karla@drutx.UUCP (RikansrudKB) (06/06/84)
The Black Hills of South Dakota are filled with touristy
sights. Mt. Rushmore is a must simply because it's incredible
and free. As hound!rfg points out, the Crazy Horse monument
is not completed nor free. You can see it's progress from the road
but I wouldn't pay the $6 per car to get any closer.
(Like other tourist spots, traps like The Flintstones Park
and Reptile Gardens exist which should be avoided unless you've
got kids who need non-natural entertainment.)
The Black Hills differ from the Rocky Mountains in that
they are much older mountains. The plantlife is not
limited to pine trees. The undergrowth is more deciduous,
green, and lush.
For natural beauty it's imperative to drive through the
Badlands National Monument. Take the Badlands loop (south of
Wall, S.D.) through the northern section. These are geological
formations which depict 40 million years of erosion.
(This would make a great set for a moon film.) If possible, try
to get there either early in the morning or at dusk. The angle of
the sun is best then to illuminate the brilliant pinks and golds
in the terrain.
The Deadwood-Lead area was part of the glory days of the Old
West. Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickock are buried in
Deadwood. The Number 10 bar in Deadwood is where Wild Bill
was killed while playing poker (know what the dead man's hand
is?!). The murder is recreated each summer evening at 8pm. The gold
mine in Lead (pronounced Leed) is the largest producer of gold
in North America.
The area is also replete with caves. Tours are offered
at set times, so don't be late. One of the most worthwhile,
for you money, is Jewel Cave, just west of Custer.
The people in South Dakota are friendly and helpful. You
can talk to any native who will probably be more than
willing to fill you in on day-to-day events.
A native South Dakotan,
K. B. Rikansrud
(303) 538-4682