Henry calls it a state-sponsored tourist trap, but we were both glad we went. That way we know that we don’t ever have to go back.
It wasn’t that bad, it’s just….I don’t know, a lot of granite carved out of a mountain and made into a big patio.
Still, we had fun, of course. Because what would be the point of not enjoying ourselves? And it was kind of interesting. And the Black Hills are gorgeous. And the ice cream was yummy and plentious. Yes, I said plentious. And there were a few wildflowers, which makes any stop worth it in my book.


















After our Mt Rushmore visit we went back to a great Forest Service campground between Mt. Rushmore and Jewel Cave. Comanche Campground was named after a horse that the Seventh US Calgary stole from the Comanche tribe. It was the only member of the US Calgary unit that survived the Battle of Little Bighorn.




Wish you could find all the posts from this roadtrip in one place? You can! (Right here)
Roadtrip!
Little Bighorn Battlefield
Devils Tower
Mt. Rushmore
Jewel Cave
Friends and family
Bierstadt Lake
Junior Ranger program and s’mores
Mt. Chapin and Dan turns 30
Ute Trail and Cache La Poudre
Wild Basin and Bear Lake
Night Rangers
Breakfast, friends and going home
I have quite a few friends who say this place is amazing – but I’ve never understood the attraction. Thanks for sharing your take – I think I’d have been more fascinated by the flowers & pine cones, too. But I’m sure we’ll make it there one day! 🙂
The coolest thing about Mt Rushmore is that it is surround by so many other great natural places. The Black Hills are amazing, I can’t wait to get back and hike and explore–both above and below ground.