Black Hills – Custer – S. Dakota (Part 1)

It’s early morning, and we are ready to drive Wildlife Loop. Early risers benefit from witnessing nature before the roads get congested and enjoy the birds singing and the sun rising above the hills. Buffalo herds were busy grazing on the grasses and seemed unphased by visitors. We spotted Pronghorn, which can reach speeds of 61 mph, and our favorite little guys, prairie dogs.

From the Wildlife Loop, we traveled the Iron Mountain Rd with all its pigtails (fancy name for corkscrews), tunnels, curves, and switchbacks. Driving on the pigtails felt like being on a roller coaster as we circled the road to the bottom. The wooden bridges made completely of wood gave it a rustic flavor. The second tunnel led straight to a fantastic view of Mt. Rushmore. We lingered at the scenic viewpoint to take pictures and for Mitch to use his new 360′ camera.

We continued on the Iron Mountain Road to the State Game Lodge. This was the “Summer White House” for President Calvin Coolidge and was visited by Dwight Eisenhower. I can see the appeal of spending summers in the Black Hills. Today, this lodge is home to a restaurant, hotel rooms, and venues for special occasions. The breakfast was hearty, and I especially loved the etched glass adorning the restaurant.

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