So… sadly, like many of our beautiful national parks, the actual Mount Rushmore monument does not allow dogs unless your poochie is a service dog.
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Mount Rushmore is one of the most iconic places in America, but you won't be able to do much if you bring your dog. Pets are not allowed past the main gate to Mount Rushmore. However, they can admire the monument from afar near the parking garages or the nearby Blackberry Trail.
at the entrance to the main visitor area, by the benches at the main pergola (the row of large columns at the walk-in entrance) all sidewalks and green spaces in between the parking garages. The Blackberry Trail. Pet exercise area (follow the yellow pawprints from the parking lot!)
Leashed dogs are welcome in the pet-friendly Black Hills National Forest in Custer, SD. The forest is made up of rugged rock formations, canyons, gulches, open grassland parks, streams and lakes.
We are pet friendly with some restrictions. Pets must be on a leash. Pets may be led in the covered porch, on the veranda, and outdoors. Pets are not permitted to walk in the Welcome Center/The Indian Museum of North America, the Theater, or the Gift Shop.
Head north to Historic Deadwood, SD, where pets are welcome in and throughout the town. Feel free to wander on Main Street, visit the unique shops (many are dog-friendly), and most dining options that offer patio seating welcome you and your best friend, too.
Pets must be on a leash no longer than 10 feet and are not allowed in any park buildings or on designated swim beaches. Please clean up after your pet and do not leave it unattended. Service animals are welcome.
Bringing a four-legged friend? Pets are permitted in Badlands National Park with some restrictions. Pets must be kept on a leash no more than six feet in length at all times.
Dogs are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads, but must be kept on a leash at all times. The leash must not exceed 6 feet in length. Two short walking paths permit dogs—the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. Pets are not allowed on any other park trails.
Pets are allowed in public areas, parking lots and within 100 feet of any road. They must be on a leash that is not longer than 6 feet in length at all times. Visitors are not allowed to tie their pet to trees or other objects and leave them unattended. Pet kennels cannot be left outside of vehicles.
Pets are not allowed below the canyon rimOn the South Rim, leashed pets are allowed on trails above the rim. Inner canyon trails are narrow, include steep sections, and are well-traveled by humans, mules, and wildlife. Pets can be unpredictable on the trail.
Where else can you spend several hours and be entertained for just $10 while getting a bit of sunshine, exercise, and learning some history? Mount Rushmore is a very special place and I would recommend everyone make a special trip to visit it at least once in their lifetime.
Covering all 3 is a very full day, but it can be done with an early start. If I ran short on time, I'd eliminate Wall Drug. The Badlands will take an hour drive time from Rapid, and then allot around 4 hours to adequately see the park. Allot about an hour and a half back to Rushmore.
Keep dogs under control and don't allow them to chase wildlife. Bring water for dogs and make sure they have nametags. Watch for injuries to your dog's footpads in rocky areas, on ice or in extremely hot terrain.