Berlin Wall Exhibit – Rapid City, South Dakota

Berlin Wall Exhibit 10

Last week Gene and I took to trip to South Dakota and decided to do a few things that some visitors may not have time to visit or experience. One of these places was visiting a memorial and piece of the Berlin Wall. It is called Memorial Park and is located on Rapid Creek adjacent to The Monument (formerly known as the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center). The park holds one of America’s largest Berlin Wall exhibits (two large slabs of the wall), Memorial Pond, Flood of 1972 Memorial fountain, several other sculptures, a band shelter, and Legacy Commons.  It is a very special and touching exhibit. Along with the wall exhibit, there are many interpretive monument stations explaining why the wall was built, and how it was eventually taken down.

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Rapid City, South Dakota – My Top 7 Free Things on Our to-do List

Rapid City 1We have had a few fun times exploring Rapid City, South Dakota and the area since living here in CO. Of course we had to do the big attractions like Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse, but we also look forward to doing some more historical and local attractions on our next trip in May of 2022. With a budget in mind, I also wanted to do a few free things while in the area. Thus I did some research and found 7 free things around Rapid City that I think would be fun to do. Here is my list (alphabetically): Continue reading “Rapid City, South Dakota – My Top 7 Free Things on Our to-do List”

Mackinaw Bridge – Spanning the Straits of Mackinac

Mackinaw-Bridge-4As those of you who have followed my blog for a while, you probably know I really loved bridges.  Not sure exactly why I do, but I do, lol. Today I want to share some information and pictures about the beautiful Mackinaw Bridge. We were able to travel across it while in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for our anniversary in May of this year. I had heard of this bridge for many years, and couldn’t wait to see it in person. It didn’t disappoint J It is/was beautiful. Before I tell you a little bit about our visit, let me give you some history about the bridge itself.

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Whitefish Point Shipwreck Museum and Lighthouse

Whitefish Point 1 We recently got back from a week in the beautiful state of Michigan. We have now been to 44 states. 🙂 Anyway, while in the state we had a blast exploring the Detroit area as well as the Upper Peninsula. We had an amazing view of Lake Huron from our room in Mackinaw City, where we could also see part of the Mackinaw Bridge. Another perk was that we could walk out onto the beach just a few steps from our porch. While in the area Gene wanted to check out the Shipwreck Museum up in Whitefish Point. I was more than eager, as I wanted to see the Whitefish Point Lighthouse. It was about an hour and ½ from where we were so it wasn’t too bad and the drive was beautiful.

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Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument – Montana

Little Bighorn - Front GateLike many things we have done while traveling, sometimes something really surprises you or hits you differently. One such place is Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument near Crow Agency, Montana.  First off, I thought it was in Wyoming, my bad 🙁  I had heard of this place for many years from my stepdad and learned a little bit about Custer and Sitting Bull, and the battle that happened there, but never thought about seeing it. My view on history has changed A LOT through the years, and when we were in Montana September of 2018, we made sure to visit. Continue reading “Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument – Montana”

Crazy Horse National Monument, South Dakota – The Legacy Lives On

Crazy Horse 1While in Rapid City  in June of 2015 we went to Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse National Monument. I had heard a lot about this monument but didn’t know really much about it. I am embarrassed to admit that at one point, I actually thought it was about an actual horse. Yes, I am hiding my face in shame, lol. Gladly I knew more about it when we headed out, but not much. At least I knew it was about an Indian Chief and not a horse, lol. I have to say, I learned a lot while we were there. Continue reading “Crazy Horse National Monument, South Dakota – The Legacy Lives On”

Heard Museum – American Indian Art and Artifacts

Heard Museum - 1In February of 2019, I was in Phoenix, Arizona to watch my Angels in some spring training games at Tempe Diablo Stadium and Salt River Field. While that was the main reason for my visit, I was also looking forward to visiting a few local attractions. One such place was the Heard Museum. When I first discovered the Heard Museum, I thought it sounded quite interesting. I was intrigued and was looking forward to learning more about American Indian Art and American Indian people. I was not disappointed. Continue reading “Heard Museum – American Indian Art and Artifacts”

USS Arizona Memorial, Hawaii – Our Visit Brought up Many Emotions

USS Arizona_usOn our trip to Oahu in late December of 2016, we were able to see the USS Arizona Memorial and pay respect to those lives lost on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941.  It was so surreal and an experience that I will never forget. Although it almost didn’t happen, and our visit had to be rescheduled.  Obama and the Prime Minister were touring the memorial the same day as we were scheduled. Just our luck, lol. But it worked out and we were able to visit the day before.  Continue reading “USS Arizona Memorial, Hawaii – Our Visit Brought up Many Emotions”