Discovering a Rich Heritage at Mount Rushmore – A Binoy Nazareth Adventure

1. Discovering a
Rich Heritage at
Mount Rushmore

2. Charismatic. Colossal. Cultural.
Following footprints in the sands of time with legends echoing around the Wild
West, I traversed the path of an intrepid traveler through the much-trodden trail
to Mount Rushmore. I love adventure and as an ardent adventurer, I indulged in
a sojourn in South Dakota, the land where famous pioneers, the aura of pre-
historic beasts and the heart of the heritage of American Indian tribes surrounds
visitors.
With the sun, filtering through the ponderosa pine, cottonwood, oak and other
coniferous trees, I discovered a breath-taking view of the magnificent sculptures
of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore
Roosevelt carved into the granite surface of Mount Rushmore. While the ranges
of the Black Hills of South Dakota provide a startling yet appealing sight, the
1700s sculptures reveal the work of Gutzon Borglum and his son, Lincoln
Borglum. The memorial park evolves over 1,278.45 acres and is 5,725 feet
(1,745 m) above sea level.
These four prominent Presidents of the United States of America were chosen as
they had created the most important events in the history of the United
States. The concept of the sculptures can be attributed to the South Dakota
historian Doane Robinson so that tourism would be promoted with the
mountain being renamed after Charles E. Rushmore, a famous New York lawyer.

3. Experiencing the Wonder of South Dakota
Walking through trails to
experience the massive park in
South Dakota, I absorbed the scenic
surroundings with wildflowers and
Ponderosa pines. Sightings of
wildlife are thrilling and as one
ventures on a trek, squirrels,
marmots, rabbits, mountain goats,
chipmunks, deer, mammals,
amphibians and birds can be seen
at various locations.

4. With something for everyone at Mount
Rushmore, I took in the sights and
sounds at the Presidential Trail and the
Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center &
Museum. The amenities include Mount
Rushmore Audio Tour, the
Amphitheater, the Sculptor’s Studio
and the Youth Exploration Area. Some
of the tourist attractions include the
Memorial Ice Cream Shop, the Mount
Rushmore Bookstores, the Carvers
Café, the Gift Shop and the Memorial
Ice Cream Shop. My love for adventure
and the penchant to try out new things
took me through exciting chairlifts,
wheeled sleds and the Aerial
Adventure Park as the latest addition
to Rushmore Tramway Adventures with
its pulsating courses.

5. Traveling on a Delicious South Dakota Sojourn
My true-blue adventurer spirit, the
secret to a traveler’s charisma set off
to explore the delectable side of life as
I traveled on a chairlift ride to indulge
the senses at an ultimate al fresco
experience. The Mountaintop Grille
offers scenic views of Mount
Rushmore and displays gorgeous views
with flowers and waterfalls. Relaxing in
a congenial ambience, I savored
mouth-watering nachos, burgers &
brats accompanied by an ice-cold beer.
South Dakota specialties include
gumbo, steaks, Italian cuisine, seafood,
pizzas, muffins, Cornish pasties, jerky,
roasts, tacos and many more delicious
dishes. I added to my repertoire of
experiences by visiting casual and fine
dining eateries, chuckwagon supper
and dinner shows, cafes, supper clubs
and restaurants that inundate the
South Dakota region.

6. Delving into the American Indian heritage to treasure a memorable culture, I
took a piece of the Black Hills and Badlands experience back as a keepsake
as I browsed through the souvenir and gift shops that showcase original
Western art, Sioux beadwork, pottery, leather, star quilts, gold jewelry and
innumerable memorabilia.
Traveling through the prairies, I visited the American Indian communities
whose heritage, art and craft still vibrate through South Dakota. Known as
the land of the Nakota, Dakota and Lakota, there are nine Native American
tribes who live in South Dakota. I enjoyed and experienced their awesome
hospitality and admired their incredible art.
With adventure all the way, I filled my South Dakota experience with non-
stop entertainment that evolves over hiking, rock climbing, fishing, hunting,
camping and visiting museums. As a perfect way to an adventurer’s heart,
the state offers visits to dig sites to discover evidence of prehistoric humans
and animals. In addition to outdoor recreation, amusement & theme parks,
information and learning centers, I celebrated my action-packed trip to
Mount Rushmore with sightings of burros, wild mustangs, herds of buffalo
and the largest collection of reptiles in the world
Exploring the South Dakota Heritage and Culture

7. With the spirit of freedom and the love of the great outdoors, I treasured
my experience at Mount Rushmore as an inspiring and memorable
adventure.
Celebrating the
Spirit of
Freedom and
Inspiration at
Mount
Rushmore