South Dakota Destinations You Have to See!
11-08-2017
Author: in The Road Less Traveled
Named for the Dakota and Lakota tribes of the Sioux Nation, U.S.'s 40th state features diverse terrains and geological phenomena, as well as a wide variety of animals. Bison and donkeys graze the high plains while bighorn sheep and bobcats gaze down from the cliffs that line the roads in some areas. There are many signs along the highway warning drivers to "Watch for Falling Rocks" and in other areas, tornados can be seen hundreds of miles away.
Whether it's to enjoy the nature, the culture, or the outdoor activities, South Dakota—home of the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore—is one of the premier destinations for RVers and travelers of the U.S. in general.
Badlands National Park
The 242,756-acre national park located in the southwestern part of South Dakota is full of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires along with a large area of native grass lands. With bighorn sheep and bison, bobcats, deer, and rattlesnakes, there is an abundance of wildlife.
Along with personal exploration, the park offers multiple guided tours and professional educational presentations. There are also after hours, evening tours and special demonstrations. For example, we attended a "Night Walk" during which we toured the Badlands and enjoyed a starlit speech about the constellations and indigenous animals. The Badlands has two campgrounds and the roads—although narrow and winding—are wide enough for any RV. In fact, accidentally, we drove our 43-foot coach through at NIGHT and lived to tell the tale.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Begun in the Black Hills in 1948, at 563-feet tall and 641-feet long, Crazy Horse Memorial will be among the largest statues in the world when it's completed. It is a mountain monument similar to Mount Rushmore, but with Native Americans as its honored muse. With educational talks, videos, and the "Indian Museum of North America," plus several organized events per year that include "Night Blasts," "Native Americans' Day," and "Legends in Light Show," there's plenty to do. The site is open to tourists year-round and boast one-million visitors a year.
Custer State Park
Named one of the "World's Top Ten Wildlife Destinations," Custer State Park is located within the incredibly scenic Black Hills of Custer National Forest. At over 71,000 acres, it's one of the largest state parks in the country, and hosts one of the largest herds of free-roaming bison. It also has wild burro, cougars, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and several adorable prairie dog villages.
There are many trails and scenic byways for driving, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. With around 10 RV-friendly campgrounds and a range of amenities in nearby Custer, there're plenty of places for travelers to feel at home.
Jewel Cave National Monument
Discovered around 1900—under the Black Hills of Custer, South Dakota—is one of the longest caves in the world. Jewel Cave was named for the calcite crystals that line the walls of the over 180-miles of explored passageways.
There are several tours offered with a wide range of required capabilities. The steep descent reaches a frigid temperature of 49-degree Fahrenheit and a level of dampness that has the most sure-footed visitors grasping the metal railing. Athletic shoes or hiking boots are recommended and for some tours, they're even required. The brilliant color, however, makes the journey well worth the effort.
Wall Drug Store
"Free Ice Water at Wall Drug"—what began as a Drugstore with a good idea for a marketing gimmick has become one of the most popular roadside attractions in the country. Featuring "free jack-a-lope rides," "free ice water," and plenty of souvenirs for everyone, Wall Drug turned a tiny "middle of nowhere" town into a tourists' delight. With amethyst, Black Hills gold, and geode shops, the "Gateway to the Badlands" and the "Window to the West" has a ton of Native American arrow heads, leather works, and an old-timey soda fountain.
In fact, along with being an RV destination, it's also a short commute from most of the major South Dakota attractions, which makes it a great place to park during your visit. Arrow Campground and Sleepy Hollow Campground are good places to start.
Wind Cave
Wind Cave National Park is relatively small with approximately 33,851-acres. The maze underneath, however, has a unique formation rarely found elsewhere. Below Hot Springs, South Dakota, sits the mysterious Wind Cave. Named for the winds caused by the atmospheric pressure difference between the ground surface and the interior of the cave, this is one of the most complex caves in the world.
Elk Mountain Campground at the park, and the campgrounds at nearby Custer State Park provide many opportunities for overnighting RVers.
In Conclusion
With abundant wildlife, vast forests, of course the numerous monuments, South Dakota is easily on of the most amazing states to visit in the country. With cooler than average summer temperatures, many people enjoy a summer vacation—or even a summer residence—there. Although some of the campgrounds are closed to RVs during the winter—or at least offer only dry sites—several of the cities have RV parks that remain open year-round. Visitors to the Black Hills during the winter enjoy experiences that summertime tourists miss. Whenever you visit though, South Dakota will provide an experience you aren’t likely to forget.
Whether it's to enjoy the nature, the culture, or the outdoor activities, South Dakota—home of the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore—is one of the premier destinations for RVers and travelers of the U.S. in general.
Badlands National Park
The 242,756-acre national park located in the southwestern part of South Dakota is full of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires along with a large area of native grass lands. With bighorn sheep and bison, bobcats, deer, and rattlesnakes, there is an abundance of wildlife.
Along with personal exploration, the park offers multiple guided tours and professional educational presentations. There are also after hours, evening tours and special demonstrations. For example, we attended a "Night Walk" during which we toured the Badlands and enjoyed a starlit speech about the constellations and indigenous animals. The Badlands has two campgrounds and the roads—although narrow and winding—are wide enough for any RV. In fact, accidentally, we drove our 43-foot coach through at NIGHT and lived to tell the tale.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Begun in the Black Hills in 1948, at 563-feet tall and 641-feet long, Crazy Horse Memorial will be among the largest statues in the world when it's completed. It is a mountain monument similar to Mount Rushmore, but with Native Americans as its honored muse. With educational talks, videos, and the "Indian Museum of North America," plus several organized events per year that include "Night Blasts," "Native Americans' Day," and "Legends in Light Show," there's plenty to do. The site is open to tourists year-round and boast one-million visitors a year.
Custer State Park
Named one of the "World's Top Ten Wildlife Destinations," Custer State Park is located within the incredibly scenic Black Hills of Custer National Forest. At over 71,000 acres, it's one of the largest state parks in the country, and hosts one of the largest herds of free-roaming bison. It also has wild burro, cougars, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and several adorable prairie dog villages.
There are many trails and scenic byways for driving, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. With around 10 RV-friendly campgrounds and a range of amenities in nearby Custer, there're plenty of places for travelers to feel at home.
Jewel Cave National Monument
Discovered around 1900—under the Black Hills of Custer, South Dakota—is one of the longest caves in the world. Jewel Cave was named for the calcite crystals that line the walls of the over 180-miles of explored passageways.
There are several tours offered with a wide range of required capabilities. The steep descent reaches a frigid temperature of 49-degree Fahrenheit and a level of dampness that has the most sure-footed visitors grasping the metal railing. Athletic shoes or hiking boots are recommended and for some tours, they're even required. The brilliant color, however, makes the journey well worth the effort.
Wall Drug Store
"Free Ice Water at Wall Drug"—what began as a Drugstore with a good idea for a marketing gimmick has become one of the most popular roadside attractions in the country. Featuring "free jack-a-lope rides," "free ice water," and plenty of souvenirs for everyone, Wall Drug turned a tiny "middle of nowhere" town into a tourists' delight. With amethyst, Black Hills gold, and geode shops, the "Gateway to the Badlands" and the "Window to the West" has a ton of Native American arrow heads, leather works, and an old-timey soda fountain.
In fact, along with being an RV destination, it's also a short commute from most of the major South Dakota attractions, which makes it a great place to park during your visit. Arrow Campground and Sleepy Hollow Campground are good places to start.
Wind Cave
Wind Cave National Park is relatively small with approximately 33,851-acres. The maze underneath, however, has a unique formation rarely found elsewhere. Below Hot Springs, South Dakota, sits the mysterious Wind Cave. Named for the winds caused by the atmospheric pressure difference between the ground surface and the interior of the cave, this is one of the most complex caves in the world.
Elk Mountain Campground at the park, and the campgrounds at nearby Custer State Park provide many opportunities for overnighting RVers.
In Conclusion
With abundant wildlife, vast forests, of course the numerous monuments, South Dakota is easily on of the most amazing states to visit in the country. With cooler than average summer temperatures, many people enjoy a summer vacation—or even a summer residence—there. Although some of the campgrounds are closed to RVs during the winter—or at least offer only dry sites—several of the cities have RV parks that remain open year-round. Visitors to the Black Hills during the winter enjoy experiences that summertime tourists miss. Whenever you visit though, South Dakota will provide an experience you aren’t likely to forget.
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Author: Carrie Todd
