Discovering America's Best Idea: A Journey Through 63 National Parks

Badlands National Park

After just returning to work from summer break, a few weeks later, my mom and I seized the opportunity to travel during the long holiday weekend. My tradition of planning trips around school breaks led us to book a round trip ticket to Rapid City, South Dakota. But, in typical Newark fashion, our departure was delayed, and with a connecting flight in Denver, navigating distant gates was the new challenge.

I sprinted while urging my mom to walk, during my dash I flagged down an airport cart driver and describing my mom's need for a lift. Gasping for breath, I watched the cart whizz past me with my mom aboard and her waving to me as I was running, both of us laughing in relief as we barely made it onto the plane, the last two passengers. Finally settled in, we could unwind without the weight of stress upon us.

The next morning, Mount Rushmore was the first stop, a colossal monument in the Black Hills, that features the impressive faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln carved into the granite mountainside. The towering granite heads of four Presidents emerged gradually, triggering screams of joy as we finally arrived. To see this artwork carved into the mountain's side in real-time was mind blowing. During the Great Depression, Black Hills miners and settlers carved most of the mountain using dynamite. It took 14 years and a workforce of 400 men using dynamite, jackhammers, and hand tools to sculpt the four 60-foot faces of American presidents on the mountain.

That same day inside the visitor center, one of the original crew members was there signing books. Wanting a picture with him, we had to purchase a book, I wasn't interested in the book so I devised a sneaky plan—I told my mom where to stand to take a picture while I photo-bombed from the other side. The resulting giggles filled our car as we continued our journey.

We visited the amazing Crazy Horse Memorial, a place that celebrates Native American pride and history, honoring a leader named Crazy Horse. It shows how they resisted and respected their culture. Work on the Crazy Horse Memorial began in 1948, and the sculptor initially estimated its completion within 30 years. However, by 2022, there wasn't a set finish date. The goal was to finish specific parts—like the hand, arm, shoulder, hair, and the top of the horse's head—by 2037. Because Crazy Horse doesn't rely on government funds, the progress depends on available resources and funding, slowing down the work at times.

During our visit, we learned that the bi-annual Crazy Horse Volksmarch, where visitors hike out onto the arm of Crazy Horse, was happening, but we chose to watch the Buffalo Roundup at Custer State Park. Imagine Times Square on New Year's Eve, but replace the ball drop with approximately 1,300 thundering buffalo charging and stampeding guided by cowboys and cowgirls. The powerful sound of the thunderous galloping and the collective movement of a large herd of buffalo was intense. The buzz and thrill in the crowd were unbelievable—it was an unforgettable experience! This event isn't just a spectacle, it's crucial for the buffalo's well-being.

Continuing our journey, our sweet tooth led us to Chubby Chipmunk Hand-Dipped Chocolate Shop in Deadwood. Their rich, handcrafted chocolates, truffles, caramel, and toffee were out of this world! It was a taste sensation I'd never experienced before. The treats were so incredible that even now, we order these delightful chocolates online!

Our next stop was Devils Tower, a remarkable natural wonder in Wyoming, with great significance to Native American tribes. According to legend, it came to be when the Great Spirit raised a rock to shield girls from a bear. Those distinct columns we see today are believed to be imprints left by the bear's claws. Surprisingly, I discovered that adventurous souls can actually rock climb this colossal 867 feet tall landmark.

On our way back to The Battle Creek Lodge, a great place to stay in Keystone, we made an unplanned but enjoyable stop at the Geographic Center of the Nation Monument in Belle Fourche. This place marks the geographic midpoint of the United States—a unique and fascinating spot to explore! Standing here, you can proudly claim that you've been at the very center of the country.