Location & Climate

The Rushmore Region of South Dakota can best be described as high, dry, and moderate. The region tends to have less snow than Denver, warmer winters than Minneapolis, and certain areas even enjoy more sunshine days than Miami, which has inspired the nickname, “The Banana Belt" to describe parts of the Black Hills. Elevations in the area range from 3,022’ above sea level in Belle Fourche to 5,318’ above sea level in Custer. Black Elk Peak in Custer State Park is 7,244’ above sea level, the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains.