Black Hills activities with elderly

Greetings,

My sister and I will be taking my 74-year-old mom to the Black Hills for a couple of days in September. Since she was a kid, she%26#39;s always wanted to go to Mount Rushmore. I%26#39;m hoping to get some advice on possible activities. She%26#39;s mobile, but something like a cave or hike would be too strenuous.

We%26#39;ll have two full days. In addition to Mount Rushmore, I%26#39;m thinking that we%26#39;ll drive through Custer State Park to look at wildlife also. Perhaps a cowboy/chuckwagon show would be fun, but I%26#39;m not sure if they%26#39;re aimed more at kids? Any other suggestions for possible activities we should consider? Thanks in advance.

Black Hills activities with elderly

It sounds like you have a nice couple of days planned. I have not been to a chuckwagon show yet but am planning to go to one this summer called the Flying T on Hwy 16 between Rapid City and Keystone. I have heard nothing but good things about them and it sounds like the event is for every age. A drive on the Iron Countain Road and Needles is always nice and fits right in with your plans. The scenery is lovely. Have fun.

Black Hills activities with elderly

The 1880 train in Keystone/ Hill City would be fun. Some of the private caves are less streneous than the national caves (except Sitting Bull). The national caves have abreviated tours that might also be an option. Bear Country is pretty neat, but if you do the Wildlife Loop at Custer you will see most of the animals there.

Jewel Cave has a 20 minute Discovery talk, in the cave but not a lot of walking, and is handicapped accessible. She might like this.

Also Mt Rushmore has a great evening program, but I would also see it during the day. The Wildlife Loop is fun, and the wild burros are a scream, they are very friendly!!!

All good suggestions so far! I will add a few more if time permits.

Crazy Horse (maybe a drive by if you don%26#39;t have enough time to go inside)

Gutzon Borglum Center in Keystone...this will give you additional informaton on the sculptor of Mt Rushmore

Chapel in the Hills in Rapid City...this is a Norwegian designed church that you can visit. The caretakers of the facility were wonderfully friendly. We talked to them for well over an hour when we visited.

You probaby won%26#39;t have enough time, but you might enjoy Deadwood if you like small casinos and wild west history.

Enjoy your trip.

Thanks for the suggestions!