Tucked in western South Dakota’s Black Hills just outside Keystone, Rush Mountain Adventure Park attracts fun-seeking families from near and far. The attraction is home to historical Rushmore Cave and adrenaline-pumping rides such as a mountain coaster and a zipline. Check out these four can’t-miss things to do while you’re there.
This article is sponsored by Rush Mountain Adventure Park.
Enjoy Heart-pounding Rides
Climb aboard the gravity-driven Rushmore Mountain Coaster to wind through trees and over a mountainside at nearly 30 miles per hour. Or soar through the air with a friend on the two-seat Soaring Eagle Zipline Ride. Adventure seekers can also test their balance and agility skills on the above-ground Wingwalker Challenge Course, equipped with ziplines, planks and other obstacles. There’s also a Sky Tykes option for pint-size adventurers!
Explore Geologic Wonders Underground
The winding subterranean passageways of Rushmore Cave, originally discovered in 1876, lead to rooms filled with dazzling stalagmites and stalactites. Book a guide-led walking tour for a one-hour interpretive experience, or opt for the thrilling Xpedition Adventure Tour, which requires visitors to crawl through tight spaces to encounter sights off the cave’s main tour route.
Battle Zombies and Robot Cowboys
The Gunslinger 7-D Interactive Ride is a multi-sensory attraction that enables visitors to shoot laser guns at targets while immersive effects (think moving seats and blowing air) make them feel like they're in the middle of the action. Choose from three different adventures, including one with a futuristic Wild West-themed plot.
Uncover Hidden Treasures
The entire family will enjoy hunting for precious rocks, minerals and fossils in the Gemstone Mining Area, where you can sift through dirt and sand in a real sluice box. After you work up an appetite, grab a bite at Sparky’s Snackitorium, which sells pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, drinks and snacks.
Pro Tip: For the best bang for your buck, purchase Rush Mountain Adventure Park’s 24-hour ride wristband with an add-on cave tour, which gives you access to unlimited rides for a 24-hour period after activation. The wristband also includes $5 of arcade or VR play at Rush Mountain’s sister property, Sprockets Fun Foundry in Keystone.
