Bob & Bonnie Martin (22598)
South Dakota Rushmore Roamers – Presidents
The Rushmore Roamers Let’s Celebrate Fall luncheon was held at Big J’s Roadhouse in Humboldt, South Dakota. Alternately, it could be called “Git on down the Road” luncheon, as some of our members are currently on their way to their snowbird refuges. The 1919 root beer bombs and daily lunch special were very tasty, and yes, it did feel like the good old days as there were plenty of hugs, handshakes and not a face mask to be seen!
We discussed the 2023 chapter rally plans, which will be a little different as we plan to go out of state next year. The chapter rally is set for June 27 arrival date, and June 30 departure. We will be going to Fort Robinson State Park near Crawford, Nebraska. This is a historical site that was used by the U.S. Army to breed and raise quarter horses for the army in the late 1800’s. The Nebraska State Historical Society operates a museum and many restored or reconstructed exhibit buildings to interpret the fort’s history. There is so much to see and do here that we don’t plan to go off site the entire rally.
There will be three breakfasts, including a hayrack ride to a chuck wagon breakfast, an evening steak cookout among the buttes, and a dinner at the lodge. We are also planning on enjoying a musical production at the Post Playhouse, which boasts semi-professional actors from across the country.
On our rally’s last night, we will attend a free rodeo performance put on by a few local cowboys. Among other things you will not want to miss is an authentic stagecoach ride that crosses a creek and follows a two-track trail out into the prairie, as you experience the fastest mode of transportation available before the railroads came along.
Or you can rent a horse for a couple of hours and follow a guide into the buttes to see a bison herd or maybe take an open carriage ride around the post to see the historic buildings and the parade grounds. There are 60 miles of hiking trails and 20 miles of mountain biking trails. A Jeep tour of the area is also available. If the weather gets too warm, take a dip in the pool, or rent an inner tube for a lazy river float down the Niobrara River.
A year after the Battle of the Little Big Horn, Chief Crazy Horse and his half-starved followers surrendered to the U.S. Army and were held here pending their relocation to a reservation. Crazy Horse died from a bayonet wound here in 1877, after a scuffle with solders trying to put him in a cell because of fears he was planning another uprising.
Be sure to step out of your coach early one morning and enjoy the freshness of the air and the aroma of the sweet prairie grass that surrounds the campground.
As this rally is being held at a state park, campground reservations cannot be made prior to 180 days of the arrival date. With that being said, it is strongly encouraged that you make your reservations at that time (December 29, 2022). Reservations may be made through www.outdoornebraska.org or www.reserveamerica.com/phonenumber
