What an amazing company and guide! I had booked this tour online under the impression it was nearly full but in fact it was a web glitch and I was the only one on the tour. Understandably, the tour only operates for a minimum of two people or the equivalent price however unfortunately I couldn’t afford the price of a second ticket as I’m on a tight budget touring all 50 states. I expected an email back saying the tour was cancelled but instead Leah, my tour guide, told me her boss had allowed me to be an exception under the circumstances and I could still go on the tour!
Leah was fantastic! She told me about the brief history of Rapid City and nearby areas on the way up to the Black Hills National Forest. The views are absolutely stunning on the drive to Mount Rushmore. Leah told me all about the forest, Cluster State Park and its wildlife. She even drove as close as she could to Needle Highway (which is closed in the winter) to show me the rock formations which look like needles sticking out the ground!
Mount Rushmore is just as amazing as I thought it would be! There’s a viewing platform to get some good photos and a museum to learn about the history and creation of the carving. I was able to look around for about an hour and watch a 15 minute video detailing the carving process. There’s also all 50 state flags and pillars which are engraved with the order in which the states became official states of America.
After Mount Rushmore, we drove to Crazy Horse Memorial which is currently in the process of being built. I thought Mount Rushmore was huge but it’s nothing compared to Crazy Horse, who was a Native American warrior. Work on the sculpture began in 1948 and it’s estimated that it won’t be completed for another 100 years! It’s a shame I won’t see it in my lifetime but it would be interesting to return in 50 years and see how different it looks! On site, there’s a museum with a video explaining the history and inspiration behind the sculpture and a cultural centre which explores the lives of Native Americans. They also plan to build a Native American university. For $150 you can stand face to face with Crazy Horse or for $4 you can get a bus ride closer to the sculpture which makes for better photos! I had 90 minutes at this one and there’s still so much to see and do!
On the way to and from the mountains, we drove through Hill City and Keystone which are two old mining towns built during the Gold Rush. Today they are very popular tourist destinations during the summertime. They look like something straight out of an old Western movie! Leah told me that during the summer, Fort Hays (where this company is based) hosts a cowboy breakfast and live evening show – I would like to return in the summer to see it all in action!
At the end of the tour (which lasted about 5 hours), Leah dropped me off downtown and recommended places to eat and sights to see! I am so grateful to this company for taking me on this amazing tour experience and a big thank you to Leah for all her fun facts and interesting stories! I would definitely recommend this company!