Black Hills-Scenic Byways and Bear Country

Monday we woke up bright and early to go check out Bear Country, which is near Rapid City. It was super exciting for Josh, who has been looking forward to this activity on our trip for over 6 months.

It didn't disappoint-we saw big horn sheep, elk, reindeer, mountain lions, wolves, and black bears all roaming about the 2 mile drive. Then it had baby animals and the grizzly bears in a zoo-like setting.

Dave and Josh driving through the park.

Bears just wandering around!

After Bear Country, we decided to drive the Spearfish Scenic Byway, which goes between the old gold towns of Spearfish and Lead. It was a gorgeous drive.

Spearfish falls, a short hike from the road.










While on this drive, we saw one of the Oakridge Boys and their tour bus outside a lodge. The guy from Oakridge Boys is in black.

Then we headed on to Deadwood. I have to say, we were kinda bummed about it. It's really commercial now with a lot of new casinos.

But we did go see Wild Bill Hickock's grave, which is right next to Calamity Jane.

Finally, we went to the Presidential Wax Museum in Keystone (we got a discount for staying at the KOA) and then on to play a free round of mini golf.

Dave wielding his putter.








It was super hot out (again), so we only made it a couple holes.

We decided to cut our time in the Black Hills a little short because of the heat, so we headed to Cody a day early to escape the heat. Looks like it worked! It's in the 80s here at least.