The Mount Rushmore Pilgrimage: From City Slicker to Stone Faced Presidents
So you've decided to ditch the hot dog stands for a gander at George, Abe, Teddy, and Teddy's even bigger stick (metaphorically speaking, of course). Let's face it, Mount Rushmore is a bucket list essential, but getting there from the concrete jungle of New York City can feel like navigating a wilderness survival show (minus the scorpions, hopefully). Fear not, intrepid traveler, this guide will have you communing with the presidential visages in no time!
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| How To Get To Mount Rushmore From New York |
Choose Your Chariot: Steely Bird or Iron Horse?
Airfare: This is your quickest route to presidential mountain gazing. Just picture yourself soaring above the clouds, a beverage with a tiny umbrella in hand, daydreaming about sculpting giant stone heads. Flights from NYC to Rapid City, South Dakota (the closest major airport to Mount Rushmore) take around 8 hours. Be warned, though, plane tickets can range from "Brooklyn bodega coffee" prices to "pretentious brunch" territory, depending on the season and your bargaining skills.
Bus: For the more adventurous soul (or those on a tighter budget), there's the bus option. Think of it as a chance to hone your people-watching skills and stock up on travel snacks (think beef jerky, not kale chips). The journey takes a cool 38 hours, so bring a good book, some patience, and maybe a sleep mask for those enthusiastically chatty seatmates.
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Road Trip: If you crave the open road and the freedom to blast show tunes at the top of your lungs, then a road trip might be your calling. This 1,700-mile odyssey could take 27-ish hours of driving, not including bathroom breaks and detours for roadside attractions (the world's biggest ball of twine, anyone?). Just remember, the key to a successful road trip is a stellar playlist, a willing co-pilot (or a very energetic audiobook), and a flexible bladder.
Once You're There: Presidential Ponderings
Congratulations! You've made it to Mount Rushmore. Now it's time to gawk at the presidents' giant heads and contemplate the meaning of it all. There are walking trails offering stunning views, evening lighting ceremonies that make the monument look even more majestic, and rangers on hand to answer your burning questions (like "why aren't there any female presidents on Mount Rushmore?").
QuickTip: A careful read saves time later.
Pro Tip: Don't forget the sunscreen and hat! South Dakota sun doesn't mess around.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
How to save money on getting to Mount Rushmore? Be flexible with your travel dates, consider flying into a smaller airport nearby, and explore bus options.
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How long does it take to get to Mount Rushmore from New York? By plane, it's about 8 hours. By bus, it's roughly 38 hours. By car, it can take 27 or more hours.
What are some things to pack for a trip to Mount Rushmore? Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and layers (weather can be unpredictable).
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What else is there to see and do near Mount Rushmore? Check out Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Badlands National Park.
Is there food available near Mount Rushmore? Yes, there are restaurants and cafes in the Keystone and Hill City areas close to Mount Rushmore.
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