BEAR COUNTRY USA - RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA

BEAR COUNTRY USA – RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA
Eight miles south of Rapid City on Highway 16 is Bear Country USA. If you are RVing with the kids, you must take them on the ride through this amazing wildlife park. It’s a real treat for all ages, wildlife enthusiasts, and photography buffs. The bears were amazing, and there were plenty of them roaming around the entire park area. I stopped counting at 40 . . . but there were many more. We ventured there on a somewhat cloudy and drizzling day . . I think the animals preferred the weather – they were out in abundance. The Rocky Mountain Elk were spectacular – and huge. We were able to drive up fairly close to the Mountain Lions, Reindeer, Arctic Wolves and Big Horn Sheep. My favorites were the miniature donkeys.

There is a petting zoo and “BabyLand” area, but by the time we made it through the park the rain was getting heavier – so we skipped it. It’s a bit on the pricey side at $15 a person (adults), and the traffic was a little heavy for my tastes (bumper to bumper in some spots). There were so many animals out and about, I could understand why it was crowded . . . everyone wanted to see and photograph them.

MOUNT RUSHMORE - "FACING HISTORY"

“FACING HISTORY” – MOUNT RUSHMORE, SOUTH DAKOTA
It’s an understatement to say that Mount Rushmore is awe inspiring! Located on Highway 244 about 17 miles from Crazy Horse, and approximately four miles up the hill from Keystone, Sound Dakota, it is hard not to gasp as you round the corner on the highway as the monument comes into view. It took us about 35 minutes to drive the gorgeous highway leading to Mount Rushmore from our site in Custer. There were literally dozens of vehicles pulled over on the side of the highway capturing pictures of this historic and patriotic site. It does give you the goose bumps the first time you see it. It certainly did for me!!!

It’s only $10 per vehicle to enter, which covers the parking fee and also provides you a South Dakota State Parks Pass, valid for one year. Admission to the monument and attractions are Free.

Clearly, Mount Rushmore is an icon in the history of the US and one of our great wonders. There’s a lot more to see and take in at Rushmore State Park than just the view of Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson and Roosevelt. We packed a breakfast and lunch for our day there, and spent most of the day wondering through the many exhibits.

• Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center: Did you know that Gutzon Borglum (Mount Rushmore’s Sculptor) loved Abraham Lincoln so much that he named his son Lincoln? It takes about an hour to take in the entire Visitor Center and gives you the complete story.

• Mount Rushmore – The Shrine: A 15 minute film featured in the Borglum Center, filled with historic photography and it tells the story of the carving and the artist’s history.

• Lakota, Nakota and Dakota Heritage Village: An overall look of the history, customs and traditions of the American Indian tribes who have lived on the land for thousands of years.

• Sculptor’s Studio: Built in 1939, this historic landmark was Borglum’s on-site studio where many of his tools and original models are displayed.

• The Wild Side: Also held in the Visitor Center, this 15 minute film focuses on the ecology and the wildlife found in and around the park.

• Presidential Trail: A 40-minute to an hour walking tour (1/2 mile) with a closer look at the carving and surrounding views. The trail takes you to the Grand View Terrace and through the Sculptor’s Studio. Be aware . . . the first half of the trail is fully accessible; the second half is mostly all staircases.

CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL, SOUTH DAKOTA

CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL, BLACK HILLS, SOUTH DAKOTA
We were told in advance of our trip to not waste our time and money visiting Crazy Horse. I am so glad we didn’t listen to that advice. This was one of the best spots we picked to tour on our RVing Black Hills vacation. We are fans of southwestern and Indian art, and the Crazy Horse Memorial and Museum didn’t disappoint. There are thousands of rare artifacts and beautiful works of art on display, and available for sale – not to mention the colossal rock and carving that is “CRAZY HORSE”. It is so massive; the Mount Rushmore Memorial could fit behind the head of Crazy Horse, with room to spare.

We took in the “Dynamite & Dreams” production in the on-site theatre, which provides an excellent history on Korczak Ziolkowski and his family, Crazy Horse, Chief Henry Standing Bear, and of course, the project and progress of the Crazy Horse Monument . The entire project which began in 1949 is still in full swing. Korczak, who died in 1982, refused government money for this project and his family stands on that principal today as they strive to continue his work. The project is a privately funded, nonprofit humanitarian, educational and cultural project built by the interested public – and not by the taxpayers. A must see and well worth the $10/pp admission.

THE BLACK HILLS, SOUTH DAKOTA

THE BLACK HILLS, SOUTH DAKOTA
Less than 400 miles north and east of Denver are the Black Hills of South Dakota. My husband visited South Dakota when he was a youngster back in the late 60’s. I had never been up that direction and I very pleased with the easy drive up, and by the awesome location of our campsite at the Big Pine Campground, just two miles from Custer, South Dakota. This spot put us within easy commute all the local attractions and sites in this beautiful part of the U.S. We did our research on the areas, amenities and sites in and around the Black Hills area. We wanted to find the perfect spot, and started by contacting the South Dakota Tourism Office. Summertime is tourism time in South Dakota - - - make your reservations EARLY. We did our research and picked our site in FEBRUARY – for summer travel dates. We were fortunate to get one of the last five spots available at Big Pine Campground in Custer. Seriously . . . . . . make your plans and reservations early!!!

BIG PINE CAMPGROUND is located two miles west of Custer on Highway 16. Very easy to find and they offer 76 sites with full hook-up, water & electric only and tent sites, with gorgeous sites each tucked away in the forest – and backing to national forest land. They offer laundry and shower facilities, on-site store for essentials and ice, playground, recreation room and WiFi access if needed. In-season rates are $31.50 night (May to September). They offer weekly specials, senior and Good Sam Member rates. Reserve early – repeat customer bookings are made a year in advance!