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| An early view of Hot Springs with the old Gillespie Hotel at left, rail depot in center, Evans Hotel at right. |
In what’s sure to be an exciting overnight trek to the
southern Black Hills , the Lawrence County
Historical Society is taking reservations for their grand Fall Tour, scheduled
for Saturday and Sunday, September 17th and 18th.
Participants will tour the world-famous Mammoth Site…..examine the unique architecture of the 1890 Railroad Depot that welcomed
thousands of people to this community of "hot springs"………explore
the marvelous four-story Pioneer Museum perched atop a hill overlooking the town……and get a close-up view of the 193 acres that comprise the
Fitzmaurice State Veteran Home, as well as the expansive Black Hills VA Center that has served tens of thousands of military veterans from South Dakota and surrounding
states.
“This is perhaps one of the most unique tours our society
has sponsored in recent years,” said LCHS Vice-President Jeannine Guern of
Deadwood.
“We’ll travel via a luxury Stagecoach Lines bus from
Deadwood south through the Hills, enjoying both the autumn scenery and an
on-board lunch. Lodging will be at the
American Best Value Inn, situated along beautiful Fall
River in the heart of Hot Springs
After visiting the grounds of the Veteran’s Home and the
VA under the guidance of experienced local tour guide Margaret Hunter, the group will arrive at the old rail depot and enjoy a short walking tour of this historic area. It will end at the nearby Black Hills
Books and Treasures, while owner Diane Gross will provide additional insight
into the River Street neighborhood that is chock full of history – and offer a 20 percent discount on store merchandise! Then the tour bus will wind its way up the hill to the Pioneer Museum , where you can marvel at the historic old sandstone school house and view a wide variety of exciting exhibits that document early Hot Springs history.
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| Fitzmaurice State Veteran Home |
"Our group will then have an hour or two to kick back at
the inn or take a leisurely stroll along River Street to absorb the unique ambiance of this special place. Even the inn itself is situated upon one of
the most venerable locations in the Black
Hills – the old Sister’s Hospital,” said Guern.
Then it's off for some creature comfort and tasty grub at Woolly’s Western Grill,
situated near the world-famous Mammoth Site, capping a day full of exciting discoveries and fun history with a delightful meal!
On Sunday morning, after a continental breakfast at the inn, the group again boards the bus for a short jaunt to the amazing Mammoth Site, the world's largest Columbian mammoth exhibit that has become a renowned research center. It's truly a window into the past that delights children and adults alike!
Then it's time for the comfortable and scenic return trip home – and yet another perspective of the beautifulBlack Hills .
On Sunday morning, after a continental breakfast at the inn, the group again boards the bus for a short jaunt to the amazing Mammoth Site, the world's largest Columbian mammoth exhibit that has become a renowned research center. It's truly a window into the past that delights children and adults alike!
Then it's time for the comfortable and scenic return trip home – and yet another perspective of the beautiful
“The bus ride alone offers such a wonderful way to see the
hills. Too often, as we motor through the
hills, we miss so much while having to pay attention to our driving. Passengers on this trip will have a chance to
really absorb the beauty that so many folks take for granted!"
This rare tour package is offered at $125 per person and
includes transportation, lodging, meals, and all museum and tour fees. Reservations should be submitted – along with
the $125 registration fee – prior to Thursday, August 25th to:
P. O. Box 305 Deadwood, SD 57732
Lawrence County Historical Society
(Attn:
Jeannine Guern)
Questions? Contact Jeannine Guern at 605-892-2203 or 605-578-1086.
“We’ve already started receiving reservations, and seating
is limited to 56 persons, so it’s important that reservations are made early,”
said Guern.
The Lawrence County Historical Society was formed in 1971 to "bring together those people interested in preserving, protecting, and promoting the history of Lawrence County and South Dakota. Membership is open to anyone. Just click on the "Member" tab at the top of this page, and you can be on your way to membership!
