While both mom and I had seen Mt. Rushmore before, this was Krista’s first chance to see a piece of history. It is one of the attractions for which South Dakota is known – yes, we are known for something besides the weather and its remote location. We wound our way through the mountains and approached the entrance for the monument. At first I thought that the park was closed. After all, we had arrived at about 6:15 pm, and I wouldn’t have been surprised if it was closed to the public. Particularly so given that we were visiting during the non-peak season. Anyway, at first glance it appeared as if all of the entry lanes were being blocked by orange pylons. I stopped for a moment while I searched for further clues as to the status of the attraction. I soon realized that there was one opened lane. I drove to the lane at on the far-left of the entrance, and proceeded towards the small booth (like a toll booth at a bridge) at which I expected to pay an entry fee. If I can correctly recall, the sign indicated that there was a $13 parking fee. Apparently there is no ‘fee’ to actually enter the viewing area but you do need to pay an exorbitant parking fee! Fortunately, since it was ‘off peak’ – or perhaps since it was later in the evening – there was nobody present in the booth, and we were able to park for free – bonus !