Black Hills, SD: Mount Rushmore & Custer State Park (June 28, 2024)

I have embarked on what I hope will be a 4 month, 17,000 mile motorcycle ride through the US and parts of Mexico and Canada to visit family and friends and to benefit Children International.  Please consider supporting me – learn more here Will's Charity Ride for Children International - PledgeIt

Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is a monumental granite sculpture featuring the faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Conceived by historian Doane Robinson in the early 1920s to promote tourism, the project was brought to life by sculptor Gutzon Borglum. Borglum began work on the monument in 1927, with the vision of creating a symbol of American history and ideals. 

The carving took 14 years to complete, involving over 400 workers who used dynamite and precision tools to shape the 60-foot-high faces. Despite challenges including funding shortages and Borglum's death in 1941, the project was finished later that year under the direction of his son, Lincoln Borglum.

The selection of the four presidents was intended to represent key themes in American history: the birth of the nation (Washington), the expansion of the country (Jefferson), the development of the United States (Roosevelt), and the preservation of the union (Lincoln). Mount Rushmore has since become an iconic American landmark, drawing millions of visitors annually. 

However, the monument is not without controversy. It is located on land sacred to the Lakota Sioux, who consider the Black Hills stolen territory, and there have been ongoing disputes regarding its significance and the U.S. government's historical treatment of Native American lands and peoples. Despite these controversies, Mount Rushmore remains a powerful symbol of American heritage and presidential legacy.

Custer State Park

Custer State Park, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is a gem of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Spanning over 71,000 acres, the park offers a stunning array of landscapes, from towering granite peaks and rolling plains to lush forests and sparkling lakes. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to the scenic Needles Highway, a 14-mile drive that winds through narrow tunnels and past towering rock formations, offering breathtaking views at every turn.

One of the park's most iconic features is its free-roaming buffalo herds. Approximately 1,300 buffalo, or American bison, call Custer State Park home, making it one of the largest publicly owned herds in the world. These majestic creatures can often be seen grazing in the park's meadows or crossing the roads, providing visitors with an up-close encounter with one of North America's most iconic animals. The annual Buffalo Roundup, held each fall, is a highlight for many visitors, where cowboys and park staff gather the herd for health checks and culling, ensuring the population remains healthy and sustainable.

The history of the buffalo in Custer State Park is a testament to conservation efforts. By the late 19th century, the American bison was nearly driven to extinction due to overhunting and habitat loss. In the early 1900s, efforts to reintroduce and protect the species began in earnest. The herd at Custer State Park started with just 36 animals, and through careful management and protection, it has grown to its current size. This successful conservation story is a key draw for visitors and an important educational aspect of the park's mission.

 

Beyond the buffalo, Custer State Park is a sanctuary for a variety of other wildlife, including elk, pronghorn antelope, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. Birdwatchers can also delight in the diverse avian population, with species ranging from bald eagles to wild turkeys. The park's diverse ecosystems support a rich tapestry of plant and animal life, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts. Whether driving the Wildlife Loop Road or exploring one of the park's many trails, visitors to Custer State Park are sure to experience the wonder and beauty of the American wilderness.