May 4, 2024 —To KOA MT Rushmore. Site 514
When Barry made our reservations, this KOA was going to be the closest campground to get to Mt. Rushmore, and Crazy Horse. Unfortunately, the road between the KOA and Mt Rushmore was currently closed with construction. The campground JUST opened on May 1 from the winter. They had a late winter snow just last week, but luckily it was gone when we arrived!
View from our KOA site with Vinny:
Barry and I made it to Mt Rushmore this afternoon. This was my 3rd or 4th visit over the years. It’s always impressive. This was Barry’s initial visit. It’s funny how when most people first see Mt Rushmore, they are excited but then later say, “It was smaller than I expected.” Why is that?
This monument was meant to be seen from a distance. Unfortunately, most pictures we see are zoomed in allowing us to see more details of the four faces. Those details are not that visible via the naked eye from the Grand View Terrace. Standing on the terrace we were 0.13 mile-0.2 mile away from the carving. The noses are about 20 ft in length, and the heads are all about 60 ft high. Regardless, it is truly a symbol of American pride, and a must-see and experience in person.
The entire National Monument area is so well done! The public is welcomed to the monument by a beautiful, raised granite entry that leads you to The Avenue of Flags. Being from Washington state, I thought it was cool how the Washington state flag was right below President Washington!
There is a huge gift shop, an ice cream shop, and a cafe on this main level, which we checked out later. But off to the left was the entrance for the Presidential Trail Loop. Barry and I walked the Presidential Trail, which I had never done previously. It was 0.6 miles with 422 stairs. The different viewing angles of the four presidents were cool throughout the trail. Sometimes you only saw one or two of the presidents. Want to see up President Jefferson’s nose? Or President Washington’s nose?
Admiring the beauty of nature along the trail:
Also along the trail:
The monument has a large amphitheatre. Today there was a military group using it for a ceremony.
We visited the gift shop and got a bite to eat in the cafe to kill time as we waited for dusk and the lighting of Mt. Rushmore.
The lighting was so worth staying to see! This was another first for me.
Today was special for both of us. We are so blessed to be living this life together!
By the way, parking was only $5 (for seniors) and is good for an unlimited number of visits for one full year! There is no charge to enter the actual area of the Mt Rushmore monument.
Tomorrow we go to CRAZY HORSE!!!
What great photos…thanks so much for sharing your journey!! 😁