Crazy Horse, Mt. Rushmore, Badlands National Park, South Dakota

A large bison greeted us on our arrival at Wind Cave National Park.

Our trip took us from Colorado north through the west end of Nebraska. We arrived in South Dakota and paid a quick visit to the Wind Cave National Park. This park is re-known for the surrounding prairie grasslands, mega fauna, and the famous Wind Cave- an underground network of caves discovered in 1890 extending two hundred feet under ground.

The weather was warm and sunny when we arrived.

The wind was so strong it almost blew the paper out of Will's hand!!

We spent the night at a campground near Rapid City. After the heat of the day there were numerous thunderstorms, and tornado warnings, but the next day dawned bright and hot. We made a stop at the Crazy Horse Monument on the way to Mt. Rushmore.

This privately funded memorial was commissioned by the Lakota Indians to honor the famous Crazy Horse who was murdered tragically at the age of 26 years. Korczak the sculptor died in 1982. The sculpture is still underway and when complete will depict the Crazy Horse pointing to the lands of his people.

The Crazy Horse Monument.

Model of the Crazy Horse Monument.

Mt. Rushmore!!!

We were so excited to arrive at Mt. Rushmore and see the sculpture in person. We were able to join the Ranger talk along the Presidential trail which loops from the Visitor Center to the base of the mountain and through the sculptor Borglum's studio before returning to the amphitheater.

Each of us had a chance to see our favorite president close up, Caroline- Teddy Roosevelt, William- George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, Peter -Teddy Roosevelt.

The Wanderers in front of Mt. Rushmore!

We stopped for milk-shakes at the famous Wall Drug!

What would a visit be without a ride on the Jackalope.

Badlands National Park.

We arrived at the Badlands National Park in the evening, racing ahead of a huge thunderstorm system. The sky was dark and the wind was gusting when we set up at the campsite. The rain, wind, and small hail buffeted the camper as we settled in for the evening. When the storm finished the clouds raced past and we were treated to a lovely view of the sun setting on the hills across the street.

The Badlands highlighted by the green grassland.

Thunderstorms approaching the Badlands.

Sunset on the Badlands following the storm.

Badlands are a unique mixture of prairie grassland and grayish black sedimentary rock (Pierre).

Climbing on the Badlands formations.

Sedimentary rock looks as if painted by brush.

Soil baked by the sun.

View looking out through the "notch".

Pierre shale was perfect for climbing.

Looking quite the part.