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I was vacationing in the Sheridan, Wyoming vicinity and thought I should spend a day to drive over and finally see Mt Rushmore. A lot of miles (and in fact I managed to stop and see Devils Tower quickly), but I figured with the high speed limit, I should do it. I don't regret it, but wow, the experience of the Black Hills is something I clearly missed out on. I intend to return and arrange an entirely separate getaway for that area alone. Gorgeous- and a lot of outdoors stuff to do- reminded me of the White Mts and White Mt Nat'l Forest. I always thought Mt Rushmore was some place right off interstate 90 (which it is not) and not so much natural beauty to take in and quaint towns worth visiting along the way (even if there was your prototypical tacky t-shirt shops, etc... that abounded).
I've never been but my MIL was there and really enjoy it. It's on the north Dakota Canadian border. International Peace Garden. I think technically it may be in Canada.
I went to North Dakota last year to visit where family had come from, (tracing my roots), but also did sightseeing.
My favorite was Custer State Park, right in the middle of the Black Hills. The scenery & wildlife were incredible...we ended up in the middle of a bison herd (in our car)...saw lots of bison babies (calves, I guess?). I will never forget that.
All of the Black Hills are beautiful. There was a “rails to trails” trail, open to hikers, bikers, and I guess snow sports in the winter, that was very scenic, that I want to see/do more of. I enjoyed the town of Deadwood, I know it’s touristy, but still fun.
Definitely go to the Badlands. There are also Badlands on the western border of North Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt NP.
We didn’t go to Mt. Rushmore...I had gone there with my relatives years ago, and on my recent visit the line to get in was loooong...many tour buses. You can actually see the 4 presidents from the main road.
Spouse wanted to see Wall Drug, but was disappointed...it’s just a big store, but the location is convenient to the Badlands.
Because I was there to see the old family farm & the little farm towns where my family came from, I spent a lot of time on the little farm roads in North Dakota. It was sentimental & meaningful to me, but it’s also slow-paced & like stepping back into another era, so I would recommend doing that, just for the experience & to get off the tourist track.
We went in September, 2016, perfect weather. We are definitely going back.
Cash or check, no Plastic, no reservations accepted... you gotta wait your turn, It is worth it
only (2) items on the menu... Filet Migon or Veggie something
Thank you for all your recommendations and advices. I think I have to make a list so that I don't miss an important spot to see.
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I think I have to make a list so that I don't miss an important spot to see.
