Day 6: Mount Rushmore

The skies were overcast and foggy as we left for Mount Rushmore.  Keegan was concerned that we would not be able to see it.  As we were driving, the clouds cleared and we saw our first glimpse the presidents.

We visited the Visitor's Center and watched a short film on the building of the monument.  By that time we were all hungry so pizza was on the menu.

We decided to walk the Presidents' Trail.  It began with a paved ramp but as we got into the trail, we discovered steps....lots and lots of steps.  Fortunately, the trail was only a mile long.  In all the times we have visited this place, we have never taken this trail.    There were opportunities to take up-close and personal pictures of the presidents.

This is Carol on one of the many sets of steps.  Thankfully, there were lots of opportunities to sit and regain our breath.

Keegan always found a rock on which to climb.  He wasn't even winded as he ran up and down the steps.

We left Mount Rushmore we drove the Iron Mountain Highway.  There were several tunnels.

This is the Geographic Center of the Nation Monument at Belle Fourche which is just 11 miles north of the KOA in which we are camped.  Belle Fourche was founded in the 1880s.  It has a rich history full of cowboys, pioneers and cattle and sheep dynasties.  We remembered that this town was the ending point of the cattle drive in the John Wayne movie, "The Cowboys."  

Keegan is standing on the east arrow; Papaw is on the west arrow; and I am standing at the south arrow taking the picture.

At this monument all the state flags were displayed.  This is Illinois.

Papaw and Keegan are standing by the Illinois flag.

As you can see from this sign, Illinois is 994 miles from the geographic center of the nation.

This cabin was built in 1876 by a local resident named Johnny Spaulding.  Also located on this property was a very nice museum containing the history of this part of the state.

The area also contained monuments to each of the wars.  

This was an out-of-the-way stop but very enjoyable.  It always amazes me how much history some of these little towns have and a lot of time, we drive right past town and it's history.

This was taken as we were headed south from Belle Fourche.  Keegan has been talking about swimming all day but if these clouds produce rain, there will be no swimming tonight.

The hills in the distance are the Black Hills.  It is easy to see from the picture why early settlers and Indians would call them the "Black Hills."

After we left Mount Rushmore, Keegan fell asleep in the car.  He didn't wake up until we stopped at Belle Fourche.  Arrived back at camp around 4:00 p.m.  I had laundry to do so Papaw and Keegan went to the pool.  It was not raining but the pool was closed because there was lightening in the area.  The pool finally opened around 5:30 and Keegan happily went swimming.

There is a cool wind blowing so it will be good sleeping.  It is 9:00 and Keegan is already asleep! Tomorrow we will go to Custer State Park and drive the Needles Highway and the Wilderness Highway.  The Wilderness Highway is known for all the wildlife.   This will be our last day in this area.