I must admit, before I came out here I had no idea where Mount Rushmore was and had never heard of the Badlands. I'm so glad I took this assignment because I'm getting to see a part of the country I may never have seen. Let's face it, the Midwest doesn't make my top 10 list of vacation spots. Mount Rushmore has a little museum and video that tells you all about it. At the time it was built people seemed to have so much pride in America. I've grown up in a time where people just constantly complain about our country. It seems like most people hate our President, no matter who it is, not build giant monuments to honor them. I think it is kind of sad, really.
On the way to The Badlands, I had to stop for a 5 cent cup of coffee at the famous Wall Drugstore. The business opened in the 30s and made it's success by offering free ice water to travelers. It's now a cheesy tourist trap, but still offers free ice water and 5 cent coffee!
Jon and I had to take a selfie....or 10.
Who needs a tourist trap when you have this?! The Badlands is just amazing. This landscape developed starting with glaciers. Then over time the wind and rain formed the unique hills. The layers are different colors due to various minerals. The park is also full of protected wildlife. During my 3 days in The Black Hills and and The Badlands I saw (in the wild) bighorn sheep, antelope, bison, prairie dogs, mountain goats, pheasants, turkeys, mule deer, and white tailed deer. Pretty awesome!
These guys were right in the road, and they were not in a hurry to move for you.
(#nofilter)
The cutest!
They had horns. I promise.
Hey kiddo, you are way too young to have a bucket list!!!
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