After a few long days of driving, what a great place to take a break from driving – exploring the Black Hills of South Dakota.  Before I share a little about my adventure, I have to extend my sincere gratitude to my gracious host and longtime friend, Bobby Stevens.  Born and raised on his family homestead, it is refreshing to see his love for his family and this land.

The Black Hills National Forest lies in the southwest corner of South Dakota, just west of Badlands National Park.  I basically camped in the center of the Black Hills (Edgemont, SD – Bobby’s hometown) – it had a real cute campground.  Edgemont Campground is a small no frills but full hook-ups and clean bathrooms.  Some may be bothered by the trains that run 24/7, right next to the campground, but after a few hours I barely noticed.

The name Black Hills comes from the Lakota words Paha Sapa (hills that are black). Seen from a distance, these pine-covered hills, rising several thousand feet above the surrounding prairie, appear black. – National Forest Service.  I completely understand why someone would fall in love with the Black Hills, so peaceful and incredible landscapes.  The adventure started will a hike to Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak), which started at Sylvan Lake.  I learned later that all of the lakes in the area are man-made, an incredible addition to the beautiful scenery.  I will let the pictures speak for themselves: 

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The next stop was Mount Rushmore.  Who can’t stop at Mount Rushmore when in the area?  There was a lot of construction going on around the base of the monument, but you can’t help being awed by this engineering marvel.  Completed in 1941, the monument consists of 60 ft. sculptures of four United States’ Presidents – can you name them???  A must-see.

Up next was the hunt for buffalo.  The buffalo is a symbol of self-sacrifice; it gives until there is nothing left. This was imitated by the people in their lives.  To be generous and give what you have to others in need, or to honor them, is one of the most highly respected ways of behaving. –Ron Zeilinger.

At one time, there were millions of buffalo (bison) that roamed the planes of South Dakota and the Black Hills.  By 1900, it is estimated that there were fewer than 1,000 left on the entire continent.  That all changed when the founding father of Custer State Park, Peter Norbeck, facilitated the purchase of 36 bison to start the park’s own herd in 1914.  By 1940, the number had grown to over 2,500.  

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Today there are miles of roads zig-zagging through the area for visitors to not only enjoy an up-close view of the buffalo but also the other wildlife in that area, such as burros; antelope, prairie dogs; elk; and mountain lions, to name a few.

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The visit to the Black Hills was capped off by a view from above thanks to Black Hills Ariel Adventure. A 35-minute journey that covers Sylvan Lake, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument (still under construction) and Needles Highway.  There is no better way to take in the beauty of the Southern Black Hills and get a grasp of the grandeur of this vast, rich area.

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Needless to say, I love the Southern Black Hills; but it is time to head north again.  I am sure I will be back, if for no other reason than to venture into the Badlands National Park.  Until then, make sure you take care of yourself and do fun shit always.

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“Love your life. Take pictures of everything.  Tell people you love them. Talk to random strangers.  Do things that you’re scared to do, because so many of us die and no one remembers the thing we did.  Take your life and make it the best story in the world.”
Unknown.