Rush Mountain Adventure Park
Rush Mountain Adventure Park
4.5
About
At Rush Mountain Adventure Park, you will find fun on all levels! Rush Mountain is the home of famous Rushmore Cave. Come and explore the stalactite-filled caverns of this amazing natural wonder on a fun and educational cave tour. Spend the day enjoying great amusement rides. You can soar through the sky on the Soaring Eagle Zipline Ride or try your skill at the Gunslinger 7-D Interactive Ride. Feel the rush as speed down the hill on the area's only coaster, the Rushmore Mountain Coaster. Climb on the Wingwalker Challenge Course, or the Sky Tykes Challenge Course is perfect for the younger adventurer. You are sure to have a great time, full of affordable family fun. It's a total must-do attraction for anyone coming to the Black Hills. Cave and attractions are open daily May-October and weekends in March and April. Check website for hours and admission prices.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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- vagabondMinneapolis, Minnesota33 contributionsIts worth the stop! The Cave and coaster were sweetI felt like this was a tich on the pricy side, If you're thinking about doing 2 actives, just get the wrist bands. The cave is very cool - lots of neat passageways and caverns. Cons - wrong lighting thats making algae, lots of damaged stalactites and stalagmites from years ago tour guide was kinda informed. Roller coaster was crazy cool - Its a must do! Kids did the 7D and zipline and said it was great. Food was good and decent priced for a amusement park.Written July 1, 2022
- Sam B2 contributionsSawyer and Keilana Rock!We spent a good 4 hours at the park. Rode the coaster about 12 times. All the staff were great, friendly, and helpful. Sawyer and Keilana working the coaster gift shop were amazing. They helped us get our pics quickly after each ride (we bought the flash drive option for $30 and unlimited pics, was well worth it as we ended getting about 30 pics!). They were so friendly we ended up buying extra stuff (drinks souvenirs etc...) so they really deserve a promotion! The line on the Zipline was pretty long (45 minutes or more) and it's out in the sun, unprotected. It would probably be better if they built a canopy and maybe installed some mist fans like bigger venues do. Overall, the experience was well worth the money spent and the staff were really pleasant and helpful. Highly recommend this if you're in the area and looking for a1/2- full day of entertainment for young kids and teenagers alike.Traveled with familyWritten August 18, 2021
- antonette bAppleton, Wisconsin135 contributionsFun, but too many steps and inclines!Brought our teen girls here for the day. The unlimited wristband is definitely worth it for the money. Lots of benches and seats for the old folks. The downside: LOTS of hills and steps and inclines. Our group the old people waited for the teens. Us older folks would have also done the unlimited wristbands if it weren't for all of that steps and inclines. As us old people chilled out on benches at the top side, nearly 90% of everyone (young, old, fit, not so fit, elderly, not elderly) was out of breath and complained or commented on those steps killing them. I'd recommend this if you have tweens or teens or can just run on their own and check in with you occassionally. If you have littles that you have to trek around this place and carry I'd stay away as it's exhausting to go up/down; up/down unless you choose to just do all the upper stuff or all the lower stuff. Too bad they don't have a tram or something as I know us older people definitely would have joined in the fun here if it weren't for all those steps and inclines. but the teens had a great time and honestly for us old folks, we did enjoy the people watching!!!Written June 26, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.
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Abby A
15 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
We arrived right at 10 when they opened and were so excited that we could at least get three rides on the coaster. Due to long lines, we only got to do the zip line ride once; and the Gunslinger experience was okay. Our boys wanted to do the coaster so we were really happy we could get three rides in first thing before the park got busy. We LOVED the Cave tour and our guide, Alec was amazing! He was so knowledgeable on the history and story of the caves. He had amazing patience with our group. If you want the Cave Tour, we suggest getting it scheduled as the tour has a limited number of spots. The Cave Tour can only be booked at the top gift shop while wristbands can be purchased at either the Coaster Building or top gift shop. We didn’t know you could not book the cave tour at the Coaster gift shop. Looking back, we are so happy we got our wristbands at the Coaster building and could get 3 rides of the coaster before the lines were crazy. The park rides were fun. We ended up doing the unlimited wristbands. Lines for the rides build fast mid day which makes the cost high for the experience.
Written August 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HTraveler7022
6 contributions
Jul 2021
Saw the sign in Keystone and tried to take our kids here for the coaster. It's about 15 minutes outside to town so not a short drive. We got there at 6:30 pm as saw the placed closed at 6. What attraction in a tourist area closes at 6 pm during the busiest travel month of the year. So we went the next day and got there about 25 minutes before 6 pm. My kids were just wanting to take 1 trip down the coaster. After waiting over 10 minutes for the teens at the counter to actually help me, they informed me that they just stopped selling tickets for the coaster. The last riders go down at 5:45 pm. WHAT! If the kids working there had actually paid attention, my children would have been there in time to get tickets. We left mad and would never return to this place. There were 2 other families behind us pissed off as well that didn't get to ride and decided not to return as well.
The sign in town and the brochures mentioned nothing about their early hours. If you're wanting to do the rope course you'll need to be there before 5 pm or not have a chance to make it through it. FYI, their prices are high. We've been to mountain coasters farther out west and in Branson. Both were less expensive and both were open till at least 8 pm in the summer months. I would skip this place. There are so many other things to do in the Black Hills.
The sign in town and the brochures mentioned nothing about their early hours. If you're wanting to do the rope course you'll need to be there before 5 pm or not have a chance to make it through it. FYI, their prices are high. We've been to mountain coasters farther out west and in Branson. Both were less expensive and both were open till at least 8 pm in the summer months. I would skip this place. There are so many other things to do in the Black Hills.
Written July 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marie F
Minot220 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We brought our 17 and 11 year old to this place and it started raining. We stood in the gift shop , which is up the hill and is also where you pay for the attractions. We decided that the ropes course was small and not interesting and that the zip line was similar to one we had done in another place last summer so we skipped this too. Our son, 11 yrs old wanted to do the 7-D gunslinger interactive ride and our daughter wanted to do the mountain coaster.
The 7–D was $12 per person and only got one “ride” but there are 3 different movies you can choose from. None of our family thought it was worth the cost!
The coaster is $16 per person and smaller kids ride with an adult. Our son who is just outgrowing his fear of heights ride with his dad.
This coaster is fun and fast! It is worth the money.
All things said, This is not a place for families with young kids and is only worth visiting if you are going to buy the all day wrist band for $60 per person!
The 7–D was $12 per person and only got one “ride” but there are 3 different movies you can choose from. None of our family thought it was worth the cost!
The coaster is $16 per person and smaller kids ride with an adult. Our son who is just outgrowing his fear of heights ride with his dad.
This coaster is fun and fast! It is worth the money.
All things said, This is not a place for families with young kids and is only worth visiting if you are going to buy the all day wrist band for $60 per person!
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ianschneller
Dallas, TX348 contributions
Jul 2021
I'm a kid at heart, and so I love this. I think my wife would rate it a three. Kids should give this a five. I say 'do it'! Splurge for the wrist bands if you can as you'll want to ride multiple attractions multiple times The Eagle ride was OK and probably not worth the wait if the line is long. The shooting 3D game was fun, but the best was the mountain coaster.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bolkin
New York City, NY203 contributions
Jun 2020
We only had time for the cave tour, which was allright. With COVID, masks are required (and provided for those who don't have their own. The adventure park looked fun, I'd recommend having 4 hours so you can buy a 4-hour pass and spend time enjoying the rides.
Written June 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Travelgirl0772
Minneapolis, MN29 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
After a couple days spent hiking our kids (8 and 10) informed us they should be able to pick out a fun activity. They chose Rush Mountain. It was a great choice. We went on a weekday and got there in the morning in the hopes of low crowds. We purchased the four hour wristbands. I (Mom) was going to just watch but decided to get a wristband primarily because I wanted to see the cave. We were a bit disappointed that the ropes course wasn’t open (we didn’t realize it was only open on weekends) but thought the wristband was certainly still worth it. And it definitely was. I’m fact we didn’t even miss the ropes course and I don’t even know that we’d have time for it.
The crowds were low which was great. We didn’t have to wait long for anything. We observed the staff really taking care to clean the attractions between riders. The soaring eagle was very fun. The real highlight was the mountain coaster. We seldom had to wait to get on. My ten year old could ride on his own and he had a blast. I don’t know who had a better time my husband or my kids.
We also did the 4D ride, which was my 8 year olds favorite. It was great having the three different activities to enjoy. We enjoyed each of them.
The cave tour was great as well. The tour guide did a great job. It was a very well done tour. I would have preferred a smaller Group for the tour, it felt a bit crowded with coronavirus concerns but everyone was wearing a mask.
Overall this was a lot of fun. Our whole family enjoyed it!
The crowds were low which was great. We didn’t have to wait long for anything. We observed the staff really taking care to clean the attractions between riders. The soaring eagle was very fun. The real highlight was the mountain coaster. We seldom had to wait to get on. My ten year old could ride on his own and he had a blast. I don’t know who had a better time my husband or my kids.
We also did the 4D ride, which was my 8 year olds favorite. It was great having the three different activities to enjoy. We enjoyed each of them.
The cave tour was great as well. The tour guide did a great job. It was a very well done tour. I would have preferred a smaller Group for the tour, it felt a bit crowded with coronavirus concerns but everyone was wearing a mask.
Overall this was a lot of fun. Our whole family enjoyed it!
Written October 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DisneymomAz
Queen Creek, AZ142 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
We visited the Mt Rushmore Monument the day before and made plans to visit Rush Mountain as soon as they opened the following day (tip: check the calendar to see the days they are open).
We visited in Sept 2020 and were thrilled to see very light attendance. Minimal lines (if any) on all the rides.
The staff took care to clean the rides before and after and all wore masks.
The Cave Tour was an unexpected favorite for everyone in the family! Thanks to our Cave Tour guide, Kevin, he did a great job leading us through the cave and answering our group’s conversation. The Adults and kids aged 14 and 9 all loved the cave tour (tip: wear good shoes and a breathable mask. Masks are required in the cave at this time. You will walk through tight spaces and climb up and down many stairs.)
The ropes course is closed at this time but there is still plenty to do.
We enjoyed the 7D ride, Flying Eagle Zip like and they Coaster.
Take your family! You won’t regret it!
We visited in Sept 2020 and were thrilled to see very light attendance. Minimal lines (if any) on all the rides.
The staff took care to clean the rides before and after and all wore masks.
The Cave Tour was an unexpected favorite for everyone in the family! Thanks to our Cave Tour guide, Kevin, he did a great job leading us through the cave and answering our group’s conversation. The Adults and kids aged 14 and 9 all loved the cave tour (tip: wear good shoes and a breathable mask. Masks are required in the cave at this time. You will walk through tight spaces and climb up and down many stairs.)
The ropes course is closed at this time but there is still plenty to do.
We enjoyed the 7D ride, Flying Eagle Zip like and they Coaster.
Take your family! You won’t regret it!
Written September 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amanda M
895 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Went here trying to decide if one time on the thjngs we wanted to do was enough or would it be worth buying a 4hour wristband.
First we arrived around 1:30 on a Sunday and it was busy! They closed at 6 so we decided it may not be the best to pay for a wrist band and spend the majority of time waiting in lines.
It was a smart move in many ways.
1. The lines moved very slow. Spent an hour in line for the coaster alone.
2. The walk to the soaring eagle zip ride was all uphill and if you’re out of shape you will take a hit to get up there. There is no elevator. If you plan to ride this more than once the walk up to this ride alone will make you only want to ride once!
3. The wait for the soaring eagle zip ride was another hour wait as it’s only 2 people at a time.
So 2 hours spent in line for 2 rides and we knew we wouldn’t have gotten much else in.
Plan ahead. You’ll wait in the sun for most things.
We enjoyed the 2 things we did for sure but definitely not worth buying the wristband.
First we arrived around 1:30 on a Sunday and it was busy! They closed at 6 so we decided it may not be the best to pay for a wrist band and spend the majority of time waiting in lines.
It was a smart move in many ways.
1. The lines moved very slow. Spent an hour in line for the coaster alone.
2. The walk to the soaring eagle zip ride was all uphill and if you’re out of shape you will take a hit to get up there. There is no elevator. If you plan to ride this more than once the walk up to this ride alone will make you only want to ride once!
3. The wait for the soaring eagle zip ride was another hour wait as it’s only 2 people at a time.
So 2 hours spent in line for 2 rides and we knew we wouldn’t have gotten much else in.
Plan ahead. You’ll wait in the sun for most things.
We enjoyed the 2 things we did for sure but definitely not worth buying the wristband.
Written July 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Zoey W
13 contributions
Jun 2022
Loved the park! It was slightly expensive, the best deal in our case was the unlimited wristband. Alpine coaster was a well loved attraction by my family. The ropes course was awesome! I’d go back the next time i’m in South Dakota.
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Melissa A
54 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
Overall the place was great. The mountain coaster was so fun and a real intense ride (could take it slow since you control the brake). We also enjoyed the zipline and cave activities. They had great signage, hand sanitizer, and practices in place to be in compliance with covid restrictions. Our tour guide did not make everyone keep their masks on while in the cave which was the only negative of our whole experience.
Written October 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Will you be open on April 16th 2020?
Birdtreemom
Parkston, SD71 contributions
I don't know for sure, but I don't think they are open at that time of year.
Nosnih6
Denver, CO
Do you have military prices for admission?
BlackHills66
Hot Springs, SD7 contributions
We do. Just mention your service when you purchase tickets, and thank you.
If we buy a armband is that good for the whole day and can we do everything as many times as we want to?
BlackHills66
Hot Springs, SD7 contributions
Yes. The wristband includes all day access to the cave and all the rides. Ride ad many time as you would like. Also, during the early part of the season we rarely have crowds which means we almost never have lines. It is a great time to come out. Thanks for the question.
We will be there March 10 to the 15. Will it be open then?
BlackHills66
Hot Springs, SD7 contributions
Thanks for the question. We will be open weekends in March, so stop by on either the 10th or 11th. We open daily at 9 am and close for the day at 5 pm. We hope to see you there.
maryavila328
Indianapolis, IN4 contributions
We are headed to Mt Rushmore with a 6 & 9 year old grandchildren. Will the 6 year old be able to ride the coaster ?
BlackHills66
Hot Springs, SD7 contributions
Thank you for thinking of us on your vacation. your 6 year old grandson will be able to ride the coaster, but will need to ridw with someone 16 years of age or older. We look forward to seeing you.
Are you dog friendly?
BlackHills66
Hot Springs, SD7 contributions
Hello. We are big fans of pets. We offer free kennels for our canine guests. Bring your dog to the gift shop and we will direct you. The kennels have fresh chips, fresh water and shade. Thanks for thinking of us.
kbouressa1
Boston, MA13 contributions
How far are you from mt rushmore? would it be better to go to your park first and then to mt rushmore?
aufinc
67 contributions
Yes, i would go to the park and then to Rushmore. If not you are backtracking. When you enter Keystone you will see the sign on left. It's a little ways down that road. We kept going and thought we'd passed it. I'd plug address in GPS. We just winged.
tgrano1
Seattle, WA4 contributions
Do you pick up and deliver from the K Bar S Lodge?
BlackHills66
Hot Springs, SD7 contributions
Unfortunately, we do not. While shuttle service may happen in the future, we are not equipped to make that happen as of now. You may want to ask the Lodge if they have a shuttle. Thanks for the inquiry.
Cari P
Windsor, CO44 contributions
A few questions for our trip over Memorial Day weekend with our family of 6 (kids ages 4,7,13,14)
- Can you get tickets in advance, or are the cave tours normally available if you just show up a little ahead of time?
- Can a 4.5 year old handle the cave tour okay?
- For those who have visited both, do you recommend this cave or Jewell cave for our family, if we only have time to do one?
SDCaver
Rapid City, SD4 contributions
You can buy tickets in advance for Rushmore Cave and Rush Mountain Adventure Park on their web store on the Rushmore Cave website under Tickets. Your 4.5 year old will be just fine on the cave tour. They will have a blast! Also try the Zipline ride and the 7-D Interactive Theater at Rush Mountain Adventure Park at Rushmore Cave. They also have food available at Sparky's Snackitorium. Hope you have a great time at Rushmore Cave!
SkarletteWytch
54 contributions
How long should I plan for our stop? We will be doing the cave tour, zip line, and 7d ride. We are a family of four.
BlackHills66
Hot Springs, SD7 contributions
Hello and thanks for considering Rushmore Cave. Our cave tour lasts one hour. The Soaring Eagle zip ride is quick. You travel down the hill at over 30 mph for 630 feet then you are brought back up the hill at 24 mph. Each experience in the Gunslinger 7D theater is between 5 and 6 minutes. The other factor will be waiting time. This time of year we send tours in every 30 minutes in the morning before 10:00 then every 15 minutes until 5:00. The tours again go every 30 minutes from 5:00 until our last tour at 7:00. The wait for each ride varies by the time of day you visit. Early in the day, before 11:00, we have minimal wait times of less than 5 minutes per ride. If you show up in the afternoon you can expect the waiting times to be much longer. Typically, this time of year the longest you will have to wait for the rides would be 45 minutes for the Soaring Eagle and 25 minutes for the Gunslinger. Don't forget to factor in a little time to spend in our gift shop or trying the Gemstone Mining as well.
I hope this helps and if you have any more questions, please let us know. We look forward to seeing you.
Rush Mountain Adventure Park (Keystone) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Rush Mountain Adventure Park
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