The program includes two extended excursions, and the first one was this past weekend to the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota. We left early Friday morning for the long drive out to Rapid City, SD. Of course, close to Rapid City is the famous Wall Drug, and an obligatory stop was made there.
Where in the heck is Wall Drug?
Arriving in Rapid City about 5:30 p.m. local time, we quickly checked into the Lazy U Motel and headed down to Custer State Park to view the wildlife in the evening.
The Lazy U Motel
The First Bison We Ran Into Almost Ran Into Us
- This Pronghorn Antelope Came to See Us
These Calves Were Challenging Each Other As We Watched
Grazing in the Late Afternoon Sunshine
The next day we headed to Mt. Rushmore in the morning, and then over to Sylvan Lake and the trailhead for Harvey Peak, the highest peak in the Black Hills at 7,200 feet. At the top, the view is tremendous.
At the Entrance to Mt. Rushmore
At Sylvan Lake and Trail Head for Harney Peak
At the Top of Harney Peak
The next day we had brunch at the State Game Lodge located in Custer State Park. It served as the summer White House for President Coolidge in 1927. After a sumptuous brunch, it was off to visit the huge Crazy Horse monument.
One of the Best Meals all Summer--Brunch at the State Game Lodge
Will this Huge Monument Ever Get Completed?