13 Aug, Sunday
Journey from Wall, SD, to Custer Gulch Campground, Custer, SD
We began our journey from Wall, SD, heading west on I-90 toward Custer, SD. The flat, expansive range land stretched out beside us, dotted with billboards and signs promoting local attractions like Firehouse Brewery, Reptile Gardens, and the Borglum Museum. The wind made its presence known as we battled 18 mph sustained headwinds. had to stop briefly at an exit when some trim came loose and began flapping in the wind. Once it was secured, we continued our drive, with the final 20 miles presenting the scenic but more challenging terrain of US-16A.
Custer Gulch Campground
We arrived at Custer Gulch Campground around 1300 and checked in at the office. It was a nice campground conveniently located one-half mile from the west entrance to Custer State Park and less than 3 miles from Custer City. We got site 18, which was not shaded but had full hookups and was backed into a hillside.
Custer State Park
Mount Coolidge Fire Tower
After setting the camper, we headed to Custer State Park to drive around its Wildlife Scenic Loop. We stopped at the park entrance, bought our week-long pass for $20, and headed south on SD-87. Our first stop was the Mount Coolidge Fire Tower, the highest point in central Custer State Park. The 1.7-mile gravel road to the tower is a steep, narrow, and curvy drive with several blind turns and few guard rails. A lot of the route is only wide enough for one vehicle, so we were fortunate not to meet any vehicles going the other way. The drive was worth it, though, as the views from this 6,023-foot peak are spectacular. The Mount Coolidge Lookout and Fire Tower was one of the last projects completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s. Built of local stone, the tower is still used today as a fire lookout and dispatch center. The tower has a balcony for even more elevated views and some interpretive signs. The descent was easy as we did not meet anyone going up when we descended the mountain.
CCC Camp Parking Area
We continued south on SD-87 until we found a parking area near a flowing creek. The site was identified as a previous CCC Camp, though nothing was left. We enjoyed relaxing by the flowing clear water before continuing down the road and turning off into the Wildlife Loop Road.
Wild Donkeys
Though it was scenic, we did not see any animals until we came to the entrance road to the Bison Center. There, we found a pack of wild donkeys being fed by tourists. I had brought a bag of dried apple equine feed for just this moment, so we eagerly jumped out of the truck and joined the crowd. It was fun feeding the donkeys, though they often got aggressive towards each other, which made me nervous.
Bison
We continued around the loop and saw a rainbow created by the spotty rains in the area. As we approached French Creek, about three-quarters around the loop, we saw a herd of Bison on both sides of the road. We pulled the truck over to the side and enjoyed watching them from the truck for about a half hour. We especially like the small calves and how they roll in the dirt.
Pronghorn and Bighorn Sheep
Just before the end of the loop, we found some pronghorn grazing on the side of the road, and then as we headed back to our campground on US-16A, we ran into some longhorn sheep that were blocking the road as they grazed.
Mount Rushmore Brewing Company
We drove into Custer to the Mount Rushmore Brewing Company for dinner. Upstairs, they had a fine dining restaurant called The Pounding Fathers Restaurant and a taproom kitchen for the bar area. We ordered a couple of beers and an appetizer from the tap room menu and ate dinner at the camper, so we got the Combo Basket with wings, French fries, onion rings, chips, and breaded mushrooms.
On the way back, we stopped at a new campground resort being built to take pictures of a 30-foot wooden bearded bison built by the Dahl Brothers.
14 Aug, Monday
US-16A & Iron Mountain Road
After breakfast as the camper, we headed to Mount Rushmore, taking US-16A the entire way. Though there were faster routes, the last 17 miles of this road is called the Iron Mountain Road and was specifically designed with a tremendous amount of curves to limit the speed of travelers to 35 miles per hour so that they could enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills. Wooden Pigtail Bridges and the one-lane tunnels frame Mt. Rushmore National Memorial like a picture. There are 314 curves, 14 switchbacks, three pigtails, three tunnels, and two splits. We stopped several times to take pictures and enjoy the views on the route.
Mount Rushmore
We finally arrived at Mount Rushmore. After parking, we walked down the Avenue of Flags to the Grand View Terrace overlooking the monument.
We then went under the terrace to the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, where we saw the tool and photos of the monument being built. We also watched a 14-minute film describing the reasons for and methods used in carving Mount Rushmore.
Because the Presidential Trail has 422 steps, I went on the trail by myself. The .6-mile trail allowed me to view the monument from different perspectives, and there are interpretive signs along the trail about each President. Partway through the trail was the Visit the Sculptor’s Studio, where I saw the original plaster scale model used to create Mount Rushmore. The trail ends back at the Grand View Terrace.
After I got back from walking the trail, we enjoyed some ice cream at The Memorial Team Ice Cream station. The ice cream parlor is named to honor the baseball team formed around the Mount Rushmore carvers. Some workers were hired for pitching and fielding skills, not their carving prowess. The Mt. Rushmore amateur baseball team took second place in the state competition in 1939. Impressive life-size photos of the carvers in their baseball uniforms can be viewed in the parlor. And though the parlor offers various ice cream flavors, they serve vanilla ice cream using an original recipe from Thomas Jefferson. We both ordered two scoops of ice cream, one vanilla, to try this unique flavor.
Dahls Wood Carving, Keystone
Afterward, we returned to the truck and headed over to Keystone to see Dahl’s Woodcarving Studio. Featured was the World’s Largest Wooden Bigfoot. It is 23 feet tall, sitting down. We also enjoyed their other wood carvings and their oversized chair and throne.
Miner Brewing Company
We were not interested in the other tourist traps there, so we continued to Hill City, where we stopped at the Miner Brewing Company for lunch. Lisa got the Kolsch, and I got a glass of Crispy Lager. We asked the bartenders if eating our picnic lunch outside was alright, and they reluctantly said it was okay as long as we did it subtly. Miner Brewing Co. shared its outdoor space with the Prairie Berry Winery Taproom, which featured a popular wine called “Red Ass Rhubarb” that had a donkey on the label. We saw this wine advertised everywhere in the Black Hills and even on the shelves back in Wall. The outdoor space was a nice large grassy area with views of the Black Hills around us. We sat at one of the round tables with an umbrella to enjoy our picnic lunch and beer. After lunch, we visited the winery and sampled some wine. Since there were few people there, they were very attentive and let us try all the wine we wanted.
Dahls Chainsaw Gallery, Hill City
We continued into Hill City and stopped at another Dahls Chainsaw Gallery, which featured a giant Smoky the Bear.
Crazy Horse Memorial
We then headed to the Crazy Horse Memorial. This is a mountain monument of the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse riding a horse and pointing to his tribal land. It has been under construction since 1948 and very little progress has been made on it since I first saw it as a child. Around the memorial is the Indian University of North America and the Indian Museum of North America.
It costs $15/per person to enter the memorial complex, and we could still only view the memorial from over a mile away. To get closer, it costs an additional $125/person. We walked through the Indian Museum, which had several exhibits of Native history and contemporary life, the art and science of Mountain Carving, and the lives of the builder’s family. The collection of art and artifacts reflected over 300 Native Nations, and the very nice large building with a lot of room for even more exhibits.
After walking through the museum, we got tickets to return for the laser show that evening. We then headed over to the Needles Highway.
Needles Highway
The Needles Highway, or SD-87, is a 14-mile scenic drive past needle-like granite formations. We entered the highway from its western entrance and drove slowly through its winding roads, enjoying the view. At one point, we had to go through the Hood Tunnel, one of its three one-lane tunnels. This tunnel was the widest of the three at 10’6″ wide and 9’10” high. When we arrived at Sylvan Lake, we turned south on SD-89 and returned to our camper to eat dinner. We planned to return later in the week to finish the drive.
Crazy Horse Memorial – Evening Laser Show
After dinner, we returned to the Crazy Horse Memorial to see the “Legends in Light” Laser Show. This show is presented nightly and turns the mountainside into a giant 500-foot “screen” for the spectacular display. It aims to illuminate our cultural diversity, celebrate our similarities, and encourage better understanding and harmony among races and nations using:
- 15-watt lasers that are the biggest used in the laser show industry
- 8,800 watts of stereo sound is heard in the parking lots and throughout the visitor complex
- 25 2,000-watt fixtures lighting up the mountain
- Three of the world’s largest slide projectors
We watched the colorful projection and laser show from our truck in the parking lot while listening to the narrative, sound effects, and music played over loudspeakers. It was worth watching.
After the show, we returned to our camper for the evening.
15 August, Tuesday
Journey from Custer to Rapid City
Today, we decided to explore some attractions in Rapid City, starting with Bear Country USA.
As we left the campground, we were surrounded by the natural beauty of the Black Hills, characterized by gentle hills and lush greenery. We followed the winding US-16/US-16A through the Black Hills National Forest, with dense forested slopes of ponderosa pines lining the road.
As we approached the outskirts of Rapid City, the dense forest gave way to rolling meadows and more open landscapes. The terrain flattened out somewhat, though gentle hills remained a feature. The highway offered sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, particularly as we descended closer to Rapid City.
Bear Country USA is located on the southern edge of Rapid City, just off US-16. The area around the park transitions from the Black Hills’ wild beauty to the city’s suburban outskirts, with a mix of pine trees and developed landscapes.
Our journey began at around 5,300 feet above sea level in Custer and gradually descended to approximately 3,200 feet near Rapid City. The change in elevation and scenery made for a picturesque drive, setting the stage for our adventure at Bear Country USA.
Bear Country – Drive Thru
Bear Country USA in Rapid City is an exciting, immersive wildlife adventure. Spanning over 250 acres, the park offers a unique opportunity to observe North American animals up close from the safety of our vehicle.
As we slowly drove along the paved 3-mile road, we passed through various habitats designed to replicate the animals’ natural environments. We saw elk and longhorn sheep grazing and wolves and bison lounging. However, the stars of the park were the bears as they wandered by or climbed around on a log playground in the middle of their habitat.
We could go at our own pace, but we learned later that we could not go through the drive-thru more than once.
Bear Country – Walk-Thru
At the end of the drive-thru, there was a charming walk-thru area where we could observe smaller animals and bear cubs up close. The path meandered through a beautifully landscaped section of the park, allowing us to see a variety of smaller creatures in their habitats. Some of the animals we watched included otters swimming in their pond, raccoons, a fox, martens, prairie dogs, a wolf dog, a groundhog, a bobcat, pecarry (pig), and a wombat.
The highlight of the walk-thru was the bear cubs. These adorable little balls of fur were a delight to watch as they picked through a large pile of vegetables and hassled the caretakers. Their playful antics and innocent curiosity brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
South Dakota Air and Space Museum
After leaving Bear Country USA, we drove to the South Dakota Air and Space Museum, about 56 miles away on the northeast side of Rapid City.
Located just outside the main gate of Ellsworth Air Force Base in Box Elder, the South Dakota Air and Space Museum was established in 1983 and boasts an extensive collection of aircraft, artifacts, and documents. The museum is housed in four former aircraft alert hangars, adding to its historical ambiance. Admission is free, making it an accessible and educational destination for all ages.
Unfortunately, the indoor portion of the museum was closed when we arrived, although the website indicated it should have been open. Instead, we enjoyed walking around the large outdoor airpark, which featured a variety of aircraft on display, including a mockup of a Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, a restored Boeing B-29 Superfortress, a Boeing B-47 Stratojet, and a Titan I missile.
The temperature was getting to be in the high 90s, so we decided it was a good time to go get a beer.
Firehouse Brewing Company
We then drove into the city and stopped at Firehouse Brewing Company.
In downtown Rapid City, Firehouse Brewing Company is South Dakota’s oldest brewery. The historic building, once a fire station, now offers a charming setting for visitors to enjoy.
We took a table in their outdoor patio area since it was a beautiful day and ordered a couple of beers. Later, we walked through the interior, filled with firefighting artifacts and memorabilia, paying homage to its roots as a former fire station.
We found antique fire extinguishers, vintage firefighter helmets, and old photographs of fire brigades, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past. The exposed brick walls and wooden beams complement the rustic and historical theme, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
One standout feature is the old fire pole, preserved from the building’s days as a working firehouse. It is a tribute to the history and legacy of the firefighters who once worked there.
Dinosaur Park
We then drove up to Dinosaur Park, which overlooks the city. Established in 1936, this park offers an unforgettable journey into the prehistoric world with its seven life-size dinosaur models crafted from concrete and steel.
Upon our arrival, we noticed a lot of construction on the pathways. We parked near a closed gift shop, and I walked up the hill to see the dinosaurs. The park features models of dinosaurs such as the Apatosaurus, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, the Triceratops, and the Stegosaurus.
The climb to the top of the ridge was steep, and while the dinosaur models were a bit cheesy, the ridge provided fantastic views of Rapid City.
Putz n Glo – Blacklight Mini Golf
We then headed back down US-16 toward Custer and stopped at Putz n Glo. This indoor black light miniature golf course is spread over 8,000 square feet and features 18 holes with themes that transported us through the rock and roll eras from the 1950s to the 1990s. As we played we were treated to classic rock music and vibrant artwork from those iconic decades.
Rushmore Candy Company
We stopped at the Rushmore Candy Company, South Dakota’s largest candy store three miles away. This delightful destination offered various candies, from nostalgic favorites like jawbreakers and saltwater taffy to unique treats like chocolate-covered pickles.
The store spans nearly 13,000 square feet and is filled with colorful displays and aisles brimming with sweets. We were especially fascinated with their selection of freeze-dried treats, from Twinkies to cucumbers. We also enjoyed their unique bottle drinks with names like “Seal Ya Later” with Khomein’s face on the label and “Doomsday Lemonade” with the North Korean leader. Kim Jong Un, on its label. Gummy hot dogs were also rather revolting, but the chocolate-covered bacon and cheesecake shot glasses sounded good.
Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper and Show
We had tickets that evening for the Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper and Show, located just five miles further down US-16.
The Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper and Show offers an immersive Old West experience, combining a hearty cowboy meal with lively entertainment that transports visitors back to frontier days.
Arriving early, we checked in, picked up our tickets, and explored the various displays on-site. The Visitor Center showcases artifacts from the Plains Indians and the fort’s military personnel, including clothing, toys, and weapons. A seven-minute video, Clash of Cultures, offers insights into the fort’s history. Several restored historic buildings, like the officers’ quarters and enlisted men’s barracks, are furnished with period-appropriate items, providing a glimpse into daily life at the fort. Interactive touch screens play period music and share stories about the fort’s history, including tales of soldiers, Plains Indians, and notable figures such as Buffalo Bill Cody and Elizabeth Custer. Outdoor displays feature informational signs and metal silhouettes that tell the stories of those who lived at the fort, while the stone guardhouse and blockhouse exhibit details about the lives of enlisted soldiers and officers.
One unique highlight is the Fort Hays Old West Town, which includes the original movie set from Dances with Wolves, offering visitors a memorable historical experience.
When the gates opened, we took our assigned seats at picnic tables, which featured a trough for our feet. The seating was rather cozy. We began the evening with a delicious chuckwagon supper, including BBQ meats, savory baked beans, freshly baked cornbread, and dessert. We were escorted by row to the rear area, where they filled our tray with food. As part of the experience, our baked potatoes were theatrically slammed onto our trays to ensure they were perfectly smashed.
After supper, we enjoyed a lively Branson-style music show featuring a mix of pop, country, folk, and classic tunes. The talented performers brought the spirit of the Old West to life with captivating stories and songs, celebrating the heart of American heritage.
16 Aug, Wednesday
Spearfish Canyon
The next morning, we explored the northern part of the Black Hills. Drove through the center of the Black Hills on US-385 and the city of Lead to the Spearfish Canyon. We walked a short trail to Spearfish Falls at the canyon’s end. Then, we drove over to another trailhead for Roughlock Falls.
Sanford Lab Homestake
Then, we headed back to Lead to see the Sanford Labs Visitor Center.
Deadwood
Then to Deadwood, where we parked just outside the visitor center. We walked down to Main Street and down to Saloon #10 where they recreated the shooting of Wild Bill Hickock at the poker table.
Then we walked down to Outlaw Square and watched them recreate the shooting of David Lunt, where a person survived 62 days with a bullet in his head.
Then we walked the streets. We got disoriented and stopped at Mustang Salleys to get our bearings and get something to eat.
Then, we caught another show about Magic Tonic Water before returning to our truck.
Sturgis
After leaving our previous location, we drove over to Sturgis. However, our progress was slowed as we got caught in a traffic jam caused by an accident.
Sturgis is renowned for its annual motorcycle rally, a world-famous event that draws thousands of bikers and enthusiasts from all over. The rally had just concluded the weekend before, and signs of the recent festivities were still evident everywhere. As we navigated through the town, it was fascinating to see Sturgis in the aftermath of such a significant event, imagining the bustling streets filled with bikers just a few days earlier at bars such as Full Throttle Saloon (the world’s largest biker bar), Dungeon Bar (famous for bras and panties hanging from the ceilings), The Knuckle Saloon, Loud American Roadhouse, One-Eyed Jack’s Saloon, and The Iron Horse Saloon.
We drove about 3 miles west of town to Buffalo Chip, where we had to take a dirt road to the highway exit. The Sturgis Buffalo Chip is a legendary venue known as the “Largest Festival in Motorcycling” and the “Best Party Anywhere.” It spans 560 acres and hosts various events during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, such as concerts, bikini contests, fire dancers, zip lines, motorcycle jumpers, mud bog racers, live DJ dance clubs, motorcycle and guitar sweepstakes, midget bowling, karaoke, and more.
Just before exiting onto the highway, we passed The Big Engine Bar. This bar features a 60-foot handcrafted bar and live music and hosts various contests and events, such as the Biker Bar Games, Buffalo Chip Fan Fest, Beer Belly Contest, Arm Wrestling Contest, and more.
Drive Home & Custer State Park Wildlife Loop
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As we drove back toward the camper, we passed three colossal busts of presidents near Hermosa: John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush. These statues were once part of the now-closed “Presidents Park,” located 40 miles away from Mount Rushmore in the town of Lead. The Houston-based sculptor David Adickes wanted to create an attraction where visitors could get up close and personal with the presidents’ heads rather than view them from afar, like at Mount Rushmore. Buoyed by his recent success in Huntsville, Texas, where he created an enormous statue of Sam Houston in 2003, Adickes used White Portland cement to craft 43 heads, each standing between 16 and 20 feet tall. Though hollow, each head weighed about 18 tons. The sculptures were transported from his studio in Houston to Lead and installed along a winding path through tall pine trees. Now, most busts sit in storage while a few are scattered like these three.
We decided to drive through the Wildlife Loop before returning to the camper and saw several deer and a coyote trying to get an easy meal at a prairie dog town. We also enjoyed seeing the beautiful sunset and its effect on the landscape.
17 Aug, Thursday
Needles Highway
In the morning we decided to drive the complete Needles Highway. This 14-mile route is known for its dramatic granite formations and is part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. We drove up US-385 and turned east on the Needles Highway/SD-87 where the landscape transitioned from rolling prairies to dense pine forests. The road meandered through the forested hills and the elevation gradually increased, and the granite formations began to emerge, hinting at the wonders that lay ahead.
Some of the attractions we encountered included:
- Hood Tunnel – This was the first tunnel we encountered and it measured 8’9″ width and height at 9’8″. This was not the smallest tunnel but its tight dimensions were a good warm up.
- Sylvan Lake – We then passed Sylvan Lake which is a small lake nestled among impressive granite formations known for its clear water. It was a favorite spot for swimming, picnicking, and paddle boating. A one-mile scenic goes completely around it.
- Needle’s Eye Tunnel – Next, we encountered the Needle’s Eye Tunnel, one of the most famous features of the highway. It’s named after the Needle’s Eye formation, a slender granite spire with a natural “eye” carved by years of erosion. The tunnel is the narrowest tunnel on the highway measuring 8′ 0″ wide by 9’9″ high. Parking areas on each side of the tunnel allowed us to walk around.
- Needles Highway Scenic Overlook – This lookout gave us panoramic views of the rugged granite mountains, dense pine forests, and open meadows. We were also able to see some mountain goats climbing nearby.
- Cathedral Spires – A bit further along the route, we came upon the Cathedral Spires. These stunning granite formations resembled the steeples of a cathedral.
- Iron Creek Tunnel – Next, we came across the Iron Creek Tunnel at 8′ 9″ wide by 10’10” high.
- The Needles – Next were the iconic Needles formations. These towering rock formations, characterized by their sharp, needle-like appearance, gave the highway its name.
The highway ended near Legion Lake and the Needles Highway South Entrance. The Needles Highway offered a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and scenic beauty, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the Black Hills.
Custer State Park
We then drove through the Wildlife Loop at Custer State Park to see if we could catch some more animals. We found bison, mountain goats, prairie dogs, and pronghorns.
We also stopped at the Bison Center and the Wildlife Station Visitor Center.
The small Wildlife Station Visitor Center was originally built as the herdsman’s house, and was converted into a visitor center in 1987 and renovated again in 2017 to better showcase the rolling hills of the mixed-grass prairie. The visitor center featured exhibits about the park’s wildlife, including bison, pronghorns, and other native species.
We found the Bison Center the most fascinating which offered us an immersive experience that focused on the park’s free-roaming bison herd, one of the world’s largest publicly owned bison herds1. The dynamic interpretive displays told the story of Custer State Park’s bison herd and the importance of bison conservation. It explained the annual roundup and how they immunize and control the size of the herd. It also had a gift shop where we bought a stuffed bison for Lisa since this was her favorite animal.
Gordon Stockade
About two miles from our campground was a historic site that had a replica of Gordon Stockade. Originally built by the Gordon Party in December 1874, the stockade was a log fortress constructed to protect settlers from potential attacks by the Lakota Sioux. The original stockade was short-lived, as the U.S. Army removed the settlers from the Black Hills in April 1875. The site features a replica of the original stockade, built in 2004, which offered us a glimpse into the lives of early settlers and the history of the Black Hills gold rush.
Blue Bell Chuckwagon Dinner
This evening, we had reservations for the Blue Bell Chuckwagon Cookout, which began at the Blue Bell Lodge within Custer State Park. Upon checking in, we were given cowboy hats to get us into the spirit of the event. We then boarded large “Conestoga” trailers, lightly dusted with hay on the floor and pulled by pickup trucks.
We embarked on a delightful 45-minute hayride along the Wildlife Loop and down a backroad to a serene mountain meadow canyon. Along the way, an entertainer serenaded us with sing-along favorites, adding to the fun atmosphere.
When we arrived at the canyon, we were seated at picnic tables and treated to a hearty chuckwagon feast. The meal featured sirloin steak, cowboy beans, cornbread, potato salad, coleslaw, watermelon, and delicious cookies. During the meal, we enjoyed live folk music. One of the performers was introduced as an inductee into the South Dakota Hall of Fame, which added a special touch to the evening.
After the dinner, we rode the wagons back to the Blue Bell Lodge. We got back to the camper after 9 pm.
The combination of the scenic hayride, the delicious food, and the lively entertainment made for a memorable and enjoyable experience at the Blue Bell Chuckwagon Cookout.
18 Aug, Friday
Today we headed south toward Wind Cave National Park. Along the way we passed a pile of hundreds of bicycles meant to be a street art project alongside the George S. Mickelson Trail.
Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave was discovered in 1881 by the Bingham brothers and became a national park in 1903, making it one of the oldest national parks in the United States. It is renowned for its intricate cave system and unique above-ground landscapes. Wind Cave is one of the longest and most complex cave systems in the world, with over 150 miles of mapped passage. The cave features a rare and distinctive formation known as boxwork, which resembles a honeycomb. Above ground, the park includes one of the last remaining mixed-grass prairies in the United States which contains a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets. The cave holds cultural significance for the Lakota Sioux, who consider it a sacred site and part of their origin story.
Our drive took us south on US-385. As we drove through the town of Pringle, we passed a pile of hundreds of bicycles along a popular bike trail. This pile started in the 1980s as a sculpture.
As we entered the national park, we saw a large prairie dog town which never ceases to fascinate and delight me.
When we arrived at the Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center, we got the unfortunate news that the elevators that took us into the caves were broken and there was no expected repair date, therefore all cave tours were cancelled. Fortunately there were several attractions above ground to explore.
The natural entrance to Wind Cave was just behind the visitor center. This small opening about the size of a beach ball is where the cave’s namesake wind phenomena occurs. The “wind” results from the difference in air pressure between the cave and the surface. When the pressure inside the cave is higher than outside, air rushes out, and when the outside pressure is higher, air is sucked in. The opening was fenced off, but but you could feel the cold wind rushing from the hole. This was also the opening that was part of the Sioux Lakota origon stories.
We then took a short walk to the closed elevator house because the ranger said we might here some bats, but we did not find any. We decided to continue south to visit The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota about 12 miles away. On the way out of the park we saw a large herd of bison.
Centennial Park and Kidney Springs Park
We stopped at Centennial Park in Hot Springs to eat lunch and admire the old downtown area along the levee. The town features original buildings made of Lakota Sandstone, which give it a turn-of-the-century atmosphere. A deep concrete levee was in front of these buildings to help control the flooding that occurs frequently in the area.
After lunch we walked along a concrete path called the Freedom Trail that went along the levee. Alongside the sidewalk was a hot spring waterfall that was covered with slimy vegetation.
We turned around at Kidney Springs Gazebo that had an old hot spring fountain inside a gazebo. The gazebo was originally built in 1922 with eight Doric columns. Over the years, it has been washed away in floods a couple of times and rebuilt. The most recent incarnation added a Japanese and Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced roof, topped by a sculpture titled “The Gift,” created by local artist Mike Tuma in 1985. The spring water at Kidney Springs is known for its therapeutic properties, particularly for kidney health. The water maintains a constant temperature of 83°F and contains a mix of minerals such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, lithium sulfate, calcium sulfate, calcium phosphate, and silica.
The Mammoth Site
After returning to the truck we continued to The Mammoth Site, a fascinating paleontological site and museum, and one of the world’s largest mammoth research facilities. It was discovered in 1974 by construction worker George Hanson, who unearthed a mammoth tusk while leveling ground for a housing development. Recognizing the significance, Hanson contacted the proper authorities, leading to the excavation of an extensive mammoth graveyard. Since then, it has become an active dig site and a museum showcasing Ice Age fossils.
Over 60 mammoths, including both Columbian and woolly mammoths, have been unearthed here. The site is built around a prehistoric sinkhole that formed during the Pleistocene era. The steep sides of the sinkhole trapped mammoths and other animals, preserving their remains.
Major exhibits include the remains of over 60 mammoths displayed in their original positions. Interactive displays allow visitors to learn more about the Ice Age, mammoth biology, and fossil preservation. The site also displays fossils of other Late Ice Age animals, such as bison, horses, and camels, providing a comprehensive view of the ecosystem during that time.
We enjoyed looking down into the dig site and exploring the other exhibits scattered around it.
Hot Spring Visitor Center
When we In Hot Springs we stopped at the Hot Springs Visitor Center located in a restored Union Depot train station built in 1891. The building is constructed from locally-quarried pink sandstone, giving it a distinctive look. Beside providing tourist information, it had exhibits about the history of Hot Springs, the natural hot springs, and the local attractions. There was also a Union Depot caboose and the oldest wooden jail in existence in South Dakota on display outside the depot.
Scenic Drive at Wind Cave National Park
When we headed back north, we turned onto SD-87 and took a scenic route through Wind Cave National Park. On this route we saw multiple prairie dog town, more bison herds, and some pronghorns. The road took us to a southern entrance into Custer State Park toward Blue Bell Lodge Park.
Mount Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony
After we got back to the camper, we ate dinner and then headed up to Mount Rushmore for the lighting ceremony.
We took the Iron Mountain Road but since most of the tunnels and road faced west, we did not get good views through the tunnels since we had the sun in our face most of the route.
The ceremony takes place every evening from the Friday before Memorial Day through the end of September. The event starts at 8:00 PM from August 11 to September 30. The event was popular and the amphitheater seats were full/ The ceremony lasts about 45 minutes and includes several components:
- The ceremony begins with a 10-minute talk by a park ranger, who shares stories about the presidents depicted on Mount Rushmore and the history of the monument.
- Following the ranger talk, a 20-minute film titled “Freedom: America’s Lasting Legacy” is shown, highlighting the legacy and significance of Mount Rushmore.
- Afterward, all veterans are called to the stage for the ceremonial flag lowering. I joined my fellow veterans on the stage and found it very profound.
- The highlight of the ceremony is the lighting of the monument, where the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are illuminated against the night sky.
After the ceremony, we took the faster SD-244 to the US-385 route home. We were back at the campground around 2130.
19 Aug, Saturday
Today we drove into Custer and walked around the various tourist shops looking at the knick naks and t-shirts.
A highlight was getting some pie at the Purple Pie Place. This cute little place is located in a two story home painted purple with a wraparound porch. It is famous for the various flavors of pies and ice cream they serve. There was even a cute purple pig statue on the porch.
Afterward, we hung out at the camper and prepared for our move the next day.