Herrmann Haul 2022: Part 3

Another morning in Hill City brought out the cinnamon rolls.  This is the most genuine smile you'll probably ever get from Parker.  He loves cinnamon rolls.  We started our day with a ride on the 1880 train.

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Steam engines first arrived in the Black Hills in 1879 during the mining boom and were a vital part of industry for many decades.  The line of track it runs on now it solely for the Black Hills Central Railroad going between Hill City and Keystone.

Parker was a little nervous again as we boarded the train.  He had a few little tears in him eyes, but was handling it well and Esme was comforting him.

It was about an hour ride each way with a 15 minute break in between.

Parker recovered well and enjoyed watching out the window.

It was really fun scenery and we ended up driving the road that crossed over the tracks on our way back from Rapid City later that night.

We hit up the pool after lunch before taking a walk in downtown Hill City.

The giant Smokey the Bear carving was hard to miss as we drove in to town.  The Dahl brothers from Dahl's Chainsaw Art have a few locations in the Black Hills.  They actually grew up in Dawson, MN, where we stopped on our first day driving out.

We spotted this ice cream shop on our first day in town and were excited to check it out.  Cream makes all of their flavors in house and I was so happy that Esme chose birthday cake instead of her signature chocolate.  Mocha chip for me and triple berry for Jimmy.

Parker shared a couple licks, but ice cream isn't his thing.

We explored the rest of main street with some souvenir and window shopping.  We found the cutest little Esme-sized Pac-Man game in the Harley store.

After supper we decided to take a drive to Rapid City.  We stopped at Candyland which touts itself as the largest candy store in the state.  They also have an adorable candy themed mini golf course that would be fun.  We grabbed some treats for the road before heading out.

We didn't have much of a plan in Rapid city other than stopping at the Dinosaur Park.  Jimmy spotted the Herrmann Insurance sign and we had to stop for a picture.  Long lost relatives maybe?

Dinosaur Park has been open since 1936.  It stands on the highest point in the city and offers 360 degree views.

I feel like my parents have a similar picture of me with the triceratops.  If I find it, I will have to share it.

Whew, what a great day!  Esme was ready to hit the hay with her new horse friend, Happy.  One more night in Hilly City, then off to Nebraska tomorrow.