Go West (5 States in 12 Days)

If you are in South Dakota, you should go to Mount Rushmore. End of story. Stand in awe at the base of a mountain with the faces of early America. (Each eyeball is 6 feet across!) Walk through the museum and history building to learn more about the construction of this massive monument. Once you've spent some time appreciating all of the above stop and take a moment to people watch. This historical monument attracts a lot of tourists and I enjoyed watching others enjoy the view. Finally, look around for nearby nature. I watched a few chipmunks sunning themselves, saw a group of mule deer run through the trees to the lower right of the mountain, and took photos of some of the lovely flowers they have near the viewing area. I am so glad we made this a part of our trip out West!

There was a bit of a line to get into the park, as it seems they only have one ranger admitting vehicles into the property. But it was well worth it. This mountain/volcano is awesome to behold. The first stretch of the hike is minimal and easy and leads you to the base of the monument where you can view it from a shady area. Keep an eye on your footing, snakes love to sun on the rocky area and we saw one at the first viewing area at the base. The hike around the monument is easy/moderate depending on the temperature and ability of the hiker. They should really paint the "speed bumps" as they are the same color as the path and easy to stumble over. There are several scenic overlooks along the way and overall the hike is totally worth it. (Thought it was about 98 degrees during my hike). Oh and if you are up to it, you should wear shoes worthy of light rock climbing. All visitors are welcome to climb on the rocky base until a clearly marked yellow line. (If you want to hike further up you have to check in.) All in all this was an awesome stop along my trip out West! Also be sure you stop by the Prairie Dog village on your way out. These little guys will let you get quite close without too much concern. Makes for some great photos. Just don't feed them.

I visited on a very windy day, so my experience was a bit effected by the fact that I was taking everything in with strong gusts of wind knocking me about. But here's what you'll see, rows upon rows of white grave markers in front of the parking lot. Each one for a soldier, and the impact will take your breath away. Next, I recommend that you go through the visitor center and see the little museum--there is a fair amount of artifacts. Next, hop back into your car for a drive down a paved road through the historic land. There are a number of stops with notable historic markers. You'll see lots of headstones marking where soldiers and warriors alike fell in battle. You'll drive through several confusing fences that seem to imply you are on private land, but keep driving until you reach the turn around point. Once you return to the parking lot, I recommend that you then get out and walk to the Monument (you will have driven past it by now but the impact will be greater because you saw the land). You'll see the marker for where Custer fell, the marker where Crazy Horse fell, and countless others. Entering the circular cement area, you'll see a sculpture of native americans on horseback. But I was most impressed with the lovely portraits etched in the cement. Look closely or you might miss how artfully these were done. All in all, it was an interesting and historic stop on my trip out West.

A great stop along the way to Cody. Pretty waterfall and lots of hummingbirds!

Even as I walked up to this building, I had no idea how massive and extensive it was. WOW. You MUST stop here if you visit Cody. I absolutely loved the entire place. So many historical objects and artifacts. Very interesting and educational. On a side note the whole place is covered in bunnies I saw over a dozen, including several little babies. But really you have to see the museum!

I was so glad that I found this place on Roadtrippers. Otherwise, I might not have known to stop. We went during a dry spell, so there was no water rushing over the dam, sadly. But it is an awesome thing to behold. The mountains along the river are gorgeous too. The visitor center is great too, and has great big windows that you can view the dam from a unique perspective. The people in the center are very friendly and there are some great free maps for local areas (I picked up a Utah and a Idaho map there). Also you have to use the restrooms while there... trust me. They are special.

A pleasant little stop on your way through the park. (HAS REAL BATHROOMS WITH RUNNING WATER) The museum is small but helps you identify many of the wildlife you will see. Be sure you step out the back doors for a scenic overlook of the lake.