Top Solo Travel Deal-US Old West History Plus Adventure
Top Solo Travel Deal-US Old West: This was one of my personal best US trips to visit the Old West, and see historic Mt. Rushmore National Monument. If you saw the great classic film “North by Northwest”, you know that Rapid City, SD, is the nearby place to stay. I chose the Alex Johnson Hotel described below. I found Rapid City and South Dakota to be a warm, friendly destination for a solo traveler.
Mount Rushmore Overview:
Mount Rushmore is a part of the United States National Park Service with three million visitors each year. This fabled landmark is made up of immense stone sculptures of four United States Presidents carved out of tall stone cliffs. The four Presidents portrayed are: Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.
- A little-known fact: Mount Rushmore was named after Charles E. Rushmore. He was not a public figure but a young attorney. In 1884, he was working for a mining group. While spending time in the Black Hills, he was fascinated by the large granite slab. When he asked its name, the story goes that there was no name. The people with him then said it would be known as Rushmore Peak (Mountain or Rock).
- It was decades later in the 1920’s when Mount Rushmore began to become a monument to attract tourists. At that time, historian, Doane Robison, planned a sculpture that would honor explorers of the Old West such as Lewis and Clark. However, the decision was made instead to honor four great United States Presidents. The sculptor then selected was Gutzon Borglum.
- In contrast, Mr. Borglum’s prior projects included working on Stone Mountain in Georgia honoring Confederate leaders. For more on his bonds with groups such as the Ku Klux Klan, see John Taliaferro, “Great White Fathers.”
- Work on the monument lasted through the Great Depression and World War II. Jefferson’s face was one of the top challenges and had to be redone.
- Mr. Borghum’s son, Lincoln continued his father’s work after his death.
- Work finished in 1941.
Top Solo Travel Deal-US Old West: When to Go:
Summers are perfect and not that hot. There are a number of summer festivals which can be a good time to go but check to see if there are rooms still at the right price for your budget. Winter in deep snow might be a little cold and hard to get around however.
Top Solo Travel Deal-US Old West: Things to Do:
First stop, of course, go to Mt. Rushmore. It has one million visitors each year! I took a day’s bus tour. You can drive if you like but will have a parking fee. The good news is that there is no entrance fee aside from parking. Do be sure if you go alone to join a tour to learn the story of Mt. Rushmore. I was surprised to find out why there were no new Presidents carved there in stone. Our guide said it was actually because the stone was too soft not too hard!
Crazy Horse Memorial Overview:
Visit the large complex at the Crazy Horse Memorial. It is still being finished but has plenty to see for the rest of the day. (I combined a day trip with a half-day at Mt. Rushmore and a half-day at the Crazy Horse Memorial.)
- Crazy Horse or Tasunke Witco was born around 1840. He achieved great stature for his bravery during his short lifetime prior to being killed in 1877 at Fort Robinson, Nebraska.
- In 1876, Crazy Horse led the Lakotas to defeat Custer’s Seventh U.S. Cavalry battalion at the fabled Battle of the Little Bighorn also known as Custer’s Last Stand.
- The Memorial is privately funded. It became a family affair in its formative stages. In 1947, Ruth Ross arrived as a volunteer. By 1950, she and sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski had married and made the Memorial their life work. After her husband’s death in 1982, Ruth Ziolkowski and their children continued the work begun together.
- On completion, it will be the largest man-made sculpture in the world.
- The Memorial also serves as a platform for Native American artists and performers to exhibit. October 11 is Native Americans Day so check here for each year’s special events.
- During my visit, I was impressed by the wide array of jewelry craftsman on-site. (Fashionistas will be pleased to learn that you will get to both watch as jewelry is crafted and make purchases as well.)
Solo Travel Vacation Package-More Things to Do in South Dakota:
Join a barbeque family-style or a block party early evening in Rapid City.
Spend time learning about the Native American tribes and cultures on the Midwest Plain States.
Drive or join a local tour through the Black Hills.
Play a round at the Executive Golf Course.
Tour the Badlands National Park.
Have a day at the WaTiki Indoor Water Park.
Top Solo Travel Deal-US Old West: Where to Stay:
The Alex Johnson is now a part of the Hilton Curio Collection made up of historic hotels. It is set right on a main street in Rapid City a short half hour’s drive to Mount Rushmore. Guest rooms have fa flat-screen cable TV, free Wi-Fi and a robe to lounge in. Each room has kept its Old West style and decor. There is access to a spa and fitness center.
While you will enjoy the Old West flacor, there is also an authentic Irish pub on-site. You can also enjoy a hamburger or other US cuisine at lunch and dinner or your choice of drinks. The Alex Johnson also has Seattle’s Best Café for coffee and breakfast items.
If you are not on the go solo but with your “best friend”, the Alex Johnson is pet-friendly.
Airport access is easy just 9 miles via the Alex Johnson’s free shuttle.
To avoid higher lodging prices, avoid planning on heading to South Dakota during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in summer.
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