With 63 national parks across the United States, adventurous and nature-loving travelers have their work cut out for them when it comes to planning an ideal vacation. However, if you’re also a history buff, there might not be a better choice than Mt. Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota. Not only can visitors admire the obvious history on display, with the enormous faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln carved into the rock, but they can also learn about the earliest inhabitants and the rich natural legacy of this region.
Beyond the most iconic aspects of this landmark, visitors can also explore settings like the Black Hills National Forest and Black Elk Peak, as well as another very important carving: the Crazy Horse Memorial, which is only 20 minutes away from Mt. Rushmore. With all this history to appreciate and learn from, you might wonder if it’s even necessary to bring your clubs on this trip, but you’d only need to head to Rapid City, South Dakota — approximately 30 minutes from Mt. Rushmore by car — to enjoy several golf courses that highlight the majestic beauty of this astonishing region.
In fact, while there are other courses beyond Rapid City that are worth traveling to, the selection here might even make this destination a vacation target in its own right.
Hart Ranch Golf Club
This course tops any travel list because it tops almost every critic’s list as well. For example, Hart Ranch Golf Club is the reigning “three peat” winner of the title of South Dakota’s best public course according to GolfWeek, and it has also been cited as a “must-play” by Golf Digest. With that kind of critical praise, it’s worth adding it to your vacation itinerary, especially if you’re staying in Rapid City, aka the gateway to Mt. Rushmore.
While this kind of reputation might intimidate casual golfers, the great news is that this modern design is ideal for all skill levels. If you’re not the type to play hero ball, enjoy a rewarding round from the forward tees and simply bask in the glory of the Black Hills and all the breathtaking views each hole provides.
The Golf Club at Red Rock
Not to be outdone, The Golf Club at Red Rock has also earned several accolades, including Best Public Course in South Dakota, so if you choose to play multiple courses during your visit, perhaps you can decide once and for all which design truly deserves this honor. (Don’t worry, ties are totally fine, too.) Regardless, you’re guaranteed a thoroughly rewarding round at this course as well, as its curves and elevation changes will both reward and punish golfers who love to swing for the greens on every hole.
While every hole offers distinct views and stunning Black Hills backdrops, the biggest gem on this course might be the Par 4 Hole 13, which not only challenges players to hit their drives through a narrow passage in the trees, but also over a depressed area that will certainly punish and maybe even enrage anyone who doesn’t hit the ball perfectly. But you won’t be mad for too long, as this setting simply won’t allow it.
Rocky Knolls Golf Course
Less than an hour south of Rapid City is the town of Custer, South Dakota, which also offers access to the region’s natural marvels, including Crazy Horse, Wind Cave National Park, and even the Badlands National Park (roughly an hour and 30 minutes away). You’ll also be able to squeeze in a round at Rocky Knolls Golf Courseå here, because this 9-hole experience is as convenient as it is challenging.
While you’re taking photos and video of the southern Black Hills region that surrounds this Par 36 course, you’ll need to remind yourself to pay close attention to the narrow fairways if you want to post a good score. You don’t have to be a perfect striker, but precision is the name of the game here. Otherwise, you’ll spend a lot of time getting to see the trees — because you’ll be hitting from them a lot.
