As the RV dealership Minnesota and the region has come to depend on, we love sharing ideas about RV road trips. If you have overlooked taking a trip to Mt. Rushmore, you are missing out on more than just a national memorial. You are missing some of visually stunning and most historic places in our country.
About Mt. Rushmore
Everyone knows that Mt. Rushmore is home to the bigger than life carvings, recognizing four American Presidents. The four are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. It was dedicated in 1927 in the Black Hills of South Dakota. What you may not know is that it was actually conceived to promote tourism in that part of the country. That it has. Each year over 2.5 million people visit the site. Construction was started in 1927 and continued through 1941 when World World II and the lack of funding stopped the process. It was originally designed to show the presidents to the waist, but today, the memorial remains as just the heads of the four leaders. Part of the site’s popularity is bolstered by the many other reasons there are to make the trek to the Black Hills. Let’s take a look at what else is within proximity of Mt. Rushmore.
The Corn Palace
If you are going to South Dakota and looking for the unusual, make a stop at the Corn Palace in Mitchell. Every year the corn palace is completely decorated with 12 different colors of field corn. The decorating takes place from June through September, and the palace contains and educational center inside and offers tours.
The Badlands
There are parts of the Badlands that will take your breath away. Natural rock formations provide an up close and personal view of the power of Mother Nature. Roaming bighorn sheep, bison, antelope and other wildlife provide added visual entertainment.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Six years after the work on Mt. Rushmore ceased, work began on the Crazy Horse Memorial. The work of one man, Korczak Ziolkowski, from then until his death in 1982, is continued by his family to this day. When completed, it will be an impressive 640 feet high and also just as long. It is a site worth visiting and a story worth learning.
Deadwood
More than just an HBO series, Deadwood is a city whose entirety is a national historic landmark. Relive the wild west with a visit to this South Dakota town.
Much more than just Mt. Rushmore…
Driving through the Black Hills can be a challenge when towing a travel trailer or in a large motorhome, but if you plan well, it will be a trip you and your family will remember forever. The scenic roadways are spectacular and the Black Hills offer caves and a National Forest for exploration. Mt. Rushmore is also just about two hours away from Devils Tower, a natural wonder in Northeast Wyoming. Devils Tower gained notoriety from the film “Close Encounters”. Sand Creek on the Wyoming border has some great trout fishing and plenty of camping.
Those RVing will find National Parks, State Parks and a variety of private grounds to accommodate you along the way. It is called Big Sky Country for a reason and you can see it for yourself with a trip to Mt. Rushmore and the surrounding area.
Looking for RV rentals Minneapolis Minnesota? It is a great way to discover the RV lifestyle and PleasureLand RV Center can help. Contact us today!
