South Dakota Vacation Guide 2011 - (Page 8)

Mount Rushmore National Memorial Near Keystone - Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Region This mountain carving features the 60-foot faces of four great American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Work on the sculpture began in 1927 when sculptor Gutzon Borglum was 60. Work ended 14 years later at his death. The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and Museum has several interactive displays, along with more than 400 artifacts and 300 photographs. The Presidential Trail, which is about a half-mile walk and loops along the base of the mountain, offers spectacular close-up views of the faces. Specifics: The information center and museum are open daily, year-round. From May to early-September, the National Park Service conducts interpretive programs throughout the day. The Sculptor’s Studio is open daily during the summer season. Also during the summer, a high-tech lighting ceremony is held nightly at the memorial amphitheater at dusk. Concessionaire-operated dining room and gift shops are open year-round. Admission is free; however, there is a parking fee. www.nps.gov Places of Interest Badlands National Park Southwestern South Dakota - Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Region The Lakota gave this land its name, “mako sica,” meaning “land bad.” Erosion of the Badlands reveals sedimentary layers of different colors: purple and yellow (shale), tan and gray (sand and gravel), red and orange (iron oxides) and white (volcanic ash). The skeletons of ancient camels, three-toed horses, sabertoothed cats and giant rhinoceros-like creatures are among the many fossilized species found here. Living creatures abound as well in the park’s 244,000 acres. Bison, pronghorn, mule and whitetail deer, prairie dogs, coyotes, eagles and hawks can often be seen by visitors. Specifics: Badlands National Park is open year-round. Lodging, food and souvenirs are available April to mid-October at the Cedar Pass concession. Call to confirm season open and close dates. 605-433-5361. A park entrance fee is required. www.nps.gov Black Hills National Forest Western South Dakota - Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Region The Lakota call them “Paha Sapa, hills that are black,” because their pine-covered slopes look as dark as shadows from afar. The forest is made up of 1.2 million acres of meadows and tree-covered mountains. The forest has 34 trails with more than 450 miles for hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep and mountain goats roam freely throughout the forest. Specifics: The Black Hills National Forest Visitor Center at Pactola is open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., seven days a week, throughout the summer. Admission to the forest is free. There is a fee for camping and some day-use sites. www.fs.fed.us 8  http://www.nps.gov http://www.fs.fed.us http://www.nps.gov

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of South Dakota Vacation Guide 2011

South Dakota Vacation Guide 2011
Contents
Overview
Getting Here, Getting Around
Information Centers
State Facts
Tourism Regions
Places of Interest
Public Campgrounds and Recreation Areas
Vacation Ideas
Southeast Region: A slice of South Dakota charm
Glacial Lakes & Prairies Region: Stories from the frontier
Great Lakes Region: Land of the mighty Missouri
Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Region: Enchanting mountain getaway
Black Hills map
Index

South Dakota Vacation Guide 2011

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