We are heading to South Dakota this summer!

9 years ago

Ten of us (family) are heading to South Dakota in June for vacation. My nephew planned most of what we are doing.

Day 1: Black Hills Train, Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument

Day 2: Wind Cave, Wild Horse Sanctuary, Mammoth Site

Day 3: Sturgis, Deadwood with a free afternoon to do what ever we want

Everything is fairly reasonable except the Wild Horse Sanctuary and if it is $50.00 per person, we will pass on that activity.

My brother, SIL, niece and nephew have all been there, but the rest of us have not.

Have you been there? Any suggestions?

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roxanna

9 years ago

Lived in Rapid City for three years 40-some years ago (DH in Air Force), All your sites are great. If you are in the neighborhood, a stop in Mitchell SD is fun, location of the world's only Corn Palace.

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Comments (16)

OklaMoni
9 years ago
Been there, loved it. It was on my cross country bicycle tour, in 2004. My story about that part starts here: https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=1fs&page_id=12746&v=4C

Moni
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Joan, we just got home Monday after a 16 day trip out there and on up to Calgary, Alberta. Were you by any chance on one of the Your Man Tour groups? Coming from the Atlantic ocean, it was a very sobering and magnificent landscape for us. I had no idea the natural beauty that 'barreness could have! I loved our American farmlands, and Canadian too. Lots of respect for those landowners and ranchers. What a life - met a farmer who stayed at one of our hotels - he had a dentist appointment - 2 hours to get to a dentist. He also told us when I asked about emergency services - - half hour for an ambulance to reach his 'spread' and hour and half to nearest hospital! In a 'real emeregency' helicopters are sent in. I am ready to go again. Wonderful photos Joan. Mine are not nearly as good. Will begin the editing chore today. Mim
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We did the same trip last year and had a blast. We stayed a few nights at various motels and even one in Hot Springs too (neat little town), and from there we drove South to Ardmore, SD to visit a Ghost Town which we enjoy doing when we can find them. The town is like everyone just up and left, which is essentially what happened. Tidbit: Last recorded population was in 1980 with 16 people. There are old buildings and 15-20 vacant homes still standing and some with yards filled with classic cars. We ran into a mailwoman who only delivers every few weeks and she said there are 2-3 residents still there. It would be eerie at night; it kind of was during the day. Needles Highway was a great adventure with fabulous views. We did it twice from different directions. Did you hike the Notch Trail in the Badlands...the sunsets/rises are picture worthy.
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jim_1 (Zone 5B)
9 years ago
It has been close to 50 years ago, but we stopped at Wall Drug. Just because.
PKponder TX Z7B
9 years ago
it's on my bucket list :-) Please let us know how it was.
nodakgal
9 years ago
Reptile Gardens is fun and has some neat stuff.
User
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Been to ALL those places. Jewel cave is excellent....loved the cave bacon! Custer State Park for the buffalo herds. Needles Eye...watched climbers. Pig Tail curves, I have a post card pic of it. We stayed in Hot Springs and went to a local river where the local Indians hung out. Shopped for local Indian pottery, BIG water slide, little cafes. Hickabilly restaurants with clever menus and place mats I brought home.....
glenda_al
9 years ago
Sounds like a great trip. I'm going to Switzerland in August.
jemdandy
9 years ago
Take a drive through the South Dakota Bad Lands. There will be photo opportunities. The shadows in the formations shift according to the position of the sun.

A short distance west of the SD border is Devils Tower in Wyoming.

The world's biggest motorcycle rally is in Sturgis, SD. I'm not certain of the date. Google it to find out. During that week, the main street in Wall, SD will be parked full of motorcycles. Many of the riders will be visiting Wall Drug.

Sioux Falls: There really is a falls there. It consists of series of drops. Its not spectacular like Niagara Falls, but is quite scenic.
User
9 years ago
Husband and I went to the Sturgis motorcycle rally many years ago. We traveled around the state for almost a week following the rally. I'd love to go back some day but it would be in a car or motorhome this time.
Janie
9 years ago
Mt. Rushmore is wonderful and the Crazy Horse Memorial is just fabulous and you will love them both, I think. We just went there last September and I crossed Mr. Rushmore off my bucket list. I knew very little about Crazy Horse and it is quite a spectacular monument and the history amazing, very moving imho. I wish I could come back in another generation or two to see it all finished.
Phyllis
9 years ago
I don't how close it is, but I went Devils tower when I was in that area.
janey_alabama
9 years ago
Sounds wonderful! Have a great time, have never been there.
Cookie8
9 years ago
I also liked the badlands. I really like landscapes.
jewels_ks
Original Author
9 years ago
I forgot when I was making the list that on our way the Badlands will be our first stop. I will be picking my daughter up in KC, so we probably won't arrive with the rest. It's bound to be a lot of fun. I tried talking my sister into joining us, but I doubt she will.
Cookie8
9 years ago
Sounds like a good time. I messed up when suggesting the badlands in SD because I have only seen the ones in ND. I bet they are just as great and I think I liked them so much because I have never seen a landscape like that before.
User
9 years ago
I suggest Wall drug also. If you don't know the story behind it see if you can find it.

We are heading to South Dakota this summer!

roxanna

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OklaMoni

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We are heading to South Dakota this summer!

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