We left Game Lodge Campground and headed for Horsethief Lake Campground in the Black Hills National Forest near Mt. Rushmore. This is a national campground so there were no hookups, but it is a beautiful campground near Horsethieft Lake. We really didn’t have much time to enjoy it because we were sightseeing a lot in this area. The campground is only about 5min. from Mt. Rushmore.

It was raining when we got there so we decided to check out the town of Keystone. It’s a quaint little mountain town near the monument.

We went to the Borglum Museum. He is the man who created the Mt. Rushmore monument. He was a very interesting and driven man. It took 14 years to complete the project and he died 6 months before it was finished. Money was the main hindrance for him. His son completed the project after his death.

The four presidents he chose where Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt. The following is a quote from the museum at Mt. Rushmore:

"The four American Presidents carved into the granite of Mt. Rushmore were chosen by the sculptor to commemorate the founding, growth, preservation and development of the United States. They symbolize the principles of liberty and freedom on which the nation was founded. George Washington signifies the struggle for independence and the birth of the Republic; Thomas Jefferson the territorial expansion of the country; Abraham Lincoln the permanent union of the States and equality for all citizens, and Theodore Roosevelt, the 20^th century role of the United States in world affairs and the rights of the common man."

Friday morning was beautiful. The skies were clear and the most incredible blue. We were fortunate that we went to the monument early because by the time we left, the crowds were huge. We walked to the bottom of the monument and around on the President’s trail. It was so awesome to be that close, we were proud to be there. We came away with such an appreciation of the early days of our country and what our "founding fathers" stood for.

Since it was such a beautiful day, we decided to drive up to Deadwood north of Mt. Rushmore & drive the Spearfish Canyon Scenic drive." Deadwood was an old mining town in S. Dakota, made famous because Wild Bill Hickock was shot in the back there. It’s now quaint, but a very busy tourist area and full of casinos.

Spearfish Canyon was beautiful. We went to several waterfalls. We hiked to Roughlock Water Falls. The canyon is full of aspen, blue spruce & Ponderosa pine trees. It was very heavily wooded and the Spearfish river runs through it. Dances with the Wolves was filmed there.

We left there and went to the Crazy Horse monument. It is still a work in progress. We learned it was started in the 40s and they are still working on it. The sculptor wouldn’t take any federal money so it is privately funded. He is dead, but his wife and 10 children are still carrying on his legacy.

We left Saturday morning for Glacier National Park and arrived Sunday evening around 7:30pm. We are ready to be out of the truck and start hiking Glacier.

We will write in a few days and let you know about this leg of the trip. By the way, we have driven 3,150 miles so far. This is the farthest point before we start heading back down. We will be here for about 5 days.

Trivia question: What does Tatanka mean?

We will leave you with this thought for the day: "It only takes a smile to brighten someone’s dark day."

God Bless…








Our campsite at Horsethief Lake Campground




Horsethief Lake




Mount Rushmore @ Night and @ daytime



Roughlock Falls




Spearfish Falls