Mt. Rushmore KOA

Mt. Rushmore KOA
Happy Camper Rating 8.5/10

As we depart, we want to take a minute and rate our Campground for future campers.

We stayed at Mt. Rushmore KOA in Hill City, SD.
Situated in a remote area centered between Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse, the views were remarkable. The camp is about 10 minutes from Keystone major attractions and shopping. We loved all of the amenities available to campers. Very family friendly environment and friendly service. The Full service spaces were well situated. The KOA had a general store, small fast food and sit down dinner restaurant. For adults there was wine tasting, live music and bar/grill. Each lot had fire pit and picnic table. Family attractions include pool, hot tub, splash pad, mini golf, rock climbing, moon bounce, bounce houses, panning for gold, water slide, pancake breakfast, carriage rides, horseback riding, basketball, giant chess board, ping pong, car rental, golf cart rental and bike rental. We didn't partake in all available but really enjoyed the fact that everyone around us was having a wonderful time.

Here Comes the Sun!

6/12/15

Day 5


The sun finally decided to shine our last full day in South Dakota. We were actually going to get to see Chief Crazy Horse, Mt. Rushmore, and do the zipline!

 Chief Crazy Horse was one of my favorite stops of the day. I enjoyed learning about the history behind it and the sculptor himself, Ziolkowski. I loved that it was a family project funded by tourism, not the government. The people there obviously love what they do and by being involved they are greatly helping the Native American people express their culture in a way that people can learn about it and admire it. If you are in South Dakota I greatly encourage you to go and experience the family structure and Native American beauty that is the Chief Crazy Horse Memorial. 

Mt. Rushmore was not as great as I thought it would be, I had already seen the mountain carved faces numerous times as we drove from camp to Keystone, so I wasn't as impressed with it as I had been the first day we arrived. I also wasn't as impressed with the museum inside because we had already learned all about the mountain, its history, and the artist, Borglum, at The Borglum Story Museum. I would not recommend paying to get into the Mt. Rushmore Memorial, mainly because you can get just as amazing pictures of it from the side of the road and you can learn way more about it and the artist by going to the Borglum Story Museum. 

The Ruby House was a cute restaurant in Keystone, but it wasn't so much the food I was impressed with, but the entertainment. In the saloon attached to the Ruby House there was a stage where we got to see a "Gun Show." There was live music preformed by Gary Allen who composed both of the songs he sang, funny cowboys, and a great historical skit they performed about a Wild West cowboy named Wild Bill. If you wanna sit back, eat good food, and have a good laugh while on vacation in South Dakota I would recommend the Ruby House Gun Show. 

The 1880 steam engine ride was great, for a nap! If you love trains it is definitely something you would enjoy, riding through nature from Keystone to Hill City while learning about the train, as well as what you see around you is very soothing and educational. Unfortunately, for four kids who have been waking up early and spending each day doing strenuous, yet fun activities, it is the perfect opportunity for a nap! You would think we would have been scolded for wasting money on a train ride by sleeping through the entire thing, but don't fret, our parents didn't mind cause they were out too! 

Feeling refreshed from our naps, we got off the train and headed back to camp, where we dropped off mom and the two little boys. Dad, Chandler, and I were headed back to town to finally do the Rushmore Tramway Adventure course and Zipline. Unfortunately, by the time we arrived the adventure course was closed, but we still got to do the zipline, which was the main thing I wanted to do anyway. IT WAS AWESOME!!!!! I loved it! I got a t-shirt and pictures. I was perfectly fine with having waited until the last day to do it because the anticipation only grew and it completely exceeded expectations. If you aren't afraid of heights and enjoy a thrill this is the place for you! (Since I refused to sign the waiver, I didn't, my dad signed it for me! Perks of being a minor your parents are the ones that have to trust the waivers, not you!)

-Carmen

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.

Another Day of Rain

6/11/15
Day 4

Another early morning and we yet again awoke to wet, gray skies, but we didn't let mother nature stop us from having another eventful day!

The first stop of the day was at the Dinosaur Museum, it was a small, leaky place, but we still had a blast trying to pronounce the Dinos' names and "walking" through the mirror maze. The stop was pretty short because the hail damaged roof of the museum had so many leaks we seemed to be getting just as wet inside as out!

Next, we went to another cave, this one was called Sitting Bull Crystal Caverns. Here we learned about the Native American Sitting Bull and how he used to use the cave for his tribe, was also learned about how the cave had been rediscovered by two young boys after their parents had bought the property, they were hoping for gold or diamonds, but as it turned out the only thing in that cave was dogtooth spar, and even though it looks nice, it has absolutely no value. This cave was way underground, we had to go down a ton of steep stairs to see all of the rooms inside, Mom was freaking out most of the way down, "Chandler stop you're too far ahead!" "Chandler wait I can see the bottom!" "Carmen, you're not funny, stop it!" She has a small (terribly awful) fear of heights, but she made it all the way up and down with out crying, so kudos to you Mom! I do not recommend going to this cave on a rainy day like we did, we ended up completely soaked!

Then was Big Thunder Goldmine, I'm not sure whether I actually liked it or not. The tour guide, Scott, picked on me almost the entire time. First off let me tell you, I KNOW HOW TO WEAR A HARD HAT, OKAY? I had it on the right way, but unfortunately for me the hat a grabbed had two right ways because the lining was in backwards. Scott decided to tell the group that my hard hat was on backwards, even though it wasn't! Plus when I asked my dad, because I thought it looked funny, he told me how to put it on, so it wasn't just me that got confused! Then Scott saw how red I got and told everyone in the group to stare at me for five seconds, which was five seconds too long for me and I proceeded to turn deeper shades of red. He continued to make little comments here and there at me just picking on me, he was funny, but I hate being the center of attention and he just wouldn't let me get out of it. Fun fact guys, I am terrified of the dark, sixteen years old and I still can't be in complete darkness. Well, Scott wanted to show us a fun trick inside the gold mine, but in order to do that he would have to turn off the lights in the mine. He kindly asked before turning out the light, "Does anyone here have a fear of the dark," without hesitation I raised me hand and said, "ME!" Everyone laughed, I turned red again with that whole embarrassment thing, then he told me to find a buddy and turned out the lights. When the lights came back on I yet again was laughed at because I was clinging onto my mom for dear life, I was clung onto her so tight that Scott asked if he should call a doctor for her. There were other jokes made and embarrassing moments, but to keep this a little bit shorter, I'll keep it at these two.

The Rushmore Borglum Story was very educational and really interesting. We learned all about the man, Borglum, that carved Mt. Rushmore, everything from his birth, family, inspirations, wives, other master pieces, friends, kids, all the way down to his final years working on and planing Mt. Rushmore. We saw paintings, sculptures, and other displays while listening to an audio for each one. At the end of all the audios and displays, there was a theatre, where we watched a video about Borglum and Mt. Rushmore. Definitely recommend going to this gallery before going to see Mt. Rushmore, it really helps you understand the work and history of it all.

Custer State Park was our final drive through destination. We went up and down and around on roads that seemed to lead further out to no where. The view was amazing, the wild life incredible, but the lack of cell service was awful (21 century problems). We ended up surrounded by a herd of buffalo, and no Brandi I did not want to give it a kiss, I did however really wanna give it a hug, they were just so cute and furry! One of them actually came up and gave the front of our car a kiss! We even have the mud smudge on the car to prove it!

-Carmen

Day 3 RAINED OUT!

Day 3

RAINED OUT !

Wednesday morning was a RAIN OUT for Rushmore. The rain was too heavy and the fog was too dense to get a good look at Mt. Rushmore. We headed into Keystone to hit all the indoor museums and attractions while we waited for the weather to clear. 

The Presidents Wax Museum
We started at The Presidents Wax Museum where we learned about all of the presidents and their journey to office. It was very educational and a little creepy.  The kids enjoyed it and Charlie listened to all of the audio for each president. I can’t say his momma did the same, but I enjoyed seeing JFK and 911 exhibits. I then decided we needed a button collection of our site seeing and state visits as well as random postcard mailings. Our family has decided to purchase a postcard from every event we experience and select someone to mail it to. WATCH YOUR MAIL!!

George W. Bush at Ground Zero 9/11

JFK in office with son 

Lyndon Johnson being sworn in as President immediately following the assassination of JFK with Jackie Kennedy standing in her blood soaked clothes. 

ENO'S Pizza 

We grabbed some lunch at ENO’S Pizza at the Keystone Mall, which was an outside souvenir spot and eatery.  They have a large map on the wall at ENO’S where we got to place a pin where we live. We put the first pin on their map for Morris, IL. VERY EXCITING! People came all the way from Italy and Brazil.

Need I say more...

Josh and Carmen Dropping a Pin on hometown Morris, IL as ENO'S Pizza Patron.

The Rushmore Cave
Then we headed to the Rushmore Cave. The Cave was pretty AWESOME! I was pleasantly surprised how well everyone did with the drop in temp and hour long tour trapped in a cave with strangers. The gift shop had some pretty impressive souvenirs. Josh found a beautiful marble chessboard he and Chandler had to have.  After the tour, Chandler, Colin, Josh and Charlie went down a duel zip line ride.  Those who know me know heights just aren’t my thing.  We participated in a 7D Video Game on a big screen with movable chairs.  We were all scared as the Zombies were jumping out at us and we had to shoot them with our guns. Chandler got first place, which isn’t surprising but Josh swears his own gun was off target.

Rushmore Cave

Momma Bear Showing Baby Bear the many colors of the cave

Cave Tour

Worlds Largest Cave Column

Colin, Carmen, Chandler, Charlie- they currently still like each other.

Rushmore Zip Line Colin and Chandler

Don't worry MOM, we got this!

Zombie Chaser 7D Video Game

Charlie totally freaked out by killer Zombies

Everyone had a Blast at Rushmore Cave

Bear Country USA
Exhausted from walking, we drove out to Bear Country USA where you take a paid, 45 minute drive through protected wildlife. We saw some beautiful creatures up close and personal.  The Bears love to mingle with people. They have no problem walking up to your car to say hello. It must be mating season… explain that to your little people.  At the end of the drive you pull up to a small zoo where there are smaller protected animals and babies.  It was a great time by all.

Bear Country USA

Rocky Mountain Goat

Bear coming over to us to say hello. I'll admit I was a little nervous.

Nap time.... on the side of the road?

I'm so bored. 

Baby Bears have the most fun. They were very entertaining. 

They aren't free to roam Bear Country just yet. 

AWE! Red Fox

Goof Ball Charlie

The Reptile Gardens 
We moved on just down the road to Reptile Gardens. It was getting late in the evening but we made it there just in time to catch the last 2 shows of the night. We watched a snake show which Josh was less than thrilled to attend. EEEKKKK! The gator show was pretty cool though. The man running the show sat on a gator and showed us how to handle one in the wild. I think he really enjoys his job. We took our time going through their large dome where they housed many snakes and other amazing reptiles. The frogs got my attention. They are a lot less intimidating but were fascinating.

Snake handler Chandler.

 Josh was shaking in his khaki's.

Croc handler Chandler.

I think he loves his job. 

Chandler taped up a baby crocs mouth so the audience could pet him. 

The boys getting up close and personal with prairie dogs. 

Colin standing next to very large tortoise. One of them is 109 years old. 

They were GINORMOUS!

Ummmm. Big Fat Bull Frog 

 The Reptile Museum South Dakota

2014 Guinness World Records Largest Reptile Zoo

The weather never did let up but the day wasn’t a wash. We had a blast! I’M A HAPPY CAMPER!!