There is lots to see and do in western South Dakota. I have written about it in ten posts over the past few months. We visited there last fall starting with Badlands National Park. I’m doing a wrap-up today with a few of the things we saw that didn’t fit in my other posts. Let’s start with Big Foot. All photos in this post were taken by either Peggy or me.
First up, is the World’s Largest Bigfoot, which is located in the small town of Keystone, South Dakota, located 4 miles away from Mt. Rushmore. It’s one of a number of interesting carvings at Dahl’s Chainsaw Art.As you probably know, Peggy and I have a thing for Bigfoot. The world’s only Bigfoot trap was located about 3 miles from where we lived in Oregon. We found this fellow in Custer, South Dakota. Judging from the look, it appears that Bigfoot has a thing for Peggy as well. Should I be jealous? But what about the creature on top of his head? Your guess is as good as mine, but I think I don’t have to be worried about a guy who walks around with an octopus as his hat. Here’s the big fellow in Dahl’s Chainsaw Art yard.He looks friendly. Big smile, crinkly eyes. And the beard would make a fabulous nest for a very large bird. But the question here is how big is Bigfoot’s foot? I came across a fresh print once about 18 inches long and three inches deep that had me thinking, “Bigfoot running.” It was blurry, however. Most things Bigfoot are. Nothing blurry about this…Bigfoot children were also found at Dahl’s playing on a carousel. There is a good chance that Bigfoot kids are born with beards, including girls.Not Bigfoot. But hey, it’s the 4th of July weekend and what’s more patriotic than a motorcycle carved as an eagle? Just ask a biker. A bald eagle and a flag are shown in the background just in case there’s any question. Happy Fourth! This bike is symbolic of an even more important event to Bikers: The Sturgis Rally, South Dakota’s top tourist event and one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the world. Sturgis is just 50 miles away from Keystone. I’ve never been to a rally, but it is just quirky enough, I would be tempted if I were around in August. While we are on “BIG,” this is reported to be the World’s largest Smokey the Bear. Also made by the Dahl brothers, it is located in Hill City, South Dakota. My favorite model demonstrates the size. Close up of Smokey Bear’s face.Hill City also housed the Museum of the Black hills Institute that Peggy and I did a post on. Not surprisingly, it had a pterodactyl on top.We also found this beautiful horse sculpture in Hill City. It reminded Peggy and me of similar sculptures at Burning Man, where we will be in two months.
And finally, to conclude:
A girly girl squirrel/prairie dog…A buff, boy buffalo…And Peggy with her new alien friend that we found at Devil’s tower.
Next Monday’s post will take us back to Egypt and our journey up the Nile where we find ourselves in Luxor at the Temple of Karnak.
South Dakota was just fun, G. And you know how much we enjoy Burning Man. Peggy and I will be taking a blogging break for the next couple of months as we wander North America. We will jump back in mid-September with tales of Burning Man 2023. See you then! 🙂
Indeed it exists. It was built during the 70s when a farmer in Oregon found tracks on his farm in the Applegate River Valley. A radio station out of Eugene, Oregon had a trap built and paid a miner to oversee it. They gave him a tranquilizer gun and large handcuffs, just in case. He caught a couple of bears, but that was it. The trap remains to this day but the steel gate is welded open. The US forest service maintains it. We took a number of visors to see in when we lived in Oregon, given it was only a few miles from where we lived. 🙂 BTW, Peggy and I are taking a blogging break. We’ll be back in September with after we go to Burning Man.
Thanks Peggy. It certainly is a skill unto itself. BTW, Peggy and I will be taking a break from blogging over the next two months as we once again wander North America. We’ll be ‘back in business’ after Burning Man.
That bigfoot has a big foot! I love the fun and imagination that went into the chain-saw artwork. And the horse is gorgeous (my fav, I think). Thanks for sharing your random photos of S. Dakota. Back to Egypt!
The bigger the better as far as Bigfoot goes, D! Grin. And the horse is a true work of art. It will be back to Egypt, but not for a couple of months. Peggy and I are full-timing on the road and decided to make a true vacation out of it and take a break from blogging. Have a great summer. We will be checking in again in September after we finish Burning Man! –Curt
Sounds wonderful! Have fun and see you in September.
September it is!
Ya gotta respect folks who think big. Those big foots (bigfeet?) must party with Paul Bunyan, I think he hangs around in that region as well. Love the horse sculpture.
I’d think Babe the Blue Ox and Bigfoot would have a great time together, Dave. I always enjoy the ‘biggest in the world’ sculptures found along American and Canadian roads. BTW, Peggy and I are taking a break from blogging for the next couple of months. See you in September after we go to Burning Man.
This looks like a lot of fun, Curt. Bigfoot actually looks friendly, and that horse is gorgeous. The buffalo is intriguing but from afar. And the alien, well, no words. 🙂 See you in Egypt!
Great photos, as always!
Thanks, Lauren. Did you ever see the movie, “Harry and the Hendersons?” The two Bigfoots are quite similar, except in size. BTW, Peggy and I are taking the next couple of months off from blogging while we wander, a true vacation! We’ll be back blogging and checking in on you after Burning Man. Have a great summer. –Curt
I sure did, Curt, and I’m smiling! Oh, how green I am, but happy that you both can travel like you do. Enjoy, stay safe, and see you in the fall. 🤗
Thanks much, Lauren!
You’re welcome, Curt! Have fun!
I am really pleased to hear that you get to go back to Burning Man this year! It’s been too long. My favourite piece of art here for the art, is the horse. Oh my, it is beautiful. My favourite piece because it’s special to me is the Smokey Bear. I might be drawn to Smokey like you two are drawn to Bigfoot.
Now that is one big foot and I’m not sure you have had your fill yet even after all of the posts. Memories to last a life time and no doubt stories in your book.
Great scale.. we can always feel like dwarfs and skinny next to big foot😋
Big indeed, Cindy, and my hope is that we continue to run into Bigfoot as we wander the world. I’ve never thought of Bigfoot making me feel skinny. 🙂 Small, yes!
Wandering through Time and Place 
Whoa! A ton of artistic talent here, Curt. You and Peggy make me feel I was there! Thanks.
(Looking forward to Burning Man, as you might expect!)
South Dakota was just fun, G. And you know how much we enjoy Burning Man. Peggy and I will be taking a blogging break for the next couple of months as we wander North America. We will jump back in mid-September with tales of Burning Man 2023. See you then! 🙂
I’ll look forward to it. Stay safe and have a ball!
“World’s only Bigfoot trap” buzzed my antenna! Is it real? Have you seen it? Pray tell more!
Indeed it exists. It was built during the 70s when a farmer in Oregon found tracks on his farm in the Applegate River Valley. A radio station out of Eugene, Oregon had a trap built and paid a miner to oversee it. They gave him a tranquilizer gun and large handcuffs, just in case. He caught a couple of bears, but that was it. The trap remains to this day but the steel gate is welded open. The US forest service maintains it. We took a number of visors to see in when we lived in Oregon, given it was only a few miles from where we lived. 🙂 BTW, Peggy and I are taking a blogging break. We’ll be back in September with after we go to Burning Man.
The chainsaw art is incredible.
Thanks Peggy. It certainly is a skill unto itself. BTW, Peggy and I will be taking a break from blogging over the next two months as we once again wander North America. We’ll be ‘back in business’ after Burning Man.
See you when you’re back. Enjoy!
We will. Thanks, Peggy!
That bigfoot has a big foot! I love the fun and imagination that went into the chain-saw artwork. And the horse is gorgeous (my fav, I think). Thanks for sharing your random photos of S. Dakota. Back to Egypt!
The bigger the better as far as Bigfoot goes, D! Grin. And the horse is a true work of art. It will be back to Egypt, but not for a couple of months. Peggy and I are full-timing on the road and decided to make a true vacation out of it and take a break from blogging. Have a great summer. We will be checking in again in September after we finish Burning Man! –Curt
Sounds wonderful! Have fun and see you in September.
September it is!
Ya gotta respect folks who think big. Those big foots (bigfeet?) must party with Paul Bunyan, I think he hangs around in that region as well. Love the horse sculpture.
I’d think Babe the Blue Ox and Bigfoot would have a great time together, Dave. I always enjoy the ‘biggest in the world’ sculptures found along American and Canadian roads. BTW, Peggy and I are taking a break from blogging for the next couple of months. See you in September after we go to Burning Man.
This looks like a lot of fun, Curt. Bigfoot actually looks friendly, and that horse is gorgeous. The buffalo is intriguing but from afar. And the alien, well, no words. 🙂 See you in Egypt!
Great photos, as always!
Thanks, Lauren. Did you ever see the movie, “Harry and the Hendersons?” The two Bigfoots are quite similar, except in size. BTW, Peggy and I are taking the next couple of months off from blogging while we wander, a true vacation! We’ll be back blogging and checking in on you after Burning Man. Have a great summer. –Curt
I sure did, Curt, and I’m smiling! Oh, how green I am, but happy that you both can travel like you do. Enjoy, stay safe, and see you in the fall. 🤗
Thanks much, Lauren!
You’re welcome, Curt! Have fun!
I am really pleased to hear that you get to go back to Burning Man this year! It’s been too long. My favourite piece of art here for the art, is the horse. Oh my, it is beautiful. My favourite piece because it’s special to me is the Smokey Bear. I might be drawn to Smokey like you two are drawn to Bigfoot.
Now that is one big foot and I’m not sure you have had your fill yet even after all of the posts. Memories to last a life time and no doubt stories in your book.
Great scale.. we can always feel like dwarfs and skinny next to big foot😋
Big indeed, Cindy, and my hope is that we continue to run into Bigfoot as we wander the world. I’ve never thought of Bigfoot making me feel skinny. 🙂 Small, yes!
That’s cuz you’re already skinny❤️
Loved all of it, especially the horse sculpture. Looking forward to hearing about Burning Man. Safe journey!