Colossal charismatic. Cultural.

Following footprints in the sands of time with legends echoing in the Wild West, I traversed the path of an intrepid traveler through the well-trodden path to Mount Rushmore. I love adventure, and as a fervent adventurer, I indulged in a stay in South Dakota, the land where famed pioneers, the aura of prehistoric beasts, and the heart of Native American heritage surround visitors.

With the sun filtering through the ponderosa pine, cottonwood, oak, and other conifers, I discovered a breathtaking vista of the magnificent sculptures of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt carved into the granite surface of Mount Rushmore. While the ranges of South Dakota’s Black Hills provide an initial but compelling sight, the 1700s sculptures reveal the work of Gutzon Borglum and his son, Lincoln Borglum. The memorial park is spread over 1,278.45 acres and is 5,725 feet (1,745 m) above sea level.

These four prominent presidents of the United States of America were chosen because they had created the most important events in the history of the United States. The concept for the sculptures can be attributed to South Dakota historian Doane Robinson to promote tourism and rename the mountain after Charles E. Rushmore, a famous New York lawyer.

Experiencing the wonder of South Dakota

Walking trails to experience the huge park in South Dakota, I absorbed the picturesque setting with wildflowers and Ponderosa pines. The wildlife sightings are exciting and when one ventures out on a hike, squirrels, marmots, rabbits, ibex, deer, mammals, amphibians and birds can be seen in various locations.

With something for everyone at Mount Rushmore, enjoy the sights and sounds at the Presidential Trail and Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center & Museum. Amenities include the Mount Rushmore audio tour, amphitheatre, sculptor’s studio, and youth scout area. Some of the tourist attractions include Memorial Ice Cream Parlor, Mount Rushmore Bookstores, Carvers Café, Gift Shop and Memorial Ice Cream Parlor. My love of adventure and penchant for trying new things took me through exciting chairlifts, tobogganing and the Aerial Adventure Park as the newest addition to Rushmore Tramway Adventures with its exciting rides.

Traveling on a delightful sojourn in South Dakota

My true spirit of adventure, the secret to a traveler’s charisma, set off to explore the delicious side of life while riding a chairlift to indulge the senses in an ultimate outdoor experience. The Mountaintop Grille offers panoramic views of Mount Rushmore and displays magnificent vistas with flowers and waterfalls. Relaxed in a pleasant atmosphere, I savored delicious nachos, hamburgers and brats accompanied by an ice-cold beer. South Dakota specialties include gumbo, steaks, Italian cuisine, seafood, pizza, muffins, Cornish pies, jerky, roasts, tacos and many more delicious dishes. I added to my repertoire of experiences by visiting casual and fine dining restaurants, dinner shows and dinning wagons, cafes, nightclubs, and restaurants that flood the South Dakota region. Delving into American Indian heritage to treasure a memorable culture, I took a piece of the Black Hills and Badlands experience as a souvenir as I browsed the gift and souvenir shops displaying original Western art, Sioux beadwork, pottery, leather, stars . quilts, gold jewelry and countless memories.

Exploring the heritage and culture of South Dakota

Traveling across the prairies, I visited the American Indian communities whose heritage, arts and crafts still thrive in South Dakota. Known as the land of the Nakota, Dakota, and Lakota, there are nine Native American tribes that live in South Dakota. I enjoyed and experienced your amazing hospitality and admired your amazing art.

Full of adventure at every turn, I fill my South Dakota experience with non-stop entertainment that unfolds through hiking, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, camping, and museum visits. A perfect fit for an adventurer’s heart, the state offers tours of excavation sites to uncover evidence of prehistoric humans and animals. In addition to outdoor recreation, amusement and theme parks, information and learning centers, I celebrated my action-packed trip to Mount Rushmore with sightings of donkeys, wild mustangs, herds of buffalo and the world’s largest collection of reptiles. In the spirit of freedom and love of the outdoors, I treasured my Mount Rushmore experience as an inspiring and memorable adventure.

Celebrating the Spirit of Freedom and Inspiration at Mount Rushmore