Visiting Mount Rushmore is a wonderful experience, but it's certainly not the only thing to see in South Dakota. Although many visitors are drawn to the state for its famous national memorial, they often stay to explore the Black Hills region, a stunning attraction in its own right.

If you’re planning a trip to Rapid City, South Dakota, to see Mount Rushmore or to explore the Black Hills, there is no better hotel to stay at than The Foothills Inn. A family-owned-and-operated hotel, The Foothills Inn is conveniently located close to all the beauty that the Black Hills has to offer. After you’ve eaten your complimentary continental breakfast, pack a day bag and check out these incredible natural wonders, all located in the Black Hills region:

• Wind Cave & Jewel Cave: Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument both offer tours of a fascinating cave system that runs for miles beneath the Black Hills.
• Badlands National Park: Less than an hour away from The Foothills Inn is Badlands National Park. The park’s 244,000 acres boast some of the most beautiful geological deposits in the world. There, visitors can expect to see bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets.
• Custer State Park: Nature lovers can get up close and personal with the flora and fauna of the Black Hills at Custer State Park. Go for a hike, cast a reel, or take a scenic drive.
• Mammoth Site: A whopping 60 mammoth skeletons have been found at this prehistoric sinkhole site in Hot Springs, South Dakota, about an hour south of The Foothills Inn. A trip to the museum gives visitors the chance to see this amazing archaeological site up close.
• Deadwood: When people picture the Old West, Deadwood is the image that probably comes to mind. Now a gambling town, Deadwood is still full of historical sites and cemeteries where the likes of Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane are buried.

After a long day of exploring, head back to The Foothills Inn and cool off in the hotel's outdoor pool. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many nearby restaurants, like Perkins Family Restaurant and Cheers Lounge, and then recharge for another day of fun-filled activities.

For more information on Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills, and The Foothills Inn in Rapid City, South Dakota, visit the vacation hotel's website or call (605) 348-5640.