Orbitz Q&A: The South Dakota Mount Rushmore Mascots

The mascots sit down for a chat at Orbitz HQ.

An oasis of the great American West, South Dakota is much more than meets the eye. From outdoor adrenaline-pumping adventures and Old West history to American Indian culture and trendy festivals and events, there’s truly something for everyone in South Dakota. Curiosity piqued? Orbitz sat down with the state’s official mascots to dish about all things SoDak—and get you the inside scoop.

What’s the best part about summers in South Dakota?
Washington: Well it definitely gets warmer up there on Mt. Rushmore, which is nice.
Jefferson: The great people. They’re always friendly and love visitors!
Teddy: All the things to do and places to see—you could spend an entire summer here and not experience it all.
Lincoln: The wildlife, which in South Dakota you can see up close. There are bison, deer, pronghorn, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and an abundance of birds for those who love our feathered friends.

Where can travelers go to find off-the-path adventure in SoDak?
Teddy: Why, South Dakota’s state parks of course! This stateis abundant in outdoor adventure, from hiking and horseback riding to fishing and boating. And the byways aren’t bad either…try driving Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, and Spearfish Canyon for some of the state’s best scenery.

What’s your favorite place to visit when you want to get away from it all in SoDak?
Washington: I must say there is no better place to be than on horseback, whether on a trail in the Black Hills or riding on the open prairie, the view is magnificent.
Jefferson: I love to look out over the Missouri River to the expansiveness of the prairies.
Teddy: Without a doubt, the Badlands. Gotta love the frontier!
Lincoln: The best place for me to get away is in a cabin in Custer State Park.

For parents on the go, what are some top places to visit in SoDak this summer, when traveling with kids?
Lincoln: It’s important to keep the little ones entertained and perhaps even teach them something while on vacation. The Children’s Museum of South Dakota, in Brookings, has hands-on activities that allow children to have fun while learning.
Washington: The Outdoor Campus West in Rapid City is also perfect for hands-on activities. Young ones can learn how to fish, shoot a bow-and-arrow, and hike along outdoor trails.

For travelers planning a road trip out west, what are some must-see spots in South Dakota?
Washington: Well there are definitely some classic roadside stops such as the World’s Only Corn Palace, Pioneer Auto, 1880 Town and Wall Drug.
Jefferson: Quite right, Washington.
Teddy: Deadwood! That Old West cowboy history and culture really gets my ticker hummin’. And the national parks. South Dakota’s got some of the best in the country!
Lincoln: Oh Teddy, you get so excited. Aside from the obvious—Mount Rushmore—the Black Hills Playhouse in Custer State Park is a nice way to see a great theatrical production in the midst of nature’s beauty.

You guys seem to love being on the road! What’s your favorite stop to eat when you’re traveling?
Washington: The Deadwood Social Club provides an impressive menu with comfortable surroundings.
Jefferson: Charlie’s Pizza in Yankton is the state’s oldest pizza place, and is still around for good reason!
Teddy: Easy. Cattleman’s Steakhouse in Pierre—best steak ya ever had.
Lincoln: I would suppose I like anything that has a unique South Dakota flavor. Any of South Dakota’s diners and locally-owned restaurants are perfect for delicious, made-from-scratch meals.

There’s lots tosay about South Dakota. How would you sum up the great state in just one word?
Washington: Patriotic.
Jefferson: Beautiful.
Teddy: Adventurous!
Lincoln: Friendly.

Bikes or babes? What’s your reason for heading to the Sturgis motorcycle rally?
Teddy: Bikes—the louder and faster the better!
Jefferson: Oh, Teddy.

Who gets to ride shotgun on the tour bus?
Teddy: Well, you know, Washington always thinks he has to be in command, so usually the three of us take turns riding shotgun.
Lincoln: Yeah, but Jefferson probably takes it most often. I suppose being one of the founding fathers he’s entitled to that.

Who’s got the best luck with the patriotic lady-fans?
Jefferson: That would be Teddy. They love the specs and the mustache and the whole cowboy bit.

You’re in town in Chicago for the day—(other than visiting your friends at Orbitz) what’s one place you won’t miss?
All in unison: Sue the T-Rex!
Washington: You know, she was found in South Dakota, so we have to make sure we stop by the Field Museum for a visit and get her caught up on the news from her home state.

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