Greetings from Mount Rushmore National Memorial

While driving through Rapid City, I was afraid all of South Dakota was going to be just as congested. However, as my husband and I crossed the town line into Keystone, we were pleasantly surprised when the sign read “Population 337”. This remote mountain town is nestled into the ponderosa pine trees of the Black Hills and only minutes from Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer Park.

We stayed at the K Bar S Lodge on Old City Road, despite its unusual name. The lodge was rustic, yet contemporary. Its atmosphere and employees were very welcoming as the smell of complimentary beverages whiffed through the lobby and into the back patio. The air outside filled our lungs with clean oxygen from the hills. Coming from the New York metro area, this transported us into another world. It was evening, so Mount Rushmore was already closed. We decided to make the 5-minute drive anyway and were greatly compensated for the effort. The faces of Washington, Roosevelt, Jefferson, and Lincoln lit up against the black sky - like spirits watching over the country they helped build. It took the son of immigrants, Gutzon Borglum, and over 400 workers to create this granite masterpiece. Every American should be required by law, to behold this man-made wonder.

The next morning, we ate a generous breakfast buffet on the hotel deck, with a view of this magnificent sculpture. At $125 per night, that alone was worth the price of the room. After digesting, we spent hours at Mount Rushmore National Memorial walking the Presidential Trail and absorbing all its history in the Museum and Visitor Center. We sat contemplating on the Grand View Terrace, wondering what these American icons would think of their tribute.

Sincerely,
Donna