Visit the National Presidential Wax Museum

The National Presidential Wax Museum in Keystone, South Dakota, is a great stop to learn about America’s presidents. We stopped by during our visit to Mount Rushmore and were able to learn a little more about the role each president played in America’s history.

If you’re looking for a great spot to stop and learn, the National Presidential Wax Museum is perfect. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your visit.

Grab an Audio Tour Device

About half of our group grabbed an audio tour wand at the start of our visit. I didn’t. I was more focused on taking photos of the visit. But about halfway through – which went pretty quick when you’re only looking at name plates and a single card with info on it – I changed my mind.

I grabbed the audio tour wand from my youngest, who had lost interest in listening, and I began to listen. The information about each exhibit was much more in depth. I was able to get a lot more out of the museum with the audio tour wand than without.

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My teenage son used the audio tour wand the whole way through. It slowed down his pace, but as I finished up my tour, I wish I would’ve started with the audio tour wand. Lesson learned – and hopefully advice you’ll take as you plan your visit to The National Presidential Wax Museum.

Give a Speech at the White House

The first thing you see as you start your tour is the podium from the White House. We each took our turn giving a speech. Some were more animated than others as they delivered one of two speeches on teleprompters – one from President Obama or one from President Trump.

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The opportunity makes for a fun photo opp, so definitely take advantage of it. Plus, you can see which in your group can mimic the delivery of the president and may make a great orator. 😉

Watch the 7-minute Video

To the right of the podium is a small theater with a seven-minute film. II highly recommend watching the film. You’ll learn about the museum’s history – it’s been around for about 50 years – and the wax sculptors who bring the president’s to life.

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To be honest, we had bypassed the film during our visit. But after our tour, I was asking the woman at the ticket desk a few questions and she asked, “Did you watch the film?” I guess our questions would’ve been answered had we done so.

After the short film, you can begin your way through the halls – and hopefully you’ll have that audio tour wand in-hand.

Summary of the National Presidential Wax Museum

The National Presidential Wax Museum has not only wax figures of America’s 45 presidents, but other historical figures who played a role in the founding and building of our country. Some figures are leaders from other countries who interacted with our country’s presidents on diplomacy and peace.

Other notable figures include Betsy Ross, Winston Churchill, Mikhail Gorbachev, Al Gore and many others. There are also some historical artifacts on display, incorporated into the exhibits – A voting booth from the presidential election in 2000 between George W. Bush and Al Gore.

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After your tour, explore the gift shop on your way out. There are several unique gifts or souvenirs to grab. My teenage son picked up a deck of cards with presidential quotes on them, along with a No. 2 pencil. There were bobble heads, socks and much more.

If you’re looking for a treat after your visit, just across the parking lot is Grapes & Grinds. We enjoyed a gelato, and boy were they delicious.

The Details

Address: 609 Hwy 16A, Keysone, SD 57751

Cost: Adults 13-64 are $11. Seniors (65+) and military are $9. Children 6-12 are $8 and those under 6 are free.

Hours: Hours vary by season. May 22 through Sept. 6: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 7 through May 21: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Website: https://www.presidentialwaxmuseum.com/

Phone: (605) 666-4455

Disclosure: I received complimentary admission to The National Presidential Wax Museum for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

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