Family vacation 2016 was a success, even though we were missing our missionary. We went to South Dakota (Mount Rushmore, Jewel Caves, Custer State Park, Reptile Gardens, Cosmos Mystery Area) and Wyoming (Yellowstone). I also crossed off 2 more states that I haven't visited, so that's cool.
We spent 3 days in South Dakota and a day in Wyoming. It's super pretty up that way. Very green. I saw an antelope for the first time in the wild, well several antelope. And buffalo. They were EVERYWHERE. Literally. Between those two animals, they made up 97% of the wildlife we saw. Other wildlife included: prairie dogs, deer, swans, ducks, birds (unknown), marmots, wild burros, a few elk and a coyote. Sadly, we didn't see any bears, moose or wolves (I am still super bummed about that). I'll have to go back someday and find some.
Day 1 in South Dakota, we went and saw the Reptile Gardens (the world's largest reptile collection), Mount Rushmore (did you know there's a secret room behind Lincoln's head?!?) and the Cosmos Mystery Area (cool to see, but not something that HAS to be done on your trip in my opinion).
The reptile gardens are actually really cool. I went in thinking they would be super lame, but they have some really cool animals. The one thing I didn't like at all (and I wish I would have gotten some photos) was that the habitats for the alligators/crocodiles were WAY too small for them to do anything. I felt bad for them. There were only 2 habitats that had outdoor areas. One housed about 8 gators, and the other housed the massive beast in the photos below. Besides that though, it was pretty cool.
Mount Rushmore is a definite place you want to check out. I mean, it's four giant 60-foot faces of past presidents. Can't pass that up. It's also fun to hike around a bit. We stayed for a few hours looking around. They have the studio that the original sculptor worked in opened to the public as a museum. I'd check that out too. Lots of cool factoids (did I mention there's a ROOM behind Lincoln's head?!? Talk about National Treasure status).
The cosmos area was kinda cool, but I wouldn't take the time to see it unless you have younger kids, or if you really want to check it out. I will say though, it made me kinda dizzy and lightheaded while I was in there. *SPOILERS* It's all a game of illusion. Nothing is really out of the ordinary. But it's still kind of fun to see/experience.
 |
| copyright 2016 jessikalloyd photography |
 |
| copyright 2016 jessikalloyd photography |
 |
| copyright 2016 jessikalloyd photography |
 |
| That thing could have swallowed me whole |
 |
| Cosmos Mystery Area |
 |
| Cosmos Mystery Area |
 |
| There's a room behind Lincoln's head! |
Day 2 in South Dakota we went to Jewel Cave (super cool!) and to Mount Rushmore again (for their evening program). They said to bring a jacket to the cave because it's only 45 degrees inside, but I ended up tying mine around my waist about half way through our tour. You walk enough that it doesn't get too cold. Plus, the week we went was pretty hot (80's and 90's), so it felt really nice to have some cooler temps. There's a few different caves in the area, and we sadly didn't have time for the others, but I would definitely make time to check them all out.
The Mount Rushmore evening program is really great as well. They have a 20 or so minute video about the history of America and Mount Rushmore, along with what each of the 4 presidents on the mountain did for our country. At the end, they shine a big spotlight on the monument and invite all past and present military personnel on the stage and they all introduce themselves and in what capacity they serve(d). It was very cool. Very patriotic. I recommend it.
 |
| "cave bacon" |
 |
caught this while waiting for the evening program.
copyright 2016 jessikalloyd photography |
Our 3 and final day in South Dakota we ventured through Custer State Park. Definitely something you want to take a full day for, and a full camera battery. Also, I would recommend bringing a bag of carrots. They have a herd of wild burros (descendants of the pack mules they used to use to take guests on tours), and they love to be fed by the guests that come through. Of the buffalo we saw on this trip, I'd say 95% of them were here. So. Many. Buffalo.
 |
| copyright 2016 jessikalloyd photography |
 |
| copyright 2016 jessikalloyd photography |
 |
I just found this hilarious.
copyright 2016 jessikalloyd photography |
 |
| They'll come right up to your car and beg for food |
 |
| We found Bambi |
 |
The buffalo will also come right up to the cars. I would recommend NOT feeding these guys.
Plus, it's kind of against the rules anyways. |
The last day of our vacation, we did Yellowstone. I was amazed at how pretty and green a giant volcano can be. I will admit, I'm a bit paranoid about the whole Yellowstone is a volcano thing, but I got over it for a day and I didn't die. This is somewhere that you want to spend a few days, if not a week there. We were only able to spend about 6 or so hours, and there was so much we didn't get to see. We did see the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Devil's Tounge, buffalo, Porcelain Basin, the Mud Volcano and, of course, Old Faithful. One reccomendation I have for hiking around Yellowstone? WEAR SUNSCREEN! I got super burned (on one arm) while wandering around the basin. Also, learn to like (or at least tolerate) the smell of sulfer. That stuff is EVERYWHERE.
 |
Yellowstone Falls
copyright 2016 jessikalloyd photography |
 |
| copyright 2016 jessikalloyd photography |
 |
The bottom of Yellowstone Falls
copyright 2016 jessikalloyd photography |
 |
Yellowstone Falls
copyright 2016 jessikalloyd photography |
 |
| Devil's Tounge |
 |
Mud Volcano.
Apparently it used to look like a legit volcano, unitl it blew itself up. |
 |
| porcelain basin |
 |
don't let the beautiful and inviting color of the water fool you.
It. Will. Kill. You. |
 |
| Old Faithful |
So there you have it. My loooooong post about our family vacation this year.
Hope you enjoyed it!
