(1) Mount Rushmore and highway 16A
Highway 16A roughly circles the Mt. Rushmore area, and might be the most impressive road I've ever ridden on. The highway counts numerous tunnels, 3 "pig-tail" bridges (540 degree turns!), 2 lane splits, and too many hair pin turns to count.
(2) Crazy Horse memorial
This memorial to Lakota chief Crazy Horse has been under construction for over 60 years, dwarfs Mt. Rushmore and is 100% privately funded. The work was started by a Polish-American sculpture who spent 10 years or so working on the monument - by himself. The memorial is expected to be complete in another 30-40 years and will include a medical centre and university.
(3) Deadwood
This historic cowboy town has been named a national landmark. This means Main Street has been fully conserved since the late 1800's. Probably the closest you can get to the old west -- and this is saying a lot in South Dakota.
National forests allow dispersed camping -- pitching a tent basically anywhere. I decided to set up camp near a mountain peak. Not exactly for the faint of heart or the unprepared, it is a great way to camp near the absolute nicest spots around -- for free.
Dinner with a view
In conclusion, South Dakota has truly surprised me in many, many ways. From prairy towns to the majestic Black Hills, SD is a must see. By motorcycle if you can, by coach bus if you must, but do make your way down for a unforgettable trip.
Wish I was there too!
ReplyDeleteNonkel Wim