The Black Hills & Badlands of South Dakota

As we get closer to Rapid City, we can see the mountain range of the Black Hills rising from the great plains.  Off in a distance we are amazed to see the sharp buttes & pinnacles of the Badlands for the very first time.  We are like kids in a candy shop!

All I can say is if you've never been to Rapid City it is a "must see".   Admittedly, in my mind's eye I always thought Mount Rushmore was South Dakota's only claim to fame...but how wrong I was!  We soon discover that this area of the country is so rich in history and has an abundance of natural beauty all around.

After Mount Rushmore, we drive out to Custer State Park and the view is utterly fabulous.  The pigtail bridges (stacked loops of wooden bridges) through one lane rock tunnels, flowing creeks, and various wildlife - including free range bison...all provide plenty of photo opportunities,.

Custer State Park

Next we head out to see the Crazy Horse Memorial.  If you are not familiar with this memorial, the history around the carving, (which began in 1948 and is still in process), is in itself fascinating.  The 3D carving isn't expected to be completed for a hundred more years!   When completed it will be the world's 2nd tallest statue (641 ft long; and 563 ft high).

Memorial in progress

Small scale model

In addition to the statue, the memorial complex consists of several interesting museums & exhibits, an educational/cultural center, theater, & restaurants.  This is not a Federal or State funded project, instead it is completely sustained through admissions and donations. The mission of the Memorial Foundation is to protect and preserve the culture, tradition, and living heritage of all North American Indians.

Of course one cannot visit the Black Hills and not take a tour through the historic town of Deadwood.  Being the living history buffs that we are, we were excited to explore Deadwood and the legends of Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane.   Sadly,  I must confess that we found it to be a little disappointing, mainly because of the local traffic allowed to drive through main street (which naturally takes away from the experience - and the reenactments).

On the other hand, as part of our Black Hills guided tour (Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park & Crazy Horse Memorial) we were also able to explore Fort Hays, an old west town & set of Oscar movie "Dancing with Wolves".   Prior to the tour we had an old town breakfast (served on tin plates) and enjoyed a chuckwagon supper after the tour, along with a dinner theater show which was actually really good.

Fort Hayes (movie set of Dancing with Wolves)

Before we leave the great state of South Dakota, several impromptu side attractions ended up being worthwhile:

The "America's Founding Fathers Exhibit" (a life-size sculpture of John Trumbull's painting of the 2nd Continental Congress's signing of the Declaration of Independence).

And, a wildlife Safari tour.

As we close out our time in South Dakota, Keith and I both surprisingly discuss future adventures in this great state.  Yet for now, with South Dakota in our rear-view mirror, we look forward to a state that we have always been in love with... Montana!!

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