July 17,2008 Mt.Rushmore and Needles Highway

We decided today to take the Needles Highway and go to Mt Rushmore. The Needles Highway is a 14 mile spectacular drive through rugged granite mountains,tunnels,mile high views and hairpin turns. Here's picturesque Sylvan Lake.
Our next stop will be Mt Rushmore. The first place to come to is the orientation desk where you can get a hand-held audio tour.You can stroll up the Avenue of the Flags and take a photo of the Presidents in the background.
In the Visitor's Center they have a 13 minute film on the memorial and the President's.Make sure you see the film. They also have the President's trail which gives you close up views of the faces.
Along the trail is Borglum's studio and we ran into a couple of Mt. Goats. What a nice surprise.
They have a evening program with a lighting ceremony at 9p.m. but we didn't return as it was about 6 when we left. I'm sure it's nice but we were tired.Ithink we will relax the next few days.