Our publisher, Brad Schnepf and his wife, Wendy, had one goal: to see Mount Rushmore. Their plans would involve an RV, a map, and a desire to reintroduce themselves to their country along the way. It wasn't a meticulously planned route, it was more like a 'day by day' strategy, allowing for an open mind and a bit of curiosity to help lead the way. They knew that it would involve about 3,500 miles, one month, and end up crossing eight states. Brad said he lived by, what he calls, the 'Rule of Three': 300 miles a day, 3 hours of driving, and arrive at your destination by 3pm.
Using an app on his phone to find RV parks along the way, they first headed to Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico. The architecture, the food, and the handmade Native American jewelry were all inspiring and beautiful. From there, they headed to Colorado Springs, Colorado stopping at Pike's Peak and Loveland which was a charming small town where they spent two nights. Next was Lusk, Wyoming, another small town bursting with personality. Devoid of any chain stores, a throwback bar, and a 'hamburger to die for', it also had old fashioned rodeo grounds in the center.
They then spent a couple of nights in Custer, South Dakota where they toured the Wild Horse Monument. Located in the Black Hills, it was named after Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer, who led an expedition there in 1874. Finally, they reached Mount Rushmore which Brad said was 'not as big as he imagined it would be, but no less impressive'. Commissioned by Charles Rushmore and depicting Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln, the mountain face stands 60 feet high.
Brad also noted that there were two nearby attractions that were a must see. Custer State Park is filled with wildlife, hiking, swimming, and buffalo sightings. A drive that Brad couldn't recommend enough was Needle Highway. Offering spectacular views, rock formations, and two narrow tunnels, the detour was fascinating and a delightful discovery amid their adventures.
Turning back around, they moved on to Deadwood, South Dakota, home of Wild Bill Hilcock and Calamity Jane. The town is orientated to tourists, but still quirky with a bar in every boutique shop. They then traveled through Billings, Montana and stopped at a town named Red Lodge. Brad calls this town the 'best kept secret'. Red Lodge is a ski town that Brad said had the best steak dinner he has ever had. They then left through Bear Tooth Highway, another scenic drive over a mountain pass that is 60 miles of switchback roads.
Hitting up Livingston, Bozeman, Butte, and Missoula, they then turned south into Idaho into a town named Salmon. In this town of 3,500 and a main street only 3 blocks long, Salmon left a clear impression on Brad. They stayed in cabins that were owned by a cowboy with a handlebar mustache and a big personality. He works as an auctioneer and entertained the Schnepfs with his stories. He convinced them to stay on to see the rodeo in which the local cowboys from the neighboring cattle ranches competed.
From there they reached Tremonton, Utah, another small town which then opened into the Salt Lake area. They headed out to Mammoth Creek and faced such high winds that they made an unexpected stop at Beaver, Utah which had the most amazing Creamery with fresh cheese. At last, they reached Arizona and concluded their adventures. However, Brad said he walked away feeling more connected to his fellow Americans and the small towns dotted along the way. Brad expressed an appreciation, even awe, for the beauty and vast landscape that he would never have seen from a plane.
If the beating heart of American values and freedom ever seem faded or on the verge of extinction, consider hitting the road like Brad and Wendy and re-acquainting yourself with the land, the people, and the spirit of America.
Brad and Wendy Schnepf's Top Towns and Sights
- Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Pike's Peak
- Loveland, Colorado
- Lusk, Wyoming
- Custer, South Dakota
- Wild Horse Monument
- Custer State Park
- Needle Highway
- Mount Rushmore
- Deadwood, South Dakota
- Red Lodge, Montana
- Bear Tooth Highway
- Salmon, Idaho
- Tremonton, Utah
- Beaver, Utah