happymomma
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,078
Aug 6, 2014 23:57:56 GMT
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Post by happymomma on Aug 2, 2016 21:46:06 GMT
Hubby and I are visiting my son and his family in Montana this week! We will be leaving Friday or Saturday for the drive back home to Michigan, and are on no time table. One of my bucket list items is to see Mt. Rushmore, since I've been a child, really. So we're going to do that and some other fun things along the way home. My son and his girl suggested Deadwood, The Enchanted Highway, and a few other things. I want to pan for gold! Lol.
We have ZERO interest in Sturgis, though we are trailering the Harley. We spent a beautiful day riding with the kids to and at Medora, ND. the other day.
I know now many of you have been to these places and just thought I'd ask for any helpful tips or suggestions you may have to offer.
Thank you very much.
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Montannie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,486
Location: Big Sky Country
Jun 25, 2014 20:32:35 GMT
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Post by Montannie on Aug 2, 2016 21:56:16 GMT
LOTS of touristy things to do in South Dakota. The Crazy Horse carvings are also worth a look; Custer State Park, for the wild donkeys!!! Wall Drug is something that has to be seen to be believed.
Corn Palace in Mitchell. There is an amazing collection of petrified wood in Lemmon, on US HWY 12.
If you're a fan of "Little House on the Prairie" books, Laura and family lived in De Smet, SD, on US Hwy 14.
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Post by alexa11 on Aug 2, 2016 21:58:59 GMT
I would definitely go to the Badlands- that was my favorite after Mt.Rushmore. And Wall Drug is just crazy.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 14, 2024 12:41:35 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2016 22:00:00 GMT
Don't gamble at deadwood.
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Post by freecharlie on Aug 2, 2016 22:02:11 GMT
Look for lodging and start there. Sturgis is definitely going on so areas like deadwood may be a little bustier and rougher than usual.
Mt. Rushmore itself should be fine. There is a hot springs pool up there that I remember from being a kid. My brother just took his kids and they loved it.
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happymomma
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,078
Aug 6, 2014 23:57:56 GMT
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Post by happymomma on Aug 2, 2016 22:09:54 GMT
Don't gamble at deadwood. I likely wouldn't, but I'm curious...why? Thanks to the rest of you so far too!
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Post by lisacharlotte on Aug 2, 2016 22:16:58 GMT
I've been twice. Don't miss: Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Badlands, drive through Custer State Park. If you can, drive Needles Highway (SD Hwy 67). We also make a side trip to Devils Tower in Wyoming and then hit Deadwood on the way back. It's amazing country.
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Kerri W
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,774
Location: Kentucky
Jun 25, 2014 20:31:44 GMT
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Post by Kerri W on Aug 2, 2016 22:18:11 GMT
Try to go to Custer State Park early in the morning. I think were there about 9:00. The bison herds are usually on the move...so cool!
We didn't love Crazy Horse but other than that really enjoyed Mt Rushmore, Badlands, Needles Highway, etc.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 14, 2024 12:41:35 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2016 22:19:36 GMT
Don't gamble at deadwood. I likely wouldn't, but I'm curious...why? Thanks to the rest of you so far too! The machines are "tight". Everybody I know who has gamble there there came away without winning. Edited to fix. Should have been without winning
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 14, 2024 12:41:35 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2016 22:26:04 GMT
LOTS of touristy things to do in South Dakota. The Crazy Horse carvings are also worth a look; Custer State Park, for the wild donkeys!!! Wall Drug is something that has to be seen to be believed. Corn Palace in Mitchell. There is an amazing collection of petrified wood in Lemmon, on US HWY 12. If you're a fan of "Little House on the Prairie" books, Laura and family lived in De Smet, SD, on US Hwy 14. My daughter ended up thinking Crazy Horse and Custer were more impressive than Mt. Rushmore after she did a trip to the area. Not that Mt. Rushmore isn't a great thing to see, but she said she was shocked by how much smaller it was than she had always imagined. I'm a Little House books fan, and after that online LIW course, I'd want to visit DeSmet. Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota are places I've always wanted to visit. Enjoy your trip, and wishing you safe travels!
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gsquaredmom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,083
Jun 26, 2014 17:43:22 GMT
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Post by gsquaredmom on Aug 2, 2016 22:33:35 GMT
All relatively close: In Montana Little Bighorn
In SD Mt. Rushmore Custer State Park Needles highway Wind Cave Jewel cave Mammoth dig site Spearfish Canyon Badlands Minuteman missile silo and museum Wall Drug
In Wyoming Vore Buffalo Jump Devils Tower
In ND Teddy Roosevelt National Park
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Post by lancermom on Aug 2, 2016 22:37:30 GMT
If you go to Mt Rushmore you must go in the evening. Once it is dark, the faces light up while our anthem is played. It made my cry to hear so many people sing, from USA and other countries. Others that have gone at night said same thing, total goose bumps!
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Post by cindyupnorth on Aug 2, 2016 23:36:12 GMT
See Mt rushmore towards dusk/evening for the fireworks and their program. Good time. Take a blanket. We ate dinner in the cafeteria there, and then went out for the program.
We were not a fan of crazy horse. you can see it plenty from the hwy vs pay again to see something.
Needles hwy! so much fun.
We drove down to the Mammoth springs and went thru their museum there. Definetly do Wall drug on the way out.
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styxgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,882
Jun 27, 2014 4:51:44 GMT
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Post by styxgirl on Aug 2, 2016 23:46:16 GMT
When you go to Mt. Rushmore, plan to go late in the day. Each evening they have a lighting ceremony that I've heard is just wonderful!
It didn't fit our timetable to see the evening ceremony but Mt. Rushmore was great during the day too.
We spent several hours there.
We were traveling in our RV so after we're were done, we fired up the generator and made quesadillas on the griddle right there in the parking lot! :-)
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Loydene
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,639
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Jul 8, 2014 16:31:47 GMT
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Post by Loydene on Aug 2, 2016 23:50:00 GMT
We especially enjoyed seeing Mt. Rushmore at night -- the monument was beautifully illuminated -- it seems to just glow! The visitors center is also interesting and fun. And Devil's Tower is so serene and spiritual -- you are in the area so you should see it as well! Then ... what everyone else said about all the other fun things to do in South Dakota!
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Post by brynn on Aug 2, 2016 23:53:39 GMT
I've been twice. Don't miss: Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Badlands, drive through Custer State Park. If you can, drive Needles Highway (SD Hwy 67). We also make a side trip to Devils Tower in Wyoming and then hit Deadwood on the way back. It's amazing country. I agree with all of this. I have never seen Mt. Rushmore at night, so I will have to add that to my bucket list. People watching at Mt. Rushmore is also fun. In North Dakota, visit the Theodore Roosevelt National Park--Painted Canyon. Have fun!!
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,655
Jun 27, 2014 2:21:22 GMT
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Post by valincal on Aug 3, 2016 0:13:27 GMT
We were just there a couple of weeks ago...stayed at the KOA in Deadwood. The drive from Mt. Rushmore to Deadwood was really nice. We had luck at the slots at Cadillac Jack's in Deadwood and the food was good. The casino at Tin Lizzie's looked a lot bigger and better (popped in to the Starbucks there). We visited Devil's Tower the following day and it was amazing! If you can swing it, drive through the Badlands after Mt. Rushmore. It's really beautiful.
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Post by freecharlie on Aug 3, 2016 0:25:18 GMT
We had breakfast with the presidents the last day we were in the area. After seeing it at night, it was neat to see it in the morning.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 14, 2024 12:41:35 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2016 0:37:44 GMT
I've been twice. Don't miss: Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Badlands, drive through Custer State Park. If you can, drive Needles Highway (SD Hwy 67). We also make a side trip to Devils Tower in Wyoming and then hit Deadwood on the way back. It's amazing country. Spearfish canyon is also amazing.
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happymomma
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,078
Aug 6, 2014 23:57:56 GMT
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Post by happymomma on Aug 3, 2016 0:42:07 GMT
Wow, thanks guys! We will definitely try to see Mt. Rushmore at night, thanks to all of the suggestions! We did ride through (part of?) the Roosevelt park during the trip to Medora. I'm so glad we did so on the motorcycle. This may sound silly, but it actually brought tears to my eyes. I'm from Michigan, which is breathtakingly beautiful in its own right, but the scenery in ND was just so hmmm, majestic? that it changed the way I see "people" in this world. Man, if you think you're something, ride through those mountains...you'll see just how small a part of this world you really are.
We're headed to Williston Thursday to meet up with a friend of mine from...Facebook! Lol. Her auntie is a friend of mine back home and though we've "known" each other for some time, we've never met face to face. She was back home by me earlier this year for a funeral, but I was sick and we missed connecting. I'm excited to give her a real hug.
Thanks again for your suggestions, keep 'em coming!
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Post by gotranch on Aug 3, 2016 0:57:10 GMT
This is the start of Rally Week in Sturgis. Even though the rally is in Sturgis, it involves the entire Black Hills area. Be prepared for heavy traffic all through the Black Hills from Spearfish to Custer to the Badlands. Also, you should decide where you want to stay and make sure to book it now. Rooms are very expensive and hard to come by.
Everyone has suggested great places to visit. Have fun with your adventure!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 14, 2024 12:41:35 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2016 1:32:29 GMT
Where are you going in Montana?
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happymomma
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,078
Aug 6, 2014 23:57:56 GMT
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Post by happymomma on Aug 3, 2016 4:31:35 GMT
Where are you going in Montana? We are in Glendive. It's a tiny little town about three hours east of Billings.
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Post by worldwanderer75 on Aug 3, 2016 5:12:19 GMT
We just did a really similar trip a few weeks ago. For sure do the drive though Custer stAte park. Go to sylvan lake. We rented rowboats and paddle boards and had a great time. Gorgeous scenery!!! Then drive the wildlife loop and see the needles pass etc. seriously so gorgeous. We also went horseback riding through Custer state park and thAt was super fun. Of course, mt Rushmore. Do the president's trail- about a 30 min loop. Have a great time!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 14, 2024 12:41:35 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2016 5:45:15 GMT
Where are you going in Montana? We are in Glendive. It's a tiny little town about three hours east of Billings. A old friend of ours owned a huge ranch there.... Or maybe still owns, not quite sure. I think you are too far over for some tourist stuff I know of.
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Post by jenis40 on Aug 3, 2016 5:54:26 GMT
I have to say it makes giggle a little to hear North Dakota described as beautiful. I'm from Montana and unfortunately ND was the butt of many jokes. I'm not saying it isn't beautiful just those childhood memories that make me laugh.
I second the Mt Rushmore at night suggestion. Crazy Horse is also a must do. Deadwood would be a miss for me this time of year. It is CRAZY with the amount of traffic.
ETA Little Big Horn is south of Billings. There is a lot of history there. My MIL was born and raised on a ranch bordering the battlefield and my DH's grandparents are buried at the military cemetery there.
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Post by cmhs on Aug 3, 2016 11:25:44 GMT
Bookmarking this thread for future planning. We are planning a big road trip for next summer from NJ to CO to see DD. When I realized how close Mt. Rushmore is to her, I started planning the Great American Road Trip, haha. I'm the only one of us who has seen Mt. Rushmore and I was about 10 so it's been a few years but I really loved it and can't wait for the rest of the family to see it. Never thought of going at night -- great tip. I have vivid memories of buying souvenirs at the Corn Palace.
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Post by anonrefugee on Aug 3, 2016 11:43:56 GMT
We made the trip in June and we're glad we had several days, the weather wasn't always cooperative for viewing.
In the end we enjoyed Crazy Horse more than Mt Rushmore, but I think that was due to crowds. I regret we didn't see the evening show at Mt Rushmore.
Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake, Needles Highway... All beautiful!
We liked the Corn Palace. De Smet was an Ingalls fan treat, even for boys who read a few books.
Have fun!!!
Im sure it's just us, but Deadwood proved to be a 30-45 minute stop. Disappointing, more of an adult place. Maybe we didn't stop in correct spot. It's likely better for a couples trip!
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Post by mikklynn on Aug 3, 2016 12:15:33 GMT
I think you'd enjoy Little Big Horn if you get that far west. In the Black Hills, stay at the President's View hotel in Keystone linkPeggy's Place is a nice little restaurant nearby. If you want another pretty drive, besides Needles Highway and Custer State Park (don't miss either), do the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway www.blackhillsbadlands.com/drives/spearfish-canyon-scenic-bywayYou will LOVE this trip.
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Post by freecharlie on Aug 3, 2016 14:37:39 GMT
We made the trip in June and we're glad we had several days, the weather wasn't always cooperative for viewing. In the end we enjoyed Crazy Horse more than Mt Rushmore, but I think that was due to crowds. I regret we didn't see the evening show at Mt Rushmore. Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake, Needles Highway... All beautiful! We liked the Corn Palace. De Smet was an Ingalls fan treat, even for boys who read a few books. Have fun!!! Im sure it's just us, but Deadwood proved to be a 30-45 minute stop. Disappointing, more of an adult place. Maybe we didn't stop in correct spot. It's likely better for a couples trip! we went to deadwood and other than the cemetery and museum, we spent maybe 45 min to an hour there
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