I wouldn’t have guessed that the most expensive part of our trip would be in southwestern South Dakota, but it was. I expected that such a remote place would have affordable hotels, but because the area is so beautiful, it has become a vacation spot and thus expensive. We certainly enjoyed our time in the area.
We decided to beat the crowds and head to Mount Rushmore first. When we arrived we found that the visiting area has been entirely transformed since our stop there 18 years ago. The monumental entrance, massive gift store, and huge restaurant are designed for large crowds of tourists.
Mount Rushmore from the first entrance
Bethany with the four presidents
Tourists who arrive on a bus don’t get this view from the forest.
While I enjoyed our time at Mount Rushmore, including the loop trail along the base, my preference is certainly more along the lines of a secluded lake in the mountains. We ate lunch here and I imagined what it would be like if I never left.
Some lake in the Black Hills
Just south of Mount Rushmore is Custer State Park, home of prairie dog villages, pronghorn antelope, and one of the largest bison herds in the world.
Bison in Custer State Park
Bison not afraid of man in car with camera
This looks like a scene out of the Old West.
Bison in Custer State Park
We ended the day with a spectacular view from the summit of Mount Coolidge.
View to east from summit of Mount Coolidge
This was my favorite day of the trip so far.
I think Bethany makes a cute 5th President!
Some like [having some luck at some lake] in the Black Hills?!?!
Fixed.
Thanks! If you had not fixed it, somebody might’ve been tempted to pull the drain plug, & then there would’ve been some leak with some luck at some lake that some like.