When mapping out our travel plans this spring, Mt. Rushmore seemed like a neat stop due to the historical significance and convenient location, since one of our must sees was Yellowstone NP. Never did we imagine that South Dakota would provide us with such treasures. True to form, we began our day by dismantling the free breakfast bar at the EconoLodge. Our hotel manager, Jean, supplied us with our gameplan for the day and off we set. Heading north on the Iron Mountain Highway, we traveled through Custer State Park and the Black Hills with Mt. Rushmore in our crosshairs. As seems to be a recurring pattern, the drive to our destinations is an adventure in itself. Beautiful vistas, wicked hairpin turns, along with local wildlife all combined to make this drive no different. As we approached our first tunnel (one lane roads blasted out of the natural granite rock formations) there were a couple of stopped cars and a few people out taking photos. We assumed they were simply taking pictures of the tunnel and patiently waited our turn to advance. After several minutes, the traffic cleared and it was our turn to drive through. The reason for the photos became evident the second we entered the tunnel. Directly in front of us, picture framed by the perimeters of granite and illuminated by the morning sun, was Mt. Rushmore in all it's splendor. What an amazing sight and wonderful surprise. Forgetting about the waiting cars behind us, we grabbed our cameras and jumped out of the truck. And although the mountain was still probably over three miles away, the sheer beauty of the monument accompanied with the shock of what we were viewing, will make this a moment we will never forget. About an hour later, we were taking the guided Ranger's tour inside the park. A very informative tour with lots of little known tidbits of info provided by our guide. The technical challenges alone of the monument are overwhelming especially when considering the tools and other resources available in 1927. Thinking the monument was too touristy, I was not expecting much. But as Meg has pointed out repeatedly over the last 18 years... I was wrong. Our visit to Mt. Rushmore was fantastic and far exceeded any expectations.
Next we headed to Hill City. Jean had recommended a visit to the Alpine Inn for a good meal. The Alpine opens it's doors for dinner at 5:00 PM but the line starts to form a little after 4:00. Meg made it known that she she had endured enough Mickey D's and free breakfast waffles, and she wanted some "real food". Real food is what she got. The Alpine Inn's menu consists of two items (as it has for over the past twenty years)...the small filet mignon and the large filet mignon. We ordered two large and one small. Now before you guys fall out of your seats over me buying three filets, chew on this. Small $8.95 / Large $10.95.
Complete with salad, baked potato, and bread. The Alpine is also famous for their desserts. The owners wake at 3:00 AM daily and prepare the special treats. We got three of those too. To summarize, filets and wonderful desserts for all, only $55.00 with tip. Gotta love it.
And I have saved the best (IMO)- I use these abbreviations now that I have my smartphone - for last. Our drive back to Custer took us on the Needles Highway. This was by far the most amazing hour of driving I have ever experienced. One word to describe the Needles.....Insane!!! I was hooting and hollering with every turn. Google "needles highway" and see for yourself. Our pictures cannot do it justice.
As with the first night, we finished our adventures taking the wildlife loop in Custer. Glad we did because we got lucky and encountered five elk (a special treat in Custer Park) Another great day with several memorable experiences.
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