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TRAVEL BLOG ENTRY
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“Metal Americana At Its Best” |
Continuing on our journey, we pressed on for the Enchanted Highway, heading west on Route 94. As we approached the enchanted highway we could see the first signs set off from the highway, a huge metal sculpture depicting the migration of geese in the area. We stopped at the top of the highway exit to see the sculpture. Made of scrap metal and some paint, the display is big, just like the space it occupies and makes for a great introduction into the rest of the highway. As we turned down the enchanted highway, one of the five scenic byways in the state, we weren’t exactly sure how far apart or how many of the sculptures we would see. Don’t think you are lost though, if ever traveling down the highway, the sculptures are there, but they are spread out by miles and miles. There were 6 altogether, covering 40 mile drive. As we came upon the sculptures, we were impressed each time more and more with the size of them, the skill at constructing such large figures, and the imagination behind them. The deer jumping over the fence, the cricket family, the fishing hole, the pheasants, the cowboy, and the tin family all had relevance to North Dakota’s heritage and community like the goose migration. As we traveled down the highway we also came upon an unexpected surprise.
Off the highway there is a sign marking the spot of Black Butte. A butte is the spot on a mountain that drops off flat, kind of like the top of the mountain has been shaved off. I had no idea how important it was that I learned this so early in my trip, as so many other Buttes, and references to them would be mentioned during our tours and sightseeing through the Badlands. The Butte is called Black because as the sun sets down on it, it appears to be just that. The legend behind the Butte is that there are “gold in them there hills” that still may remain. The gold was never mined though because of its protection from mining by the Indians. There is definitely a history here that is new to me. I am used to seeing cobblestone streets, places where our country was founded and sites of the Revolution. This history is different, although based on the same principles. Pride, strength, and the pursuit for a better life are the pillars of our countries history, but this history is so real still. There is no gift shop here or a Starbucks on the next corner. The Butte, and everything surrounding it, is untouched. It is my first encounter with the image of real cowboys and Indians still fighting for land and gold in the West.
When we arrived at the Cowboy sculpture we saw a group of people working on the wooden stage coach. The friendly group said hello as we passed them to take pictures of the huge cowboy metal structure depicting the history and current presence of cowboys and ranching in the state. After taking pictures and looking in awe, we introduced ourselves to the group as tourists from NJ. A woman and her two children were there to volunteer their time to repainting the wooded horses on the stage coach and a gentleman who we learned owned the land where the underwater fishing structure was constructed was clearly the overseer of everyone’s hard work. We came to learn that we were also speaking to the artist of all the structures, Gary Greff. Gary has been working, and continues to work, on all the structures along the highway. The metal structures are a passion for him and his personal attempt to bring business and tourism to the little town of Regent, sitting at the bottom of the Enchanted Highway. Gary is from Regent and answered all of our questions about the highway and his intentions for future plans like developing the 5 star resort and further structures he has visions for. When he found out we were from NJ though, the questions took a different turn. He wanted to know about why we were there and what was bringing us to Regent. When we explained to him that the only reason we were going to Regent is because it sat at the bottom of his highway. Instantly, he commissioned us to be the spokespeople of tourism once we arrived in Regent. It was very important to him that we told as many people as we could what brought us to the little town. In a small town like Regent, I imagine there are some small town values that don’t want tourists in the town, but Gary believes that the draw to Regent is good for business. After a great talk, we said our goodbyes and with a mission to promote the highway to the town we headed to Regent.
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