Left the very windy badlands today and packed in the tourist attractions knowing tomorrow is our last day and we’ll need to pack up. Wall Drug Store – massive, unexpected complex full of kitschy collectibles, jewelry store, book store, cowboy store, candy store, diner, soda shop, random dinosaurs and decor – even a chapel. It’s quite a sight. Kids had ice cream for breakfast and bought fudge for the road. What kind of parents have we turned into? If you are in the area you have to stop and check it out. Seriously, the dozens of billboards tell you you have to. 

We made our way to Hill City passing nothing but beautiful landscapes and one touristy stops after another: mini golf, beer garden, glow mini golf, zip line, chuck wagon dinner specials… we arrived at Palmer Gulch Resort KOA and it’s huge and pretty fun looking. The amenities seem top notch: pools, playgrounds, jumping pillow, tons of rec space, lots of OHVs to rent, even a Tap Room and place called “Grounds and Grapes” – sounds inviting. We get to our camp site, seems far from everything. Maybe that’s good, this place is almost too crowded for comfort. No cell service and no internet. I don’t think I’m going to like that since I have to check into flights tomorrow. We’ll figure that out later.

We didn’t stay long to enjoy the campground. We went to Custer State Park and drove the scenic loop. Awesome drive. We were very oddly excited to see a barnyard animal, but when you call a donkey a “begging burro” and find it wild in this beautiful park, it just seems more exciting. Stopping at Sylvan Lake was my favorite part. If I had just one more day on this entire trip this is where I’d spend it! Playing on the water right here with the gorgeous rocks jutting straight out of the water. We learned this is where they filmed part of National Treasure 2 (who’s wishing we’d watched it now? still me). Leaving the park we took Needles Highway and enjoyed the exciting twists, turns and tunnels.

Along the drive, Maddy had a moment of cell and WiFi just long enough to learn her school posted her classes. She was dying to find out which of her friends were in her class, but just as quick as she got service she lost it. So she enjoyed Needles Highway less than the rest of us. Very frustrated by technology and getting excited for school. We get it. Back at the campground was no better for her. I also found the no cell/internet frustrating and had to go to the campground concierge (I told you, fancy) to get directions and timing to Mount Rushmore’s evening ceremony. Ready to go with paper map in hand, old fashioned style.

After dinner we headed back out to see Mount Rushmore, which many friends and family have been unimpressed with. My mom said “if you are going to go, go for the evening program” and we are very glad we did. We got there early enough to get the Jr Ranger books and complete them (we also had cell service so Maddy could catch up with her classmates, if you were worried). They also had a Senior Ranger book so Mat and I could do activities too! Such a fun way to learn about where you are.

The patriotic movie they play in the amphitheater is 20 years old we noticed but still entertaining and the history hasn’t changed, LOL. The ranger talk was interesting and full of inspiring and surprisingly relevant quotes of four former presidents. And inviting all current and former members of the military onto the stage at the end for the ceremonious flag lowering was touching. The standing ovation that lasted until everyone was on the stage was a resounding applause of gratitude. I found myself more moved by the experience than I expected to be, but maybe it’s because this year alone we went to Mount Vernon (Washington’s home), Monticello (Jefferson’s home) and just came from TRNP so I feel like we have really invested our time in getting to know these people on the rock wall above us. So sitting here tonight did feel special. To be reminded of these presidents’ contributions to founding (Washington), expanding (Jefferson), unifying (Lincoln) and developing and preserving (Roosevelt) our country was inspiring. Time to add a woman up there. 

Learning the ‘who, what, when, where, why and hows’ of commissioning and constructing the monument was also interesting. The sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, did dozens of other famous work all over the world. He was a busy man. 

There is definitely a lot to see in this area, enough to come back for in the future. We didn’t get to do any hiking in the Black Hills here, we didn’t drive the Iron Mountain Road, we missed Crazy Horse Memorial (we did see it from the road if that counts), Jewel Cave and Devils Tower so it’ll all go on my to-do list. Like my tee shirt says, “I haven’t been everywhere but it’s on my list”. I did feel bad about missing Crazy Horse Memorial this trip since we went to Custer State Park and then to see a monument of white men carved into rock, it felt like we were somehow picking sides. But it started a good discussion with the kids about the battle of Little Big Horn where both sides fought for what they believed in and fought to protect their people. So who is right and who is wrong? Should there be memorials and parks in honor of both sides? What would our life and country be like if it hadn’t played out the way it did?  It was a good day of travel and reflection and just what I hoped this trip would provide. 

Monday, August 23, 2021