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Story Telling in Stone

The Black Hills is known for human attempts to create stunning scenery. This is sometimes called Story Telling in Stone, and in the Black Hills, it is on a Grand Scale. Most people consider these attempts to be quite successful.

The impact on the mind of three tunnels framing Mt. Rushmore (left) when traveling Iron Mountain Road is generally disbelief.

The largest completed sculpture in the United States is here, Mt Rushmore.

Mt. Rushmore is already dwarfed by the Crazy Horse Monument (right). All of Mt. Rushmore would fit in the head of Crazy Horse.

1880 Steam Train

An old steam train gives an introduction to the stunning scenery of the Black Hills. The 1880 Train (left) runs from Hill City to Keystone.

At times the engines are double-headed with a string of passenger cars. Most of the time there is one engine (left)

The compound articulated engine at right is really two steam engines in one.

Michelson Trail

Another old railroad, eventually a part of the Burlington Northern, was important to the Black Hills during the mining hey-day.

The Michelson Trail follows this old historic railroad line for over 100 miles. With its limited grades, it is good for walking or a family bicycle trip. There is a fee that can be paid at the official trail heads or the Custer Chamber of Commerce. You will find fantastic scenery (right) and old tunnels (left) plus get insights into the Black Hills, such as small scale mining that is still in operation.

The Centennial Trail is another good walking trail.

Spearfish Canyon

Do you like waterfalls and rock formations in a deep canyon?

There is good hiking in this area, and very scenic driving on main and back roads.

Spearfish Falls (left top or see Spearfish Falls movie) and Bridal Veil Falls (left lower see Bridal Veil Falls movie) are on or near the main road.

More Coming

Wyoming Side of the Black Hills

The Black Hills extend into Wyoming.

Grand Canyon Road has many interesting sites, including an unpublicized natural bridge (left).

Devil's Tower National Monument (right is at the edge of the Black Hills. More on Devil's Tower at a later time.