July 2019 — A hiker descends the rugged granite path from Black Elk Peak, the highest summit in South Dakota, as the evening light softens over the Cathedral Spires. The trail—part of the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve within Custer State Park—winds through a landscape shaped by ancient uplift and erosion, where ponderosa pines cling to stone outcrops and fire-scarred trunks bear witness to the region’s cycles of renewal. From this vantage point, the Black Hills stretch endlessly toward the horizon, a place sacred to the Lakota people and enduringly wild in its beauty.

July 2019 — A fog-covered hiking trail winds through the dense pines and granite slopes of Black Elk Peak in South Dakota’s Black Hills. The path, slick with rain and scattered with stones, climbs steadily toward the summit through ponderosa pine, birch, and spruce. This mountain—sacred to the Lakota and once called Harney Peak—rises to 7,244 feet, making it the highest natural point between the Rockies and the Pyrenees. In the early morning fog, the quiet forest and damp earth lend the trail a timeless stillness, recalling centuries of spiritual and geological history beneath the mist.

July 2019 — A mist-laden trail winds through the ponderosa pine forest near the summit of Black Elk Peak in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The fog softens the rugged terrain, reducing the visibility of distant ridges and creating a quiet, atmospheric stillness in the morning air. This area, once known as Harney Peak, stands as the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains and is a sacred place to the Lakota Sioux, where natural beauty and cultural heritage converge in the clouds.

July 2019 — Carved into a rugged slope of weathered schist and limestone, this small mine entrance sits near the historic mining corridors west of Custer, South Dakota — a remnant of the Black Hills’ 19th-century gold rush. The opening, likely hand-dug or expanded with early blasting techniques, leads into mineral-rich rock layers once prospected for gold, silver, and iron sulfides that fueled the regional boom of the 1870s. Surrounding the portal are piles of tailings and fractured quartz veins that reveal the area’s geologic complexity — part of an ancient mountain uplift more than 1.8 billion years old. Today, the forest has begun to reclaim the site, with pines and brush growing over the spoil heaps, blending traces of human industry back into the Black Hills landscape.

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July 2019 — An abandoned mine in South Dakota near the Black Hills.

July 2019 — Along Highway 87 in the central Black Hills National Forest, this view captures the rugged landscape typical of the region’s granite highlands. Massive weathered outcrops rise sharply from the forest floor, remnants of the ancient Harney Peak granite formation that underlies much of this terrain. Scattered ponderosa pines cling to crevices in the rock, while fallen trunks and new saplings trace the slow recovery of the forest from past fires. The setting lies near the scenic Needles Highway corridor—an area known for its narrow tunnels, steep grades, and ever-changing mountain light that defines the wilderness character of western South Dakota.

July 2019 — Sylvan Lake is a lake located in Custer State Park, in the Black Hills of South Dakota, United States. It was created in 1881 when Theodore Reder built a dam (the Sylvan Lake Water Dam) across Sunday Gulch Creek. The lake area offers picnic places, rock climbing, small rental boats, swimming, and hiking trails. It is also popular as a starting point for excursions to Black Elk Peak and The Needles. -- Wikipedia

July 2019 — An American bison stands along the Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park, South Dakota, illuminated by the first light of morning. The park’s herd, one of the largest managed populations in the country, roams freely across a landscape that mirrors the open grasslands once dominated by millions of these animals before the 19th-century decline. Bison are a keystone species of the Great Plains ecosystem, their grazing patterns shaping the prairie’s biodiversity. At Custer, annual roundups and controlled management preserve both the health of the land and the continuation of a lineage deeply tied to Native history and American conservation.

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July 2019 — A mature American bison grazes in the rolling prairie of Custer State Park in South Dakota, part of one of the largest publicly owned herds in the United States. Once on the brink of extinction, the park’s bison herd—established in 1914—now numbers more than a thousand animals, representing a critical effort in the preservation of the species. These massive mammals, capable of weighing over a ton, roam freely across the park’s 71,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie and ponderosa pine forest. The setting reflects both the ecological restoration of the Great Plains and the enduring legacy of America’s native megafauna, which has been tied to the land for millennia.

July 2019 — A bison cow stands watch over her calf in the rolling meadows of Custer State Park, South Dakota. Each spring, the park’s herd welcomes hundreds of reddish-brown calves, often called “red dogs,” whose lighter coats gradually darken as they mature. The park maintains roughly 1,300 animals within its 71,000-acre reserve, a landscape of prairie and ponderosa pine forest that mirrors the natural habitat once spanning the Great Plains. This scene reflects both the resilience of the American bison and the conservation success that brought the species back from near extinction in the early 20th century.

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July 2019 — The Needles of the Black Hills of South Dakota are a region of eroded granite pillars, towers, and spires within Custer State Park. Popular with rock climbers and tourists alike, the Needles are accessed from the Needles Highway, which is a part of Sylvan Lake Road (SD 87/89). The Cathedral Spires and Limber Pine Natural Area, a 637-acre portion of the Needles containing six ridges of pillars as well as a disjunct stand of limber pine, was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1976. -- Wikipedia

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July 2019 — Bison in Custer State Park in Custer, South Dakota.

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July 2019 — Carved directly through a narrow granite spire in the Black Hills, the Needles Eye Tunnel stands as one of South Dakota’s most distinctive engineering feats. Completed in 1922 as part of the Needles Highway (SD 87), the one-lane tunnel measures just 8 feet 4 inches wide and 11 feet 3 inches high, requiring careful navigation by passing vehicles. Its name comes from the adjacent rock formation, where centuries of wind and water erosion sculpted a sharp, needle-like opening. Surrounded by dense ponderosa pine forest and sheer stone walls, this section of the highway offers one of the most dramatic mountain drives in the American Midwest, linking the spire formations of Custer State Park with the scenic byways leading toward Sylvan Lake and Mount Rushmore.

July 2019 — Early morning fog drifts across Sylvan Lake in the Black Hills of South Dakota, softening the granite spires and reflecting still light off the water’s surface. Created in 1891 by Theodore Reder’s dam, the lake sits at the head of the scenic Needles Highway and is surrounded by granite formations that attract climbers, photographers, and hikers. On this mist-covered morning, visibility narrows to the immediate shoreline, turning the familiar outcrops into shadowed silhouettes. The calm water and diffused light capture a rare quiet moment in one of Custer State Park’s most iconic and photographed landscapes.

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July 2019 — Lake of the Isles and Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis.

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July 2019 — Wood floats up onto the shore in Kewaunee near the Nuclear Power Plant.

July 2019 — Located in Kewaunee, Wiscomnsin, the plant is in the middle of a 50 year decomissioning process.

July 2019 — The Kewaunee Power Station is a decommissioned nuclear power plant, located on a 900 acres (360 ha) plot in the town of Carlton, Wisconsin, 27 miles (43 km) southeast of Green Bay, Wisconsin in Kewaunee County, and south of the city of Kewaunee. KPS was the fourth nuclear power plant built in Wisconsin, and the 44th built in the United States. Due to falling electricity prices resulting from the falling price of natural gas, the plant ceased operation May 7, 2013.

July 2019 — Lake Michigan in Kewaunee, Wisconsin outside the Kewaunee Power Station nuclear power plant.

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July 2019 — Renter Power! Seen on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, MN

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July 2019 — Mural by Cori Nakamura Lin, and Tori Hong on the Midtown Greenway in South Minneapolis.

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July 2019 — The long abandoned massive concrete Archer-Daniels-Midland Delmar Elevator No. 7 in Minneapolis.

July 2019 — Train tracks outside the long abandoned massive concrete Archer-Daniels-Midland Delmar Elevator No. 7 in Minneapolis.

July 2019 — Formerly the Harris Machinery building has since been renovated into The Market at Malcolm Yards.

July 2019 — Taconite Harbor Energy Center in Schroeder, Minnesota

July 2019 — Storm clouds rolling into Taconite Harbor and Lake Superior. The storm didn't last long but provided some incredible clouds.

July 2019 — The Knife Falls Dam in Cloquet, MN. The hydro plant produces an output of 2.4-megawatts.

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July 2019 — Cramer Tunnel in Cramer Minnesota. The tunnel operated from 1957 to 2001. The tunnel connect the LTV Steel taconite plant in Hoyt Lakes to the ore dock at Taconite Harbor.

July 2019 — Built circa 1889, this building in Downtown Minneapolis on 11th Avenue used to operate as a brothel per historical records.

August 2019 — Cavalier King Charles Spaniel laying on a couch.

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August 2019 — Signs in a Minneapolis parking ramp.

August 2019 — Reflection in a Minneapolis parking garage.

August 2019 — A "Slippery When Wet" sign in a downtown Minneapolis parking garage.

August 2019 — Skyway under construction in downtown Minneapolis.

August 2019 — Gold Medal Flour sign seen from Downtown East.

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August 2019 — Located on the University of Minnesota campus at 84 Church Street SE, the Cyrus Northrop Memorial Auditorium is a performing arts venue. It is named after the Universities second president.

August 2019 — 498 foot high rise at 707 2nd Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN

August 2019 — A night view of downtown Minneapolis glows with vibrant hues from its illuminated skyline. The IDS Center and Wells Fargo Tower stand prominently among the city’s modern high-rises, their lights reflecting the urban energy below. New residential buildings in the foreground contrast with the historic clock tower in the distance, highlighting the city’s mix of old and new architecture.

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August 2019 — A brightly lit “Super Dog” food stand sign glows with yellow bulbs at a carnival or fairground. Surrounded by flags and festive colors, the concession stand evokes the classic atmosphere of American fairs where hot dogs and snacks are a staple of the midway.

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August 2019 — Brightly lit with rows of orange and yellow bulbs, a vintage-style swing carousel glows against the night sky at a fairground. The ornate ride features hand-painted panels depicting alpine landscapes and traditional figures, creating a striking contrast between old-world artistry and modern amusement park energy.

August 2019 — A brightly painted cookie shop features bold signage advertising chocolate chip cookies, ice cold milk, and hot coffee. The storefront, with its yellow siding, red-and-white awnings, and whimsical design, captures the festive atmosphere typical of fairgrounds and boardwalk-style concessions.

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August 2019 — The iconic Pepsi-Cola sign glows in red neon along the East River waterfront in Long Island City, Queens. The landmark sign, originally installed in 1936, now stands in front of modern residential towers and remains a prominent feature of the New York City skyline.

August 2019 — Manhattan as seen from across the East River.

August 2019 — Manhattan as seen from Long Island City

August 2019 — Manhattan as seen from Long Island City

August 2019 — The iconic Long Island sign towers over the East River waterfront in Queens as evening light reflects off the glassy high-rises of Long Island City. Once a gritty industrial dock, the area has transformed into one of New York City’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.

August 2019 — People walk along Mulberry Street in Manhattan’s Little Italy under rows of simple festive arches. Shops and cafés line the street as vendors sell food and souvenirs to passersby. The scene reflects the neighborhood’s everyday rhythm and long-standing cultural roots.

August 2019 — High rises in Long Island City, NY.

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September 2019 — A neon sign for Angelo’s Pizza glows against the brick facade of a building in Midtown Manhattan. The Italian restaurant, located near the Ed Sullivan Theater, adds to the neighborhood’s mix of nightlife and dining spots illuminated after dark.

September 2019 — Storefronts of The Vitamin Shoppe, Rumour’s Bar and Grill, and The Bread Factory Café are seen at night along a Manhattan street. Cars are parked in front of the businesses.

September 2019 — Pedestrians crowd the sidewalks around a subway entrance in Times Square, Manhattan. The 42nd Street–Times Square station, one of the busiest in New York City, connects multiple subway lines beneath the bright billboards, storefronts, and heavy traffic of the theater district.

September 2019 — A traffic officer directs pedestrians at a crosswalk in Times Square, Manhattan. Crowds move past construction barriers and street signage in the busy tourist district, where theaters, billboards, and entertainment venues draw thousands of visitors daily.

September 2019 — A dense vertical corridor of advertising light and architecture defines Times Square, seen here at 47th Street and Broadway in Midtown Manhattan. Towering LED billboards and commercial facades—featuring brands from Levi’s to Samsung—create one of the world’s most iconic visual environments. Once a gritty crossroads of theaters and print media, the area was redeveloped in the late 20th century into a symbol of global commerce and digital spectacle, blending entertainment, marketing, and architecture into a single overwhelming urban experience.

September 2019 — The neon marquee of NBC Studios glows outside 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan. The sign, also advertising the Rainbow Room and the building’s observation deck, marks the entrance to the historic headquarters of the television network.

September 2019 — The Lower Plaza at Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan is seen with the golden statue of Prometheus overlooking the outdoor dining area. Rows of international flags line the upper concourse, while crowds gather around the landmark complex that is home to shops, offices, and seasonal attractions.

September 2019 — An eagle statue perched on a globe stands outside Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan. The bronze sculpture, one of several around the historic landmark, looks out over Midtown with the glass facade of the MetLife Building rising in the background.

September 2019 — The entrance to Track 30 inside Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan is seen at night. The marble hallways of the landmark station lead to the train platforms below, as a commuter and a security officer stand near the archways beneath illuminated signs.

September 2019 — A Metro-North Railroad train waits at a platform inside Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan. The concrete pillars and exposed beams of the underground station frame the tracks, where the yellow warning strip lines the edge of the platform.

September 2019 — A Metro-North Railroad train is seen at a station platform, its blue-and-white exterior bearing the MTA logo. The commuter rail line, operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, connects New York City with suburbs across New York State and Connecticut.

September 2019 — A Connecticut state seal is displayed on the side of a Metro-North Railroad train car, operated in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Transportation. The red-and-silver exterior includes safety instructions and signage, highlighting the regional rail system that connects commuters between New York and Connecticut.

September 2019 — A Metro-North Railroad train sits at a platform inside Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan. The stainless-steel cars reflect the dim lighting of the underground station, where exposed pipes and graffiti-marked beams highlight the aging infrastructure of the busy commuter hub.

September 2019 — A stairway leads down to the train platforms for Tracks 11 and 13 at Penn Station in Manhattan. A sign reading “Watch Your Step” hangs above the stairs, while a black-and-white advertisement looms over the tracks in the busy transit hub.

September 2019 — Two people paddle kayaks along the Hudson River near the USS Intrepid, a decommissioned aircraft carrier now serving as part of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in Manhattan. The massive gray hull of the ship looms over the water, contrasting with the small boats below.

September 2019 — A vendor works at a brightly lit Sabrett hot dog stand in Manhattan, surrounded by stacks of soda cans, bottled water, and snack foods. Street carts like these are a common sight across New York City, serving pretzels, knishes, and hot dogs late into the night to passing pedestrians.