Another Trip to the USA / Black Hills Adventures 2

Day 2 of our family stay in the Black Hills saw us heading for the Needles Highway. 

Eighteen years ago we had abandoned this trip due to the difficult nature of the road but now we had an experienced driver.

The Needles Highway is a spectacular drive through pine and spruce forests, meadows surrounded by birch and aspen and rugged granite mountains. The road’s name comes from the needlelike granite formations that dominate the horizon along the highway. The road was carefully planned by former South Dakota Governor Peter Norbeck, who marked the entire course on foot and by horseback. 

Construction was completed in 1922.

The highway passes Sylvan Lake and twists and turns as it climbs its way to the top through tunnels driven through solid granite to a unique rock formation called the Needle's Eye, an opening created by wind, rain, freezing, and thawing

The views from the top across Custer State Park are amazing

We arrived back in Hill City later that evening and lined up with the crowd of diners at the iconic Alpine Inn. 

It was our second visit here.

In 1883, the discovery of tin near Hill City attracted enough English capital to organize the “Harney Peak Tin Mining, Milling, and Manufacturing Company”.
The company built the Harney Peak Hotel for use by its mining executives. The hotel was a favorite spot for Sunday diners and a rendezvous for mining, timbering, and railroad men active in the area.
The mining company ceased operations in 1892.
Surviving two major fires, the hotel and dining room remained in operation until 1934.
Waldraut (Wally) Matush came to the USA from Stuttgart, Germany in 1961, moved to Hill City in 1970 and acquired the Harney Peak Hotel in 1974. 

Over a ten year period, the Hotel housed a variety of businesses until it became home of the present Alpine Inn in 1984.

Wally is the “Matron Saint” of the Alpine Inn and plans are to bury her in the basement when she dies so that she can haunt the building with the rest of its ghosts.
In 1996, Wally turned over the reins to her daughter, Monika, who carries on with the traditions started by her mother.
The menu is simple.
One starter choice: Iceberg wedge with ranch dressing.
Two mains choices: Bacon wrapped Filet Mignon with baked potato and Texas toast or German dumplings with Swiss cheese. 

Dessert choices: Too many!  

The cause of severe decision crises.
We shared an apple strudel (Sorry Dr. M), our hosts a triple berry ice-cream pie.

Atmosphere and service are great, food is delicious and the prices, even for wine, are extremely reasonable.

We all enjoyed the evening immensely and a fitting end to our Black Hills getaway.

Thanks again to J&K for their generous hospitality.