Staff Spotlight: Mount Rushmore

One of the biggest destination's on my grandmother's bucket list has always been to see Mount Rushmore in person, so this year we decided to let her check this off her list (and mine!) and finally make a trip up to South Dakota. I also wanted to see this destination however I was not prepared for how gorgeous the surrounding area would be. I expected it to be similar to the Midwest - flat farmlands with just one random mountain for the monument. As we started the 14-hour drive my perception quickly changed because it was absolutely breathtaking! On our itinerary we visited Badlands National Park, Devils Tower in Wyoming, Spearfish Canyon, Black Hills National Forest and Mount Rushmore. 

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​While making our drive from St. Louis to Wyoming to first see Devils Tower, we did a side detour through Badlands National Park. We noticed signs on the side of the highway for a 30-minute scenic drive that loops back to the highway so we decided, why not? I'm so glad we decided to do this because it was one of the most gorgeous areas I've ever seen. I've never been to the Grand Canyon before, but based on pictures I've seen this seemed like a mini version of it in areas. There were multiple spots that you could pull over for scenic views both high and low, so naturally we went picture crazy. 
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With my family at Badlands National Park

Brian loved climbing on the rock formations

The colors on the formations were beautiful!

Once we finished our drive through the National Park we headed up to Wyoming to see the first ever National monument Devils Tower (as seen in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"). It was such a unique thing to see in person. The surrounding landscapes were large rolling hills with a few small mountains and then all of a sudden there's this tall figure! We took the drive up to the top and then walked around the base of the Tower. Experienced rock climbers are able to climb up to the top but that was a hard pass for me!  
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We loved seeing wildlife near the base of Devils Tower!

On our second day we drove through several areas before making our way to Mount Rushmore. We took the scenic route to Keystone (where Mount Rushmore is located) and we started north and made our way south thru Spearfish Canyon and Black Hills National Forest. Even though it adds about an hour and a half on to your commute it's absolutely worth it! While driving through this area I felt like I was in Colorado with the winding roads, tall pine trees and rapid rivers off to the side of the road. One of the most breathtaking parts was seeing Bridal Veil Falls just right off the side of the road. We pulled over for  a quick photo op and to take in its beauty. 

Oh, did I mention I did this trip 5 months pregnant?

A small rapid running through Black Hills National Forest

My husband climbed down to get to the base of Bridal Veil Falls

A gorgeous lake in Black Hills National Forest

When we finally reached the small tourist town of Keystone we decided to go for a unique lunch opportunity instead of just dining in a regular restaurant. Instead we went to Rushmore Tramway Adventures and took a chairlift to Mountaintop Grill for a scenic view of Mount Rushmore! I was terrified to be on the chairlift on the way up and down, but it was totally worth it to have a view of Mount Rushmore for a simple lunch of burgers, fries and sodas. 
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Taking the chairlift up to Mountaintop Grill

Looking down on Keystone

#LunchViews

My face is next in line!

Extremely anxious to get down with my mom and grandma.

With a full belly and being very thankful to be on flat land we finally made our way to our final destination - Mount Rushmore! It seemed so surreal to stand at the base and look up and this incredible piece of artwork. I couldn't help but just stare at it and think "wow!". It also was a great feeling to know my grandmother was finally able to check this off her list and to share the moment with my family. 
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Mount Rushmore! Pictures just don't do it justice.

Proud to be standing here with my grandmother.

This is a great summer getaway trip for families that I highly recommend. Be sure you don't fly because the drive is half the fun and this trip should be on everyone's bucket list. Head out West and start exploring!

To book your trip to Mount Rushmore, contact Brentwood Travel at 314-439-5700!

Can you spot the Missouri flag?