From Mt Rushmore to Big Sky Montana and back to Illinois

My wife has to attend a conference for her work in Big Sky Montana from July 9th through July 12th. We are leaving Southern Illinois early on July 2nd and have a reservation at the Keystone Travelodge for July 3rd. We hope to see the fireworks at Mt. Rushmore July 3rd and as many sites / best sites possible in that area and as we travel to Big Sky Montana where we have to arrive the night of July 8th.

My wife is a semi-serious amature photographer. Would like to see breathtaking scenery, wildlife, historic things, and anything else of interest that time permits.

Also, we may be taking my wife%26#39;s parents to see Mt Rushmore later this year - possibly in either October or November. Should we be concerned about snow or anything?

I just found this site and have read some in the forums. We haven%26#39;t had much time to research the trip. Any recommendations (places to see, routes to take, things to do, places to stay / eat, etc.) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Jeff

From Mt Rushmore to Big Sky Montana and back to Illinois

You should see Custer State Park and wildlife loop, eat at State Game Lodge for lunch-the buffet is great! See Crazy Horse and of course Mt. Rushmore. On your way to Montana stop in Deadwood and Devil%26#39;s Tower. It will take you a full day to drive from Mt. Rushmore area to Billings, Mt. You will be really close to Yellowstone National Park. If you want to make a quick visit there then I would stay in West Yellowstone and see the #1 site at YNP-Old Faithful. We were in the Mt. Rushmore area for 2 days in May, then went to YNP and Cody. We were in YNP and GT also last year. Hope you have a great trip. A really nice place to stay with a great breakfast in Keystone is the K Bar S Lodge. It is at the foot of Mt. Rushmore. If you stop in the Homestead area of Billings it has good restaurants and several nice hotels.

From Mt Rushmore to Big Sky Montana and back to Illinois

2 days in the Black Hills will be good. Then as mentioned before, go to Yellowstone Nat Park. Scenery, wildlife etc.

You may also want to visit Jewel Cave Nat Mon.

you must go to Crazy Horse about 15miles from Mount Rushmore its fantastic l have just returned to England from South Dakota Elaine

dermatologist