Rapid City Area

Leaving Theodore Roosevelt National Park, we headed south and stopped at Belle Fourche for several nights, parking at the Moose Lodge. While there we found out it is considered to be the geological center of the US, including Alaska. They have lots of info and a placque at the visitor center, but the actual survey marker is about 15 miles north of town in a field which is private property.

 

Here I am standing on the marker at the visitor center, where I supposed to be standing in the center of the U.S.

We also took a day trip over to Devil's Tower. It was just as spectacular as all the pictures ever showed.

Here are some climbers on the side of Devil's Tower.

On our way to Devil's Tower we came across an old mining town. This is the original general store which is over 100 years old. It is now the post office, the liquor store and still a general store.

And of course we had to stop in Deadwood while in the area. And if you are in Deadwood you have to go to Saloon No. 10 where Wild Bill Hickock was killed. Here I am standing with him before he reenaced his death.

We also visited some mined in Lead (pronounced Leed), and moved down to a National Forest Campground called Alkali campground, outside Sturgis. From there we visited Fort Meade. It is still an active Army Guard base, but was originally a cavalry base. It still has lots of original buildings. We didn't get to go in the museum as it was closed because of school field trips.