We drove into South Dakota without even realising we had done so. We’re not sure if we were so absorbed in the scenery that we missed the sign, or if the sign was non-existent, but either way the wide open spaces of North Dakota became the wide open spaces of South Dakota and just as beautiful. Ranches and animals flew past us as we drove along stretches of road that literally disappeared into the horizon.
A visit to one of the most recognisable landmarks in America was our first port of call. Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln looked over us as we approached Mt Rushmore and for some reason, despite all the amazing things we have seen and done so far, this was our first real “I can’t believe we’re actually here looking at this” moment. A lifetime of seeing Mt Rushmore on TV and in magazines and travel brochures, and here we were, finally looking at it. Another America bucket list item checked off ✔️
From Mt Rushmore to Crazy Horse Memorial where we saw the great carving in progress and leaned about the history of the memorial and how it came to be. Clearly it is not something that we will see completed in our lifetime but to stand there and look at the site while appreciating the sheer enormity of the project is something to behold.
One of the great things about this trip has been visiting places we’ve only heard about for years in songs. Doris Day’s Black Hills of Dakota filled Wyatt as we made our way to Deadwood. The views were unfailingly scenic but what was really stunning were the glorious shades of yellow and gold on display as the trees begin to turn for fall.
We arrived in Deadwood and were immediately charmed by it’s Wild West atmosphere and the sight of wild deer wandering around in the front yards of houses. The perfect blend of tourist trap and time gone by, Deadwood is snugly nestled in the Black Hills and in a nod to its significant gold rush history, the entire town is a National Historic Landmark. Deadwood was home to many Wild West legends and a visit to Mt Moriah Cemetery led us to the graves of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.
A 2-hour drive from Deadwood and we were in the Badlands National Park. Rich in fossils and home to big horn sheep and rattlesnakes amongst other wildlife, the real magic of this park is in the panoramic views of canyons and rock formations. It took two hours to drive 62km/38mi through the park by the time we stopped every five minutes to stop and gaze.
Wrapping up our time in the Dakotas, it’s now off to Wyoming we go!
P&S