Black Hills trip report #2

The next morning we were off to the Badlands, we watched the movie and toured the center and drove through the badlands with a stop at the Fossil Exhibit trail. We wanted to see the pig dig but a rain storm the night before had closed it for the day. We also saw many prarie dogs.

We stopped at Wall Drug, personally not my cup of tea but there is alot to see and shop for if you want to spend the time. I was kinda surprised by how much they do have there. There was even a small water play area, gem stone mining, a large western oriented book store, I%26#39;m sure I didn%26#39;t even see a quarter of it because I was anxious to be on our way. My FIL bought us some still warm doughnuts, yummy. He got one free because he is a veteran.

We then went to the KOA in Hill City. My kids loved this KOA. There was a big jumping pillow that was a big hit with all three of them. Nice pools and alot more to do there. We settled in for the afternoon and then headed to the Alpine Inn for dinner.

We got to the Alpine Inn at ~4:45 and got in line. The don%26#39;t take names you just wait in line. My husband hates cattle lines and that is what it was, but a disorganized cattle line. Anyways at 5:00 a door between the bar and restaurant opens and they begin seating people. And do we get seated?????? No there was a large group, I%26#39;m guessing 50+ that had reservations and we probably missed getting a table by 10-15 people. They do take names at this point and suggest coming back in about an hour. But we chose not to wait because my 5 yo was near melt down and we wanted to go to Mount Rushmore. We found a nice restaurant down the street and ate there. I can%26#39;t remember the name but it was in an old historic building. I had a very good salad with grilled chicken. We were disappointed not to get to eat at the Alpine Inn as this was Saturday and they would not be open tomorrow. Someone said they do accept reservations for larger parties and they thought our group of seven would qualify so if you are going with a bigger group check this out.

We got to Mount Rushmore, and walked the path around the base of the monument and saw a movie, looked at displays and got seats for the lighting ceremony. We all enjoyed this but could have done without the Ranger talk, she talked about all the presidents and then followed that by movied all about the presidents, too much repetition for us. All my children really enjoyed Mt. Rushmore and listed it as one of their favorite things this vacation.

Black Hills trip report #2

Bad break missing dinner at the Alpine Inn.

We had a group in front of us last year with reservations but luckly was only around 20 people.

If you want to see a cattle line,goto Rubys,just outside of Bryce.

One thing we learned when going to dinner at the Alpine Inn,we get there about a half hour before they open...give up some valuable time but that enables us to eat and then catch the evening ceremony at Mt Rushmore.

We loved everything about the evening ceremony..