relax and enjoy the evening at the Hot Springs KOA.

This is just a suggested itinerary, and you can customize it to fit your interests and time constraints. For example, if you are interested in hiking, you could spend more time exploring Custer State Park. Or, if you are interested in history, you could visit the Journey Museum & Learning Center in Rapid City.

No matter what you choose to do, you are sure to have a wonderful time in the Black Hills. And the Hot Springs KOA is the perfect place to base your adventures.

Book your stay at the Hot Springs KOA today and start planning your Black Hills adventure!