Mountain Goats At Mount Rushmore

Above, Mount Rushmore National Memorial last summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last summer, one of the stops during the vacation trip by Mitch Geriminsky and me was at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. 

It was my second visit there and Mitch's first. 

The official Mt. Rushmore National Memorial Facebook page posted the following bit of trivia:

Of the approximately 2.5 million visitors who come to Mount Rushmore National Memorial each year, the only ones able to move freely across the sculpture, including the carved faces, are the mountain goats.

Mountain goats can navigate the steep rock surfaces of Rushmore thanks to the structure of their hooves, which provide stability on sharp angles. Their hoof pads increase traction, and their cloven hooves help distribute their grip across uneven rock. They also have dewclaws on the back of their feet that help prevent slipping when climbing slopes reaching about 60 degrees.

Spotting mountain goats at Mount Rushmore or elsewhere in the Black Hills is relatively uncommon. The current population traces back to six goats that escaped from the Custer State Park Zoo in the 1920s. After moving into the Black Elk Peak area, their numbers gradually increased. There is now a healthy population in Spearfish Canyon as well. 

NPS Photo

I remember seeing mountain goats along the road to Mount Rushmore during our 1990 visit. We didn't see any last year. 

15 Unforgettable Places To Celebrate America's 250th Birthday

Above, Mount Rushmore National Memorial last summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Fifty years ago, the nation celebrated its bicentennial. It hardly seems that long ago. My parents and I joint an aunt, uncle and cousins in Las Vegas during the bicentennial weekend.

This year, the nation is celebrating its 250th birthday (or semiquincentennial) on July 4.

USA Today posted an article of fifteen stunning US destinations "that capture the spirit of America." I have visited some of them over the years. 

They begin it with:

America is turning 250, but some of its greatest treasures don't sit behind museum glass. Actually, some of them do. But the awe-inspiring scenes that take your breath away and remind you of the beauty of our nation are hidden along winding roads, tucked into mountain valleys, perched atop sea cliffs and preserved in places that tell the story of who we are.

From a castle built by a Sherlock Holmes actor in Connecticut to lava fields in Idaho that helped train astronauts, these destinations showcase the beauty, ingenuity and delightful weirdness that make the United States unique.

To celebrate the nation's semiquincentennial, the USA TODAY Network rounded up 15 places that capture the spirit of America, in hopes that it inspires travelers to see our land, one unforgettable view, roadside attraction, historic landmark and natural wonder at a time.

To read more, go here. 

Mount Rushmore Fireworks Tickets Come With A Catch

Above, Mount Rushmore last July. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After a five-year absence, fireworks are returning this coming July for the 250th anniversary of the American independence. 

The fireworks show will take place on July 3. Attending the show comes with a catch, according to an article in RV Travel.

They begin with:

Fireworks will once again light the sky above Mount Rushmore National Memorial in 2026. It’s part of a national celebration marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. But RV travelers hoping to see the show should plan early—and expect tight access.

The National Park Service announced that a large Independence Day celebration and fireworks display will take place on July 3, 2026, at the iconic Black Hills landmark.

Visitors must obtain tickets through a public lottery. 

To read more, go here. 

Fireworks Returning To Mount Rushmore

Above, Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For some odd reason, fireworks at Mount Rushmore National Memorial wasn't allowed during the Biden years.

However, now that Donald Trump is back in the White House, fireworks will be allowed at the Memorial this year as the nation celebrates 250 years.

The National Park Service posted:

WASHINGTON – The National Park Service today announced fireworks will again illuminate the sky above Mount Rushmore National Memorial on July 3, 2026, to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary. Public tickets for the event will be available through a lottery on Recreation.gov from April 8–12.  

After a five-year absence, the return of fireworks to this iconic national memorial reflects President Donald J. Trump’s vision of a “grand celebration worthy of the momentous occasion of the 250th anniversary of American Independence.” 

“In partnership with the State of South Dakota, we are excited to reinstate a spectacular fireworks show as the highlight of Mount Rushmore’s Independence Day commemoration,” said Dr. Jenifer Chatfield, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. “We invite the public to enjoy the show and reflect on our nation’s remarkable journey and the great patriotic leaders who established, preserved and expanded our country’s destiny.”   

To read more, go here. 

A Quick Visit To Mount Rushmore

Above, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following our visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial, we took a short drive to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. 

Parking and other structures have been built at the Memorial since my last visit there in 1990. It was also crowded with people. 

The Memorial itself was free, but there was a $10 general parking fee and $5 for seniors. Parking for RVs are available.

We paid a short visit as friend Mitch Geriminsky was having altitude and knee pain issues. But we did manage to see the monument and take some pictures.

Travel Photos

Above, at Mustang Sally's in Deadwood, South Dakota. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

 A little while ago, I uploaded the photos from the Wyoming-South Dakota trip from my Canon camera.

There's about 158 of them. I'll be post some over the next few days.

In the meantime, here's some from the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and Mount Rushmore:

Now In South Dakota

Above, at Devils Tower KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After watching Close Encounters of the Third Kind the night before, we made it into South Dakota yesterday. The Devils Tower KOA screens the movie nightly, with Devils Tower in the background. Before hitting the road, we toured Devils Tower National Monument. 

Above, viewing Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As our campsite wouldn't be ready until 3:00, we decided to go see the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore.

I had been to both before (back in 1990), but the Crazy Horse Memorial now looks nothing like it did back then. At least now, the face and arm of Crazy Horse are now visible. 

Above, Crazy Horse Memorial yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was pretty crowded at Mount Rushmore and we were there long enough to take some photos from the main walkway. 

We then headed back to Deadwood. We had dinner there and stopped off at a cigar shop before heading to the campground to check in.

Above, Mount Rushmore. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After checking in, we heard rain on the roof of the RV. Good thing we got in when we did.

One nice thing, Deadwood has a trolley service and the campground is one of its stops. We'll be touring around historic Deadwood and take a drive over to Sturgis. 

Above, Devils Tower during our tour of the park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tomorrow, we'll be heading back to New Mexico.  

A little factoid: The KOA sits on the site of the set where the keyboard and lights were when the mother ship landed and the aliens released the abuctees.

Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Kicked A Hornets Nest

Above, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream may be good ice cream, but I refuse to purchase any of it and never have.

The company was founded by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield in a Vermont garage in 1978. They are noted leftists not without past controversy, which is why I never bought any.

They are taking a lot of heat for posting the following on Independence Day:

Ah, the Fourth of July. Who doesn't love a good parade, some tasty barbecue, and a stirring fireworks display? The only problem with all that, though, is that it can distract from an essential truth about this nation’s birth: The US was founded on stolen Indigenous land. 

This year, let’s commit to returning it. 

Here’s why we need to start with Mount Rushmore.

That certainly is a provocative statement if there ever was one. They want to "return" Mount Rushmore to the Indians.

It should be pointed out that Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream company isn't suddenly "woke" since they've always been leftists. That's probably the nicest thing to say about them. At least they're consistent.

Gov. Kristi Noem hit back. To read her response, go here.

A Vermont Native American chief says that Ben & Jerry's Vermont headquarters is on indigenous land. To read about that, go here.

Mount Rushmore, An RVer Draw

Above, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 1990, the family took a vacation trip that included Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Devil's Tower, Deadwood, South Dakota and Mount Rushmore. That was a memorable trip. We stayed at a KOA Kampground near Mount Rushmore in a pop-up camping trailer.

Travel Resorts of America reviews why Mount Rushmore is such a draw for RVers, according to an article by OCNJ Daily.

They begin with:

Travel Resorts of America is a private camping resort with locations scattered throughout the United States. In the following article, Travel Resorts of America reviews why Mount Rushmore has become a popular destination for summer vacations.

Mount Rushmore, the South-Dakota-based cliff face carving depicting George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, is a true sight to behold. Photographs simply do not do it justice. The area oozes American history from every vertex, with the destination being extremely popular for kids and adults alike.

From stunning views to patriotic feelings to great facilities for campervans, Mount Rushmore is on many RV drivers’ bucket lists.

To read more, go here.

Target Backing Org That Wants Mt. Rushmore Closed

The Target Corporation is backing a far-left group that advocates demilitarizing the U.S. military and closing Mount Rushmore, as a "symbol of white supremacy".

Fox News reported:

FOX NEWS INVESTIGATES – Since the George Floyd protests and riots of 2020, Target Corporation said it ramped up its diversity, equity and inclusion work. This agenda extended far beyond enhancing representation and support of historically marginalized groups externally and in its stores, and dipped into funding organizations with far-left and blatantly political agendas.

Target's "accelerated" its DEI program in response to Black Lives Matter activism under the leadership of its diversity chief – Kiera Fernandez. The chief has demanded that "White women" get to work to combat the proclaimed systemic racism in America. 

Fox News Digital found that Target, via its nonprofit foundation, which has been directed by the retail giant's senior corporate treasurers, funded a grantee pushing to shut down and give away U.S. sovereign land such as Mount Rushmore – believing it to be an "international symbol of White supremacy" and to demilitarize the "violent" U.S. military. The same grantee also supports the destruction of Israel's Jewish character through what is called the Palestinian "Law of Return" and implementing economic warfare tactics against the Jewish State, such as boycotts and sanctions, to "Free Palestine." 

 To read more, go here.

South Dakota Family Vacation

Above, Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before gasoline prices jumped into the stratosphere, I was planning a summer vacation trip this year to eastern Wyoming and the Black Hills region of South Dakota. I was last there in 1990.

So, I have decided to vacation this summer a lot closer to home.

But, there are those out there who are undaunted by high fuel prices and plan to go to South Dakota anyway.

Country Living Magazine has posted an article on eight reasons to book a family trip to South Dakota.

The begin it with:

If it's natural beauty you're after, South Dakota will spoil you. From the Black Hills' rocky spires to the flowing waters of the mighty Missouri River glacial lakes of the east, this state is a nature lover's dream.

But it's not all hiking and fishing. You'll find family-friendly museums and historic sites in this sprawling Plains state. Whether you're traveling with small tots, school-age children, or teens, there's a South Dakota vacation for your crew. Find yours below.

To read more, go here. 

Gov. Kristi Noem: No Fireworks At Mt. Rushmore "Part of Radical Left's Agenda"

Above, Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A federal judge decided not to overturn the Biden Administration's ban on Independence Day fireworks at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

The decision will be appealed, according to South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem.

According to Fox News:

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem vowed on "Fox & Friends" Thursday to appeal a court ruling that upheld the Biden administration’s decision to cancel a Fourth of July fireworks show at Mount Rushmore.

"The decision was really arbitrary, that's why we’ll be appealing this decision, and the fight isn't over," Noem said. "This is part of the radical left's agenda. They don't want to celebrate America or our freedoms. They're pushing critical race theory. They're pushing the 1619 Project. And this is just another one of those battles to erase our true, honest and patriotic history in this country."

Fireworks were reintroduced at the federal landmark for the first time since 2009 last year under Donald Trump, but the National Park Service (NPS) denied Noem’s permit request earlier this year, citing health reasons relating to coronavirus, wildfire risks, environmental concerns, and ongoing construction at the national monument, which is not set to be concluded by the Fourth of July.  

I attended a Mount Rushmore fireworks program 30 years ago and it was an inspiring and awesome spectacle.

To read more, go here. 

South Dakota Sues Biden Administration Over Denial of Mount Rushmore Fireworks

Above, Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since January 20, there's hardly been a week that the administration of His Fraudulency Joe Biden hasn't been sued.

Another lawsuit against the administration has been announced by South Dakota's governor. That lawsuit involves Independence Day fireworks at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

According to U.S. News & World Report:

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is suing the Biden administration for not allowing the state to hold an Independence Day fireworks show over Mount Rushmore.

"Mount Rushmore is the very best place to celebrate America's birthday and all that makes our country special. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration cancelled our Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration," Noem said. "So we're suing them to get the fireworks back."

The National Park Service first denied a request from South Dakota in March, stating that a fireworks show posed risks to both the park and the health and safety of its employees and visitors.

"After telling us they'd 'circle back,' the Biden Administration has not responded to our request to uphold the Memorandum of Agreement between the State of South Dakota and the National Parks Service to host a safe and responsible national celebration and fireworks show," Noem continued.

To read more, go here.

Park Service Rejects Mt. Rushmore Independence Day Fireworks

Above, Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The National Park Service threw cold water on a request by the state of South Dakota to have Independence Day fireworks at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

The Hill reported:

The National Park Service (NPS) has denied a request from the state of South Dakota to hold a fireworks display at Mount Rushmore to celebrate the Fourth of July this year. 

NPS Regional Director Herbert Frost wrote in a letter to the head of the state’s tourism department that NPS is “unable to grant a request to have fireworks at the Memorial.”

“Potential risks to the park itself and to the health and safety of employees and visitors associated with the fireworks demonstration continue to be a concern and are still being evaluated as a result of the 2020 event,” Frost wrote. “In addition, the park’s many tribal partners expressly oppose fireworks at the Memorial.”

“These factors, compiled with the COVID-19 pandemic, do not allow a safe and responsible fireworks display to be held at this site,” he added. 

To read more, go here. 

Mount Rushmore Independence Day Fireworks Called "Glorifying White Supremacy" By DNC

THE LOONEY LEFT REPORT

Just when one may think that the Democrat Party couldn't get any loonier, they come up with a new doozy.

From National Review:

In a since-deleted tweet, the Democratic National Committee accused President Trump of “holding a rally glorifying white supremacy” by attending the fireworks display at Mount Rushmore on Independence Day. 

“Trump has disrespected Native communities time and again. He’s attempted to limit their voting rights and blocked critical pandemic relief. Now he’s holding a rally glorifying white supremacy at Mount Rushmore — a region once sacred to tribal communities,” the DNC tweeted early Tuesday morning. The tweet linked to a story by The Guardian, which reported that some Native American groups are planning protests at Mount Rushmore in response to Trump’s expected attendance on July 3.

Here's the now-deleted Twitter post:

Anyone who votes for Democrats needs to have their head examined.

To read more of the National Review article, go here.

Nomadic Fanatic: Become A South Dakota Resident In 24 Hours

Above, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Many RVers are full-timers. Meaning, they are always on the road and don't have a permanent residence in a house or apartment.

However, the problem is that for mail, taxes, insurance and other essentials, a physical address is necessary.

But there's a way to get around that.

Eric Jacobs, the Nomadic Fanatic became a South Dakota resident in 24 hours. I found this to be quite interesting, although I am not interested in this for myself, but thought I would share it.

How was this done? Check out the video below for the answers.

5 Best Road Trips

Above, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota is near I-90. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Summer vacation season is six months away, but if one is retired, vacation season is a lot sooner.

Now is the time to start thinking, if you're an RVer, about where to go and what routes to take.

Do It Yourself RV has focused on five different routes across the United States and why they should be considered.

They begin with:

With so much to see across the U.S. there are endless possibilities for road trips.  These five routes are especially memorable because they pass through beautiful parks, historic sites, and attraction filled cities.

The routes are: U.S. 93, Interstate 10, Interstate 90, The Great River Road and Interstate 80.

To read more, go here.

Rubbing "Lincoln's Nose"

Above, the sculpture of Abraham Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In front of the tomb of Abraham Lincoln at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois stands a bronze sculpture of Lincoln's head.

The first thing people will notice upon approaching the sculpture is that the nose on the sculpture is shiny and clean-looking.

Why is that?

According to Roadside America:

200,000 people a year visit Lincoln's Tomb in Springfield's Oak Ridge Cemetery. Judging from the appearance of Abe's big bronze head, lots of those visitors make it a point to stop and give a rub to Lincoln's nose. 

Why? Some folks believe that rubbing the nose of any statue brings good luck -- so the nose of a person as successful as the President must be especially powerful. And how many Presidential noses are within reach of a furtive touch, let alone a vigorous buffing? Not many. Perhaps that's the reason that the tomb designers of man-of-the-people Lincoln put his sizable honker within reach of all.

For those who wish to know more:

The bronze sculpture was sculpted by none other than Gutzon Borglum, who sculpted the presidents (including Lincoln) on Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.

Above, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

VICE Magazine Tweets: Calling For Blowing Up Mt. Rushmore

Above, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We live in very strange, and dangerous, times.

The Left in this country are totally out of control. They belong in lunatic asylums.

The latest is a Tweet from the leftist rag, VICE, who calls for the blowing up of Mount Rushmore. This is right out of ISIS's playbook. Some unhinged idiot just may act on this and damage it and other national monuments.

PJ Media reported:

On the same day as a deadly incident in Barcelona that police have confirmed as a terrorist attack, a tweet published by VICE (whose website PJ Media will not link to in this post) called for blowing up Mount Rushmore.

Here's the Tweet that PJ Media copied before VICE removed it:

It is getting to the point where good citizens have to be on the alert for suspicious people who may want to do harm to our monuments and possibly cause death or injury. If I were to see someone attempt something, that person will be immediately knee-capped and their hands broken. Or worse. This is something that none of us should put up with.

Then there's a report of a Missouri state senator (a Democrat) who said she "hopes" President Trump gets assassinated. Another deranged idiot!

To see more, go here.

Autumn Bargains At Mt. Rushmore, Etc.

Above, Devil's Tower in Wyoming. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

About 27 years ago, I took the family on a vacation trip to Mount Rushmore, Devil's Tower, Crazy Horse Memorial and Yellowstone National Park. Those places were crowded, as one would expect since it was during the summer vacation season.

But, The Cross Timbers Gazette says people can wait until fall before heading off to those attractions.

They wrote:

Mt. Rushmore should be on every American’s bucket list, and judging by the crowds and prices every summer, it probably is. If you can wait till fall, though, you’ll find the crowds gone and hotel prices much more reasonable. 

My husband and I did just that, waiting until the third week in October. Yes, the Flintstone’s Village was closed as was the faux Independence Hall and some mining-themed amusement parks, but we didn’t miss them at all. The Mt. Rushmore National Memorial was open, as was the Badlands National Park, Custer State Park (including Needles Highway), and Devil’s Tower in Wyoming.

We stopped in at Flintstone's Village while in South Dakota. To me, it was "meh", but the kids loved it.

To read more, go here.