Discovering a Rich Heritage at Mount Rushmore
Charismatic. Colossal. Cultural. Following footprints in the sands of time with legends echoing around the Wild West, I traversed the path of an intrepid traveler through the much-trodden trail to Mount Rushmore. I love adventure and as an ardent adventurer, I indulged in a sojourn in South Dakota, the land where famous pioneers, the aura of prehistoric beasts and the heart of the heritage of American Indian tribes surrounds visitors. With the sun, filtering through the ponderosa pine, cottonwood, oak and other coniferous trees, I discovered a breath-taking 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 ranges of the Black Hills of South Dakota provide a startling yet appealing sight, the 1700s sculptures reveal the work of Gutzon Borglum and his son, Lincoln Borglum. The memorial park evolves 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 as they had created the most important events in the history of the United States. The concept of the sculptures can be attributed to the South Dakota historian Doane Robinson so that tourism would be promoted with the mountain being renamed after Charles E. Rushmore, a famous New York lawyer.
Experiencing the Wonder of South Dakota Walking through trails to experience the massive park in South Dakota, I absorbed the scenic surroundings with wildflowers and Ponderosa pines. Sightings of wildlife are thrilling and as one ventures on a trek, squirrels, marmots, rabbits, mountain goats, chipmunks, deer, mammals, amphibians and birds can be seen at various locations.
With something for everyone at Mount Rushmore, I took in the sights and sounds at the Presidential Trail and the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center & Museum. The amenities include Mount Rushmore Audio Tour, the Amphitheater, the Sculptor’s Studio and the Youth Exploration Area. Some of the tourist attractions include the Memorial Ice Cream Shop, the Mount Rushmore Bookstores, the Carvers CafÊ, the Gift Shop and the Memorial Ice Cream Shop. My love for adventure and the penchant to try out new things took me through exciting chairlifts, wheeled sleds and the Aerial Adventure Park as the latest addition to Rushmore Tramway Adventures with its pulsating courses.
Traveling on a Delicious South Dakota Sojourn My true-blue adventurer spirit, the secret to a traveler’s charisma set off to explore the delectable side of life as I traveled on a chairlift ride to indulge the senses at an ultimate al fresco experience. The Mountaintop Grille offers scenic views of Mount Rushmore and displays gorgeous views with flowers and waterfalls. Relaxing in a congenial ambience, I savored mouthwatering nachos, burgers & brats accompanied by an ice-cold beer. South Dakota specialties include gumbo, steaks, Italian cuisine, seafood, pizzas, muffins, Cornish pasties, jerky, roasts, tacos and many more delicious dishes. I added to my repertoire of experiences by visiting casual and fine dining eateries, chuckwagon supper and dinner shows, cafes, supper clubs and restaurants that inundate the South Dakota region.
Exploring the South Dakota Heritage and Culture Delving into the American Indian heritage to treasure a memorable culture, I took a piece of the Black Hills and Badlands experience back as a keepsake as I browsed through the souvenir and gift shops that showcase original Western art, Sioux beadwork, pottery, leather, star quilts, gold jewelry and innumerable memorabilia. Traveling through the prairies, I visited the American Indian communities whose heritage, art and craft still vibrate through South Dakota. Known as the land of the Nakota, Dakota and Lakota, there are nine Native American tribes who live in South Dakota. I enjoyed and experienced their awesome hospitality and admired their incredible art. With adventure all the way, I filled my South Dakota experience with nonstop entertainment that evolves over hiking, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, camping and visiting museums. As a perfect way to an adventurer’s heart, the state offers visits to dig sites to discover evidence of prehistoric humans and animals. In addition to outdoor recreation, amusement & theme parks, information and learning centers, I celebrated my action-packed trip to Mount Rushmore with sightings of burros, wild mustangs, herds of buffalo and the largest collection of reptiles in the world
With the spirit of freedom and the love of the great outdoors, I treasured my experience at Mount Rushmore as an inspiring and memorable adventure.
Celebrating the Spirit of Freedom and Inspiration at Mount Rushmore