Summer Trip - Day 4

When we decided to go to Mount Rushmore, I knew I wanted to sneak in a quick trip to North Dakota somehow.  North Dakota was a state that I had not visited, and let's face it, since I live so far away, it is highly unlikely that I would get that close again for a long time (if ever).  So as I got looking at North Dakota attractions that were within a few hours of Mount Rushmore, I decided that we should visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

We enjoyed the visitors center at the park.  Especially the short informative movie about the park, and about Theodore Roosevelt's experiences there, and love for the area.  We also enjoyed seeing his cabin.  It was pretty small and rustic.  It was crazy to think that someone born to such privilege, who would go on to become President, would stay in such a place.  Very interesting!!

The park's badlands were interesting.  They would remind you a lot of the scenery in "Dances with Wolves."

But, I think my favorite part of our entire trip to the park, was a hike we took  up to overlook the Little Missouri River.

I was a little worried that our boys wouldn't see any buffalo in this park, since we had been promising them they would see plenty, but just as we were on our way out of the park, we saw this herd.

I love National Parks, and this is a nice one to visit if you don't like crowds.  The visitors were minimal, and I am really glad we took the time out to see it.

We only had a half day to spend at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, because we were trying to stay on schedule and on budget, so after we finished up there we headed back to South Dakota.  We checked into our hotel in Hill City, and then hopped back into the car and headed to Mount Rushmore!!!

I was surprised at how beautiful the area around Mount Rushmore is.  These are a couple shots of the drive to get to the monument.

Finally - we arrived.  It was sooooo cool!!  I have wanted to visit Mount Rushmore ever since fifth grade, and I finally got there!

To prove it, here is a picture of me standing in front of it!!

Isn't it amazing!!  We were all in awe!

We went through the museums, which were really interesting, and then we decided to go down to the amphitheater and wait for the evening's lighting ceremony.  It was so awesome to be able to sit there and look up at this incredible American icon.  The weather was perfect and we so enjoyed our time there.

Not too long after the ceremony started, it started to rain, and lightning, so they stopped the ceremony, and just lit up the monument.  I was bummed that I didn't get to see the ceremony, but it was just amazing to be there and see Mount Rushmore both during the day, and lit up at night!!

Day four was a fabulous day that I will always remember!