The Great Denver to Mount Rushmore Road Trip: A Slightly Exaggerated Guide for the Slightly Crazy
So, you've decided to embark on a glorious road trip from the Mile High City to see those presidents' heads etched into a mountain. Excellent choice! But before you peel out of Denver with Kenny Rogers on repeat, here's a little prep guide to turn your drive from "eh" to "epic."
The Landscape Unfolds: A Symphony of Scenery (or, How to Avoid Scenery Snooze)
Let's be honest, folks, there can be stretches of flatness on this journey. Fear not, intrepid adventurer! Here's how to stay awake and keep things interesting:
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
- Spot the Stranger Things Locations: Did you know parts of Nebraska were transformed into the Upside Down? Channel your inner Dustin and crank up the synth music! (Bonus points for wearing a hazmat suit, but strictly for ventilation purposes, of course.)
- Cow Appreciation Society Initiation: You'll see plenty of these majestic beasts grazing on the Great Plains. Pack a cowbell (available at most truck stops) and participate in a moo-vement (that's moo-vement, not movement) to show your bovine respect.
- Roadside Oddities: Embrace the Weird! The heartland boasts a surprising number of giant roadside attractions. Think: World's Largest Ball of Twine, Corn Palace, or a fifty-foot-tall Jackalope. Stop, take pictures, and ponder the mysteries of the human condition.
Inner Foodie on the Loose: Where to Refuel Like a Champion
You're going to work up an appetite on this trek. Skip the usual gas station fare and try these gems:
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
- Local Diner Gems: Seek out those diners with peeling paint and checkered floors. They're guaranteed to have the greasiest burgers, strongest coffee, and waitresses who sass you like family.
- Huckleberry Heaven: If you're cruising through Wyoming in the summer, keep an eye out for huckleberry treats. Pies, ice cream, pancakes – anything huckleberry-fied is a win.
- The Cornucopia of Corn: South Dakota welcomes you with open arms (and cornfields). Sample some local corn on the cob, or, if you're feeling adventurous, grab a fried corn dog. Just don't judge us.
Mount Rushmore: The Grand Finale (and Maybe a Little Disappointment)
 |
Okay, so you might be a tad underwhelmed when you finally see those presidential visages. They are, after all, just giant heads in a mountain. But hey, you made it! Here's how to salvage the moment:
Tip: Compare what you read here with other sources.
- Presidential impersonations: Channel your inner Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, or Lincoln and deliver a dramatic speech (real or imagined) to your fellow travelers. Bonus points for a powdered wig (available at most, well, very few, truck stops).
- Night Laser Show Extravaganza!: If you time it right, you can catch the evening laser light show that bathes the presidents in a kaleidoscope of colors. It's, well, it's an experience.
Hitting the Road: FAQ for the Slightly Prepared
Alright, enough laughs. Here are some quick answers to your burning questions:
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
- How to: Pack plenty of snacks and water. You'll be surprised how quickly those miles tick by, and hunger pangs are no joke.
- How to: Download audiobooks or podcasts to keep you company on those long stretches.
- How to: Check the weather forecast before you go. Mountain weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for anything.
- How to: Plan your route and consider factoring in some of those quirky roadside attractions we mentioned.
- How to: Relax, have fun, and don't be afraid to belt out some classic road trip tunes. (We won't judge... much.)
So there you have it, folks. Your guide to conquering the road from Denver to Mount Rushmore. Now get out there, explore, and make some epic memories (and maybe avoid the questionable beef jerky at gas stations).
 |
