Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014 1
Scot Munro Heath Gran Broker Associate, Owner Broker, Owner (605)641-6482 (605)209-2052
Cherish Gran Henry Kallis Broker Associate, Owner Broker Associate (605)580-0043 (605)639-1904
Aaron Ploog Broker Associate (605)645-2842
Specializing in cabin, residential, commercial and land sales.
115 E. Hudson St. Spearfish, SD 57783
• (605)717-7325 • http://www.greatpeaksrealty.com • Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014 3
Spending time in the Great Outdoors is a tradition handed down from generation to generation. Outdoor Heir is a concept driven company with a passion for wildlife, nature, and the outdoor culture. The roots of Outdoor Heir are located in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming. Promoting businesses and attractions in and around the Black Hills is a fundamental origin of Outdoor Heir.
Outdoor Heir would like to thank all of the businesses and attractions that made this magazine possible. Please watch for our fall issue coming in September!
1 Mt. Rushmore National Monument (sponsored: The Lodge at Deadwood) 2 Vehicle Care Checklist – Rapid Chevrolet/Cadillac 3 Great Peaks Realty 4 Table of Contents Outdoor Heir 5 Experience Wind Cave National Park 6 Evan’s Plunge 7 Motel 6 - Hot Springs 8 Mammoth Site 8 Hot Springs, SD 9 License Plate Travel Game 10 & 11 Custer State Park: Adventure Awaits You 12 Black Hills Aerial Adventures Custer Bait & Tackle Mac’s Grub KJ Mahoney Photography 13 Best Western - Custer Comfort Inn & Suites - Custer EconoLodge - Custer Holiday Inn Express and Suites Custer Super 8 - Custer 14 & 15 Crazy Horse Memorial 16 Woodcarving Museum in Custer Celebrating its 42nd Year National Museum of Woodcarving 17 Custer, SD Deerfield Reservoir 18 Hill City, SD Bumpin Buffalo 19 Mountain Pine Beetle 20 Naked Winery - Sick-N-Twisted Brewery 21 Black Hills Wine & Brew Trail 22 & 23 Boondocks 22 Woody’s Wild West 23 Happy Days 24 Mount Rushmore
table of contents
25 K Bar S Lodge Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Gold 26 Rushmore Tramway Adventures 27 Native American Art and Culture (Prairie Edge) 28 Reptile Gardens 29 Best Western Ramkota Hotel Rapid City Independent Ale House Pita Pit 30 & 31 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally History (Sturgis Motorcycle Museum) 32 Easyriders Saloon 33 Bear Butte: Native American Sacred Site and State Park 34 Mind Blown Studio - Pump House 35 Saloon No. 10 36 & 37 The Lodge at Deadwood 38 Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club 39 Watch Yourself by J.C. Charles 40 Mustang Sally’s 41 Deadwood History MS Mail Pizza Lab 42 Outdoor Heir Crossword - Word Find 43 Deadwood Guns 44 Black Hills Mammals 45 The Pink Door / Pink 629 Canyon Cab Co. Deadwood Tobacco Co. 46 Sanford Lab Occupies Former Homestake Gold Mine 47 ATV Rental @ Custer Crossing Prairie Mercantile Hiking Dog Stream Fishing 48 Surfing in South Dakota?! (Base Camp Adventure Sports) 49 Killian’s Tavern & Steakhouse Barbacoa’s D.C. Booth Fish Hatchery Still Going Strong
Publisher: Outdoor Heir www.outdoorheir.com customerservice@outdoorheir.com 4 Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014
50 Mountain Biking in the Black Hills 51 Roma’s Ristorante Grant Street Liquor and Casino Viking Tattoo Spearfish Creek Wine Bar 52 Mark’s Old School Barber & Style Shop 53 The Mason Dixon 54 & 55 Leading Ladies 56 Fresh Start Convenience Stores 57 Spirit of the Hills Wildlife Sanctuary 58 & 59 Spearfish Canyon 60 Cheyenne Crossing Historical Rushmore Tramway Defines Outdoor Spirit 61 High Plains Western Heritage Center Williams 66 Nature’s Nook Pizza Ranch - Spearfish 62 Stadium Sports Grill - Spearfish Belle Fourche, Madison AmericInn - Belle Fourche 63 Aladdin Tipple: Historical Interpretive Site Belle Fourche: Center of the Nation & More! Cindy B’s Café and Aladdin Motel 64 Chicken Creek Communications Quik Signs Buffalo Jump Saloon & Steakhouse Buffalo Photography by KJ Mahoney 65 Crook County Museum & 1875 Gallery 66 Vore Buffalo Jump: An Exceptional Archaeological Site 67 Longhorn Saloon & Grill Black Iron Guns & Ammo Off the Grid Sports Sundance Hardware Vore Buffalo Jump Directions 68 & 69 Encounter Devils Tower 70 & 71 Hulett Area Businesses 72 The Lodge at Deadwood
Additional Photo Credits: S.D. Dept. Tourism – Mt. Rushmore Cover, Custer State Park background, page 11 background, page 9 Adam Gomez – page 19 background
Experience Wind Cave National Park U.S. Highway 385 between Hot Springs and Custer is not like any other road. This stretch of highway is home to Wind Cave National Park. The southern Black Hills have many remarkable attractions and this awe-inspiring national park is an exceptional place to spend your time. The cave itself is one of the longest in the world and contains more boxwork (uncommon mineral structure) than any other known cave. A favorite of spelunkers, you too, can experience the cave by joining a ranger-guided tour - http:// www.nps.gov/wica/index.htm. The mixed-grass prairie and Ponderosa Pine forest above are home to a variety of wildlife. Elk, bison, turkeys, pronghorn, prairie dogs, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, black-footed ferrets and many more species roam the park freely and abundantly. Please remember that wildlife can be dangerous and should not be approached. Wind Cave National Park also features designated areas for back-country camping and over 30 miles of hiking trails. This park can truly be appreciated by casual outdoor fans and wildlife enthusiasts. U.S. Highway 385 between Hot Springs and Custer is not like any other road; especially when you take the time to experience Wind Cave National Park.
NPS Photo
Cave Boxwork in Nudist Colony Room of Wind Cave Standing motionless for minutes, this Rocky Mountain Elk (Cervus elaphus) near the intersection of SD 87 and US 385 in Wind Cave National Park, camouflages himself amongst the Ponderosa Pines.
American Bison (Bison bison) near US 385 in Wind Cave National Park
Commonly called an Antelope, the true name of this Wind Cave resident is Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana).� S.D. Dept. of Tourism
The Black-tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) is no dog at all! This burrowing, grassland rodent, named for its barklike vocalizations, is actually the member of family that includes squirrels and chipmunks. This prairie dog was photographed north of the Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center.
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A BLACK HILLS VACATION ALL ITS OWN When you head for the Black Hills, escape to Hot Springs–home to warm mineral waters, underground caverns, wild mustangs, prehistoric fossils and soft sandy beaches. You will also find budget-friendly hotels, unique sandstone architecture and family adventures in every direction. Plan your trip to Hot Springs. It’s a Black Hills vacation all its own.
HOT SPRINGS Part of Your American Journey in South Dakota 1-800-325-6991 • HotSprings-SD.com Request a Free South Dakota Vacation Guide • 1-800-S-DAKOTA • TravelSD.com
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outdoor heir
License Plate Game Fifty United States Instructions: For each of the 50 states, place a mark in column 1 if you see the license plate for that state on any vehicle. In column 2, write the two-letter postal abbreviation for that state. In column 3, list the state capital. State
1-License
2-Postal
S.D. Dept. of Tourism
3-Capital
State
Alabama
Montana
Alaska
Nebraska
Arizona
Nevada
Arkansas
New Hampshire
California
New Jersey
Colorado
New Mexico
Connecticut
New York
Delaware
North Carolina
Florida
North Dakota
Georgia
Ohio
Hawaii
Oklahoma
Idaho
Oregon
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Indiana
Rhode Island
Iowa
South Carolina
Kansas
South Dakota
Kentucky
Tennessee
Louisiana
Texas
Maine
Utah
Maryland
Vermont
Massachusetts
Virginia
Michigan
Washington
Minnesota
West Virginia
Mississippi
Wisconsin
Missouri
Wyoming
Answers available at www.outdoorheir.com
1-License
2-Postal
3-Capital
Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014 9
Custer State Park:
Adventure Custer State Park, located just east of the town of Custer, is the largest state park in South Dakota. Wildlife viewing, scenic drives, fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, and camping are among the many recreational opportunities that exist here. The park offers educational programs and is also filled with history and culture. http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/custer/
Mountain Bluebird
NORTH AMERICAN BISON
This year is the 100th anniversary of the re-introduction of the buffalo into Custer State Park. For a great buffalo experience, make arrangements to attend the 49th Annual Buffalo Roundup on Friday, September 26, 2014.
CAMPING
Whether you want to tent camp in a primitive area, camp with your horse, stay in a camping cabin, or relax in your RV, Custer State Park offers a campsite to fit your needs. Log on to http://gfp.sd.gov/stateparks/directory/custer/campgrounds/ to find the campground that fits your needs. Outdoor Heir highly recommends every campground in the park. 10 Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014
FISHING
Custer State Park is a fishing paradise. Sylvan Lake, Center Lake, Stockade Lake and Legion Photo by Rose Wurtzberger Lake are all excellent mountain fisheries and provide ample opportunity to catch fish. Although trout dominate the park’s waters, you can also bass, pike and pan fish depending on the lake being fished. Grace Coolidge Creek and French Creek offer the best creek fishing in the park. Custer Bait and Tackle is a good source of current fishing information and has supplies for sale or rent!
Scenic Drives
Great scenery abounds in the Black Hills and
Awaits You
Custer State Park certainly doesn’t disappoint. Although every road in the park holds wonders to be seen, there are three scenic drives that should not be Buffalo and Elk grazing together missed. near Wildlife Loop Road *The Needles Highway winds through granite spires and was planned by former Governor Peter Norbeck. Don’t miss the Needle’s Eye and Sylvan Lake. *Iron Mountain Road connects the park with Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The beautiful scenery, tunnels, and pigtail bridges make this a memorable drive. *Wildlife Loop Road provides an opportunity to view prairie dogs, coyotes, deer, bison, elk, burros, and bighorn sheep. You may even see a
mountain lion! The best times to view wildlife are those daylight hours closest to sunrise and sunset. The entire park holds wildlife viewing opportunities. A favorite activity of many on the Loop and in the rest of the park is birding. Geese, turkeys, bluebirds, eagles, hawks, jays, and many, many more species of birds live in Custer State Park.
HIKING TRAILS
Hiking is a popular activity throughout the Black Hills and that includes Custer State Park. The park contains trails of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty. You can download the Custer State Park Trail Guide for free @ http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/custer/docs/trail-guide.pdf. Make sure that you match your level of hiking ability to an appropriate trail. If it meets your personal criteria, Outdoor Heir recommends Lovers Leap Trail. Although strenuous at times, this 3 mile loop has spectacular views and is great for your outdoor soul. Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014 11
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BREATH TAKING VIEWS OF: •Mount Rushmore •Crazy Horse Memorial •Harney Peak Fire Look-Out
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Crazy Horse Memorial: The Dream Becomes Reality Seventy-five years ago Lakota (Sioux) Chief Henry Standing Bear asked Korczak Ziolkowski to create a monument of Crazy Horse in the sacred Black Hills. Today, you can see Standing Bear’s dream slowly becoming a reality. Crazy Horse Memorial, mankind’s largest art project in Viewing Veranda and 1/34th Scale Model in Foreground.
progress (641 feet long and 563 feet high, with a 219-foot high horse’s head) is on U.S. Highway 16/385 between Hill City and Custer. Mount Rushmore National Memorial is just 17 miles NE of Crazy Horse.
The Sculptor.
Korczak, a noted New England sculptor, first came to the Black Hills in 1939 to help Gutzon Borglum on Mount Rushmore. Standing Bear read news reports of Korczak’s artistic achievements and wrote asking him to carve the mountain.
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After serving in the European theater during World War II, Korczak returned to the Black Hills to tackle Standing Bear’s challenge. He started with chisels and hammers, doing back breaking work by hand. The first blast on the mountain was on June 3, 1948, dedicating a Memorial that South Dakota Gov. George T. Mickelson said “will serve to remind us of the debt we owe to these first Americans.” Korczak’s wife, Ruth, from Connecticut, was by Korczak’s side every step of the way. She was 18 years younger than Korczak, but embraced his dream. She took care of 10 children, five girls and five boys, the visitors, a dairy, a sawmill and Korczak. Following his death at age 74 in 1982, Ruth took on Korczak’s monumental task of making the dream come true. Until her death in May of 2014, Ruth was supported by an enthusiastic staff, business-savvy board of directors of the nonprofit foundation, and a growing international group of friends that help support the Memorial who are called Storytellers. At age 87 she said, “If you love your job, it doesn’t seem like work, you are happy and grateful to begin each new day.”
Seven of their children have continued to help expand on Korczak’s work. The other three children live within five miles of the Memorial. All 10 of the children grew up working on the mountain and helping with the visitor complex.
Where the Sculpture is Today.
will then become $20 million to further work on the hand and horse’s head. People from throughout the world are helping to achieve the goal, some with a dollar and some with very large gifts. All are very much appreciated and will accelerate the work on the mountain.
What You’ll See.
When visiting Crazy Horse Memorial you will have the Crazy Horse’s face was finished in 1998, giving opportunity to see: lasting human form in granite to what was once just a • The 40,000-square-foot Welcome Center. This is where lofty wish. He looks out across the landscape with his hand pointing to the sacred Black Hills saying, “My lands the storytelling begins, in two theaters showing the mustsee “Dynamite & Dreams” DVD. are where my dead lie buried.” In 2014 the crew is focus• The Indian Museum of North America, the visitor coming on finish work on the hand and the 219-foot high plex and the scale models for work on the mountain. horse’s head. • The sculptor’s log studio-home, built in 1947-48, is filled As the mountain evolves, so does the complex with antiques and works of fine art. Korczak’s workshop, that hosts more than a million visitors a year. Our guests and sculpture gallery. see not only the awe-inspiring mountain, but much more. • The new Mountain Museum that focuses on the mounKorczak’s vision extended beyond the mountain carving, tain carving. he planned a museum, a university and a medical train• The Native American Educational & Cultural Center, ing center for the Indian people of North America. The where American Indian artists and artisans create their Indian Museum of North America is one of the finest work and visit with the guests. Also, more than 100 EdIndian Museums in the mid-west, and is still growing. ward Curtis portraits of American Indians and photographs of In 1978, Korczak began a frontier life are on display. scholarship program with • American Indian dancers just $250 to start the educaperform at scheduled times tional portion of the dream. throughout the summer. As of this year the Crazy • “Legends in Light,” a specHorse Memorial Foundation tacular multimedia laser-light scholarship fund has grown show on the mountain begins tremendously and in 2014 at dark nightly from Memohas awarded over $2 million rial Day weekend through dollars in scholarships to mid-October. Native American students in • An up-close view of the South Dakota. In 2010 the mountain carving is available Indian University of North Indian Museum of North America by taking an optional bus ride American held its first sumto the foot of the mountain. A mer program and the fifth class will begin in June of 2014. small guided tour to Crazy Horse’s face is available. They can earn 12-14 college credits, work an internship at • Museum gift shops featuring Indian made arts, crafts, the Memorial and get a jump start on college and begin jewelry and the exclusive outlet for Crazy Horse gift items making their dreams come true. and souvenirs. Philanthropist, T. Denny Sanford pledged $10 • Laughing Water Restaurant & Snack Shop - dine inside million to the Memorial provided that Crazy Horse or on the viewing deck – always FREE coffee. For more information on Crazy Horse Mefriends match his gift, which morial, see: www.crazyhorsememorial.org. Call (605) 673-4681 or e-mail: memorial@crazyhorse.org.
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Woodcarving Museum in Custer Celebrating its 42nd Year Step into an intricate and entertaining world at the National Museum of Woodcarving, located 2 miles west of Custer on Hwy 16, where “Wood Comes Alive!” Celebrating their 42nd season, the museum invites everyone to enjoy the life-work of an original animator of Disneyland. Enjoy over 30 scenes, some life-size and most in miniature, with up to 1,100 woodcarvings per scene. Enjoy a Wooden Nickel Theater, a carving studio of a top caricature woodcarver, a museum gallery of over 70 carvers and artists, and a snack/gift shop. If you are looking for U.S. made gifts, look no further than
the National Museum of Woodcarving. Unlike most gift shops, you won’t find standard souvenirs here. The museum specializes in “one-of-a-kind” pieces of art not found anywhere else ranging in price from less than $10 to over $10,000. Stop and see woodcarvings come to life before your eyes. It is so realistic that you will think it is magic! Open from May 1st through October 23rd daily, 9 AM to 5 PM during the early and late season and 9 AM to 7 PM from Memorial Weekend through Labor Day. For more information, please call 605-673-4404 or find the museum on the web at www.blackhills.com/ woodcarving.
Enjoy... • The Wooden Nickel Theater • Over 30 scenes created by an original animator of Disneyland • A Carving Studio • Display of Many Nationally Recognized Woodcarvers • National Museum Gallery • Gift Shop & Snack Bar 605-673-4404 woodcarving.blackhills.com 16 Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014
2 Miles West of Custer 12111 US Hwy 16, Custer SD
Custer, SD: A Great Vacation Headquarters Named for Gen. George Armstrong Custer, the man who led the famed Seventh Cavalry on a government expedition into the last unexplored region in the United States, the town of Custer is surrounded by cliffs adorned with dense outcroppings of Ponderosa pine, clear-running streams and birch groves, all teeming with wildlife. A desirable location in the Black Hills makes Custer an ideal vacation headquarters. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park and several other public recreation areas are just a few minutes away by car. A variety of accommodation types is another plus, since Custer has more than 50 hotels, motels, campgrounds, horse camps, bed and breakfasts and resorts. More than two dozen restaurants provide a diverse culinary experience to match. Custer’s streets also have more than 30 museums, galleries, gift shops, grocery and retail stores, including the Custer County 1881 Courthouse Museum. Housed in Custer’s frontier courthouse building and open Memorial Day to Labor Day, this museum interprets Black Hills history spanning from the 1874 Custer Expedition to modern day ranching and mining operations. Surrounded by the 1.2 million acre Black Hills National Forest, residents and visitors experience a variety of recreational activities. Custer is home to three city parks, ball fields, horseshoe and tennis courts, a community swimming pool, a nine-hole public golf course and an aerobics center. The former Bulington & Missouri railroad bed has been converted into the 114-mile-long Mickelson trail that provides biking, hiking and horseback riding opportunities through some of the most scenic areas in the Black Hills.
Just a short drive outside town is Wind Cave National Park, famous for wild-roaming bison herds, nature trails and the fourth-longest cave in the world. Neighboring Wind Cave is Jewel Cave National Monument, currently ranked as the second-longest cave on Earth. Adventurous visitors often opt for the four-hour wild caving tours and candlelight walks available at both caves, but easy half-hour trips are available for more timid underground explorers. Every year thousands of visitors flock to see the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. The ground rumbles as 1,500 head of buffalo are herded by park personnel, cowboys and cowgirls into the buffalo corrals, passing two designated viewing areas along the way. Once the herd is safely in the corrals, visitors watch the park staff sort, brand, test and select certain animals for sale. The majority of bison are returned back into their grassy, open pastures. The Buffalo Roundup is complemented by the Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival and the Buffalo Wallow Chili Cookoff. The three-day event schedules continuous entertainment and numerous arts and crafts booths. Chefs from across the region compete in the chili cookoff, using buffalo meat provided by the Custer Area Chamber of Commerce.
Deerfield Reservoir
I am thankful for the lake and for the people with which I have shared it. Laverne Diede, Don Diede, Kim Uecker, Toby Barracough and the entire BarraFrom 1942-1947, the clough gang, Tim Villa, Steve Langendorf, Wes Bulat, Farm Security AdminisRyan Flick, Matt Berry, tration and the Civilian Wade Zahn, Jonathan Conservation Corps Kemp, Matt Morgan, Scott (as part of the WPA) Monson, Fran Ruesink, dammed Castle Creek Clarence, Matt Kemp, and app. 20 miles west of especially Baker Diede and Hill City creating DeerDevin Diede. I do apolofield Reservoir. gize for anyone that I have missed but maybe my mem From the time ory is going as I get older. I hope everyone that has ever of my childhood in the late 60’s and early 70’s through spent time at Deerfield has as many great memories! today, I have always treasured the moments that I have There are two businesses near Deerfield that spent at Deerfield. From catching my first Rainbow deserve mention. They are almost as much a part of these Trout as a child while memories as the lake itself. Located on the south end of on vacation to fishing the lake near Gold Run, Mountain Meadow Store and with my sons and good Campground was our camping home when I was young friends as an adult, and on vacation. Adventure and Tranquility. One AmazDeerfield will forever ing Place! http://www.mtmeadow.com/. North of the lake remain a part of my in Rochford, SD is the Moonshine Gulch Saloon. We still memories. sometimes stop and grab a bite at the Moonshine Gulch. This cold and The food is good, the people are nice, and the décor is rusbeautiful mountain lake tic. Even if you aren’t hungry, this unique place completes covers over 400 surface acres. It is peaceful and provides great fishing, great camping, and an abundance of a trip to Deerfield. other outdoor activities. http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ Peaceful, beautiful memories… blackhills/recreation/ohv/recarea/?recid=26203&actid=91 - C.D. Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014 17
Stay, Play and Explore: Hill City In 1887, miners flocked to Hill City, SD for gold nuggets. Today, vacationers in-the-know head to Hill City for its goldmine of Black Hills hospitality. Centrally located to the most popular attractions in the Hills, this quaint, little town of 948 has become the savvy traveler’s favorite destination for making it easy to do it all – or do nothing – with their precious vacation time. Just minutes from Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument, Hill City lives up to its nickname, “the heart of the Hills.” By making Hill City their vacation headquarters, travelers enjoy easy access to attractions, hiking, biking and sight-seeing in every direction in the Hills. Hill City (www.hillcitysd.com) is a favorite destination for both locals and visitors because of its many popular events. With a growing reputation for its vibrant art scene, Hill City kicks off spring with the annual Black Hills Film Festival and Art Extravaganza. Home to many acclaimed artists and artisans year-round, Sculpture in the Hills brings even more beautiful work and renowned artists to the area. With new events added and updated each year, the largest logging show in the area helps you transform yourself into a lumberjack and the Wine, Brew & BBQ puts you toe to grill with some of the world’s best
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barbecue chefs. Watch, taste test and learn from the masters as they compete for cash prizes and a coveted spot in the Jack Daniels World BBQ Championship. For outdoor enthusiasts, Hill City boasts easy access to over 200 miles of trails. The 109 mile Mickelson Trail was named one of the top ten most beautiful trails in the world and runs right through the center of town. If you’re looking for something a little more on the wild side, the 111 miles of Centennial Trail are minutes away and take you through one of the most outstanding wilderness areas in the lower 48 states, the Black Elk Wilderness. And, to see it all at once, take a trek to the top of the highest mountain in South Dakota and east of the Rockies, Harney Peak with an elevation of 7,244’. Be sure to include time in your plans to visit our award winning wineries and micro-breweries, step back in time at one of the many museums, enjoy the breathtaking scenery aboard the 1880 Train and enjoy a memorable meal at one of Hill City’s many unique restaurants. When you’re ready to wind down, numerous bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels and campgrounds will ensure you find the perfect lodging match for your travel style. Come stay, play and explore in Hill City…and return home with a gold mine of memories from the heart of the Hills and your best vacation ever!
Mountain Pine Beetle Working Group: Making A Difference!
Visitors to, and residents of, the Black Hills cannot help but notice thousands of dead trees as they travel the scenic roads and visit area attractions. They are witnessing the continuing, historically unprecedented epidemic of the mountain pine beetle. This naturally occurring, voracious, rice-kernel sized insect is killing ponderosa and other pines throughout the west and the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming. The mountain pine beetle threatens public safety, watersheds, forest resources, high value and sensitive sites, recreation, aesthetics, some wildlife habitats, and increase potential for larger, more intense wildfires. The reddish brown trees evident in summer were actually attacked the previous summer/ fall when adult beetles emerged from infested trees and sluggishly flew to adjacent trees to bore into the bark leaving whitish/rust pitch masses. The adults burrow vertically beneath the bark laying eggs and spreading fungus spores. The eggs hatch and begin to metamorphose into tiny white larvae (grubs) that excavate their way laterally around the tree cutting off the flow of nutrients. The fungus, and its tell-tale blue stain, simultaneously clog pores, further reducing life-giving flow of tree sap. The tree succumbs the next spring as the needles yellow and then turn brown in the summer. Since 2010, forest analysts mapped 95,000 acres of new infestation using aerial photographs, not including additional infested areas that were cut or removed before they turned brown and were visible on high resolution photos taken from an airplane. In total, the beetle has encompassed about 430,000 acres since the epidemic started in 1996, about a quarter of the 1.5 million forested acres in the Black Hills. Fortunately, there is some recent evidence the rate of spread is beginning to decline.
What is being done about it?
Beetles thrive in overly crowded ponderosa pine trees that are 6-8 inches in diameter and larger. Trees need food, water and sunlight to grow and remain healthy (much like humans!). Too many trees in a small area stress them and make them unable to resist insect attack. Healthy pines can often “pitch out” insects, but in an epidemic, the attacking insects overwhelm tree defenses. The beetles freely cross from one land ownership to another. So, resolving this problem takes careful coordination among all the landowners and managing agencies to use the most effective treatments. Fourteen entities in the Black Hills Regional Mountain Pine Beetle Working Group are using a “collaborative, all-lands approach”. Much of the mountain pine beetle work in the Black Hills is to thin trees to reduce competition and prevent major insect outbreaks. Thinning is done using commercial timber sale contracts. Smaller, poorer formed trees and those with
insects are removed leaving more growing space for the larger trees. The more open-grown forest is favorable for grass and shrub growth and improved habitat for many wildlife species. About 25,000 acres is harvested annually that incidentally creates about 1,200 jobs. The open-grown forests of past tree harvest is readily visible along many area highways and promises a much healthier forest for the long-run. In small, inaccessible areas, a timber faller “cut and chunk” beetle infested trees into small pieces less than 24 inches so they dry out, thus killing the developing beetle larvae. In 2013 “cut and chunking” contractors covered about 165,000 acres across the Black Hills protecting private land, high value places on public lands, and along county roads. Some landowners are spraying their highest valued trees with a registered insecticide that is very effective in preventing insect attack when done properly. These treatments have been very effective in reducing the rate of spread. Also, the beetle contributes to its own demise as it devours its food source, and predatory insects and fungi are slowly beginning to attack and reduce beetle populations. The forests of the Black Hills are changing…or they are not. William H. Illingworth, while on General Custer’s Black Hills expedition in 1874 photographed a more open-growing forest caused by fire and insects. Photographer Paul Horsted, in 2002, photographed those same locations that showed much denser forests that developed over the last 135 years. Modern forest management, including careful use of fire, can recreate some of those conditions and ecological processes and restore healthier, more resilient forests for the long-term. It takes a collaborative, all-lands approach to do it. While much work remains to be done, we are making a difference! Additional information is available from: Wyoming State Forestry (307-746-4261), South Dakota Resource Conservation & Forestry Division ( www.beatthebeetles.com) , or the Black Hills National Forest (http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills)
About the Author
Dave Thom is a Certified Forester, and is the coordinator for 14 private and governmental entities represented in the Black Hills Regional Mountain Pine Beetle Working Group. Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014 19
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Black Hills Wine & Brew Trail If your vacation needs a ties. Prairie Berry and Miners are change of pace, you can jump open daily, year round. on the wine & brew trail that Firehouse Brewstretches from Belle Fourche ing Co. in downtown Rapid in the north through Hill City creates “uniquely flavored, City to Custer in the south. hand crafted beers” and has This trail boasts seven windecided to make the foray into eries and seven microbrewwine with the Firehouse Wine eries scattered across rustic Cellars, located just down the scenery of forested glens and street. Under the guidance colorful meadowlands. of Rich Tanguay, who has Naked Winery 23 years of experience in the is unique in that the grapes winemaking industry, the used to make the wines have Firehouse is now making wines no additives, honey or sugfor discerning clientele. ar—making the wine “naked” Established in 2000, and setting the winery apart Belle Joli Winery is owned from all of the rest. Since it’s and operated by Jackson Winopening in June 2011, the winery and Vineyards, which grows ery has added on the new VIP cold-climate grape varietals on the room, which can be used for northern edge of the Black Hills private parties and special events. near Belle Fourche. You can taste the In August 2012, Naked Winery results, like Belle Joli Mon Cherry, La began their own brewery, Sick-NLure and Dakota Breeze at their tasting Twisted, whose beers are brewed at room in Deadwood, located across from the winery’s Hill City tasting room. the Mineral Palace on Main Street, and Having Naked and Sick-N-Twisted their newly-opened location outside of in bed together ensures that both wine Sturgis. and beer lovers will be happy with this stop. Brewmaster Gary Anderson started off Stone Faces Winery was the first winery as a home brewer and with the help of his team established in the state with its first tasting room of brewers has been brewing for over ten years. The in Vermillion, S.D. Stone Faces offers a combination end products are unusual and high-quality brews. Sickof traditional grape and fruit wines. Some of their most N-Twisted has yielded 14 on-tap beers that will be served popular selections are Wild Grape and their Tickle Me year-round. The brews include two wheat beers, an imperial Rhubarb wine. Stone Faces has a new facility and tasting IPA, a hopped red ale, a porter and others that made it from room that sits in a picturesque valley. the experimentation stage to your glass. These beers can Schade Winery maintains its vineyards in be sampled in flights of five 6-oz glasses or by the pint. This eastern South Dakota near the town of Volga, but its new summer, Sick-N-Twisted will also be offered at the Custer tasting room on the eastern edge of Deadwood is proving Naked Winery location. to be an ideal location for introducing their Signature Red, Naked Winery’s kitchen offers stone oven pizza’s Goldsmith White and Black Chokecherry wines. made fresh to order as well as gourmet stuffed pretzels, soup, sandwiches, meat and cheese platters, and other daily Twisted Pine Winery is located on specials. Naked Winery is open daily, year-round—so stop Main Street in Hill City and boasts its unusual Green Chile in, get uncorked and enjoy what life unexpectedly brings Wine. The tasting room also offers gourmet balsamic you. Cheers! vinegar and cheeses, as well as home décor and gifts. Established in 2007, Crow Peak Brewing Co. Prairie Berry Winery has been making crafts beers that try to expand the limits of brewing. Their South Dakota wines for five generations and offers more signature brews include a spruce tip beer, along with than 15 grape and fruit wines to taste and purchase. The many others. family originally pioneered near Mound City, where the area’s “prairie berries” were turned into wines using old Hay Camp Brewing Co. is a country techniques. Prairie Berry’s kitchen offers artinano-brewery located in Rapid City that creates san plates and flat-grill sandwiches featuring handcrafted, small batch beer. regional meats and produce. The Knuckle Prairie Berry recently expanded into Brewing Co. will be opening ry Court the craft beer business by opening up its doors this summer in Sturgis. e s y : Na k e d Wi n e Miners Brewery right next door to the Dakota Shivers Brewing winery. Miners offers several brews such as will open its doors this summer in Lead. an oatmeal stout and an expanding list of specialOutdoor Heir | Summer 2014 21
Step into the past... Be who you want... With an Old-Time Photo! 641 Main Street Deadwood, SD 57732 (605) 578-3807 www.woodyswildwest.com wildwoody@rushmore.com
AT
OOD
21559 US Hwy 385 Deadwood, SD 57732
into the authentic 50’s diner for a malt....
....or your favorite 1950’s food, like burgers and hand-cut fries
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605-578-1186 or 605-578-1957
Locals love our mouth watering onion ring tower!
Antique and Studebaker Car Collection
Walk back in time through our unique collection of nostalgic merchandise today!
639 Main Street Deadwood, SD 57732 (605) 578-1888 www.fiftiesfun.com fun_fifties@yahoo.com
Bring the kids for a a fun-filled day. Enjoy all of our rides and games, including the ferris wheel and tilt-a-whirl.
Call to reserve a site in our beautiful campground. Cabins and tent spaces are available. Showers provided.
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Mount Rushmore Test Your Knowledge of the Presidents!
Four great Presidents are carved on Mt. Rushmore. Each one is known for many accomplishments and quotes. Match each item below (1 through 16) with the associated President. There are four items for each Commander in Chief. Use the space below for your answers!
1 2
The only president to be unanimously elected, he received all 69 electoral votes. He preserved the Union during the U.S. Civil War and brought about the emancipation of slaves. He was a draftsman of the Declaration of Independence. “I find friendship to be like wine, raw when new, ripened with age, the true old man’s milk and restorative cordial.” He was the youngest person to hold the office of U.S. President. “With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds.... “ As president, he was the only one who never actually lived in Washington D.C. He was the first president to be born outside of the original thirteen colonies. He fought in the Spanish-American War in 1898.
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11
e became a national hero after leading the H colonial forces to victory during the American Revolution. “That we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain--that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” “Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.” “No man has had a happier life than I have led; a happier life in every way.” Of the four presidents on Mt. Rushmore, he is the only one that was in office after 1900. “Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all.” He was the second Vice President and the third President of the United States.
12 13 14 15 16
Theodore Roosevelt: ____ ____ ____ ____ Abraham Lincoln: ____ ____ ____ ____ Thomas Jefferson: ____ ____ ____ ____ George Washington: ____ ____ ____ ____ Answers available at www.outdoorheir.com To fully appreciate and understand the significance of Mt. Rushmore, Outdoor Heir recommends the Rushmore Borglum Story located in Downtown Keystone! Venture into the world of Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor of Mt. Rushmore, from the blasting of the stone to the grandeur of the “Seated Lincoln”. The Borglum Story will enable children and adults to step back in time and witness the carving years.
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Native American Art and Culture Prairie Edge was established in 1980 to insure that the Native American artists of the Northern Plains had a fair market for all of the wonderful artwork that was being created here in this part of the country. We represent hundreds of artists and our collections include weapons, deer and elk robes to buffalo skulls and hides. We carry shields, pipes, headdresses and some of the most outstanding Native
American jewelry to be found anywhere. We offer truly heirloom quality reproductive artwork from some of the most sought after artists anywhere in the Northern Plains arena. We carry a wide variety of sculptures and paintings from many local and regional artists.
Book & Music Inventory Our book and music inventory is one of the finest collections
of Native themed titles ever. If you are looking to learn Lakota or maybe would like to do a little research on the Little Big Horn Battle, we are your store. Along with many howto books and videos on everything from tanning hides to intricate beadwork techniques, we again are your trusted source. If Native American music is your thing or if you have an interest in the music of our area, we have literally hundreds of CD’s that features everything from gentle flute music to music recorded at many of the area powwows. We also house the Sioux Trading Post in our 1886 fully restored building in downtown Rapid City. The trading post offers everything from handcrafted beadwork to an unlimited amount of crafts supplies, leather and feathers to beads, beads and more beads! If you need it to build Native American regalia, we have it here.
Pendleton Products We are proud to be South Dakota’s number one dealer of Pendleton products with a full line of blankets, clothing and personal items from one the nation’s most respected companies. Stop in and check out the huge selection of all things Pendleton! Plan on a minimum of four hours to insure that you get a chance to see all three floors of artwork and goods here at the foremost purveyor of Northern Plains Indian artwork. Also check us out at www.prairieedge.com Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014 27
Reptile Gardens: A Fun Adventure for Everyone Family owned and operated since 1937, Reptile Gardens provides excellent visitor entertainment for all ages. From the haven of beautiful flowers and vegetation to the exotic and extraordinary collection of amphibians, reptiles, bugs and birds, Reptile Gardens encourages visitors to discover and learn about species of plants and animals from around the world. Reptile Gardens has world acclaim in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the World’s Largest Reptile Zoo. There are more species and subspecies of reptiles here than any other zoo or park in the world. Learn about the amazing residents of Reptile Gardens at the fun and informative gator, snake, and bird shows. Enjoy the unique experience of interacting with the giant Aldabra tortoises, touching
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a baby alligator, and viewing the prairie dog town up close! Reptile Gardens isn’t all about reptiles, it is also home to a beautiful botanical garden. The gardens are full of flowers and foliage, from many regions of the world, just waiting to be explored. Reptile Gardens maintains one of the world’s finest collections of reptiles, along with lush and well manicured grounds. To learn more about Reptile Gardens’ hours, admission costs and season pass specials, call (605) 342-5873 or visit their website: www.reptilegardens.com.
The Perfect Black Hills Hotel! Minutes to many Black Hills attractions and sights!
• Spacious guestrooms & Suites • Indoor heated pool & whirlpool; Fitness Room • Free high-speed Internet • Onsite Minervas Restaurant & Bar • Complimentary airport shuttle • Pets welcome
Our Indoor WaterPark Is Free For Our Guests!
Ask About Our Breakfast Rate! Kid Te s & Mot ted Appro her ved!
BeSt WeSteRn
Ramkota Hotel
2111 North LaCrosse Street • Rapid City, SD 57701 I-90 at Exit 59 • Adjacent To The Rushmore Mall
605-343-8550 Each Best Western® branded hotel is independently owned and operated.
www.RapidCity.BWRamkota.com
(605)718-PITA 725 Main St. Rapid City, SD 57701 • 40 Heavily rotating taps •Handcrafted Pizza •Great wine selection
Real F Smo ruit othie s! 625 ST. Joseph St. Rapid City SD, 57701 (605)718-9492 •independentalehouse.com Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014 29
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s n o i t p o TWO Great ! s i g r u t s in • diverse menu • open-air patio seating • full bar service • daily drink specials • space for private parties • meeting space
www.easyriderssaloon.com 888 Junction Avenue Sturgis, SD 57785 605.561.2400 facebook.com/sturgissaloonco 32 Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014
twitter.com/easyridersbarsd
www.sturgisdinnertheater.com
Bear Butte:
Native American Sacred Site and State Park Recreationally diverse and culturally significant, Bear Butte State Park is truly unique. Located northeast of Sturgis in Meade County, Bear Butte rises over 1250 feet above the surrounding plains. Geologically, Bear Butte is an igneous intrusion resulting from magma entering cooler crustal rock during the Eocene Epoch. Serving as a sentinel on the plains, Bear Butte is a significant place for many. Established as a State Park in 1961, Mato Paha (Bear Mountain) is the Lakota name given to this formation. Bear Butte is sacred to many American Indian tribes. It is a place where the creator communicates with them through visions and prayer. It is believed that great men such as Red Cloud, Crazy Horse, and Sitting Bull made pilgrimages to this holy place. Please remember to always be respectful of worshipers, their religious practices, prayer cloths, etc.
As you turn off the highway to enter the park, you may be met by the herd of buffalo that roams the base of the butte. Upon reaching the parking area, you will find the Bear Butte Education Center (open May September) which highlights the butte’s history, geology, and cultural significance. Opportunities for boating, camping, fishing, and picnicking also exist at the park. Hiking on trails throughout the Black Hills is a popular activity. There are multiple noteworthy trails at Bear Butte State Park. The Centennial Trail is a 111 mile trail throughout the Black Hills. Its northernmost point is at the park. The Lake Trail is a 2.5 mile trail that circles around Bear Butte Lake. Winding to the top of Bear Butte is the (sometimes strenuous) Summit Trail. This 1.85 mile trail takes you to the summit of the mountain where breathtaking views await.
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Glass Blowing:
Local Artist Shares Unique Art with Community Hot glass blowing is unique. Glassblowers, or gaffers, transform extremely hot molten glass into a variety of one-of-a-kind glass art sculptures or vessels. Glass, made from a natural earth product, sand, is transformed by heating it to extremely hot temperatures in a furnace at 2200˚ F. The gaffer, usually with a partner or team of assistants, begins to shape the glass through a series of intricate and mind blowing steps. First the gaffer gathers molten glass on the end of a 5 foot long blow rod forming the core of the unique vessel. The process slowly evolves by constant movement, heating, and blowing air into the glass form. The glass is colored and shaped using color and a marveling table; fusing the glass color and molten glass together with extreme heat by inserting it into the glory hole several times. After each reheating, the gaffer shapes the glass by applying various hand tools that form the glass; all while keeping the glass in constant motion. When the gaffer has completed the final glass vessel, the single unique piece is transferred to another rod and finally tapped off. The piece is placed in an annealer and gradually cools over a 12-24 hour period. The piece that emerges is magnificent and resembles the colors and shapes found in nature. As in nature, no two are the same.
About the Artist
Toni Gerlach, BA in Visual Arts, wears a black leather bracelet on her right wrist and never removes it. Connecting both sides of the leather is a flat oval silver charm. The inscription on the silver reads, “Dreams become reality one choice at a time”. Becoming a world famous hand-blown glass artist and teacher is Toni’s dream, and her goals and choices are all directed toward making this reality. Since she was a small child, Toni has been fascinated by glass. Her passion for glass blowing and unique art has led her to explore the manipulation of various materials and mediums to create large, 3-dimensional pieces. The materials and mediums combined are not typically considered for art construction, but through creative structure, the result is quality and remarkable visual art. Toni has studied visual arts and glass blowing at California State University San Marcos and completed apprenticeships at a variety of glass blowing studios in California, Nevada, and South Dakota. Toni has shown her art at various art show competitions and has placed in the professional division.
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Toni is currently owner, manager, and gaffer at Pump House at Mind Blown Studio in Deadwood, South Dakota. She has the knowledge and skills to provide excellent customer service and is extremely organized, proficient, and purposeful in her care of the client. She is fast and thorough as she directs and participates in the day to day activities of this organization. Toni is passionate about creating unique glass sculptors and vessels. She is equally committed to sharing the unique experiences that glass blowing provides with others by providing hot glass blowing classes; welcoming those with or without prior experiences to join her. Toni has created a unique venue that mixes fine art, education, entertainment, and casual dining. Toni resides in Deadwood, South Dakota and welcomes correspondence from friends and colleagues at Pump House at Mind Blown Studio, 73 Sherman Street, Deadwood, SD 57732 or at pumphousembs@gmail.com . Blow your mind with a hot glass experience at Mind Blown Studio!
www.mindblownstudio.com
demonstrations • classes • gifts Discover unique qualities of molten glass as you manipulate it to create a one-of-a-kind piece. All classes are private and you work beside an experienced instructor. No prior experience is necessary to enroll and participate in available classes.
Spectators welcome! full coffee and deli shop all under the same roof! 73 Sherman St. Deadwood, SD 57732 • (605)571-1071 • pumphousembs@gmail.com
Where it all started...
www.saloon10.com
...and where it all still happens
Raucous Entertainment Lusty Women Stout Drinks Live Action Gambling
Still the same Dang Place Your Grandpa Talks About! Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014 35
EXPERIENCE DEADWOOD’S #1 GAMING RESORT!
HOTEL
Located on the historic Mount Roosevelt, the Lodge at Deadwood Gaming Resort offers 140 luxurious rooms and suites, many with panoramic views of the Black Hills. Embrace the sumptuous linens, spa quality bath amenities, and relaxing surroundings in each guestroom. A few of the most popular amenities include; complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24 hour fitness room, and the area’s largest indoor water play land. Trolley service to historic Main Street is also available.
CASINO Voted Best Casino in 2012 & 2013, the Lodge at Deadwood Gaming Resort offers over 280 slot machines, the Rounders Poker room and a spacious and comfortable table games area. We offer the best selection of the most popular slot games as we are constantly updating our gaming floor with the newest games. Our high limit table games are open 24 hours a day, with card players receiving complimentary bottled beer and well drinks.
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Elevate your expectations with the casual fine dining of the Deadwood Grille, recently voted the 2013 Best Restaurant in the Black Hills. Enjoy the distinctive flavor of our Chef inspired menu, filled with unique appetizers, exquisite Seafood, Certified Angus Ranch House Steaks, and our Chef’s signature cuisine. The Deadwood Grille features an extensive wine selection, paired with our professional and courteous staff, to ensure you have a great dining experience.
Experience the spacious and lively atmosphere of Oggie’s Sports Bar & Emporium. Have a cocktail and watch your favorite game on our 12 HDTV’s. Oggie’s extensive menu features amazing appetizers, juicy burgers, crisp salads, steaks, pizzas and delicious desserts. Or live on the wild side and choose one of eight varieties of ‘award winning’ hot wings. Open daily at 6:30am, Oggie’s serves cook to order breakfast as well.
VOTED BEST CASINO, RESTAURANT & HOTEL IN THE BLACK HILLS 2013 READER’S CHOICE AWARDS
605.584.4800 - DEADWOODLODGE.COM
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Watch Yourself
common Midwesterner. Notice their visors with the fake, spiked-up hair and lack of tan that clashes with their jean shorts (or jorts). You can surmise their geographical origin by their college sports team tee shirt that probably matches their team-loAbout the Author go socks or at least one other article of clothing. J.C. Charles, a modern-day Deadwood character, has Noon to 3pm is also ripe with golden-years couples lived in the Black Hills most of his life. He has entertained in matching track suits. A bevy of bus tourists will many with his wit, knowledge and unique brand of satire and humor. Never intending to offend, J.C. teaches us all also come along. The bussers are a very particto laugh at ourselves and not take life too seriously. ular group as they actually proudly display their name tags on their chests or on their suspenders, if What to do they’re Canadian. Perhaps the most intriguing of now? You’ve been all the bussers are the ones from the Far East. They held up by every can be easily identified by the males’ propensity one-armed bandit to sport Ziggy Stardust haircuts and the females’ in town and fleeced fondness for tiny, pink backpacks. by faceless, masked As the sun starts to make its descent towards men. You could the south end of town, it may be time to consider draw your impena move and stronger drink. Your next destination etrable hotel curalso has green umbrellas, but they are perched tains and wallow in high above main street like a peacock with brilyour own despair, liant plumage, ready to roost for the warm summer but why don’t you evening. Here you will find one of my personal try this instead? favorite bartenders in town. Mr. “K” pours some of What if I were to the best drinks anywhere (assuming that you like gin tell you that your and tonic). As long as you get here during standard vacation does not dinner hours, seating should be plentiful. Make sure have to be boring even though you’ve been pauper- to get a seat next to the railing. This is the best view ized? Right outside your door and down the street of Main St. on Main St. This time of year, it never a bit (perhaps), ebbs and flows a wondrous arrange- fails that someone will get loose on whiskey and ment of some of this world’s finest specimens of the start a gunfight. Not you; because up to this point, human race; a virtual cornucopia ushered in from you’ve been sticking to beer. It just so happens that the far reaches of our planet. Does that sound fun? the shootout never fails to be right out in front of Good. What if I were to tell you that for the low, where you’re perched (assuming that it is 6pm). It’s low price of alcohol, your vacation can be saved? very indicative of tourists to flock to wherever there First things first… Head to any establishis gunfire, so this is prime real estate. Deadwood ment sporting a patio and umbrellas. The place hasn’t changed that much in the last one hundred with the green umbrellas is your best bet for early years or so; kids eating ice cream and wearing blue afternoon people-spotting. However, like birdand pink cowboy hats adorned with comically sized ing or any other type of observing nature, you ostrich plumes of the same color; moms and dads may have to migrate with the herd. On your first wearing socks with sandals. Standing around bapstop, make sure to start with a beer or any other tizing themselves in the gun smoke, the carnage, and low-alcohol libation. Remember, you’re broke, not the all around lawlessness that is Deadwood… broken! Try to get a spot nearest the sidewalk to There it is. You’ve made it through the day maximize your peripherals. In next to no time at without being absconded by the flirty blackjack all, you should start to see some of the most endealers with low-cut outfits or the faceless, masked tertaining instances of human behavior ever witmen that lurk behind every corner. And maybe nessed. You’re a day-drinking Charles Darwin! you’ve learned something about something, or Early in the day, you can expect to see the about yourself, in the process. Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014 39
Open All Day
Visit Mustang Sally’s Sports Bar •20 HD TV’s •Sports Packages -NFL Sunday Ticket -MLB Extra Innings -NCAA Football -Much More!
& Late Night!
• Take Out Available •Outdoor Patio Seating •Milk Shakes •Video Arcade •Slot Machines • Pool Table • See the antique Slot Machine Display
605-578-2025 • 634 Main St. • Deadwood 40 Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014
CELEBRITY MURDERED BY DISTURBED GUNMAN.
Direct Mail & Printing Services Bulk Mailings (any size) Design and Print Color and Black & White Copies
DISCOVER OUR HISTORY
Call Lynn to save time & money! 605-578-1429 Sherman Street, Deadwood blackhillsmail.com
Adams Museum Days of ‘76 Museum Historic Adams House Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center
DeadwoodHistory.com (605) 722-4800 Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014 41
outdoor heir
Crossword and Word Find Instructions: Use the Crossword Puzzle Clues to Complete the Crossword Puzzle and Use the Crossword Answers to Complete the Word Find Across 1. Queen City 4. Mt. Rushmore Sculptor 6. Murdered by McCall 7. Rare Formation Found in Wind Cave 10. Geographical Center of the United States 15. Key City 16. ______ Creek Johnny 18. Reservoir Created by Damming Castle Creek 20. Hot Springs is Home to this Woolly Giant 21. Martha Jane 22. Heart of the Hills 23. First and Last Name of Thoen Stoen Author Down 2. Town at the Intersection of US 385 and SD 89 3. Highest Peak in South Dakota 4. Custer State Park Roadside Beggars 5. 100+ Mile Trail with 15 Trailheads 8. Wonderful Wyoming Town Near Devils Tower 9. Antilocapra americana
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11. Home of Free Family Attractions Dinosaur Park & Storybook Island 12. Town Almost Named Stonewall 13. Crazy Horse Memorial Creator
14. Home of Homestake Gold Mine 15. Where the Kid Got His Name 17. Canis latrans 19. Cervus elaphus
Answers available at www.outdoorheir.com
Guns • Ammo • Pawn • Training Range • Fast Draw • Saloon Computer Shooting Simulator Hotel packages available
7 Shops all in one location! If youre interested in buying new guns, ammo, gear, and accessories, Deadwood Jake’s Guns has a huge selection of retail items to chose from. We also carry reloading, fast draw, archery, knives, Airsoft, survival gear, and other items Like to drink and shoot? Probably not a good idea, but at the Bullets and Beer Saloon you can have some beers while challenging your buddies in a state-of-the-art shooting simmulator where you can kill zombies, shoot outlaws, and fight urban crime! You can also do more serious training that includes target practice and concealed carry shoot/dont shoot scenarios. we also offer law enforcement training scenarios. Are you a little short on cash? If so, you can sell, trade, and pawn guns and other items with us.
Are you fast and accurate with a six-shooter? Find out by trying fast draw! We offer training, practice, and friendly competitive tournaments. Looking for a place to shoot? The Deadwood Gun Range offers an outdoor firearms range and multi-use range. At the outdoor range, you can train, participate in fun shoots, or experience Cowboy Action Shooting and other activities. The indoor multi-use range offers fast draw, archery, and Airsoft activities. Buy old and new guns at the hottest gun show in Deadwood! We sponsor this gun show twice per year at the beautiful Martin & Mason Hotel Ballroom across from our main building. We offer NRA pistol cources, range safety officer courses, Refuse To Be A Victim seminars, and NRA recruitment services. You can also take concealed carry courses and get your Utah non-resident Concealed Firearm Permit. We also offer women’s self-defense courses, tactical training, and defensive tactics classes.
12 Lee Street Deadwood, SD 57732 • 605-559-1004 (O) 605-269-0628 (F) • info@weaponconcepts.com • www.DeadwoodGuns.com
Black Hills Mammals Prairie Dog
Mountain Lion
Bighorn Sheep
oat
Mountain G
Elk
Buffalo ope
Pronghorn Antel
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Photo Credit South Dakota Department of Tourism
629 Main St. Spearfish (605)722-7225
643Main St. Deadwood (605)717-7465
Big Fashion Trends From Moderate to High End
Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014 45
Sanford Lab Occupies Former Homestake Gold Mine The Sanford Underground Research Facility (Sanford Lab), located at the former Homestake gold mine in Lead, S.D., is the deepest underground laboratory in the United States. The Lab hosts several competitive, world-leading physics experiments nearly a mile underground; touches the lives of thousands of students and teachers every year; and has a huge impact on the regional economy. Homestake Mining Company closed the mine in 2003 and donated the property three years later to South Dakota for use as an underground laboratory. That same year, philanthropist T. Denny Sanford donated $70 million and the state Legislature committed $40 million to the project. The state also received a $10 million HUD Grant to rehabilitate Homestake mine. Current funding for Sanford Lab operations comes from the Department of Energy.
World-leading research
Physics research is not new to Sanford Lab. In the mid-1960s, nuclear chemist Ray Davis installed a detector at the 4850 Level to research neutrinos. His experiment earned Davis a share of the 2002 Nobel Prize in Physics. Today, the Davis Campus on the 4850 Level houses two major experiments: the Large Underground Xenon (LUX) experiment, which is searching for dark matter; and the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR (MJD) experiment, which is looking for a rare form of radioactive decay. LUX has published an analysis of their first data set, which has made a big impact in the race to detect dark matter. The first data from the MJD experiment is expected in early 2015. A third major experiment is in the planning stages. The Long Baseline Neutrino Experiment is a joint project between Fermilab in Batavia, IL, and Sanford Lab. The estimated construction cost for facilities and experiment 46 Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014
hardware based in South Dakota is $275 million and the DOE has committed $26 million to the project this year alone. When completed in 2023, LBNE will shoot a beam of neutrinos through the earth from Fermilab, 800 miles away, to an enormous detector underground at Sanford Lab. The experiment will collect data well into the 2040s. Many disciplines benefit from access to an underground facility dedicated to scientific research. Over all, there are 15 active groups at the Lab conducting research in the fields of biology, engineering, geology and physics. Fourteen of those groups include students and faculty from South Dakota universities and colleges.
Education and Outreach
Sanford Lab seeks to inspire students, teachers and the general public to explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through a variety of education and outreach programs. Since 2009 more than 7,000 students and 1,500 teachers have participated in workshops, field trips and after school programs, while more than 13,000 members of the general public have attended presentations around the state and the Lab’s annual science festival, Neutrino Day.
Economic impact
Sanford Lab has contributed greatly to the state’s economy. The Lab’s activities support 159 jobs in the state. Since 2004, it has spent over $120 million in South Dakota and places an emphasis on working with small, regional businesses. And finally, the Lab offers a variety of paid internships to students from South Dakota universities, allowing those students to gain valuable hands-on experience in STEM fields and remain in the state. For more information about the experiments at Sanford Lab, go to www.sanfordlab.org. Courtesy of Sanford Underground Research Facility
509509 MainMain • St. Deadwood • 57732 • 605-559-0599 • prairieharvestmercantile.com St • (605)559-0599 • prairieharvestmercantile.com
• Black Hills Area Artists • Native American Bead work • Local Pottery &Jewlery • John Wayne &Frontier Classic Stetson Hats • Deadwood Shirts/ Sweatshirts • Home to South Dakota’s Prairie Soap Co.
Receive 1 free bottle of South Dakota made Buffalo Tallow Lotion! Limit one per customer. Not valid with any other promotions Outdoor Heir Coupon
Hiking with your dog can be a rewarding experience for both! However, if you and your dog would rather just take a leisurely afternoon stroll down Deadwood’s Main Street, be sure to stop in at the Saloon #10 and enjoy your favorite beverage. It is a favorite stop for people and dogs alike!
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Black Hills Offers Paradise for Stand Up Paddle Boarders Ponderosa Pine and Spruce aroma fills the air. There’s a rustle in the trees and fish can be heard jumping in the distance. Crystal clear water surrounds you in all directions. It may sound like a dream but this is what it’s like to Stand-Up Paddle Board in the Black Hills. Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP), although a close cousin to surfing, is a much different hobby that involves propelling a fiberglass or inflatable board on a lake or river with a one-ended paddle similar to a canoe paddle. This isolates the core muscles and can provide an explosive workout. Whether taking a simple cruise or racing across the lake, SUP provides a great workout for the core muscles. Many people even do SUP yoga! Whatever sparks your interest, the freedom and simplicity of a SUP is what makes it so enjoyable. Weighing under 30lbs, SUP’s are much easier to tote around than a kayak and you don’t have to worry about tipping over. With well over 30 bodies of water and countless miles of shoreline to explore, the Black Hills National Forest is a SUP-ers paradise. Several of the lakes even have no-wake zones; including Pactola Reservoir, Sheridan Lake and Deerfield Lake. Where will you go? To give SUP a try, talk to the local experts at Base Camp Adventure Sports, Downtown Spearfish, SD where they provide SUP and kayak rentals from only $45/day.
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YOUR SOURCE for Human-Powered Adventure. Clothing & Equipment for -Camping -Hiking -Backpacking -Rock Climbing -Kayaking -Stand-Up Paddling -Dog Gear Rentals -Stand-Up Paddle Boarding -Recreational Kayaks
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The D.C. Booth Fish Hatchery Still Going Strong... The D.C. Historic National Fish Hatchery is located in Spearfish, SD. This functioning hatchery is near the mouth of the Canyon between the City Park and the City Campground. For locals and tourists, this is a favorite recreational area. Feeding the magnificent trout can be fun for all. Fish food is available on site. An underwater viewing area provides an opportunity to watch the large trout swim from a different perspective. Along with the Yellowstone Boat that serves to
tell the story of egg gathering in Yellowstone National Park, other attractions on the hatchery grounds include bird watching and photo opportunities, a replica railroad car exhibit, a museum, and a nature trail. In the fall of 2013, fans of the hatchery were shocked to learn of the possible closing of the facility. Although the hatchery survived, the future is still uncertain. The D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives needs your help. For more information: http:// dcboothfishhatchery.org/.
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Mountain Biking in the Black Hills In the Black Hills of South Dakota, there are great trails that tie together cedar ridges, fern carpeted canyons, and aspen chocked hillsides that you most likely viewed from the windshield driving here. As great as they are for hiking, they’re even better for mountain biking. The Black Hills are not as developed as other destinations, and that is probably why you are here. No crowds, very few gappers (name for the zealous who invaded Colorado), and long stretches of trail to get lost on, physically and spiritually, since there is little human interaction on Black Hills trails to distract you. The best way to describe the Black Hills trails are New England trails without all the mud, nettles, and biting insects. You may have to hike a bike a few sections or take a few attempts to clean certain portions of trail, and the speeds are slower than most Rocky Mountain trails. For seasoned mountain bikers who crave single track, the best places to ride are between Rapid City and Sundance, Wy. Even though the terrain is perfect through the entire Black Hills, the maintained trails are for the most part in the north half of the Hills. For starters, just outside of Rapid City on the way to Mount Rushmore, are the Storm Mountain trails. With 12 miles of signed and mountain bike designed loops you have 2435 ft of climbing on rocky bermed forest trail. Just across the canyon is Victoria Lake loop trail with 15 miles of fun slate rocky trail to challenge anyone. To combine the two trail systems of Victoria Lake and Storm Mountain, each summer there is an endurance race the 3rd weekend of July called “The Back 40”. Moving westward towards Sturgis is the Centennial trail running from Bear Butte just north of the Black Hills all the way south to Hwy 244 near Hill City. From hwy 244 south, the Centennial trail is designated “Wilderness” and no mountain biking is allowed, but it is great for hiking with beautiful granite spires peaking out of the pine forest! The entire Centennial trail is a great ride, but the best section is from Dalton Lake trailhead to Alkali Creek trailhead. Check it out for yourself. Further west yet is Spearfish and Spearfish Canyon. Spearfish is known for its long, twisty single track
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trails and lush forest. There are many more miles of trails unmarked than marked in the Spearfish area, but to get a good idea of the local trail try the Rimrock Trails just south of Savoy. With the trail head located at the Timon campground, you can access it much closer to Savoy at the Rod and Gun campground , just south of Roughlock falls. With 11 miles of trail here don’t be afraid to explore unmarked off shoots, especially on the west rim of the Canyon. On the Upper Loop of the Rimrock Trails a nice extension can be made onto the Old Baldy trail to add an extra 7 mile loop. Every Labor Day weekend for the last 13 years is the Dakota 50 mountain bike race starting in Spearfish. The race connects many marked and unmarked trails running along the rim of Spearfish Canyon. It’s a great time and all are welcome from single speeder to fat bikers. If you find yourself just wanting a nice scenic ride without darting in and out of the brush and over boulders and through creeks, then take Dry Creek road off of 222 and climb a moderate dirt road to the east rim of Little Spearfish Canyon and enjoy the solitude without the rough ride. For those who want the maximum challenge, find your way over to Crow Peak trail. It is a short 7 mile round trip to the summit of Crow Peak. It will put your legs and technical skills to the test. When you make it to Spearfish, stop into Rushmore Mountain Sports Bike and Climb to get some more local trail information. Sundance, Wyoming and the Bearlodge Mountains have a great trail system with about 28 miles of some of the best rugged, fun, single track anywhere. Stop at the local forest service office to grab a map, then pack extra water and snacks, since it is tempting to take another lap on some of the longer descents. Remember, the trails are great here, but you may be the only one out there on any given day. Don’t count on your mobile device to get you out of a jam! PS. Nobody cares if you are from Colorado. Happy trails! Jesse RMS
Grant Street Liquor and Casino 127 W Grant St, Spearfish, SD 57783 (605) 722-7027
• Growler Filling Station • Beer • Liquor • Wine • Video Lottery Week Days open 10-11 Weekends open 10-12 Hours Tue-Thur 12-8 Fri-Sat 12-9 Sun-Mon App. Only
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Relaxed Atmosphere Large Selection of Red & White Wines $3 draft beers everyday Patio Seating Monday-Thursday: 4-11 • Friday & Saturday: 1-12 127WGrantSt,Spearfish,SD57783• (605)722-7027 Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014 51
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MAGIC IN MEDOC Elaine Doll-Dunn
Elaine Doll-Dunn is a reader, writer, runner and educator from Spearfish, South Dakota. She began running at age 40 and is now an addicted marathoner with 124 marathons on her resume’. Spearfish Canyon is her primary training venue and the scene of her most expansive venture; orchestrating an all-woman marathon. A career educator, she is currently the counselor in a middle school and gets her teaching “fix” by training women to run her Leading Ladies’ Marathon. She has been published in several fitness related journals and magazines, and has written four books, one entitled, Gotta Run… an inspirational account of completing 26.2 marathons in the year 2000. She has climbed Devil’s Tower and Mt. Kilimanjaro, ran from the Atlantic to the Pacific (60 miles across Panama) to celebrate her 60th birthday, reigned as Mrs. South Dakota for two years and was named “Spirit of Dakota” in 2008. “Race Director” holds the dubious distinction of being her toughest challenge to date.
Things I love about France: the music of language, the tempo of life, the crescendo of celebration. I savor their insouciant joie de vivre, their respect for manners, their value of ritual, and their culinary courage. Who would have considered eating snails? So it seemed fitting I celebrate my 75th birthday as only one of French ancestry should, with a run through the land of my grandfather. I had a schema created before we left on this adventure…my mother’s father came to America as a 16-year-old stow-away on a ship. A tall, handsome, imposing man, ever in charge, he sang opera, did vaudeville with a dwarf companion, was an amazing cook; owned two farms by the time he was 30. Widowed early, he raised his four children alone, faced life with a hearty laugh and found joy in everything. He insisted I try things, ignore fear, and demanded full respect, courtesy, and NO whining! He was very funny and very fun; Gaillaume Des Camps came from poverty and created a great life in his beloved America.
I also spent over a year in France when I was 19…thanks to the US Army…my first son was born there, and I developed a love of ‘my people’ in formative years. So, welcome to my party, albeit after the fact. Dangling precariously from a slowly swirling ball suspended seven stories high, lithe acrobats performed gracefully above the jostling masses. The French Air Force split the sky with twin jets in a swooping dive, a giant wind machine blew sparkling confetti like a mammoth flock of birds, and nine thousand runners surged to the start. As a sizzling sun fueled the 98-degree heat index, an ancient canon fired a shot launching the 29th running of the famed Medoc Marathon. Unique in both inception and actualization... the aid stations offer Gatorade or water, but also politely ask, “Red or white, Madame?”,and ninety-five percent of the participants run in costume. The focus being to showcase the beauty and productivity of the land, it is one giant party in the Bordeaux region of France…the birthplace of wine. We began the journey at an imperative walk. The crowd was wall to wall Cleopatras, cave men, French Foreign Legion, barbarians, Kings and queens; even Caesar in a chariot pulled by four ‘horses’…and a couple from South Dakota in tuxedos. (Our costumes didn’t arrive in time so we improvised.) The race progressed through some of the finest vineyards in the world, each one offering small glasses of wine in their classic cobbled courtyards as we ran through. I have to say, the wine is quickly converted to sugar energy, the alcohol burned off in a short run and waaaaay easier than a Power Bar…. It could catch on.
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Experiencing much more than race, were a tour that took through several vineyards Experiencing much more than thethe race, wewe were onon a tour that took usus through several vineyards in in thethe Bordeaux region. learned about area, how wine is made, rated, and rich history surrounding Bordeaux region. WeWe learned about thethe area, how wine is made, rated, and thethe rich history surrounding each sensory stop. One most interesting and breathtaking was Chateaux Taillan, 500-year-old each sensory stop. One of of thethe most interesting and breathtaking was Chateaux dudu Taillan, thethe 500-year-old monastery where had pre-race dinner and party…. surreal. It was also where host chose monastery where wewe had ourour pre-race dinner and party…. surreal. It was also where ourour host chose to to honor three who coincidentally had birthdays same day. had cake, sparklers, and honor thethe three of of usus who coincidentally had ourour birthdays onon thethe same day. WeWe had cake, sparklers, and birthday wishes sung new French, Slavic, Asian, Colombian, African and American friends. birthday wishes sung byby ourour new French, Slavic, Asian, Colombian, African and American friends. A challenging recovery walk day after marathon (1,000 people embarked Balade {promeA challenging recovery walk thethe day after thethe marathon (1,000 people embarked onon thethe Balade {promenade}…a touted K which wound being a 12 was a scenic hike through vineyards and opportunade}…a touted 9 K9 which wound upup being a 12 K)K) was a scenic hike through thethe vineyards and anan opportunity sample wines each. Entertained a different band each stop, festive doesn’t even touch nity to to sample thethe wines of of each. Entertained byby a different band at at each stop, festive doesn’t even touch it. it. finished a grandiose Chateau, huge courtyard shaded almost entirely a giant tree. A massive WeWe finished at at a grandiose Chateau, thethe huge courtyard shaded almost entirely byby a giant tree. A massive tent housed thousand, and were served a four-course meal efficiently though were tent housed thethe fullfull thousand, and wewe were served a four-course meal as as efficiently as as though wewe were in in a a small cafe. They if you want eat, France….I agree. A dance floor and barrels wine tent small cafe. They saysay if you want to to eat, gogo to to France….I agree. A dance floor and barrels of of wine in in thethe tent facilitated dancing afternoon away a dynamic Latin band. Great recovery idea! facilitated ourour dancing thethe afternoon away to to a dynamic Latin band. Great recovery idea! Our last day took Chateau Haut Sarpe ancient walled city Emilion. Enchanting with Our last fullfull day took usus to to Chateau Haut Sarpe in in thethe ancient walled city of of St.St. Emilion. Enchanting with cobblestone streets, small wine shops and outdoor restaurants perched side hills, and shopped cobblestone streets, small wine shops and outdoor restaurants perched onon side hills, wewe ateate and shopped and relaxed in a small town atmosphere. The whole of the city is dwarfed by a cathedral built in honor and relaxed in a small town atmosphere. The whole of the city is dwarfed by a cathedral built in honor of of hermit saint, Emilion, topped with a massive clock tower overlooking city and surrounding thethe hermit saint, St.St. Emilion, topped with a massive clock tower overlooking thethe city and thethe surrounding agricultural maze of grape vines and sunflowers. agricultural maze of grape vines and sunflowers. That evening had gala galas held Chateau Bouscaut. It was requested jacket and That evening wewe had thethe gala of of allall galas held in in thethe Chateau Bouscaut. It was requested jacket and tietie forfor men, elegant wear women. A formal dinner served black suited impeccable waiters, and with more men, elegant wear forfor women. A formal dinner served byby black suited impeccable waiters, and with more silver around my plate than I have in my drawer at home, was mellowed by candle light, soft music and silver around my plate than I have in my drawer at home, was mellowed by candle light, soft music and great stories. A fairytale finish a magical party. great stories. A fairytale finish to to a magical party. short, don’t miss Marathon Tours inimitable hosting this magnificent experience. Time together, time In In short, don’t miss Marathon Tours inimitable hosting of of this magnificent experience. Time together, time alone, a wildly intelligent leader with wit, wisdom and wonder…and history like you never received in alone, a wildly intelligent leader with wit, wisdom and wonder…and history like you never received in school. Accompanied, course, just right wine. school. Accompanied, of of course, byby just thethe right wine. votre santé A’ A’ votre santé
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Spirit of the Hills Wild Life Sanctuary: Offering Refuge to All Creatures Shrieks from roosters ride the whistling wind as grunting pigs saunter by a family of ducks splashing in a pool of water by the barn as thunderous roars echo through the forest off in the distance... This can mean only one thing, you’ve reached Spirit of the Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in Spearfish, South Dakota, a home to over 360 animals of 40 different species including bears, African lions, tigers, dogs, parrots, horses, donkeys and cats. Since it was established in 1999, the Sanctuary has grown to become one of the most diverse animal rescues in the nation. Operating on professionally trained volunteer help, donations, and admission fees, the Sanctuary is a non-profit animal charity that upholds the value of all life by providing care for both captive exotics and domestic animals. Few sanctuaries host such a variety of different species. Having been rescued or surrendered from private owners, breeding facilities, and the entertainment industry, many of the sanctuary’s animals have compelling back stories. Although our captive-raised animals will never know their wild homes, Spirit of the Hills is committed to giving them the next best thing – a nurturing, peaceful life, free from exploitation. Stop by and
meet the animals on one of our volunteer-led tours! Tour Times: (Memorial Day- Labor Day) Tuesday-Saturday: 10AM, 12PM, 2PM; Sunday: 2PM only; Monday: Closed. From Siberian tigers to mountain lions, from horses to chickens, they’re all here for you to learn about as you progress through our sanctuary’s rustic Black Hills terrain. We could not exist without the love and support from you and communities throughout the Black Hills. Want to help? Donate now at spiritofthehillssanctuary.org!
... the Sanctuary has grown to become one of the most diverse animal rescues in the nation.
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Spearfish Canyon From the mouth of the Canyon in Spearfish, SD to Cheyenne Crossing Store, this Scenic Byway known as Spearfish Canyon Road (U.S. Hwy 14A) is a 19 mile voyage through beautiful scenery and endless opportunity for adventure.
Roughlock Falls
Many visitors come to the Black Hills to see Mount Rushmore, or to bike with thousands from all over the U.S. during the Sturgis Rally. These are the two main reasons that tourists come to the Black Hills. A little less well known is the area’s local attraction, Spearfish Canyon. In the fall, the canyon’s beautifully changing colors draw flocks of locals, as well as those from neighboring states. One of the hidden beauties in the Spearfish Canyon is Roughlock Falls. As you drive through the canyon, the highway winds along the beautiful Spearfish Creek. There are large sandstone rock faces that protrude the dark evergreens, giving stark contrast to this beautiful scenic drive. Just a few short miles into the canyon, you will see a large area where you can pull off the scenic highway, and walk to a lookout area for Roughlock Falls. On a hot fall day, the cool mist from the falls will cool you down as you take a short trail to the base of the falls. The wildlife you can see driving up to the falls is countless. You could see a herd of deer, a flock of turkeys, a soaring eagle or multiple squirrels. Roughlock Falls is truly one of the hidden gems of the Spearfish Canyon, along with several other hiking trails, such as Community Caves, Eleventh Hour, and Iron Creek trail.
About the Author
Jodi Mathis. A Colorado native, loves the outdoors. She recently graduated from BHSU where she was the Editor-in-Chief of the Jacket Journal and earned a degree in Mass Communications. Jodi is an aspiring journalist and wants to see the world.
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Other Waterfalls
Roughlock Falls is beautiful, but there are also other waterfalls to be seen in the canyon. Bridal Veil Falls Spearfish Falls Annie Creek Falls
Camping
Perhaps one of the best ways to enjoy the canyon is camp there. There are several Black Hills National Forest Campgrounds from which to choose! Rod and Gun CG Timon CG Hanna CG
Hiking
If you enjoy hiking, check out these hiking trails in Spearfish Canyon. 76 Trail Spearfish Falls Trail Roughlock Trail Rimrock Trail Little Spearfish Trail Old Baldy
http://www.spearfishcanyon.com
Photo by KJ Mahoney Photography – www.kjmahoney.com Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014 59
Historical Rushmore Tramway Defines Outdoor Spirit One local business that has always been a proponent of enjoying the great outdoors is Rushmore Tramway in Keystone. Built in the mid-1960s, it was intended to give visitors not only a unique view of Mount Rushmore, but also a chance to enjoy the abundant beauty of nature at the top of its peak. Along with panoramic views of the surrounding scenery, the Tram’s summit has always been a beautiful park area in itself. The hilltop’s natural granite formations, fragrant Ponderosa pines and wildflowers were enhanced with walking paths, waterfalls and thousands more flowers, creating a peaceful mountaintop oasis. In 2000, new owners added a rustic outdoor café and restrooms to the park, enabling guests to linger longer and thoroughly soak in the serenity. In 2002 an alpine slide was installed as an alternate, exciting way to descend the hilltop (with chairlifting down still an option). Guests control the speed of their sled as they travel down the 2000 feet of fiberglass track, speeding down for a thrill ride or sliding slowing down through the trees and fresh mountain air. To keep Advertising Brochure pace with a new generation of action-seekers, in 2013 the from Earlier Times! Tramway added more adrenaline-pumping options for enjoying this hill and its Ponderosas: a treetop obstacle course called the Aerial Adventure Park, and also a double zipline. These combine with the chairlift, alpine slide, and garden café and park to give a full-range of outdoor entertainment possibilities. The original Tramway owner was quoted in a June 1966 Rapid City Journal article as saying “We think tourists and local residents will appreciate a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle—a place where they can come to reflect on the majesty of God, the glories of our country and the Alpine Slide Construction - 2002 beauties of nature.” That goal is still a mainstay of Rushmore Tramway’s offerings.
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Local Information for Fishing, Hunting, Camping, And Much, Much more!
•Fly Fishing Supplies •Fishing Supplies •Hunting Supplies
•Camping Supplies •Out Door Supplies •Local Nature Crafts
Close to Orman Damn, Spearfish Creek, Mirror Lakes, Iron Creek Lake, Sand Creek, Redwater River, Belle Fourche River, and much more.
Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday Main Street HILLSVIEW
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St. Joe Street
1830 St. Joe Street, Spearfish, SD 57783 • (605)210-2718 Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014 61
Where Sports Fans Meet! Open Daily at 11 a.m. • Full Menu & Bar • Carry Out Available • Nightly Drink Specials (Weekdays) • Happy Hour Free Snacks (5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Weekdays)
• Internet Jukebox • Video Lottery
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744 Main Street • Spearrsh • 605-642-9521 818 5th Avenue • Belle Fourche • 605-723-9521 203 North Egan • Madison • 605-427-9521 www.stadiumsportsgrillsd.com 62 Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014
AmericInn Lodge & Suites Belle Fourche (605)892-0900 • americinn.com 2312 Dakota Ave, Belle Fourche, SD 57717 Check In: 3:00 PM | Check Out: 11:00 AM •AAA Approved • Business Center •Dry Cleaning Service •Fitness Center Nearby •Free, Hot, Home-Style Breakfast •Free, Hotel-Wide, High-Speed Internet •Guest Laundry Facilities
•Meeting Room •Motorcoach Parking •Newly Refreshed •Outdoor Patio •Quieter Rooms Built with Sound Guard •Smoke-Free and Pet-Free •Whirlpool & Fireplace Suites
Aladdin Tipple: Historical Interpretive Site Located just east of Aladdin, WY (WY State Hwy 24) in Crook County, the Aladdin Coal Mines started operating in 1898. The existing structure is one of the last historic wooden coal tipples remaining in the west. Although the Tipple is visible from the highway, a small parking lot is available just off the road and a short interpretive walk is available to the bottom of the tipple. If a bit longer hike is desired, the path does continue to the top of the Tipple. Educational and Historical, this is a favorite stop for many!
Aladdin Motel
•Full Bathroom •Hairdryers in each room •A/C •Refrigerator •Microwave •Coffeemaker
•Satelite TV •Free Wireless Access •Free local calls •All rooms non smoking •Radio alarm clock
cindy B's cafe
Belle Fourche SD: Center of the Nation & More After the admission of Hawaii and Alaska to the United States of America in 1959, the U.S. Coast and Geodetic survey designated a position in Butte County, South Dakota as the Geographic Center of the Nation. Celebrating and designating Belle Fourche, SD as the Geographic Center of the United States, a granite monument now exists at 415 5th Ave. in Belle Fourche. Along with the Monument, the location is also home to the Center of the Nation Visitor Center and Tri-State Museum. Also on the grounds are the 1876 Buckskin Johnny Cabin, a Korean War Memorial and the Belle Fourche River Walk Trailhead.
Adjacent to the motel is Cindy B’s. Home cooking from scratch, like grandma use to cook, is what youll get at Cindy B’s. The hard part will be saving enough room for a piece of her homemade pie!
Only 10 minutes off Interstate 90! Aladdin Motel
www.aladdinwymotel.com • 4005 Hwy 24 Aladdin, Wyomin 82710 • (307)896-2100 mdjwagner@comcast.net Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014 63
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Photo by KJ Mahoney Photography – www.kjmahoney.com
Crook County Museum & 1875 Gallery Come see the Black Hills of Northeastern Wyoming. History doesn’t have a state line. The historical aspects of the west can be seen in the Crook County Museum & Art Gallery in picturesque Sundance, Wyoming right off of Interstate 90. The History of Crook County is depicted in the many dioramas, exhibits, and over 7000 artifacts which are housed in the lower level
of the Crook County Court House. The original court room from 1884 is on display in one of our permanent exhibits along with the Sundance Kid exhibit. The gun exhibit is phenomenal. Experience a walk thru time in the replica barn and stable with its buggy and work tools. Glance in the bunk house that has all the amenities a cowboy bachelor could want. Listen for the sounds of stampeding buffalo hooves as you look at the Vore Buffalo Jump diorama with all its grand archeology discoveries. Go on an adventure of a lifetime with Custer and his men as they trek through the Black Hills in the Expedition of 1874. Follow the trails and the tribulations of his men as they fight for survival against nature, the illicit miners, and the natives. Explore Moses Annenberg’s great hideaway locally know as Ranch A. When he was looking for a quiet place to relax and a place to throw some great parties for his fellow city dudes he would come to the isolation of the Black Hills and go to his local canyon ranch to kick up his heels. For business hours call 307-283-3666. crookcountymuseum.com , ccmuseum@rangeweb.net, 309 Cleveland Street, Sundance, Wy. The 1875 Gallery has the best regional art for sale from bronze sculpture, colored pencil, water color, photography, collage, hand formed jewelry, pottery, and oils. The 1875 Gallery has art ranging from wildlife, still lifes, interpretive, conceptual, and functional. The art gallery has it all and something for everyone. The 1875 Gallery was formed to give our local artists a place to sell, show and give others a chance to be exposed to the art world. Rotating monthly, exhibitions are available for you pleasure. Proceeds go towards the support of the Crook County Museum. For business hours call 307-283-3301 1875gallery.com 109 N. 3rd St. Sundance, Wy. Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014 65
Vore Buffalo Jump: An Exceptional Archaeological Site The Vore Buffalo Jump is recognized as one of the most important archaeological sites associated with northern Plains Indians. Why? Because the factors that determine the scientific, historical and cultural significance of a site are similar to those that influence the value of real estate: attractive location, fortunate timing, interesting former residents or history, unusual or unique features,excellent preservation, favorable environmental considerations. The Vore Buffalo Jump (VBJ) is outstanding in all of these features and many more. The Vore Site’s location could not have been more ideal. It is situated right on the interface of two resource sets that were essential to the Indians: the superior buffalo habitat of the mixed-grass prairie and the water, wood, stone and other materials found in the Black Hills. Moreover, the Site’s valley position is in a natural migration route for both buffalo and Indians through the northern Hills, making it easier to find, gather and drive the animals in communal hunts. Finally, the mystical beauty of the Black Hills gave them a sacred quality, revered and sought-after by all of the regional tribes. Likewise, timing of use at the Vore Site was also optimal for capturing an archaeological record of the Plains during the dynamic period from 1534 to 1800 when modern tribes were forming, migrating, trading, competing and adapting to profound changes that came when Europeans arrived in the Western Hemisphere. Artifacts excavated at the VBJ help document that five or more
tribes were living in the Black Hills region during the critical 270-year period when the Buffalo Jump was being used. The varied groups arrived in the region from the deserts and mountains to the west, the boreal forests of Alaska and the Yukon, the Great Lake country and big river valleys of the Midwest, all seeking the resource richness and diversity of the Black Hills and Plains. The interpretation of
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archaeological data to complement and expand other types of information is a fascinating and essential tool in documenting the development of Indian culture and history. Archaeologists also love the Vore Site because its unique properties make it ideal for their science. Use of a natural sinkhole as a buffalo trap ensures a number of desirable results. The artifacts are all contained in a bowl, right where the Indians and scavengers left them. The red sediments on the side of the sinkhole are soft and are easily carried by melting snow or intense rain events and erosion carries it down to quickly cover and preserve the bone and artifacts in distinct layers. The layers are precisely datable. There are many other surprising and fascinating things to be learned at the Vore Site, but visitors should come and see for themselves. It’s easy too. As some area Indian leaders have joked that their remarkable foresight and planning should be recognized. They positioned their important archaeological site within a stone’s throw of Interstate 90, two hundred years before the highway was constructed! Come and see this remarkable place, right beside the region’s primary highway and almost astride the Wyoming-South Dakota border! The Vore Buffalo Jump is owned and managed by a non-profit organization dedicated to developing its potential for scientific research, education and cultural programs. Admission is charged and is used to support those three goals.
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ENCOUNTER DEVILS TOWER As stoic as the native peoples who named it, this monolith rises stark and stately from the Wyoming prairie. A solitary sentinel overlooking the busy prairie dog town and the rolling cattle country surrounding it, Devils Tower is an igneous intrusion or laccolith in the Black Hills near Hulett and Sundance in Crook County, Wyoming above the Belle Fourche River. Sacred to the Indians and a challenge to the daring, it is also a peaceful retreat for visitors. A walk around the pine sheltered base, the stillness broken only by the whisper of the wind in the trees, an occasional meadow lark’s lyrical solo or a chattering chipmunk scurrying along the leaf dusted path, is a time to relax and reflect. First declared a United States National Monument by President Theodore Roosevelt on
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September 24, 1906, the name became Devils Tower; the geographic naming standard eliminated the apostrophe. Some natives still refer to it as “Matho Thipila” (Bear’s Lodge)
How it was formed
Theories abound as to the formation of Devils Tower. Most geologists are convinced it’s all that remains of what once was a large explosive volcano, or perhaps a volcanic plug or the neck of an extinct volcano. Whatever it was, is, or how it was formed,
the gray columns unique to this monument seduce climbers from all over the world. Inching laboriously up one of the many routes toward the coveted summit 5,114 feet above sea level, these stalwart athletes challenge gravity and entertain the curious. Hundreds of climbers scale the sheer rock walls of Devils tower each summer. There are many documented climbing routes covering every side of the tower. The difficulty of these routes range from relatively easy to some of the hardest in the world.
Native American Significance
According to the legends of the Native American tribes of the Kiowa and Lakota, some Indian maidens went out to play and were chased by several giant bears. The girls climbed onto a rock, fell to their knees and prayed to the Great Spirit. Hearing their prayers, the Great Spirit made the rock rise from the ground towards the heavens so that the bears couldn’t reach them. As the bears
attempted to climb the steep rock, they left deep claw marks on all sides. When the girls reached the sky they were turned into the star constellation the Pleiades. Another version tells of two Sioux boys who wandered far from their village. When Mato, a huge creature that had claws the size of tipi poles, spotted them, and wanted to eat them for breakfast. As the boys prayed to Wakan Tanka the Creator to help them, the huge rock they were standing on rose up into the sky. Mato tried to get them from every side, leaving huge scratch marks as he did. Finally, disappointed and discouraged, he sauntered off, finally coming to rest east of the Black Hills at what is now Bear Butte. Wanblee, the eagle, helped the boys off the rock and back to their village. A spiritual place, a visual gift and sanctuary of tranquility‌The Tower beckons those who value nature, savor solitude, and respect culture.
Photo Copyright Missy McAmis, Crazy Woman Realty, 2009, All Rights Reserved Outdoor Heir | Summer 2014 69
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