Mt. Rushmore Misadventures: Foggy Fun and a Rocky Surprise

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

Hello, Mr. President! Or at least, I think that’s you, peeking through the fog.

Have you ever been to a place that you’ve seen so many photos of that the real thing is a bit of a letdown? Yeah… that was my experience with Mt. Rushmore. I decided to show up extra early to beat the crowds. Turns out, it would have been better to sleep in on this particular day. Luckily, you can see the monument from outside the park gates, so I didn’t end up wasting any money, just time.

After exploring the surrounding area for a few hours, I went back and saw the presidents in their full focus and color! Again, underwhelmed by the size, but I checked this item off my list.

That’s the thing with traveling sometimes. You have expectations based on your research, the stories you’ve been told, and photos you’ve seen on Google Maps. Then when you actually get to that place, without the filters and without any other external influences, it can be a bit disappointing.

With that said, there’s always something to learn from your adventures. For example, I discovered a genius money-making opportunity at a nearby attraction: selling rocks from the excavation site. Instead of paying for hauling it off, they sold it to tourists! (To confirm, I did not buy a rock…)

Bar Stool Talk: Have you ever visited a famous landmark that didn't quite live up to your expectations? Share your experience and thoughts on how it compared to the images and stories you'd heard. Did you discover any interesting or unexpected aspects during your visit?