Day 5 Sunny and 75

Day 5
Sunny and 75

The sun finally came out and we anticipated a beautiful day for a visit to Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. This was our last day in Keystone so we were thankful the weather was cooperating. We headed out very early so we could schedule an afternoon train tour through the Black Hills.

Crazy Horse Memorial
First Stop was a Crazy Horse Memorial. It was so Beautiful. There were very few people there about 8am. We were advised to go inside and watch the 20 minute movie about the history of the making of Crazy Horse. After the movie, we took a bus around the front of the mountain where we got amazing pictures of the mountain. We learned so much about the sculptor Korezak Ziolkowski. We caught a glimpse of a few of the artists children that are still alive today. Seven out of his ten children are making sure the monument gets completed and are running the establishment. This Project is funded by donation only. I personally enjoyed this visit. It felt deeper and connectable to the hearts of many.

Crazy Horse Memorial

They are beginning work on the head of the horse today. 

Work should take about 10 years

Crazy Horse Face

The frame on the top of his head is the measuring instruments still used today.

Family 

Dedication Gate by Ziolkowski dedicated the year he passed away.

"Buda" The original air compressor he used to begin work on the Memorial.

It went KAPUT. 

1/34 scale size model of The Crazy Horse Memorial. 

"My lands are where my dead lie buried" -Crazy Horse

Mount Rushmore

We quickly made our way to Mount Rushmore, where traffic was backed up heading west to the Monument around 11am. There were many tourists making their way to the galley and museum. As we approached the monument there was a wall with a stairway set up with arena like seating. We took several photos and asked others to take our family photo.  Note to self…ask someone to take your photo who is holding a camera similar to yours so there are no failed photo opportunities. The view was amazing. It was a little crowded but that was expected. The Museum portion had some great artifacts dating back to the start of building the monument. I enjoyed learning why the sculptor, Borglum, chose the Presidents he did. 

The view from the entrance of the Monument

A statue of Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor of Mt. Rushmore.

Archway on your way to the gallery.

View from the top.

Family 

Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, Lincoln

The seated harness used by the workers as they worked on the mountain.

Words of Abraham Lincoln 

Josh and Kim 

Ruby House and Comedy Show

After viewing Mt. Rushmore, we went to purchase tickets for our 1880 Train tour of the Black Hills. With enough time to spare before departure, we sat down for lunch at a saloon style restaurant called "Ruby House". The food was great and we got to witness toothless Charlie eat ribs for lunch.  The saloon had a family friendly comedy show starting shortly after lunch called “The Keystone Comedy/Western Gunfight Show.” They were very funny and the perfect comedy act for our little people. I think everyone really enjoyed it.

Ruby House Restaurant

Toothless Charlie the Rib eater

Cowboy Dave announcing to the Public the Show is about to begin

Cowboy demanding Charlie see the show

Welcome to "The Keystone Comedy/Western Gunfight Show"

Jerry Alan Singing "South Dakota"

A little Birthday note to Cousin Bella 

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY BELLA"

1880 Train tour of the Black Hills

After the show we lined up to Board the 1880 Train leaving Keystone at 2:30pm. I believe it’s the last 110 Train still running today. It was a beautiful ride. We went about 10 mph through the hills to Hill City and returned back to Keystone. The train cars were beautifully restored and our car was named “Keystone.” Townies would pause to wave to passengers as the Train came through town.  It was quite an experience.

1880 Train Keystone, SD tour of the Black Hills

An amazing ride in the remodeled railcars

Colin is thrilled 

Stunning back hill tour

Headed for Hill City

Church Camp placed Cross on the Cliff

Charlie 

Chandler and Carmen

Flood waters can be beautiful

Home at the KOA

We decided to separate the kids for a few hours to take them to do age appropriate activities. Josh took the Big kids to Tramway Adventures and I took the little kids back to our KOA for some splash time.  The littles really enjoyed the Splash pad and the pool. Thank goodness for a beautiful sunny day.