In the first two installments of Things To See Driving West, I discussed two of the country's less known tourist attractions that are must-sees: Niagara Cave and Wall Drug. Now I would like to discuss a couple of the US's more popular tourist attractions that are inexpensive, worth seeing, but not necessarily the greatest thrill.

Devil's Tower is the United State's first National Monument. It is a natural rock formation that stand tall in the Northeast Corner of Wyoming. There are a couple different legends about what and how the formation came to be.

Perhaps the most popular of these stories is the tale of the young Indian boys or girls (its told both ways) who were wandering around the area when they realized that they were lost. After days of trying to find their way, they were startled and chased by a giant grizzly bear. The children had no escape, for the bear was much bigger and faster than they. Realizing that they were going to be dinner, they called upon Wakan Tanka, their creator, to save them. Suddenly, the earth began to shake and the ground rose beneath them. Higher and higher they rose into the sky until they were just out of reach of the giant grizzly. They were safe, however the bear was not please and raked his claws up and down the side of the rock giving it the look it has now.

Continuing into Wyoming via Route 90, you will soon venture off onto US-14. From there take WY-24, and then you're on your own. You can see the formation for miles around as it rises high above the great Wyoming plains. Getting to the entrance of the park can prove to be an adventure in and of itself, but as long as you keep Devil's Tower National Monument in your sights, you will eventually make it.

Upon arrival, you will find refuge in the country store at the park's gate. Here you can purchase your souvenirs, gifts, and even some food. The view of Devil's Tower from this point is spectacular. There are great opportunities for photos, and room to walk around and meet some of the other tourists who are there for the same reason.

Though it is an unbelievable sight, and has great history as the country's first national monument, I would recommend skipping on entering the park. There is no way that paying the $20 to get through the gate can be any more satisfying than the views you get from your current location or from your car as you drive by from a distance.

Put Devil's Tower National Monument on your list of things to see, but don't get suckered into the park, unless you plan on spending the night.

Mount Rushmore is also an impressive sight to see. The most impressive aspect of this national monument is the fact that Gutzon Borglum and his team were able to carve this masterpiece into the side of a mountain. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, you will want to take Route 16 from Rapid City. It is not a far detour from Route 90, so after you visit, your trip can resume with ease.

Though Mount Rushmore is something you should see, it really is quite disappointing. Each and every picture gives off the impression that the monument is massive, however when seeing it up close, it is much smaller than expected. Another con of this national memorial is that without paying to enter the park, there is little chance for a photograph. Along the road, where the best views can be had, there is a strict no parking law. Only once you have driven by and can no longer see the tourist attraction in its entirety, can you pull over and get a photo of George Washington's profile.

I highly recommend the drive through the Black Hills to get to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, however I would also skip paying to enter the park. Take photos as you pass by, make sure you have nobody behind you on the road, and stop to get a good shot. If you have to, check for cops, pull over, snap a few quick pics, and move on. The attraction is nice, and you should make the trip, but it is not worth spending too much time there. There are better things to see, and better things to do in this great country.