Hot Springs
We arrive in Hot Springs late in the afternoon and look for a cabin for
the night. All of them are filled up, so we look for a camp site. Evans
Heights is too steep for our heavily loaded car, and we drive down to
the Municipal Camp. After pitching camp we attempt to find out what
there is in Hot Springs to see. We find that there is much and
accordingly lay our plans for a big day.
After breakfast the first thing we do is to cross the railroad track on
foot looking for petrified moss and wood. From the stream bed we get
several particularly fine specimens of the moss. These we cache while we
go into a pasture up the slope across S. D. 79 looking for petrified
wood. Our search is soon rewarded. We find many fine specimens and
return to camp well loaded with stone. The phenomenon of the mineral
water turning vegetation into stone is a peculiar one.
We next take the twelve mile road down past the camp toward Cascade
Springs. Ten miles from Hot Springs we come upon what at one time
promised to be a fine modern city. Modern buildings were built,
including brick business buildings with glass fronts. The hope was that
“Cascade” was to be the center of medical baths instead of Hot Springs.
At the head of the would-be town is a great warm spring, or we might say
a geyser boiling out of a large hole in the ground. The water is highly
medicated. Other similar springs are in close proximity.
We take the road on through the town and two miles farther on. We pass
through a gate to the right and almost at once hear the rumble of
Cascade Falls just below us. We drive over to the brink of the hill,
dismount, and descend. A beautiful waterfall is before us. The water
falls only about eight or ten feet, but it is impressive in its speed
and volume. Vegetation of various kinds, petrified by the minerals in
the water or just in the process of petrification fills the channel
above. Moss, waving to and fro in the water is like sand when we feel of
it. It has a cool clammy mineral feeling rather than the soft sensation
we had expected to find in moss. The bank high up, is lined with
petrified moss of a coarse texture.
The whirl-pools just below the falls are deep enough for swimming but a
few feet farther down the stream is just right for wading. This warm
mineral water lives up to its reputation derived through long years as
Indian medicine. One just seems to feel that this is something that
tones him up ever so much. It reminds one of Ponce De Leon and his
Fountain of Youth. Many people are out here today.
[Illustration: Battle Mountain Sanitarium, a National Hospital.
U. S. Veterans Bureau Hospital for Disabled Soldiers and Sailors at Hot
Springs
Stevens Photo]
We decide that no prettier or more inspiring place can be found for our
lunch, so we eat in the valley beside the falls. After lunch we inspect
the aqueduct, for irrigation, I believe, that crosses just above the
falls.
But we must be on our way. Some of us who are not accustomed to it
wonder at the composition of the red soil in the Hills region. We see
crops, good crops, growing on brick red soil. We can hardly credit our
senses, but it must be true.
Back at camp we climb Catholican Hill, just above and to the south of
us. From there we get an excellent view of Fall River, Cheyenne River,
Harney Peak, The Soldiers Home, The Country Club, the city, and
surrounding country.
We drive on into Hot Springs. This is one of the larger cities of the
Hills. It is one of the most beautiful, as well. Probably the medicated
springs and the hospital service are the things for which the city is
best known. Many sick people come here to be cured.
The great Evans Plunge is a large indoor swimming pool. Into it the
water at 90 degrees Fahr. pours in great volume. The mineral content
makes it pleasant feeling and restful. Hundreds of people swim here
daily in the busy season. This is a real swim.
Next we visit Minnekahta Plunge, the old original Indian spring. We are
told that each gallon of its water contains approximately 62.55 grains
residue consisting of Sodium Sulphate 16.07, Mica 2.46, Potassium
Sulphate 16.51, Magnesium Sulphate 4.32, Calcium Sulphate 16.33, Sodium
Chloride 13.79. Iron Sesqui oxide Trace.
The temperature is 96 degrees Fahr. This plunge is used as a medical
plunge, largely, with tub service as well as the swimming pool. There is
a hotel in connection with the baths.
[Illustration: S. D. State Soldier’s Home
Stevens]
[Illustration: Battle Mountain Sanitarium, a National Hospital For
Disabled Soldiers and Sailors, at Hot Springs
Stevens Photo]
[Illustration: Cascade Falls, near Hot Springs, S.D.
Stevens Photo]
We spend another night in Hot Springs and leave early the next morning
for Wind Cave over S. D. 85. We arrive just in time for the first trip
through, register, pay our fee, and start.
Wind Cave is a series of passages under ground formed by the erosive
action of water. Not all of the passages have been explored, but three
main routes are well marked. Above the ground there is no indication of
a cave, nothing but a low broad hill. There is a souvenir shop and
refreshment place above the entrance, and government buildings across
the road. The cave is a part of the Wind Cave National Park, owned and
operated by the United States Government.
[Illustration: Wind Cave National Park, Hot Springs, S.D.
Wind Cave Entrance. We enter through the little building in the
foreground
Stevens Photo]
Tradition tells us that the place was discovered by a cow-boy who was
riding by when a strong current of air carried his hat down through a
crevice in the earth. We wonder if he ever recovered his hat? Why is it
these stories leave out the one question our curiosity prompts us to
ask. Possibly his hat, though, was not as important as the discovery of
the cave. They are still looking for the other end of that current of
air.
Now we are ready to descend. We might profit by putting on clothes that
will not be harmed when soiled, tho this is not necessary.
To the right of the entrance is a stone carving of Alvin McDonald, the
first guide through the cave. As we enter, with gasoline lanterns, we
feel a strong downward draft. This disappears as we proceed. We go down
two long flights of stairs to start with. Down, down, down, we go,
emerging in the Bridal Chamber, 212 feet below the surface.
Our guide tells us quite confidentially that a certain young lady wished
to marry the young man of her choice, but she had promised her mother
that she would not marry anyone on the face of the earth. To keep her
word and still satisfy her love she was married down here below the face
of the earth. When the Government took over the cave, however, they
forbade the continuance of this, for it was running matrimony into the
ground.
[Illustration: The Sheep, Wind Cave
Lease Photo]
Farther on we see petrified prairie dogs, on a petrified mound. We hope
our guide is strictly truthful, tho he tells us that even he cannot
vouch for the accuracy of all he tells us. Then comes the Milky Way with
petrified stars in a petrified sky, and after this the Snowball Chamber.
The Post Office 240 feet down is filled with box work crystals in a sort
of cobweb pattern, each box having some depth. We are shown the foreign
department and the great Sears Roebuck mail chute. These formations are
beautiful and remarkable formations of water, heat, minerals, and
natural phenomena.
Room number 23 is Nellie’s room and the Beauty Parlor follows it. Rouge,
here is free. The petrified zoo confronts us; very interesting indeed if
our imaginations are up to par. The Bleeding Rock is colored with iron
oxide giving it a blood color, and sure enough the Liberty Bell is
cracked. In the rookery is a petrified bird on a petrified nest (believe
it if you can.)
[Illustration: Wind Cave
Frost Work, Garden of Eden
Lease Photo]
Again, quite confidentially the guide tells us that one guide went over
lovers leap the day before and six old maids followed. After the
petrified whirlwind, imagine it, we see a map of South America, and then
enter Opera Hall. From it we pass to Grant’s tomb on the Hudson and be
hanged if there isn’t an Alligator going up to see it.
The Devil’s Lookout is 80 feet high, with his Dinner Gong close by. The
Furnace Room, Hen and Chickens, Hanging Bridge and Bridal Veil Falls are
very realistic. Sure enough, there sits a water spaniel dog begging
for—daylight. Now we see some Swiss scenery, a mountain goat, cheese,
bread and beer. Only the beer is not there, it was drunk by the last
party through.
We next come to the Methodist Episcopal Church. It is the custom to bow
as you enter the low door and also bow going out. We are especially
requested not to spit on the altar. Bishop Fowler’s Cathedral is 190
feet across.
We can just see the appetizing popcorn in Popcorn Alley, and then we
pass on to the Hanging Rock. We carefully avoid going beneath it. Three
hundred feet down and half a mile in we come to Odd Fellow’s Hall. There
is the all-seeing eye and the three links—Friendship, Love, and Truth,
with the third slightly stretched. There also is the road to Jericho and
the Goat.
We pass Samson’s Palace, The Queen’s Drawing Room, Capitol Hall, and
Turtle Pass. Here the trail divides, the short route going to the Garden
of Eden, the medium route to the Fair Grounds, and the long route to the
Pearly Gates. We take the medium.
In order we pass Scalping Grounds, Masonic Temple, Elks Room, with an
elk head within and an American Eagle alighting on a rock, then the
Grand Canyon with its great clefts hundreds of feet underground.
Monte Cristo Palace is 390 feet down. Old Maid’s Glasses follows and Dog
Tooth, made of five points spar crystals. McKinley’s memorial is next,
and then Assembly Hall. Here, again is much artistic boxwork formation.
Next is A. O. U. W. Hall. In it is a stone book which, our guide tells
us, is the only Natural History of Wind Cave. From here we go to the
Giant’s Punch Bowl and on to Johnston’s Camp Grounds.
In the Bachelor’s apartments everything is upside down and all dusty. In
his cupboard is a loaf of bread with a mouse gnawing at it. This leads
us at last to the ticket office to the Fair Grounds. The Fair Grounds is
a beautiful large room with a white ceiling, the whole covering about
three acres. The first attraction is the South Dakota Teacher’s School
Room with its calcite crystal wall. The Elephant’s Foot has fallen
through the ceiling farther on. Then come S. D. Federation of Women’s
Clubs Room, Ice Gorge, and The Northwestern Hotel Men’s assembly
chamber. In the Farm Yard are a guinea hen, a little red rooster, a
polar bear, the little red hen drinking, a guinea pig, a rabbit and a
hen fighting, and a donkey. Last comes the jaw bone of a monster.
In the Meat Market hangs a ham, a goose, and some beef. Over high steps
and under a low ceiling we pass into the Coliseum. The seats are of
white rock. In Rambler’s Hall is a knife through the ceiling. Next are
the Catacombs. Here we go down a rocky precipitous descent. Last comes
the Elk’s Room, and then the return to the entrance. Everything we have
seen is made of rock and our imagination.
[Illustration: “Buffalo,” the Monarch of the Plains
Bison in the State Park]
[Illustration: Traffic Cop, on a turn in the road
Lease]
This has been an eventful trip.
We drive on north over 85 and 81 to the South Dakota State Game
Preserve. Here we see elk, deer, and buffalo. On the way we find some
specimens of rose quartz. At the Game Lodge we stop to see the zoo. In
it are deer, mountain sheep, coyotes, foxes, bears, eagles, owls,
badgers, raccoons, porcupines, bobcats, prairie dogs, spotted rabbits,
and elk, all alive. These are particularly interesting to lovers of
animals.
[Illustration: Bear in the Zoo]
[Illustration: In the Zoo]
The Game Lodge Hotel, which is the structure used by President Coolidge
as the Summer White House of 1927, is a large well furnished affair, not
altogether unsuited to the purpose for which it was used. Now, in the
reception room on opposite sides of the comfortable fireplace are large
oil paintings of President Coolidge and Grace Coolidge. Here this first
lady of the land and her distinguished husband will, in the spirit of
the paintings, receive guests in behalf of the nation and the State of
South Dakota for years to come. Elk and deer heads also adorn the walls,
while huge fur rugs cover the floor. Great leather rocking chairs and
davenports add to the comforts of the room.
[Illustration: The State Game Lodge in Custer State Park
Rise Photo]
So popular is the Game Lodge as a summer resort hotel that any one
wishing to secure a room here must do so several days or weeks in
advance. During the various hunting and fishing seasons of the year this
place is frequented by hunters from many other states of the Union as
well as South Dakota.
Special hunting licenses may be procured providing lodging here during
the hunt.
We, at last, must tear away our mooring to the Hills and head for home.
We still have a few things to see, but we have the feeling that it is
all over, and the total addition to our beings has been tremendous, too
great for measurement, and as time rolls by it grows still greater.
We miss one of the interesting spots of the Hills, Buffalo Gap. In
Calico Canyon three miles west of town are located the most beautiful
colored sandstone in the Hills and a great natural bridge of rock.
[Illustration: Natural Bridge at Buffalo Gap]
At Hermosa is a neat little tourist park, but we cannot partake of it.
In Hermosa also we see the church which won so much publicity during
President Coolidge’s stay. Its picture does it justice. Hermosa Crystal
Cave is ten miles west of Hermosa. At last, we speed back to Rapid City.
Hidden City is on the way. This is the probable vestiges of what was
once an ancient building or buildings. We spend another night in that
inviting municipal park; and reluctantly with many a backward look, we
head for home. Long after we leave the Hills we can look back and see
those hazy black peaks rearing their majestic tops to the clouds. We
can’t help recalling Morse’s old phrase, “What hath God wrought.” He
indeed develops wonders here on earth at his almighty command.
[Illustration: Hermosa Crystal Cave]
We have been pretty much concerned about the sights, now we look around
and see what our car looks like. The food is gone. The containers now
house quartz, mica, granite, tourmaline, lithia, copper, gold ore,
pictures, pine cones, and various other souvenirs. The car glides
swiftly over the excellent roads, but nevertheless we feel it is heavily
loaded. We weigh the car, and consternation; it weighs 4,285 pounds, or
1500 pounds more than it does empty. We may as well look at the
speedometer too. It was 12,114 and now it is 13,584. We have gone 1470
miles. 250 of these might be subtracted as our trip inland from Pierre.
We have had our vacation, and now we go home to ponder. It has been a
glorious trip.
[Illustration: CUSTER STATE PARK HIGHWAY
BLACK HILLS, S.D.]
[Illustration: Moonlight on the Missouri
Pierre, S.D.
Miller Foto 39]
APPENDIX I
The following are some of the more important peaks of the Black Hills.
Mountain Where located Height, ft.
Battle Mountain Hot Springs 4431
Bear Butte Sturgis 4422
Crook’s Tower Rochford 7140
Crow Peak Spearfish 5787
Custer Peak Deadwood-Pactola 6794
Deer Sars 3500
Devil’s Tower Sundance, Wyo. 5117
Flag Mountain 6900
Harney Peak Hill City-Custer 7244
Lookout Peak Spearfish 4485
Missouri Buttes 5372
Mt. Coolidge Custer 6000
Mt. Pisgah 6400
Ragged Top 6207
Roosevelt Mountain Deadwood 5676
Sheep Mountain In Badlands 3500
Terry Peak Lead 7070
Tow Top 3732
White Rocks Deadwood 5286
[Illustration: Large Horseshoe Curve, a long way around to get a short
distance ahead]
APPENDIX II
Elevation of cities and places of interest.
Belle Fourche 3011
Buffalo Gap 3258
Camp Crook 3200
Cascade 3406
Crystal Cave 4242
Custer 5301
Deadwood 4543
Deerfield 5900
Edgemont 3449
Fairburn 3310
Ft. Meade 3300
Galena 4832
Hermosa 3300
Hill City 4976
Hot Springs 3443
Interior 2381
Jewel Cave 5090
Keystone 4340
Lead 5119
Minnekahta 4159
Mystic 4835
Pactola 4459
Philip 2159
Piedmont 3463
Pine Ridge 3250
Pringle 4879
Rapid City 3229
Rockford 5299
Savoy 4956
Scenic 3812
Silver City 4592
Spearfish 3637
State Game Lodge 4400
Sturgis 3452
Sylvan Lake 6250
Terry 6165
Wall 2813
Whitewood 3644
Wind Cave 4100
Pierre 1457
[Illustration: Railroad track beside a stream]
APPENDIX III
Industries of Black Hills
Mining
Lumbering
Fruit Raising
Farming
Cement Plant
Sugar Factory
Flower Mills
Quarrying
Brick Making
Pickle Making
Creameries
Canning
Souvenir Making
Generation of Electricity
150,000 H. P. estimated potential
Gov. fish and game raising
Grazing
Health Resorts
Publishing
[Illustration: River valley]
APPENDIX IV
Fishing
Originally there were no trout in the Black Hills. Now nearly every
stream in the Hills is stocked with trout. The U. S. hatchery at
Spearfish and the S. D. hatchery at Rapid City keep the streams well
supplied. Approximately two million trout are thus put out each year.
They are chiefly of four varieties: Loch Leven, Black spotted, Brook,
and Rainbow. During our visit to the Hills we see fishermen practically
in every part of every stream from the interior of the tourist camps to
the headwaters in almost jungles. They use anything from the bargain one
dollar complete angling outfit to the best outfit made. For bait they
use anything from worms to flies. The local fishermen are better
authorities on the subject than the author. However, many fine specimens
are seen, and many large messes of trout are taken by all types of
fishermen.
[Illustration: Black Hills Streams—See Page 169]
APPENDIX V
Some of the more important streams of the Black Hills are:
(1) Belle Fourche River is in the north with its tributaries:
(2) Sand Creek
(3) Sundance Creek
(4) Redwater Creek
(5) Spearfish Creek
(6) May Creek
(7) Whitewood Creek
(8) Bear Butte Creek
(9) Owl Creek
Eventually these empty into the Cheyenne River.
Below these come the tributaries of the:
(10) Cheyenne
(11) Elk Creek
(12) Bolder Creek
(13) Rapid Creek, with its tributaries
(14) Castle Creek
(15) Slate Creek
(16) Spring Creek
(17) Iron Creek
(18) Battle Creek
(19) Grace Coolidge Creek
(20) French Creek
(21) Lame Johnny Creek
(22) Beaver Creek
(23) Fall River
[Illustration: A drive through the pines in the Black Hills (76)
Rise Photo]
APPENDIX VI
Camps and Camping
The camps themselves have been taken up to some extent in the body of
this book. In 1928 the camps in Rapid City and the northern cities far
surpassed those of the southern towns. But the people all over the
Hills, especially in the larger cities are fast awakening to the
realization that good parks play a tremendous part in the development of
their localities. Spearfish, Sturgis, Rapid City, and Deadwood were the
first to realize the value of service to their visitors. They have
doubtlessly reaped rich reward for their investment, judging from the
number of people who use those camp sites night after night.
The cost of the camps is generally fifty cents per car each night. This
pays for the site, police protection, lights, in some places shower
baths, swimming, laundry, toilets, pure water, firewood, reading room,
community cabin, piano, and any other services the locality might
afford; especially vegetable, milk, and grocery sales. Some of the camps
are almost wonders in themselves.
For those who prefer cabins most of the camps have small log, wood, or
tent cabins, variously furnished, accommodating from two to six people
or more. These rent at a dollar plus the car fee of fifty cents to a
little more for the larger ones. The added convenience of this method of
camping is considerable.
Some of the high spots of a life-time occur in our meeting tourists from
all parts of the state, nation, and world in these parks. These people
range all the way from sheep herders to aviators and from students to
corporatic magnates. They are all bent on the same quest, enjoyment of
nature’s wonders; and all are congenial. All are as one great family,
swapping yarns and experiences and discussing everything from the diet
of fishworms to managing an oil company.
[Illustration: Deer in the Custer State Park
Rise Photo, Rapid City, S.D.]
[Illustration: A Log Cabin With Fire Place]
Hotel rates are reasonable in the Hills, for those who prefer the best
of conveniences rather than a complete outdoor vacation. Bus lines and
train service from these afford excellent sight-seeing facilities.
However, for some of us who enjoy freedom and independence the
conventional tour seems to savor too much of routine. We lose some of
the great pleasure of conquest and discovery of unusual and inaccessible
places. And the privacy of our party, our own division of our time for
the things that we personally are interested in, are features that make
or break the success of the trip.
When one is on a vacation he likes to plan his trip so as best to
satisfy his interests and humors. This can best be accomplished when he
is his own boss and can give as much or as little time as he wishes to
each place of interest. The scheduled tours are excellent, but if a
person wishes to spend more time at the mines, in the Needles, seeing
hydro-electric plants, or inspecting factories or mills he had best plan
his own tour.
The cost of the trip is not excessive if carefully planned. The food is
of course an item. Gasoline is another. Camp fees are small. The rest is
more or less a matter of individual taste.
The question of camping equipment and clothing is not the easiest one
with which we must wrestle.
First, possibly comes the food question. We might profit by carrying
meat, butter, vegetables, salt, sugar, flour, pepper, and lard from home
or bought in quantity at some point on the way, if we have a way to keep
them from the effects of the sun. Carrots, potatoes, milk, lettuce,
radishes, bread, fruit, canned goods, coffee, and groceries in general
can be bought in or near most of the camps at the prices about the same
as the home grocer charges. Carrying too much loads down the car
excessively.
[Illustration: Head of Cottonwood Draw, in center of the “Bad Lands.”
Layers of Sandstone in Clay Beds. The sandstone protects the clay from
weathering and wearing away. The isolated caps are called “Ostrich
Heads.”]
Camping equipment is an enigma. A light tent, heavy enough to shed rain,
large enough to accommodate all, and not having unwieldy poles, is the
first essential; unless cabins, when accessible, or hotels are to be
used. Second, enough cots should be provided to accommodate all. Car
cushions and car beds are sometimes desirable. Probably the best is the
small steel folding double camp bed with springs and a thin mattress.
But these must be strong and not easily bent. Probably the greatest
mistake of campers is to try to sleep with plenty of covering but not
enough under them. Especially with the canvas cots the conduction of the
cold air from below is considerable. Three woolen blankets or two and a
pair of sheets and a mattress will keep two people comfortably warm
under ordinary circumstances though some people prefer an extra blanket.
High altitude makes the temperature drop perceptibly.
For clothing, khaki, whipcord, or corduroy breeches and high laced
leather boots are the ideal, both for men and women for mountain
climbing or rambling around through mines, forests, etc. They can be
cleaned and they stand rough wear. They look well also. Have a good
sunshade hat and khaki shirts; light colored ones or woolen ones are all
good. (I prefer the wool, even in the hottest weather, because of its
safeguard from cold.) Wear light underclothing of course. By all means
have two sets of this type of clothing if the stay is prolonged, as
laundry facilities are not always available. Two pairs of hose, well
pulled up, are best, as they do not permit chafing of the feet and they
protect the feet against bad results of sweat.
If at all possible to carry one without undue wrinkling, a good suit is
desirable. There are occasions when one wishes to go to church, or to
various other gatherings, dances or the like where a camping outfit is
hardly proper.
The car will appreciate having the load well balanced. If a heavy trunk
is suspended behind, the tent and cots had better be suspended above the
front bumper to balance it. Cover all equipment from dust and rain. Do
not pile up equipment in front of the radiator, in the uphill grades the
engine will need all the air it can get. Do not barricade any of the car
doors; you’ll be sorry if you do. It is best to supply a place for
souvenirs. Very few people go out without loading up with “junk” of one
sort or another before returning. (Our specialty was several hundred
pounds of rocks and minerals.)
[Illustration: Railroad and Wagon Bridge over the Missouri between
Pierre and Ft. Pierre
Miller Photo]
Other desirable items of equipment are:
1. Pocket compass
2. Hatchet
3. Field Glasses
4. A good jack knife
5. A trout fishing outfit
6. Bathing suits for all
7. Matches
8. A pressure gasoline camp stove
9. Small water pail
10. Metal kettle, skillet, butcher knives, plates, knives, forks,
spoons, cups, saucers
11. Road maps
[Illustration: Cabin]
APPENDIX VII
NEWER DEVELOPMENTS
Since the body of this book has been written several new developments
have come up which should be mentioned.
The United States Government has made an appropriation for the
continuation of the carving on Rushmore Mountain. This work is going
forward now at maximum speed. The form of the first figure is taking
shape, and indications are that the work will go forward to rapid
completion. When these figures are finished Rushmore will be one of the
masterpieces of sculpturing of the world.
At the present time the roads to Rushmore are in very bad shape.
Indications are, however, that a graded, surfaced highway will soon lead
up to the mountain, the state and the local counties are putting forth
every effort to improve the main roads and to make new roads where such
are needed. In the not far remote future many of the scenic places not
now readily accessible will be opened up to Black Hills visitors.
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture, the Black Hills Commercial
Clubs, and various other organizations are calling attention to mining
possibilities in the “Hills.” Many organizations from within the state
and from outside the state are inquiring into these projects, and many
mining leases are being let. Some of the newer developments are
aluminum, onyx and glass.
Probably in the near future the Black Hills will have far greater
commercial importance than they at present have.
The United States Government has also made a national park out of the
Bad Lands. This means that many of the places that were not well known
before will be brought to the sightseeing world. It also means that some
of the heretofore bad roads will be surfaced, so the Bad Lands will not
necessarily have to be left out because of rain. The Bad Lands is a
truly remarkable sight, and should not be passed up by visitors to the
“Hills.” The added mileage is not great, but the added experience gained
through seeing them is enormous.
[Illustration: A typical scene, showing a valley flanked by hills, with
prairie beyond, along a creek in Haakon County]
Many of the scenic spots in Rapid Canyon and Spearfish Canyon have not
been taken up in this volume. Either of these places afford many
beautiful sights, especially the latter. The Spearfish Canyon leads
clear up to Lead. On the way are many summer camps or taverns. There are
many side canyons leading off the main Spearfish Canyon, each of which
is in itself worth ascending. The best known of these is Little
Spearfish Canyon. All through the Hills these beautiful but not well
known canyons and gulches may be found.
The pools below Sylvan Lake is a place that should be visited, either by
descent from the roadside marker, north of the lake, or by the path down
from Sylvan Lake.
One place of interest not before mentioned is the beautiful “Pheasant
Dining Room” at the Game Lodge. In it, just below the ceiling, are
thirty-three pheasants, mounted in various positions, standing, flying,
and alighting.
The Belle Fourche Roundup has been taken up in some detail. Other events
of the summer season are not wanting. Rapid City has its Council of
American Indians, Custer its Gold Discovery Day, Deadwood its Days of
’76, Interior its Roundup, and so on. All of these affairs are worth
attending. They are first class, demonstrations of the things they
convey, and there is a liberal education in them for the person
uninformed in their field of thought.
[Illustration: Trees silhouetted by moonlight]
APPENDIX VIII
ROUTES
Sometimes requests are made for lists of things to see on one or two
days trips out of Rapid City. Following are four possible trips, calling
for one or two days or even a week each:
1. First, the Rapid Canyon trip.
See the School of Mines Museum at the Eastern entrance to the city. From
there go through the city past the “Old Mill Tea Room.” Take the Cement
plant road from the Bacon camp. After seeing the cement plant return,
and turn south at Bacon Camp. Take the road to Municipal Camp. Go
through the Municipal Camp, and if possible, take a swim in the pool,
over the ridge from the first row of cabins. You’ll remember that swim.
From Municipal Camp take the canyon road to the left of the camp gate.
From here ascend the canyon to Lockhart’s Inn. Here, if such is desired,
see Lockhart’s moss sculpturing. Go on foot up the track to the Dark
Canyon trail. This leads for several miles around crags, up Dark canyon,
to Victoria Falls. Go up as far as you wish. Return to Rapid City.
2. Northern Hills.
Take in any of the Rapid City sights before mentioned. Take U. S. 16
west, then north to Crystal Cave. Plan on a half day for this. Then
continue north to Sturgis. There see Bear Butte. Climb it, if you feel
ambitious. See the United States Military Post, Fort Meade, east of town
on S. D. 24. Return, and either take Boulder Canyon, S. D. 24, or U. S.
16 to Spearfish. See the Municipal Camp and United States trout hatchery
southwest of town, and possibly the teachers college north of the city.
Take a trip up the canyon, at least to Bridal Veil Falls. Stop at
Wildcat Cave on the way if you have time. Return to Spearfish, and take
U. S. 85 north to Belle Fourche. There see the sugar plant and Orman
Dam. Return to Spearfish and on U. S. 16 to U. S. 85 which takes you to
Deadwood. See Preacher Smith’s monument on the way. Stop at Pine Crest
camp. In Deadwood see Mt. Moriah Cemetery, White Rocks, and Roosevelt
Mountain. Return to Deadwood, and then take the road right straight
through main street west, over the old mines road to Lead. On this road,
(it is gravel surfaced,) see the vestiges of old mines and the old
Central City. In Lead see the Homestake Mine. This begins at the
Burlington station near the eastern end of main street. After the mine,
take Icebox Canyon road to Cheyenne crossing and return or go direct
over S. D. 83 to Pactola, and Sheridan. From here take S. D. 40 back to
Rapid City over the beautiful Spring Creek road.
[Illustration: Mouth of Dark Canyon
Rise Photo—Rapid City, S.D.]
3. Central Hills.
Again, see Rapid City. Take S. D. 40 through the beautiful Spring Creek
valley to Sheridan and Hill City, and then back to Keystone, or you
might go directly to Keystone. The roads might be rather rough. At
Keystone see Keystone Consolidated Mines, Etta Mine, Juga Mine and a
mica mine. Then see Rushmore mountain. Return to Hill City, or the mine
trip may be left out. From Hill City take the road to Sylvan Lake. Here
see the Lake and the Gorge. Climb Harney Peak, the highest point east of
the Rocky Mountains. From Sylvan Lake take the Needles Highway
twenty-seven miles, and double back over S. D. 36 to Custer. On the way
you see the Tallent monument, and to the right a few paces the Gordon
Stockade. See Jewell Cave, gold discovery monument, rose quartz mounted
in masonry and the big log cabin and the museum. Take S. D. 36 through
Galena, the Game Lodge and Hermosa, to Rapid City. In Hermosa see the
church Pres. Coolidge attended.
If the roads are bad take S. D. 79 from the East end of main street when
leaving Rapid City, instead of S. D. 40 to the west. Thus you see
Hermosa, and President Coolidge’s little church, the Game Lodge, Custer
and Sylvan Lake in reverse order, and then double back over the same
route when returning.
[Illustration: Indian maiden]
4. Southern Hills.
Take S. D. 79 through Hermosa, Game Lodge and Galena. Leave 79 and take
S. D. 81 south past Mt. Coolidge to Wind Cave. Go through this. Drive on
to Hot Springs. See Cascade Springs and Cascade Falls. Ask the way at
any filling station. See the petrified wood and petrified moss over the
track east of the Municipal Camp. Take some of it with you. See Evans
camp, and swim in Evans Plunge before you leave. Visit the old soldiers’
home. Take the same route back, or go west to Custer when you reach S.
D. 36, and from there take in the Needles, Sylvan Lake, Harney Peak,
Hill City, and Sheridan, thence back to Rapid City.
Make it as intensive a trip as your time will permit. If the time is
limited some of the places must be left out.
If you wish, you may take the trip through the most interesting places
by motor bus. These busses leave Rapid City at short intervals, and
their trip is really enjoyable.
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM RAPID CITY
Blackhawk 16 N. W. 7
Piedmont 16 ” 14
Crystal Cave 16 ” 22
Tilford 16 ” 28
Sturgis 16 ” 30
Whitewood 16 ” 38
Spearfish 16-85 ” 51
Belle Fourche 16-85 ” 64
Newell 16 ” 62
Deadwood 16 Boulder ” 43
Lead 16 Canyon ” 46
Box Elder 16 East 10
Underwood 16 ” 22
Scenic 40 S. E. 55
Interior 40 ” 70
Pactola 85 West 25
Hermosa 70 South 21
Buffalo Gap 79 ” 50
Hot Springs 79 ” 63
Edgemont 79-85 ” 96
State Lodge 79-36 ” 35
Pringle 79-36-85 ” 55
Sylvan Lake 85 ” 52
Custer 79-36 ” 42
Keystone S. W. 27
Hill City 40-85 ” 28
Rushmore ” 30
Phillip 16 East 93
DISTANCE FROM DEADWOOD OF VARIOUS PLACES OF INTEREST
Spearfish 85-16 N. W. 13
Belle Fourche 85-16 N. W. 3
Lead 14 West 26
Sturgis Boulder East 12
Crystal Cave Boulder 14 ” 27
Rapid City Boulder 14 ” 43
Pactola 85 South 30
Hill City 85 ” 45
Keystone 85 ” 56
Rushmore Mt. 85 ” 56
Sylvan Lake 85 ” 52
Game Lodge 85-36 ” 72
Hermosa 85-36 ” 86
Custer 85 ” 58
Custer-Needles 85 ” 74
Hot Springs 85 ” 84
Edgemont 85 ” 95
Through the
BLACK HILLS
and
BAD LANDS
of
So. Dak.
Authentic Guide
History—Statistics—Scenery
Copyright, 1929
By
P. D. Peterson
Price, $1.35
Transcriber’s Notes
--Copyright notice provided as in the original—this e-text is public
domain in the country of publication.
--Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and
dialect unchanged.
--Transcribed captions within photographs, where they added information
not in the printed caption.
--In the text version only, italicized text is delimited by
_underscores_.