Mt. Rushmore had long been on my wish list of places that I had to visit in my lifetime. Finally got here. Numerous people had told me over the years of the many things to do and see in the area. So I allocated an extra day for exploring. But once I saw it, I knew it was not my type of area. Too touristy with all the dopey shops and things to do that appeal to the folks that like Branson and Myrtle Beach and the such.

The four faces carved into the side of the mountain was very impressive. As I said, a must see for all. And the facilities built up around it are very nice. My annual NPS card got me into the park but I still had to pay $11.00 to park. My only "complaint" is that the flag poles are quite in the way of some otherwise great photo angles. Countless people were either offering or asking strangers to take their photo. Someone took mine and I took one for a foursome.

The roads were mostly mountainous roads but that makes sense given Mt. Rushmore is there along with all of the caves advertized for "family fun". What I did find cool was that Rapid City names its streets after some sort-of-nearby cities. There was a "Kansas City Street" and a "St. Joseph Street" right after it. There also was Columbus and Omaha and Chicago.

The Black Hlls Forest was nearby. The entire region is called "The Black Hills Area".