March 26, 2024
The next portion of our travels took us on a historical adventure through the heart of America, where the wild west, monumental achievements, and landscapes that speak volumes of the past collide. Our stops at Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, and the Badlands allowed us to have a look into the history, beautiful sights, and discuss the complexity of the United States. Each location, with its own story, left an impression, especially for my daughter, Laina.
Deadwood truly lives up to its wild west roots, complete with bars, gambling, and a quirky charm that's hard to find anywhere else. The highlight for Laina were the historical reenactments that brought the town's history back to life. Witnessing the tales of Wild Bill Hickok, from his life stories to the reenactment of his murder, sparked in her interest in the wild west and its characters. It was like walking through a living museum, where every corner held a story.
As fans of National Treasure (no judgment, please!), the anticipation to see Mount Rushmore was high. Laina spent the morning researching the four presidents, culminating in a deep dive into Abraham Lincoln's influence. While you might think an hour is enough to spend here, the path closer to the monument and Laina's awe at the craftsmanship made every second worth it. Watching her at the monument and learn to use my camera made our visit that much better, making Mount Rushmore not just a stop on the trip but a place to experience.
Without prior knowledge of the Badlands, we relied on Earth Trekkers to guide our exploration. The Notch Trail Hike felt like stepping onto another planet, with its exciting terrain and stunning views. Driving the loop at sunset was a must, although our misadventure led us to an unexpected yet enlightening stop at The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. This detour offered an educational insight into the Cold War, challenging Laina to discuss the complexities of U.S. history and its implications for the future.
The White River Holiday KOA was our home away from home, providing the perfect respite with amenities like a dog park, movie nights, and a handy grocery store. It was an a comfortable landing place in the midst of our educational journey, allowing us time to reflect and relax.
Our drive from the Badlands to Denver took us past Wounded Knee, a site of profound historical significance. Standing there, taking a moment of silence, was an experience, driving home the importance of remembering and learning from our past. It was a poignant reminder of the heavy history that shapes the land we explore.
This part of our trip was lesson in history, culture, and the indomitable spirit of America for not only my daughter, but for myself as well. Through the eyes of Laina, I was reminded of the importance in understanding our history,
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