MT. RUSHMORE: Since we weren’t able to visit Mt. Rushmore last night, we headed there this morning. Last time we were there we camped in a National Forest campground atHorse Thief Lake. It’s pretty and very close to Mt Rushmore. Keep it in mind if you’re in the area.
Like the Crazy Horse Memorial, Mt. Rushmore has become a BIG enterprise. They have escorted RV parking (a golf cart takes you to your RV parking space), multi-level auto parking and the visitor’s area is huge. We were there in the late 1970’s or early 80’s and just remember a small parking lot with a terrace view of Mt. Rushmore. There’s a nice walking loop trail called the Presidential Trail which is about ½ mile that gives you different views of Mt. Rushmore. Terry and I, as usual, went the opposite direction than most people around the loop. YES! We recommend going right, and go down the stairs first. Then when you finish, you have a nice stroll back to the main plaza instead of huffing and puffing up the stone stairs.
CURT GOWDY SP, WY: We drove south across South Dakota and Wyoming to get to Curt Gowdy State Park between Cheyenne and Laramie, WY. Most of the drive was across high plains with the wind blowing hard and lots of grass and ranch land. As we approached the park, it became hilly with a reservoir. The stars are bright and the ever-present wind has died. You can see the Milky Way Galaxy and it’s very quiet. It’s beautiful.