The Black Hills of South Dakota

In the southwest corner of South Dakota are the Black Hills. It was named such because as the pioneers traveled west across the flat prairie lands the mountainous region stuck up like black hills in the distance. They are full of color and wildlife of all types.
Driving on Iron Mountain Rd to Mount Rushmore Memorial was twisting and turning with circular bridges to bring you to a lower elevation.

As you come out of a tunnel you see the famous sculpture in the distance. 

The entrance is impressive with all the States flags lining the walkway.

There is a walk up closer to the Monument and goes to a visitors area that shows the prototype of the Monument. You can see what the original design was compared to what was completed.

We were so thirsty we needed to stop for a drink. SoTammy and Tim did wine tasting, I had a beer flight.

I didn't realize this type of tent was a real thing you can buy. I thought they had thought this contraption up on their own. Crazy entry with a ladder. No way Jose.

So many people asked us if we would be visiting the worlds largest carving: Crazy Horse Memorial. Only 17 miles from Mt Rushmore, Chief Henry Standing Bear wanted the white man to know that the Lakota Indians had hero's too and commissioned a sculptor that had worked on the presidents nearby.This was the intended design, huge in comparison to the Mt Rushmore

You can see the drawing superimposed onto the rock

The carving began in 1948 and is far from completion. The family has succeeded in capturing an audience while doing minimal work. The endeavor is privately owned and a non-profit raising money from admission and gift shop sales. Is it really what the Lakota intended?

Another great drive in Custer State Park in the Needles Hwy.

Here is a good view of the eye of the Needle

We were camped just outside of Custer State Park for a week. This is Sylvan Lake were we took an amazing hike. It was rated moderate for most of the hike, with a few challenging areas.

We followed a river and had to cross it several times balancing on fallen trees and strategically placed stones. I'm not one for balance and my walking sticks sure came in handy for most of the hike.

At the end of our hike, beginning if you are going counter-clockwise, these handrails allow you pull yourself up the rocks while the stream flows beside and beneath you.

Four miles later we had completed the Sylvan Lake hike. Highly recommended

During our several drives through Custer State Park we saw abundant wildlife.

Creepy

Many many gophers. 

This was our side of the road picnic spot

The view from the fire lookout was a great way to see the areas we had visited. Through the stationary binoculars we could even see Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse

Tammy and I kayaked Center Lake

I love that this buffalo posed in front of the Education Center.