TJ’s Ice Cream

Keystone, South Dakota

In honor of the birth of our nation, we’re spotlighting the Mount Rushmore National Memorial where Thomas Jefferson—one of the four presidents immortalized in the iconic rock-face—is remembered for more than just writing the Declaration of Independence.

In addition to paying tribute to his contributions to the government, the memorial celebrates one of Jefferson’s lesser known accomplishments. Not many people know that he also authored the first ice cream recipe in the country.

Pride Dairy of Bottineau, North Dakota produces TJ’s ice cream throughout the summer at the Memorial Team Pride Ice Cream stand located inside the main entrance to the venue’s dining room.

Jefferson’s recipe used only four ingredients: cream, egg yolks, sugar, and real vanilla. Now, aside from pasteurizing the eggs, the ice cream makers at Mt. Rushmore follow the recipe.

Finally, you can literally taste history!

Check out other ice cream shops around the country you can visit for National Ice Cream Month.

By Benjamin Louis Gluck for PeterGreenberg.com