The most famous thing in the Black Hills is Mount Rushmore. It is worth actually going into the monument instead of just seeing it from the road. It is free to enter but you do have to buy an annual parking pass for $10. There is much more to Mount Rushmore that just he faces. One of our traditions on seeing Mount Rushmore started when Anthony was very little, I think it was on our first trip to the Black Hills, was to arrive early and eat breakfast overlooking the monument. Yes is it kitsch but still fun. The boys have always looked forward to doing this not because the food is good but because it is a tradition. By being there early we are ahead of the crowds so we can enjoy exploring the Monument by going through the museum about the men and carving of the mountain, take the trails and visit the artist studio. These are all much easier and enjoyable if you are not battling the crowd. There is a night program at Mount Rushmore, we have heard that it is very good, but we have never been to it because we always go early in the morning.
Randy and Jeffery along the trail.
The plaster mask of Lincoln from the Artist Studio
A site that is easy to give a pass but is well worth your time is the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs. This is an old sinkhole in which Mammoths, all male and most young, fell into and couldn't get out. Over the years it filled and dried up. This is still an active dig site though they are keeping some of the bones in-situ so us, the general public, can see what it looks like and learn about why the bones were found where they were.
The Black Hills are full of caves of all sizes and difficulty. Most are private but there are two that are part of the national parks system- Jewel Cave and Wind Cave. We have been to both and tend to alternate between them instead of trying to do both on the same trip. While the two caves are near each other they are not connected and have different histories and formations. Last year we went to Jewel Cave. This cave is the second longest cave system in the US and it still being explored. When were there was a team of spelunkers exploring and were due back the next day so they knew that the cave would be officially longer than when we were there. One word of warning if you want to take one of the tours of the caves get your tickets in advance, at least a day or two, or you will be out of luck. Also take a jacket or sweater because all the caves are cool and wear study shoes, flip flops are not a sturdy shoe, because the ground is uneven.
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