South Dakota
August 29 - September 15, 2019
Blog Highlights:
Badlands national park
black hills national forest
Mount Rushmore & crazy horse
Custer state park
Needles Highway
around rapid city, sd
South Dakota was such an unexpected treat! “Land of Plenty” is an appropriate nickname for the state, as it seems there is something new to discover around every corner and an abundant amount of natural beauty and history. Prepare for picture overload as we recap the variety of amazing experiences to be had in South Dakota.
1. Badlands National Park
We hadn’t even got into the park yet and were already in awe of the landscape.
Where is Scotty? Can you find him?
We were lucky to have beautiful weather!
Top down and doors off on the Jeep was such a fun way to experience the Badlands!
Such a vast prarie. Quite unexpected after driving through the peaks and valleys.
Prarie Dogs are so cute!
These guys were battling over resources.
No, we did not bring along a photographer or use a drone. A stranger happened to catch us in his photos while taking pictures of the sunset and asked us if we would like copies. So nice! And BEAUTIFUL pictures!
The result of the selfie taking you see in the picture on the left. Hilarious!
The sunset was gorgeous, with such rich colors accentuating the moon.
Our cozy spot at the Badlands / White River KOA Holiday in Interior, SD. Nice place to stay.
Driving our motorhome through the Badlands…piece of cake! The upcoming hill was the first big test for our rig, but it Bravely stood up to the challenge and made it safely to the top with no issues.
2. black hills national forest
The Black Hills National Forest borders two states (South Dakota and Wyoming), with 1.2 million acres of forested hills and mountains. There is a diverse amount of plants and critters, due to the unique topography that resulted from an uplift of volcanic activity. This uplift created an elliptical dome, at the center of which is a crystalline core, composed of the oldest rocks in the hills. If you’re near Rapid City, SD, make a stop by the Petrified Forest of the Black Hills. Their informative video does a great job of explaining how the region was formed. Pictures from the Petrified Forest are included further in this post.
Look at those happy faces! We were just stepping into the Black Hills and were already in love.
Every drive in the Black Hills has scenic treats. Simply beautiful!
We only included two pictures for the Black Hills National Forest because…everything after this is in or around the forest. There is so much to see and do!
3. Mount rushmore & crazy horse
Mount Rushmore National Monument
Such incredible detail!
Loved the profile view in the middle of the stunning granite rock.
The way everyone should approach Mount Rushmore…through the tunnels on Iron Mountain Road.
Beautiful!
Crazy Horse Memorial
The outline on the right represents the planned location of the horse’s head.
We highly recommend the tour to the base.
The history, stories, and artifacts within the museum were interesting and touching.
The blasting and carving process is quite slow and arduous, but worth the effort…look at the detail on that face!
Plans for the full location.
4. Custer State Park
Beautiful drives!
Scout Scotty, on the lookout as we drive through the park.
A herd of Bison in the distance. Don’t worry…close up pictures included below.
Boy did we surprise this guy?!
Cute little chipmunk.
Pronghorn
This donkey was hamming it up for attention.
Look at that face!
The Mount Coolidge Lookout & Fire Tower
Mount Coolidge Lookout and Fire Tower, built in the 1930s, rests atop a 6,023 foot peak.
You can see the Badlands from the Lookout on a clear day (on the horizon).
The 360 degree views from the lookout are breathtaking.
Another great overlook, just down from the fire tower.
Sylvan Lake
On the trail behind Sylvan Lake.
The sunsets at Silvan Lake are just gorgeous! And the stargazing is great as well.
5. Needles Highway
In the Smoky Mountains, there are “bear jams”. In the Rocky Mountains, there are “elk jams”. In the Black Hills, well…
Bison Jams! Don’t get too close to the Bison. They may look slow and tame, but they are fast, powerful, and unpredictable!
The route through the Needles is a meandering, immersive adventure. Shout out to Peter Norbeck, the governor of South Dakota that brought this vision to life!
We fell in love with the Needles Highway. It was a regular drive for us during our time in South Dakota.
These ladies saved us from walking into a bee swarm!! Thank you again!!
We hope you enjoyed your trip!
6. Around Rapid City, SD
Petrified Forest
Beautiful views of the surrounding valley.
Petrified wood from a fallen tree.
So fun…a petrified wood log pile.
Fort Hays
A must see destination for fans of the movie Dances with Wolves. Parts of the movie set were moved from their original location to the site of the Chuckwagon Supper & Music Variety Show. Access into the buildings is free.
Scotty on the lookout…checking to ensure the path ahead is safe.
There are demonstrations and lessons for making rope, coin stamping, etc. Very cool!
The surrounding countryside is really pretty!
Spearfish Canyon
A wonderful stop for a picnic lunch!
WATERFALLS!!
Miscellaneous
We made a quick spin through Sturgis and found bikes racing around town on a dirt track surrounding local businesses.
Traci was nearly attacked by a dinosaur just outside of Rapid City, so we decided it was time to move on to Colorado.
Pit Stops & Encounters
Attractions / Activities
The World’s Only Corn Palace
(see travel update for pics)Wall Drug (see travel update for pics)
(take this to Mount Rushmore)
Restaurants
Pauly’s Pizzeria & Sub Co.
(friendly owner, great pizza, and self-serve beer taps)Desperados (Hill City, SD)
Sylvan Lake Lodge
(great place to stop for a cocktail)
Breweries & Wineries
Firehouse Brewing Company
(great food & good beer)Prairie Berry Winery (Hill City, SD)
Campground
Critters
Bison
Pronghorn
Donkeys
Prairie Dogs
Deer
Chipmunks
Dinosaurs
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