South Dakota: Bison and Badlands
- Kaitlen Daigle
- Jun 18, 2024
- 3 min read
Our first stop, when we entered South Dakota from Nebraska, was at Wind Cave National Park. Wind Cave National Park holds the distinction of being the first cave designated as a national park and showcases an intricate maze of underground passages and chambers adorned with rare boxwork formations, offering a glimpse into the geological and natural history of the region. When we got there the weather was super hot and we didn't realize you needed a reservation to tour the caves. We managed to see a small wind cave near the visitor center and then we continued on through Custer State Park. On the road to Custer, we saw so many bison. It was so cool! Once we entered Custer, we saw a bison right on the side of the road, we were able to examine the animal closely as we slowly crept by.
After Custer State Park, we stopped at Crazy Horse Memorial, which was recommended to us as a must-do thing in South Dakota. The Crazy Horse Memorial is a monumental sculpture carved into Thunderhead Mountain, depicting the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse on horseback. It is intended to honor the culture, traditions, and contributions of Native Americans, and when completed, it will be the largest sculpture in the world. The project began in 1948 and continues to be a work in progress, funded entirely through private donations and admission fees. It was pretty spectacular to see the work they are doing on the memorial and we learned so much from the museum.
Next on our road trip was stopping at a local winery for wine and snacks. We stopped at Prarie Berry Winery and it was quite pleasant. Then we headed straight for Mount Rushmore to see it being lit up at night. It was an interesting presentation with videos and speakers and then they played patriotic music. It was nice but I think I'd rather go in the daytime and see it, maybe hike up to it. The weather was so hot though, so, even if we had extra time, I wouldn't have hiked it. We went back to our hotel which was a lodge in the woods with views of Mount Rushmore. We decided to go in the jacuzzi to relax after a long day and we were joined by a couple from... Colorado, I think. They talked our ears off about sustainable farming practices and that was it for the night.
The next day, we went to one of the coolest places I've been to, Badlands National Park. The layers of colors in the rocks were so amazing to see. It was absolutely breathtaking. After exploring the park, we headed to Wall Drug. Wall Drug is a famous roadside attraction and shopping mall located in Wall, South Dakota. It started as a small pharmacy in 1931 but gained widespread popularity due to its innovative advertising strategy, offering free ice water to travelers passing through the hot prairie region. This led to its transformation into a sprawling complex featuring shops, restaurants, and various themed attractions, drawing in people from all over. After having a bite to eat, we continued on our way to North Dakota.
If you want to visit South Dakota, here's a list of possible things to see and do:
Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Iconic monument featuring the faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln carved into the granite mountainside.
Badlands National Park: Dramatic landscapes of rugged peaks, canyons, and spires formed by erosion, perfect for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography.
Custer State Park: Scenic park known for its wildlife including bison herds, scenic drives like the Needles Highway, and opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking and fishing.
Wind Cave National Park: Features one of the longest and most complex caves in the world, with above-ground activities such as wildlife viewing and hiking.
Deadwood: Historic town known for its Wild West history, including museums, casinos, and reenactments of famous events like Wild Bill Hickok's shooting.
Corn Palace: In Mitchell, a unique structure decorated annually with corn and other grains, showcasing agricultural artistry.
Black Hills: A mountain range with scenic drives, hiking trails, and outdoor activities like rock climbing and camping.
Museum of Geology: Located in Rapid City, offering exhibits on fossils, minerals, and geological history of the region.
Native American Culture: Explore Native American heritage and culture at places like the Crazy Horse Memorial and the Indian Museum of North America.
Outdoor Activities: South Dakota offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, including fishing, boating, hunting, and winter sports like skiing and snowmobiling.
If you want more suggestions on what to do in South Dakota, I suggest you check out their tourism website.
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