When it comes to experiencing the great outdoors, parks are a fun, affordable destination. Explore some of the natural wonders of South Dakota by visiting one of our great parks this weekend. Here are our picks for the three best parks in South Dakota.
Tired of feeling in a rut? Take a day trip! Day trips are a great way to get out of town without breaking the bank or having to take time off work. Here are our top three picks for the best day trips that South Dakota has to offer.
Be honest, when was the last time you visited? You may feel like you have seen it a million times before on postcards and television, but it’s never the same as actually seeing it in person. It’s fun to play tourist in your own home state once in a while.
The states of Arizona, New York, and South Dakota have announced that they will foot the bill for keeping the Grand Canyon, Statue of Liberty, and Mount Rushmore parks open during the government shutdown.
The Grand Canyon will cost $112,000 per day to keep open. The Statue of Liberty looks like a bargain by comparison, at only $61,600 per day. But Mount Rushmore is the real budget park, requiring only $15,200 per day to keep the lights on (so to speak).
You’ve probably heard of the Badlands in South Dakota, but have you ever witness the extraordinary buttes that make up this vast array of stark beauty in the west? It’s also the home of the most endangered mammal in North America, the black-footed ferret. You can hunt for fossils, explore the rich history of Native Americans who live in the area, and simply marvel at the wonders of creation here at the park for fun and fellowship with your fellow Christian singles. Have you ever been to the Badlands of South Dakota? Tell us about how your visit went.
The Black Hills of South Dakota are something to see. In fact, the word "wow" comes to mind when describing them. Known as Paha Sapa to the Indians, the Black Hills are more than just a tourist destination; they are a sacred place. They are a must-visit when in South Dakota. Here a few of the more notable places to visit and things to do.
Going west across South Dakota on I-90, you hit a major oasis of civilization nestled right beneath the storied Black Hills. That oasis is known as Rapid City.
There is an intersection in Rapid City, SD that is patriotic to the max. It is the intersection of Midway Avenue and Doolittle Street. What's the significance? Hey, don't you read history: Midway Avenue pays tribute to the June 1942 WWII battle of Midway.
As you roll in to Raid City from the east on I-90, you pass through the outer suburb named Box Elder. Right smack dab on the north side of Box Elder is the sprawling complex known as Ellsworth Air Force base. Unless you have business or family there, it is not a place for random visitors in this post 9/11 age. There is an attraction located just outside of it that is fit for the tourist, however. That attraction is the compact but comprehensive South Dakota Air & Space Museum.
Cruising west to east, or east to west, along Interstate-90 in South Dakota, the freeway skirts some exotic-looking terrain in the vicinity of Wall. That terrain is known as the Badlands. Badlands National Park encompasses the lion’s share of this place, with the Pine Ridge Indian Agency occupying the remainder.
Head west across the western half of South Dakota on either U.S. Highway 14 or Interstate 90 and you will hit a wall ... Wall, SD, that is. You will know of Wall's existence by now thanks to billboards that stand along U.S. 14 and I-90. Like carnival barkers promoting an act, these billboards tout Wall Drug.
