Top 10 places to visit in South Dakota

There is plenty of history and interesting stories to be learned about the Ingalls and Wilder Families here. There are covered wagon rides and other fun things for the kids as well as a walking tour of the various places of interest concerning Laura Ingalls Wilder. Laura married Alonzo here and also began raising her daughter, Rose, in De Smet. You can actually visit the surveyors house as well as the house that "Pa" built in town. Many, MANY actual photos and original furniture in the house. You can find out what Laura, Mary, Grace, Carrie and Ma and Pa actually looked like. You can find out what happened to the family after the books ended. Visit "The Little Town on the Prairie"

How to get there (taken from Ingalls Homestead Site)

From Minneapolis and St. Paul
Travel southwest on Highway 169 to Highway 14. Go west on Highway 14. Stop and visit Walnut Grove and the McCone Sod Houses. Continue west on Highway 14 for 100 miles. Watch for signs just before reaching De Smet. De Smet is a perfect place to spend a night on the way to Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.

From Chicago and Milwaukee
Coming from the east, drive west on Interstate 90. In South Dakota, exit Interstate 90 onto Interstate 29 North towards Brookings. Travel north until Exit 133. Travel west on Highway 14 for 45 miles. Watch for signs just before reaching De Smet.

From Omaha, Sioux City, Sioux Falls
Coming from the south, drive north on Interstate 29 in South Dakota until Exit 133. Travel west on Highway 14 for 45 miles. Watch for signs just before reaching De Smet.

From Fargo, Grand Forks
Coming from the north, drive south on Interstate 29 in South Dakota until Exit 133. Travel west on Highway 14 for 45 miles. Watch for signs just before reaching De Smet.

From Rapid City, Mount Rushmore, and Badlands
Coming from the west, drive east on Interstate 90. At Exit 350, follow Highway 25 north and east 45 miles. Watch for signs just before reaching De Smet.

Pure Americana at it's best. It's about as much hokey fun as you can have. Seriously, I loved this place. The outside of the building is artwork made from corn and the scene changes from year to year. Corn Art! Can you imagine? My family and I had a great time here and I would recommend anyone who is going near or through Mitchell to at least stop and take a look. There are free guided tours and there is a lot of interesting information given. Also, of course, inside there is a gift shop and it is one of the most entertaining gift shops I've been in.

The Corn Palace and the decoration thereof began in 1892 when settlers would celebrate the fertility of the soil by decorating what was then called "The Corn Belt Exposition". The current palace is the third building for the site. This year's Corn Palace Festival is August 26-30, 2009. The Site is open year round and the palace is always decorated.

The Corn Palace is located at 604 North Main Street in Mitchell, South Dakota. To find out more please visit The Corn Palace Website

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For all of you who would like to have a personal itinerary planned out by an expert in the region, (The widow of the late Ambassador to Keystone, Paha Ska Salway), this just might interest you. Also, if you are a home-schooler, and want your kids to have a great time, AND learn at the same time, Susan (Paha Ska's widow), is a former teacher and will do custom lesson plans for the trip!)

Why have the same, generic visit to Black Hills when someone who has lived and worked in the area for over 30 years, is a former English teacher, AND is very knowledgeable about the area (including the Pine Ridge Reservation) can help you plan your trip? Your kids can have a blast, AND learn a few Lakota words, visit the places where legends were born, and be working from a custom made lesson plan!

For a VERY reasonable fee, Susan can plan the best Black Hills vacation possible for you, your group, and/or family. Susan also (with special appointment) give tours that have fascinated people for years. She has provided tours for families, groups, and even foreign dignitaries! You can find out more about that at Paha Ska Tours
You can get a printed itinerary, (brochures mailed, if you like as well), a phone consultation, lesson plans, and more for under $100. Most plans are about $50. Don't miss out! Get the most from your Black Hills vacation by sending an Email today (No Obligation) for more information.

Wall, South Dakota is located on the edge of the South Dakota Badlands and got it's start attracting visitors by offering 5 cent coffee and free ice water-which they still do! When Wall Drug opened in the winter of 1931, there were 326 residents. Ted was a Nebraska native who bought the tiny drug store in Wall, South Dakota. His wife, Dorothy suggested that they put up some signs offering free ice water since travelers may be thirsty as they make their way through South Dakota. By the time Ted got back from putting up signs, there were already thirsty customers lined up to get the ice water. Is it a tourist trap? You betcha! Is it fun and interesting? Of course, or it wouldn't be on my list!

You should have very little problem finding Wall Drug once you are in South Dakota. The reason for this is that along interstate 90 there are hundreds upon hundreds of signs telling you where it is. Just have the kids start counting...they will get to well over 100 before you get there!

Learn about the infamous Jackalope and even have your picture taken with one. Wikipedia says of the Jackalope:

"The jackalope - also called an antelabbit, aunt benny, "Rabbicorn", Wyoming thistled hare or stagbunny - is an imaginary animal of folklore and a supposed cross between a jackrabbit and an antelope, goat, or deer, which is usually portrayed as a rabbit with antlers. The words jackalope and antelabbit are portmanteaus...
The legend of the jackalope has bred the rise of many outlandish (and largely tongue-in-cheek) claims as to the creature's habits. For example, it is said to be a hybrid of the pygmy-deer and a species of "killer rabbit". Reportedly, jackalopes are extremely shy unless approached. Legend also has it that female jackalopes can be milked as they sleep belly up and that the milk can be used for a variety of medicinal purposes. It has also been said that the jackalope can convincingly imitate any sound, including the human voice. It uses this ability to elude pursuers, chiefly by using phrases such as "There he goes! That way!" It is said that a jackalope may be caught by putting a flask of whiskey out at night. The jackalope will drink its fill of whiskey and its intoxication will make it easier to hunt. In some parts of the United States it is said that jackalope meat has a taste similar to lobster. However, legend has it that they are dangerous if approached. It has also been said that jackalopes will only breed during electrical storms including hail, explaining its rarity".

The Jackalope in this picture can be found at Wall Drug Website which I would recommend you visit anyway.
You can buy Jackalope souvenirs as well as thousands of other kinds of mementos such as Native American artifacts, western wear, t shirts, and many other fun things. Wall drug is a big place so plan to be there at least a couple of hours.

When this highway was first proposed in 1919, it was said to be impossible. This winding highway takes you past some of the most beautiful rock formations and towering pine trees you will ever see. It is 14 miles long and includes two drive through tunnels made from the granite giant needles. It is located in Custer State Park and is part of South Dakota state highway 87. Most of the travelers on this road are tourists and you should be prepared to drive at about 20 MPH. There are some steep climbs and some sharp turns but the views are spectacular. I happened to get this shot of the Needles Eye on my last trip there.

There is a lot of history here but honestly, it has more of the feel of South Dakota's answer to Las Vegas. A lot of casinos in Deadwood, if you like that sort of thing. There is also a lot of information about Tatanka and one casino has some costumes worn by Kevin Costner in several different movies.

You can also see where Wild Bill Hickok was shot while playing cards and you can take a tour up "boot hill" to see where he is buried. Calamity Jane is buried next to him. Personally, I was more into the historical part of it than the gambling but there seemed to be no shortage of customers in the casinos!

Just outside of Deadwood is the Blacktail Horseback Tours which is a narrated tour while on horseback through the canyon. Very enjoyable tour. Learn about mining, local history, plants, animals, geology.

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Just about everyone knows about this place! You simply cannot visit western South Dakota without saying howdy to Lincoln, Washington, Roosevelt and Jefferson. In fact, I'm pretty sure there is a state law about it. Anyway, visit the historical Rushmore and don't forget to visit the Crazy Horse Museum as well! In the gift shop at Rushmore you may possibly get a chance to meet the wife of the man who carved the faces of the presidents. She is in the gift shop quite often.

Keystone is my personal favorite place to go but then I have gotten to know so many people there. They have an old boardwalk town with saloons, gift shops and even a candy shop. You can see stage presentations by Big Dave, Jerry Allen and Jim Allen that are really fun and if you drive down main street at the right time you may just see big Dave (all 7'2 of him) cracking his bullwhip along the main street (He has won the bullwhip championship many times).

This is also where I met Paha Ska who was an Ambassador to Keystone for over 50 years. I am friends with his wife, Susan who you will meet in the next module! Keystone South Dakota is at the base of Rushmore and if you drive along the main drag a little ways you can get a fantastic free view of Mount Rushmore.

Paha Ska, Gina and Katrina

Rose with Big Dave and Jim Allen.

I did a whole lens just on these tours, so that is how much I know you will love them! This is one of those little known secrets about the area. Susan (Paha Ska's widow) only does private tours and they are exceptional! She will help you put together a customized tour to see what you want to see which may include a trip to the reservation to go ancient bead hunting or to see where Lakota Chiefs held council. You can also see the very spots where Sioux legends got their start. She can also take you to Rushmore or any of the other sites in the area. There is no set price because Susan is NOT about big business but I assure you that you will NOT find a better deal anywhere. Susan is witty, fun and knows her history! I personally guarantee you will LOVE the tours you and she put together! If you are interested or will be in the area, call Susan Salway: 605-545-2018

The weather can vary in South Dakota depending on which part of the state you are in. However, remember that it all is in the Midwest, so after September, there is an increased chance of bad driving conditions. Always check the road reports before traveling in late fall and winter. In the western part of the state, snow occurs earlier because of the altitude. While the roads may be great in eastern South Dakota, there may be a blizzard in the hills.

Fall is beautiful in South Dakota, so do consider going after the typical "tourist season" ends. Across the whole state, but particularly in the hills, the combination of cooler weather, and the natural signs of a changing season make it particularly beautiful. Besides that, you won't have to deal with the crowds!

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