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 an avid adventurer, I indulged in a stay in South Dakota, the land where famous pioneers, the aura of prehistoric beasts, and the heart of Native American heritage surround visitors.

With the sun filtering through the ponderosa pine, aspen, oak, and other conifers, I discovered a breathtaking view of the magnificent sculptures of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt carved into the granite surface of Mount Rushmore. While the Black Hills of South Dakota provide an early but compelling view, the 1700 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 credited to South Dakota historian Doane Robinson for promoting tourism and renaming the mountain after Charles E. Rushmore, a famous New York attorney.

Experiencing the wonder of South Dakota

Walking trails to experience the huge park in South Dakota, I soaked up the picturesque surroundings with wildflowers and Ponderosa pines. Wildlife sightings are exciting and when one ventures out on a hike, squirrels, groundhogs, 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 the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center & Museum. Amenities include the Mount Rushmore Audio Tour, Amphitheater, Sculptor’s Studio, and Youth Exploration Area. Some of the tourist attractions include the Memorial Ice Cream Parlor, Mount Rushmore Bookstores, the Carvers Café, the Gift Shop and the Memorial Ice Cream Parlor. My love of adventure and penchant for trying new things took me through exciting chairlifts, bobsleds and the Aerial Adventure Park as the newest addition to Rushmore Tramway Adventures with its vibrant rides.

Traveling on a delicious stay in South Dakota

My true adventurous spirit, the secret to a traveler’s charisma, set off to explore the delicious side of life while riding a chair lift to indulge the senses in the ultimate outdoor experience. The Mountaintop Grille offers panoramic views of Mount Rushmore and displays magnificent views with flowers and waterfalls. Relaxed in a friendly atmosphere, I savored delicious nachos, burgers and brats accompanied by an ice cold beer. South Dakota specialties include gumbo, steaks, Italian cuisine, seafood, pizza, muffins, Cornish pasties, 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 food carts, cafes, nightclubs, and restaurants that abound in the South Dakota region. Delving into American Indian heritage to treasure a memorable culture, I grabbed 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 souvenirs.

Exploring the heritage and culture of South Dakota

Traveling across the prairies, I visited the Native American communities whose heritage, arts and crafts still vibrate 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 their amazing hospitality and admired their amazing art.

Full of adventure at all times, I filled my South Dakota experience with non-stop entertainment that unfolds through hiking, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, camping, and visiting museums. As a perfect fit for the adventurous heart, the state offers visits to dig sites to uncover evidence of humans and prehistoric 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. With 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