In 2021 things seemed like they were still out of hand in the world (not that they are much better). We initially took a trip to the grand canyon of PA (they’re just big hills) and Gettysburg PA. Gettysburg was a very interesting and impressive trip but the trips felt underwhelming. We still had some time after getting home and just decided to go to Mount Rushmore. We packed up and prepared to leave that night. I drove all through the night, non-stop and we arrived safely to out hotel. The hotel we stayed at has a terrific view of Mount Rushmore, absolutely stunning. It was so amazing seeing the change in the geography on the drive out. In my last travel article I mention that driving all through the night and seeing both the sunset and sunrise is a very cool experience. Also when you go through the middle of South Dakota and cross the Lake Francis Case-Mo River you really get the feeling that you entered the west from an old western movie.
When we got out there we noticed it was full of motorcycles. We didn’t realize before going out that the largest motorcycle rally in the world happens out there and we went during it. We had never even heard of Sturgis before or at least if we did it meant nothing to us. It was pretty cool seeing all those bikers out there. Unlike what they depict them as in the movies most bikers are not hell bent crazy people, they are just folks who want to feel a sense of freedom which the motorcycle offers. One thing we noticed is that when you visit the main towns they are at, Sturgis, Deadwood, and Keystone is that there is no litter. Despite having tons of bikers out there running around they are not trashing the place up.
This was the first time being in the Black Hills area for us and I was trying to see as much as we could while we were there. We went to see Mount Rushmore and walked the trail around it, it is definitely worth seeing and very amazing given the era the project was completed in. We also went to see the Crazy Horse monument which is much much larger than Rushmore but it is taking lifetimes to complete. Deadwood is one of the coolest towns out there, I think it would be more enjoyable to go before or after Sturgis, just because every place is packed. We went to Saloon No. 10 where Wild Bill Hickok was shot. That was a really cool looking bar inside and they also had a one man band in there who was actually doing a pretty good job at playing. Keystone is an awesome little town too. It has some cool bars to check out and some cool souvenir shops. This is another one of those trips you really want more time, that seems to be a theme in my trips.
About 2 hours away from Keystone is the Devils Tower. When I was planning out what we should visit I forgot the name and kept calling it the Devils Anvil (it’s close enough) and everyone acted upset that I wanted to drive so far just to see it, until we got there. The Devils Tower is amazing at how high it stands completely on its own. There is also a KOA you could camp at that is right by the entrance. It was hot when we visited the Devils Tower and I wanted to walk the trail around it. I was already on my weight loss journey at that time and so walking around the trail was no issue for me, it’s a dry heat so it doesn’t feel quite as bad. Everyone else was upset with me at walking around the trail, it circles the Devils Tower and we walked the whole thing. I think it was worth taking the trail there are some nice views from it. They also have a lot of prairie dogs in the area although your not allowed to feed them and they have rangers watching so you don’t.
Custer State Park is another place you really should visit. There are buffalo in the park although they are somewhat taken care of unlike in Yellowstone where they are completely free. They also have begging burros, donkeys that will walk right up to you and your car and eat out of your hand. Sylvan Lake is the most impressive part of the park and is a must see if you are out there. The like is surrounded by rock formations that give it an almost otherworldly feel. They have trails there where you can walk around the lakes and through the rocks to explore.
We had a really enjoyable trip and it was such an amazing part of the country to see that we ending up going back out the following year which I will write another article about.
I went out there, too, and loved it. Would go back again.