Today, we stayed close to the RV Park and ventured into “the
Heart of the Hills”, Hill City. This little town has a strong past of
discovery. After the gold rush had moved north, tin had been found in the rock
and the industrial railroad moved in.
Hill City has continued to evolve into a geological hub of
exploration, as well. Researchers from the Black Hills Institute discovered the
largest T-Rex skeleton in 1990, they named her “Sue.” Although the fossils have
been moved to Chicago, Hill City displays its very own T-Rex, named Stan.
The Hill City experience includes, The Teddy Bear Town and
the whistle of the authentic steam locomotive that travels from Hill City to
Keystone daily. We are taking the train on Friday, I will share more about that
then. But I have to talk about Teddy Bear Town. Inside this cozy looking exterior, you'll find one of the
most cuddly, huggable collections in the world. It's a museum that's put Hill
City on the map, with a collection that's more than 10 times the population of
the heart of the hills, and 'Teddy Bear Town' is still growing.
The owner Jackie
Miley says, "I have what they call an addictive personality and there's no
support group for me and I have lots of enablers."
When you walk around the crowded aisles, you'll find any
type of bear you can imagine... and every bear has a story. Jackie told us she
has bears from more than 30 different countries and every state in America,
this bear den has stories from people all over.
Every bear that somebody has brought or sent to her, means a
lot that they want to be a part of this … to share their memories here. Jackie
got a later start than most to becoming a bear aficionado, because
surprisingly, teddy bears weren't a part of her childhood.
While her first bear is special, her favorite bear holds a
strong sentimental value. Jackie grew up in foster homes, but this teddy was
given to her by some folks from the town she lived in, in second grade, who
found a picture of her and attached it to the bear, giving her a piece of her
somewhat blurry past.
Jackie got her first Guinness World Record in 2005 with 3,610
bears, and over the year’s people from all over have brought her more. She
records information on every bear and assigns a number.
Her total count, when
we were there, was 10,781. Every bear has a story and for the most part, you
can point to a bear and she can share the story. This little slice of heaven on
earth is creating an oasis of comfort for everyone to experience.
The Spirit of the Hills Park is the home of “Patriarch,” a
larger-than-life bronze bison sculpture by local artist, Peggy Anne Detmers.
Patriarch greets travelers at the Southwest corner of East Main Street and
Railroad Avenue; this 10’ x 5’ x 5’ sculpture was donated to the City in 2005
through the efforts of the Spirit of the Hills Committee and overwhelming
community support. Here was nearly killed the other day when we drove through
town, as a car involved in an accident was perched next to the Patriarch!
Dahl’s Chainsaw Art is one first businesses you see and it
is impressive. The office is a small shed with a front porch, but the real work
is conducted outside along the side walk for all to see! The wood chips fly as
he creates unique chainsaw carvings. He started his journey in the great state
of Alaska, following mentor Scott Hanson.
Jordan began his carving career at the age of 16 years old.
Jordan learned to carve in Alaska until the age of 19 when he took on his next
adventure in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The Black Hills has been Jordan's
summer home for the past ten plus years. He now resides in Hill City where he
has his own outside gift shop. When Dahl looks at a log, he sees more than just a log. He
sees into the log. Possibilities lurk — like woodland creatures yearning to be
freed from timber prisons, by sharknadoes of razor-sharp Husqvarna teeth.
Jordan Dahl carves bears, eagles & even ninja turtles
out of wood with his chainsaw. Watch him work, view and purchase his unique
creations at his Hill City shop. The Liberty and Freedom chair he has there is
spectacular!
We had lunch at Bumpin’ Buffalo Bar & Grill on the 3rd
floor terrace level.
It was a good meal, with great friends and even better
views!
They served wine based liquors, I have never heard of wine based liquor!
So, many of them were game! Charlie & Nancy had a Bloody Bump, Rosann had
Merlot, my Charlie had Coors Light, Judy had Trout Slayer and Lyle had Moose
Drool.
In an earlier blog, I talked about how Sturgis has "spilled out" into other Black Hills communities, Hill City is no exception!
Since Hill City has a Harley Davidson location, it only seems fitting that many bikes stop and stay here!
Did I mention that our husbands found the Hill City Jail?
It is also home to the Annual Sculpture in the Hills Show
& Sale. This popular event feature more than 20 regional artists working in
bronze, stone, wood, infused metal, blown-glass, hand-beading, mixed media, and
hand-forged metal.
Artist demonstrations will be offered throughout the show
and the sculptors will be on hand to discuss their work. The show is free and
held every June for more than 10 years. Seeing some of the awesome sculptures
in Hill City, I can only imagine the talent that is drawn here.
After a fun filled day, the fun continued with a full course
Italian dinner, cooked by Rosann and hosted by her and Paul! Thanks to Charlie
& Nancy for the wine! The night ended with a campfire with fellow
caravaners!
Tomorrow our Northwest Caravan begins ... this was all fun on our own!
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