Roll the windows down, put your feet up on the dash, crank up the music and just cruise! You are on a road trip after all, and one of the best parts of road tripping is the drive. Instead of the fast-paced race on the Interstate, you can hit the slow-motion button and coast along the scenic byways and trails of South Dakota.
One of these is what has been called the southern route to the Black Hills. The Oyate Trail winds along southern South Dakota from the southeast city of Vermillion to the southwestern town of Edgemont. Along the way you’ll curve along with the Missouri River, break out into vast prairie, and drive through the reservation lands of the Sioux Nation. There is so much to see and experience along this trail…check out www.oyatetrail.com to discover towns and attractions along the way.
Once you’re in the Black Hills you should definitely check out the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. It’s arguably one of the most beautiful drives in the country, and certainly one of my favorites in South Dakota. As you twist along the pig tail bridges, you’ll catch glimpses of Mount Rushmore framed through granite tunnels. The byway then takes you along Needles Highway where you’ll witness granite spires outlined against blue skies and dark pines.
Note of caution to those with sensitive stomachs: Bring some Dramamine or something similar. I’m okay now, but when I was a kid we had to stop many a time for me to get some fresh air and let my stomach settle down.
You might also want to venture up to the Spearfish Canyon State and National Scenic Byway. The 20-mile highway is nestled between the canyon walls, which are estimated to be older than the Grand Canyon! You’ll get lost in the beauty as you view the waterfalls and gaze upward toward the overhanging limestone cliffs.
South Dakota has so much more to offer than the few scenic drives I’ve mentioned. Check out www.travelsd.com/placestogo/scenicbyways.asp to find more scenic byways to enjoy on your road trip. And remember, South Dakota’s byways and trails aren’t just a drive…they’re an experience!
Do you have a favorite scenic drive in South Dakota? Tell us about it!
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
One of the best drives we went on was through Custer State Park. We saw more wildlife there than we did in Yellowstone.