The Inside Scoop On the Black Hills

Without a doubt the handcrafted hot breakfasts served in our formal dining room are top-rated by our guests. We will be sharing those recipes in the coming months. But what makes our breakfasts extra special is that guests are treated to 1899 Inn co-owner Tom Griffith’s personal Black Hills touring tips and stories of local historical note.

America’s Shrine of Democracy

President Ronald Reagan wrote the forward for Tom’s first book. This book is available for sale at the 1899 Inn and may be purchased online through the Mount Rushmore Society’s website.

Tom has written (or co-written) 80 books, most of which focus on the Black Hills, and in particular Mt Rushmore National Memorial. Over his many years as a journalist and author he has collected a plethora of very interesting stories most of which were recounted to him first hand by those who lived them. He was able to interview the 36 living Mt Rushmore carvers in 1985. These men have all sadly since passed away but those vivid memories are all living in his brain constantly struggling to get out. We often say that Tom is a professional storyteller and, while he doesn’t hold a degree as such, most guests who have enjoyed his breakfast tales would agree.

Taken in the final year of construction in 1941 this image shows the four faces of freedom emerging from the rock of Mount Rushmore. Image courtesy Mount Rushmore Society

For those who are staying for several days and want an itinerary to cover each day, Tom has a few tips and routes planned on the map that will give you the best, and sometimes hidden, treasures of the Black Hills. He has researched and covered a great deal of this info in his many books from major publishers. There is so much to see and do in this area it will be hard to experience it all in just a couple of days. We hear over and over from guests that they should have planned to stay longer and will be back!

The map provided by Black Hills and Badlands, an area visitors association, offers a lot of information and gives Tom a tool for helping guests plan their tours. He has a marker and isn’t afraid to use it! Map courtesy Black Hills and Badlands