Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [51]
Where to Dine
NEAR THE PARK
In addition to the restaurant discussed below, Montrose has a branch of the regional family-restaurant chain Starvin' Arvin's, 1320 S. Townsend Ave. (☎ 970/ 249-7787), that's open daily from 6am to 10pm. Another good bet is Red Barn Restaurant, 1413 E. Main St. (☎ 970/ 249-9202), which specializes in beef. It's open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 10:30pm, Sunday from 9am to 10:30pm.
Glenn Eyrie Restaurant
2351 S. Townsend Ave. ☎ 970/249-9263. Reservations recommended. Main courses $12–$30. AE, DISC, MC, V. Mon–Sat 5–9pm. CONTINENTAL/AMERICAN.
This small, cozy restaurant is in a colonial farmhouse on the south end of town. In summer, guests can dine inside or outdoors in the garden; in winter, folks seek tables near the cozy central fireplace. Just about everything is made in-house, including rolls, jams, and sauces; many items, such as fruit, herbs, and greens, are grown on the grounds. Owner-chef Steve Schwathe changes the menu frequently to reflect the seasons and the availability of fresh ingredients. Choices might include whole rack of lamb, which is grilled, then slow-baked, and served with a sauce of tomato, rosemary, and garlic; or steak Diane, a butterflied beef tenderloin steak flamed
tableside in a mustard, applejack brandy, and cream sauce, with mushrooms and artichoke hearts. There are also fresh seafood selections and vegetarian dishes.
Picnic & Camping Supplies
A good bet for those seeking groceries, deli sandwiches, baked goods, or a pay-by-the-pound salad bar is one of the two City Market grocery stores in Montrose. There's one at 128 S. Townsend Ave. and another at 16400 S. Townsend Ave. For information, call ☎ 970/249-3405.
6
THE BLACK HILLS: Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument & Custer State Park
by Jack Olson
GHISELED IN GRANITE HIGH ON A PINE-CLAD CLIFF IN SOUTH DAKOTA'S fabled Black Hills are portraits of four of America's greatest leaders. Since 1941, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt have gazed quietly across the Great Plains and a land they did so much to mold.
Most of the 2.7 million people who visit each year spend but a short hour or two at the memorial, maybe eating a sandwich, then moving on to Yellowstone National Park or some other "major" destination. But those with the time and inclination will discover much to enjoy at Mount Rushmore and the other attractions of the Black Hills. Within an hour's drive of Mount Rushmore, you will find not only Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument, but also Custer State Park and the Crazy Horse Memorial, a work in progress that will be far larger than Mount Rushmore. And if you are willing to get off the beaten path—something that relatively few visitors do—you will find a backcountry dotted with trails through the region's pine forests, a virtually untrammeled wilderness where you can escape the crowds for days, or perhaps just an hour. As a bonus, you are almost certain to view a variety of wildlife matched in few places in the United States.
Geologists predict that the presidents will continue their earthly vigil at Mount Rushmore National Memorial for many centuries, eroding less than 1 inch every 10,000 years. Although major changes aren't predicted for the giant faces anytime soon, return visitors to the base of the mountain will discover that trails, viewing areas, and other facilities have greatly improved over the past few years.
The crown jewel of South Dakota's state park system, Custer State Park offers 71,000 acres of prime Black Hills real estate, the largest and most diverse population of wildlife, the best accommodations and facilities, and the most memorable natural resources of any park in the state.
Located