Mount Rushmore is the granite icon of the American West—four 60‑foot presidential faces carved between 1927 and 1941. It anchors the Black Hills, a region sacred to the Lakota and rich in frontier lore, gold rush tales, and winding byways that reveal cathedral‑like rock spires and Ponderosa pine. Just as memorable as the monument are the quiet lakes, starry skies, and slow mornings you’ll savor here.

This three‑month itinerary balances relaxed days with the best of the area: Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop, the needle‑thin tunnels of Iron Mountain Road, the gold‑tinged history of Deadwood, Spearfish Canyon waterfalls, and the honeycombed lands of Badlands National Park. You’ll have ample time for wine tasting at local favorites, unhurried photography sessions, and scenic picnics with your pup.

Practical notes: Rapid City is your gateway (RAP airport), and a rental car makes everything simple. Summer brings warm days and sudden afternoon storms; shoulder seasons can see early/late snow. Dogs are welcome in many outdoor areas, but not on most national park trails; Mount Rushmore allows pets only in designated areas near the parking structures. Custer State Park and Black Hills National Forest are broadly dog‑friendly on leash. Carry water, watch for wildlife, and keep distance from bison.

Rapid City

With bronze “City of Presidents” statues on every downtown corner and colorful murals in Art Alley, Rapid City blends small‑city energy with prairie hospitality. It’s the perfect base for your first month: close to Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and the northern hills. Cafés hum in the mornings, patios glow in the evenings, and the pace invites lingering.

Fly into Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP). Typical one‑stop flights from U.S. hubs run 4–7 hours total, often $250–$450 roundtrip outside peak holidays. Compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. From the airport, it’s a 20‑minute drive into town; plan on renting a car for regional exploring.

Where to stay: For monthly or weekly deals, browse downtown condos and pet‑friendly homes near Skyline Drive on VRBO Rapid City or mid‑range hotels (often $95–$160/night in non‑peak weeks) on Hotels.com Rapid City. Many properties allow dogs for $20–$50/night.

Eat & drink (dog‑friendly patios where noted):

• Harriet & Oak (coffee/breakfast): Roaster with a vintage VW van inside; try a maple latte and the veggie breakfast burrito. Patio seating out front.
• Pure Bean Coffeehouse (coffee): Local roastery—order the pour‑over to taste single origins; pastries sell out by late morning.
• Tally’s Silver Spoon (breakfast/lunch): A Rapid staple—think bison‑sausage skillets by day and chef‑driven plates at dinner.
• Que Pasa Cantina (lunch/dinner, patio): Rooftop margaritas, street tacos, and sunset views across downtown; dog‑friendly outside tables.
• Murphy’s Pub & Grill (dinner): Irish‑leaning comfort fare and a deep beer list; hearty shepherd’s pie after a long hike.
• Dakotah Steakhouse (dinner): Hand‑cut steaks, walleye, and chislic (regional skewered steak bites). Good for a classic South Dakota night.
• Firehouse Wine Cellars (wine tasting) + Firehouse Brewing Co. (pub): Sample South Dakota wines, then move next door for a buffalo burger in an 1915 brick firehouse.

Days 1–10: Settle in and your first Mount Rushmore visit

• Orientation stroll: Walk the “City of Presidents” statues and slip through Art Alley for photo‑friendly murals. Great urban shots at golden hour.
• Mount Rushmore (30–40 minutes from Rapid): Arrive late afternoon to scout angles from the Grand View Terrace, then stay for the evening lighting program in peak season. Note: pets are allowed only in the parking areas and designated relief zones, not at the terrace or trails—plan a rotation or a pet sitter on this visit.
• Iron Mountain Road loop: Link US‑16A’s corkscrew “pigtail” bridges and one‑lane tunnels that perfectly frame Mount Rushmore. Drive 2–3 hours with photo stops; breathtaking at sunset.
• Skyline Wilderness Area: Leashed‑dog trails just above town; short climbs lead to city panoramas ideal for blue‑hour photography.
• Budget tip: Buy the America the Beautiful Pass (~$80) for Badlands and other federal sites. Mount Rushmore has a separate $10 parking fee valid for a year.

Days 11–20: Badlands sunrise, local wine, and easy days

• Badlands National Park (1–1.25 hours): Arrive before dawn on the Badlands Loop Road; use overlooks like Big Badlands and Panorama Point for sunrise ridgelines. Pets are allowed in developed areas (overlooks, picnic areas, parking lots) but not on trails or boardwalks—still excellent for photography from pullouts.
• Wall town stop: Break for coffee and a milkshake in Wall; stroll the backyard areas with your pup.
• Belle Joli Sparkling House (Sturgis, 35–40 minutes): Taste méthode champenoise sparkling wines on a vineyard patio; flights ~$12–$18. Perfect mellow afternoon between drives.
• Chapel in the Hills: A replica 12th‑century Norwegian stave church in the pines—peaceful grounds and elegant woodwork make for great detail shots.
• Dog time: Let your pup run at local off‑leash parks such as Robbinsdale or Vickie Powers (check posted rules). Always carry extra water; summer heat spikes fast.

Days 21–30: More photos, more flavors, and slow mornings

• Second Rushmore session: Come at first light on a weekday; shadows are softer and crowds thin. Grab breakfast after in Keystone or back in Rapid.
• Vanocker Canyon scenic drive: Wind between Rapid City and Sturgis through granite outcrops and creek bottoms—quiet pullouts for tripod work.
• Gallery & brewery crawl: Pair Firehouse’s wines with a pint across the alley. In the afternoon, roam local galleries and the Dahl Arts Center exhibits.
• Flexible days: Build in rest: late breakfasts at Tally’s, a book on the porch, and an easy Skyline sunset. The relaxed cadence is part of the Black Hills charm.

Custer

Custer is an old frontier town turned basecamp for granite cathedrals and mirror‑still lakes. From here, Custer State Park, the Needles, and Sylvan Lake are practically your backyard—ideal for relaxed picnics, wildlife sightings, and golden‑hour photo walks with your dog.

Where to stay: Look for cabins near Sylvan Lake and in‑town homes within walking distance of restaurants on VRBO Custer, or compare pet‑friendly hotels (often $110–$180/night in season) on Hotels.com Custer. Book early for summer.

Eat & drink (with local standouts):

• Baker’s Bakery & Cafe (breakfast): Cinnamon rolls, skillets, and bottomless coffee—the classic small‑town morning.
• Black Hills Burger & Bun Co. (lunch): House‑ground patties; try the “Hot Granny” with jalapeños and cream cheese. Lines move fast.
• Skogen Kitchen (dinner): Intimate, chef‑driven seasonal menu; book ahead for a slow, celebratory meal.
• The Custer Wolf (casual): Burgers, local beers, and a friendly patio after a hike.
• Purple Pie Place (dessert/afternoon): Huckleberry or strawberry‑rhubarb slices on the porch scream summer in the Hills.
• Prairie Berry Winery & Kitchen (Hill City): A short drive north—famous for Red Ass Rhubarb; flights and flatbreads on a dog‑friendly patio.
• Naughti Wines by Prairie Berry (Hill City): A playful tasting lineup in the same area; mix and match for a full afternoon of wine sampling.

Getting here: Drive Rapid City to Custer in 45–60 minutes via US‑16 (morning departure recommended). Budget ~$6–$10 for gas depending on vehicle; choose the scenic detour via Keystone if you want one more Rushmore peek.

Days 31–40: Custer State Park classics

• Wildlife Loop Road: Go at sunrise for bison, pronghorn, and wild burros. Pull over only in safe turnouts and keep dogs inside when wildlife are near.
• Needles Highway: Thread the one‑lane tunnels and stop at Needles Eye. Afternoon light warms the granite—perfect for texture shots.
• Sylvan Lake: Walk the level Sylvan Lake Shore Trail (1 mile, leashed dogs) and set up a picnic. Calm evenings reflect spires in glassy water.
• Cathedral Spires Trail (1.6 miles roundtrip, moderate): Short, spectacular, and dog‑friendly on leash. Bring grippy shoes for granite slabs.

Days 41–50: Hill City wines and leisurely hikes

• Hill City day: Late morning tasting at Prairie Berry, lunch on site, then a second flight at Naughti Wines. Photograph sunlit vines and rolling hills.
• Alpine Inn (Hill City): Lunch features schnitzels and spaetzle; dinner is famously a filet‑mignon‑only affair—simple, old‑world, and memorable.
• Black Elk Peak trail from Sylvan Lake (7 miles roundtrip, moderate): Highest point between the Rockies and the Pyrenees. Dogs on leash; start early and bring plenty of water.
• Rest & reset: Easy afternoons in town with pie, a novel, and a sunset stroll through Custer’s neighborhoods.

Days 51–60: Wind Cave prairie and Hot Springs soaks

• Wind Cave National Park: Watch bison herds on the prairie and photograph rolling grasslands. Pets are permitted in developed areas but not on trails or cave tours.
• Hot Springs (25–35 minutes south): Walk the Fall River boardwalk and consider a soak at the mineral pools while your dog naps at your lodging.
• Cascade Falls (seasonal swim): A local favorite; bring a blanket and relax to the sound of water.
• Dinner back in Custer: Skogen Kitchen for a slow evening; if you prefer casual, The Custer Wolf patio feels just right after a long day out.

Deadwood

Deadwood wears its Wild West past proudly: gold‑rush storefronts, gaming halls, and a hillside cemetery with sweeping views. It also places you near Spearfish Canyon, where limestone walls cradle waterfalls and ferny trails—one of the region’s most photogenic corners.

Where to stay: Historic hotels along Main Street or modern condos in nearby Lead and Spearfish make restful bases. Compare options on VRBO Deadwood and Hotels.com Deadwood. Many properties list pet policies clearly; patios and balconies are common.

Eat & drink:

• Lee Street Station Cafe (breakfast): Hearty omelets and bottomless coffee in a rail‑themed diner.
• Pump House at Mind Blown Studio (coffee/lunch): Espresso and panini in a historic pump house attached to a glassblowing studio—great for artsy photos.
• Jacobs Brewhouse & Grocer (lunch/dinner): Wood‑fired mains, South Dakota beers, and a market for regional goodies.
• Deadwood Social Club (dinner): Upstairs from Saloon No. 10—pastas, steaks, and a solid wine list; reserved but welcoming vibe.
• Legends Steakhouse at the Franklin (dinner): A classic for prime rib with a side of Deadwood lore.
• Belle Joli Winery (Sturgis): If you didn’t make it earlier, toast your trip with a sparkling flight on the patio overlooking vines.

Getting here: Custer to Deadwood is ~1 hour 20 minutes via US‑385 (a scenic morning drive). Rapid City to Deadwood is ~50 minutes via I‑90/US‑14A. Gas for either hop typically runs $6–$12 depending on vehicle.

Days 61–70: Deadwood history and Spearfish Canyon waterfalls

• Main Street & museums: Stroll past gaming halls and historic façades; the Adams Museum and Days of ’76 Museum tell the story of boomtown Deadwood. Expect dog access only on outdoor streets; plan museum time when your pup can rest comfortably.
• Mount Moriah Cemetery: Hike the hill for views over town and pay respects at the graves of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.
• Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway: Drive 45 minutes to limestone walls, emerald creeks, and quick stops at Bridal Veil Falls and Roughlock Falls. Leashed pets are welcome on many adjacent Black Hills National Forest paths—watch signage at each trailhead.
• Latchstring Restaurant (near Spearfish Canyon Lodge): Cozy lunch of trout or bison stew between waterfall stops.

Days 71–80: Northern hills rambles and wide views

• Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower: Short hike to a 1919 stone tower with sweeping Black Hills panoramas—gorgeous at sunset; dogs on leash.
• Pactola Lake (45 minutes): Picnic coves and teal‑blue waters. Gentle shoreline walks, SUP rentals in season, and mirror‑calm photo ops at dawn.
• Devils Tower National Monument (1.5–2 hours one way): An otherworldly butte rising from rolling plains. Pets are restricted to developed areas; enjoy views from overlooks and meander the park roads for dramatic compositions.
• Spearfish evening: Dinner in town—try Killian’s Food & Drink for elevated pub fare—then a scoop from Leones’ Creamery.

Days 81–90: Easy days to revisit favorites

• Photo capstones: Choose your top three moments to re‑shoot in perfect light—Sylvan Lake reflections, Rushmore at first light, or Spearfish Canyon in soft shade.
• Mickelson Trail (nearby access points): A crushed‑gravel rail‑trail snaking through the hills; dogs on leash. Pick flat segments for relaxed spins or strolls.
• Final toasts: Return to Prairie Berry or Belle Joli for a celebratory flight. In Deadwood, close with dinner at Deadwood Social Club and a twilight walk past neon and wooden balconies.

Intercity travel notes: Plan morning departures to beat traffic and enjoy long, light‑filled afternoons. Rapid City ⇄ Custer (45–60 minutes), Custer ⇄ Deadwood (~80 minutes), Rapid City ⇄ Deadwood (~50 minutes). Roads are paved and scenic; keep an eye out for wildlife at dawn/dusk. Fuel averages $3–$4/gal; a month‑long mid‑size rental typically runs $45–$70/day before long‑term discounts.

Booking reminders: Compare flights on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. For stays, scan pet‑friendly deals on VRBO Rapid City, Hotels.com Rapid City, VRBO Custer, Hotels.com Custer, VRBO Deadwood, and Hotels.com Deadwood. Long stays often unlock sizable weekly/monthly discounts.

Over 90 days, you’ll unspool the Black Hills at a human pace—unhurried mornings, scenic drives, and nights under big skies. Between Mount Rushmore, quiet lakes, wine patios, and waterfall canyons, you’ll gather photographs and memories in equal measure—with your dog happily along for the ride.