We are thinking of flying up to Mt. Rushmore and then doing the road trip over to Yellowstone this summer and then flying back.

Would Mt. Rushmore on July 4th be worth it? Or should we just go on a normal day with less crowds? We want to be able to do our own things on our own pace, but I thought this might be a unique opportunity if it's worth the extra hassle.

Also any travel tips or stopping point suggestions are welcome! I'm at the very beginning idea stage of this trip.

Most underwhelming national monument! Undisputed hot take.

Last time I was there was summer 2019. Made it in time for the lighting ceremony at 9pm. A park ranger gave a short talk expounding on President John F Kennedy's remarks in his inaugural address, Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. He talked about how the 4 Presidents on the rock before us as done just that. He closed asking us to do the same, including those who weren't American. We sang the National Anthem and then, the big moment arrived. The lighting of the faces.



That's it. Some white spotlights on the faces that drowned out any detail.

Maybe if the president was there, it might be cool on the 4th. I think they do fireworks, it's recall seeing a setup for that when I was there right after the 4th in 2008.


I think it is what's above TR with the lines coming back.

If going to that part of the country, I'm going for Custer SP and the Badland. Mt Rushmore is a side trip for an hour. If staying in Keystone, don't. Go to Rapid City.

Yellowstone is absolutely worth the trip and then some. But it is a days trip from SD to Yellowstone.

Of you do go to SD, be sure to hit up Custer SP. Crazy Horse, take a pic from the highway.

Going to Yellowstone, you can hit up Devils Tower and Little Big Horn.

You didn't mention Grand Tetons, but there is no better view on any road trip than US 26 westbound when you finally reach the Tetons

ddp

Pro Sandy nailed it.

I would suggest looking at Jackson, Wy airport and spending the time in the Tetons and Yellowstone. Mt. Rushmore during the 4th may be crazy. We went in later July and enjoyed Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse, but it was getting pretty crowded when we finished up. We made it to the park on a random Friday at like 7:30 in the morning. Beautiful weather. Went and saw the buffalo in the state park as well.

Thanks!

We are definitely looking at a week or more trip to take in different spots.

I just knew there was a firework show on the 4th and thought it might be a neat trip. But I'm also about low crowds and being able to actual enjoy and get as close as possible. (Because I also know you don't actually get up close and you view from a pretty good distance)

MT Rushmore is underwhelming BUT that said 4th of July with fireworks seems like a cool vibe and best time to go.

It would remind me of the end of National Treasure 2 in the background.

And as someone said do not miss out on Custer State Park one of the best state parks in America.