We hope that travelers continue to plan the family road trip to South Dakota, especially now that AAA predicts that gas prices in the coming year should go down. See the recent release issued by AAA.

Today’s (Jan. 8, 2013) national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.30. As recently as Dec. 20, the nationwide average stood at $3.22. However, after setting new all-time daily records for each calendar day since Aug. 20, the price last Saturday fell below the year-ago national average.  

According to FuelGaugeReport.AAA.com, motorists in six states (Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Minnesota, Idaho and Oklahoma) currently pay less than $3.00 per gallon at the pump. Only drivers in Hawaii pay more than $4.00 per gallon. The highest average prices in the continental United States are found in California and in the Northeast.

South Dakota’s statewide average today is at $3.112 which is 21 cents lower than one month ago. The most expensive gas in the state today can be found in Philip, $3.532 per gallon. South Dakota’s least expensive gas is in Piedmont, $2.739.

While retail gasoline prices are currently rising at a slower rate than they did to start 2012, the average is pressured higher by crude oil prices that have continued to slowly increase in recent weeks. At yesterday’s close of formal trading on the NYMEX, the price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil settled at $93.19 per barrel, up 10 cents on the day. This is the highest settlement price since Sept. 18, but is still well below the 2012 high of $109.77 per barrel registered on Feb. 24.

Gasoline prices this year will be less expensive than in 2012 as a result of increased domestic oil production and lower demand, according to AAA. The national average price of gasoline should peak at $3.60-$3.80 per gallon barring any significant unanticipated events, which compares to a peak of $3.94 a gallon in 2012.

Gasoline prices should rise steadily through April or early May, but at a slower pace than last year. As is typical for this time of year, prices will rise as a result of seasonal demand increases and in anticipation of the switchover to more expensive summer-blend gasoline. Following a late-spring peak, national price averages should drop during the first half of the summer to as low as $3.20-$3.40 per gallon before rising again in advance of the Gulf Coast hurricane season and the switchover to winter-blend gasoline. Prices should end the year by falling to low or near-low averages for 2013.

Absent significant storms, major wars or production and distribution outages, the single largest factor that will influence gasoline prices in 2013 will be the strength of the U.S. economy. Stronger than expected growth in the economy would result in higher oil and gasoline prices in anticipation of higher consumption, while a weaker than expected economy would drive prices downwards. Inaction by Congress to reach a debt deal in two months also would result in increased concern about the U.S. economy and could lead to lower gasoline prices.

In the first 90 days of 2012, geopolitical tensions with Iran pressured the national price at the pump almost 65 cents higher. Without a similar market moving story to begin 2013, it is likely that the year-over-year discount will widen in the coming months.

A not-for-profit organization, AAA South Dakota serves its 92,200 members across South Dakota with emergency help on the road, auto travel assistance and a wide range of personal insurance, travel, financial and automotive services through branch offices, and the Internet at AAA.com.

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]]> http://blog.travelsd.com/index.php/2013/01/08/look-forward-to-paying-less-at-the-pump/feed/ 0 http://blog.travelsd.com/index.php/2012/12/19/south-dakotas-great-places-lake-herman-state-park/ http://blog.travelsd.com/index.php/2012/12/19/south-dakotas-great-places-lake-herman-state-park/#comments Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:48:33 +0000 admin http://blog.travelsd.com/?p=1828

At this Great Place in South Dakota, visitors are able to explore the great outdoors and soak up a bit of the area’s history.

Lake Herman State Park is situated in southeast South Dakota where thousands of years ago melting glacial ice formed a 1,350-acre lake. Today, the state park, located on a peninsula, offers a great view of the lake, recreational opportunities and a taste of history.

It was long before the days of RVing and camping in the modern way that this area was used for camping. Even before the arrival of white settlers, Native Americans used this location for shelter and refuge while traveling to the nearby Pipestone quarries.

However, one of the first permanent settlers here was the Herman Luce family. His cabin, which still stands in the park, was built in 1871 from oak logs and served as a United States Land Office. In 1977, the Herman Luce Cabin was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Canoe and kayak rentals are available for those who want to explore the lake and the surrounding scenery. Both a campground (with 72 campsites) and camping cabins (2 cabins, each sleeps 4 people) are available, along with a ski beach, playground, boat ramp, and the ability to check out fishing gear on site.

The park is located just outside of Madison. Reservations for camping can be made at www.campsd.com or by calling 1-800-710-2267. Campsites are open May-October and the camping cabins are open year-round.

The U.S. Mint has recently announced their “America the Beautiful” series of quarters that features national parks and sites around the United States. Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota is proud to be on 1 of 5 of these designs in the first set to be released around December of 2013.

More information about the program and series can be found here: http://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/atb/ .

Enjoy a glimpse at the decorated South Dakota State Capitol for this holiday season. Pictures and video don’t do it justice. Go ahead. Drive to Pierre, immerse yourself in this beauty! ‘Tis the season!

Wounded Knee and Beyond: SD Native American RV Itinerary

If you have a few days to spend in your RV camper and want to give yourself a real treat, you can’t make a better choice than to enjoy the rolling plains, majestic mountains, and Native American cultural history of South Dakota. Exploring the tribal lands of the Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota Indians is a magical adventure not only rich in history but also breathtakingly beautiful. Along the way there are numerous places to stop, things to do, and sights to see. Here is a suggested itinerary that will take you through many of the reservations and tribal lands of Sioux Nation.

We begin our journey in the Black Hills at the western end of the state where we find Keystone, site of one of our most famous national landmarks, Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Here we join the millions of visitors who come from across the country and around the world to visit this noted symbol of America. Then we hop in our RV and travel south along Interstate 385, almost to the Nebraska border, where we hook onto Route 18, also known as the Oyate Trail, for our journey east. First stop: the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Home of the Oglala Lakota Tribe, the reservation covers about 11,000 square miles and contains the battleground of Wounded Knee, site of the Indian massacre and last major battle of the Indian wars. There is a museum and Memorial Site to honor the victims (there are actually two Wounded Knee museums, located about 60 miles apart; one of them is located in the town of Wall and the other at the Oglala Lakota College in Kyle). For hiking, camping, and much more, we follow up with a visit to Badlands National Park. Those who enjoy trying their luck at the gaming tables and slot machines can pay a visit to the Prairie Wind Casino, located on the western edge of the Pine Ridge Reservation.

Continuing east along the Oyate Trail, we next encounter the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Here we are captivated by some breathtaking scenery, including large areas of Ponderosa Pine forest scattered within the grasslands. The drive itself is a treat, but we also have a couple of interesting stops along the way. The Sicangu Heritage Center at Sinte Gleska University, located in the small community of Antelope, houses the official archives of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Need a little rest and relaxation? Well, there’s plenty of it available, along with camping, hiking, and picnic facilities, at Ghost Hawk Park in Crazy Horse Canyon.

The Oyate Trail meanders along eastward and we eagerly follow along on our trek across the southern edge of South Dakota, all the way to the western bank of the Missouri River, where we encounter the Yankton Tribal Lands. A person could spend hours here just soaking in the beauty of the surrounding shoreline, or instead head slightly north to the Lake Andes Natural Wildlife Refuge to observe wildlife and waterfowl in their natural habitat. Those who enjoy gambling can make a stop at the Fort Randall Casino, adjacent to the nearby town of Wagner.

A glance at our itinerary tells us that it’s now time to say farewell to the Oyate Trail and head northwest along a connecting trail, the Native American Scenic Byway. And “scenic” is very definitely the right word to describe this trail, which follows the Missouri River and winds its way through South Dakota’s prairie grass country. Elk, bison, deer, and prairie dogs are just some of the sights we see as we head through the Lower Brule and Crow Creek Indian Reservations. Lower Brule is home to Lakota Foods, the production and marketing outlet of the tribal farm, whose popcorn and other delights are known throughout the country. Visitors to Crow Creek can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, and camping along the water’s edge.

As we travel further north, we encounter the Cheyenne River Reservation. Here we can visit the Timber Lake and Area Museum, which offers us a glimpse of local Native American history and culture along with a collection of marine fossils native to South Dakota. After passing the Cheyenne Reservation, we continue northward, getting closer to the North Dakota border, and also closing in on the end of our journey. But our final stop is an interesting one: the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Covering a total of more than 3,000 square miles, Standing Rock is the fifth largest reservation in the U.S. And there is plenty to see and do. In the community of Mobridge we find the Sitting Bull Monument, gravesite of the legendary Sioux Indian Chief. Nearby stands a monument honoring Sakakawea, the Shoshone woman who traveled with explorers Lewis and Clark. For a mix of culture and recreation, we can enjoy the Lewis and Clark Legacy Nature Trail, a three mile trail for walking, hiking, or biking; replete with markers identifying natural plants and area wildlife. More recreation in the form of fishing, boating, and water sports can be had on Lake Oahe, near the North Dakota border.

Getting away from it all is one thing, but immersing yourself in a world you may never have known even existed—a world of fascinating art, culture, scenery, and fun—is a treat beyond belief. There is such a world. It is real and it is located in the wonderful state of South Dakota. Hop in that RV and transport yourself to that magical world.

About the Author

Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals. Be sure to check out their new Professional Football (NFL) Tailgating and RV Tailgating to College Football Games pages in preparation for the upcoming seasons.

Imagine what 1,000 tons of dirt and miles upon miles of steel fencing looks like inside a civic center. It looks like what PRCA Rodeo has named one of the Best Indoor Rodeos. The Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo is kicking off another great year on Thursday, January 27; the event runs through Sunday, February 6.

Each year Rapid City, South Dakota hosts this great event that includes PRCA rodeo action, cattle sales, team roping, AGHA show, horse sales, ranch rodeos, North American Sheepdog trials, a large selection of booth and vendors and free entertainment.

The Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo provides a great way for families to get out and enjoy events and vendor booths while the weather is frigid. The event is held at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.

Winter sports are going strong in South Dakota.  Much of the Black Hills got over 12 inches of snow over the last weekend.  Terry Peak recorded 20 inches over the last few days and Mystic Miner called in with 12-14 inches.

And with the wind calming down, the groomers are at work again on the snowmobile trails.  The trails recieved 12-14 inches as well.   The outlook for the rest of the week and into the weekend calls for calmer weather and moderate temperatures, so it’s a great time to plan a weekend getaway to the Hills.  Go Snow!

It’s time to hit the slopes everyone! If you haven’t already that is. The ski season is well under way now and the outlook for more snow is favorable this week.
Terry Peak in the Black Hills is now open everyday of the week. They have two lifts and the snow carpet open. They have been making a ton of snow.
Just down the road, Mystic Miner Resort at Deer Mountain is also going strong. They have been open weekends and will be open daily for the holidays starting this Friday the 18th.

And the easterners in the state can take in Great Bear Ski Area in Sioux Falls. They are open daily and it’s a great place to catch some tubing and a bit of boarding.    Join in on the snow fun and come back here for updates on the conditions of our great snow places.

One of my favorite sounds of fall in South Dakota, right next to pheasants and football, comes from the steam and gas engines at a threshing bee. They are a wonder of engineering and a celebration of our states homesteading heritage. Listen to the sounds in the video above is from the Prairie Village Steam Threshing Jamboree, one of the states biggest events.

Most of the threshing bees are held in August and September, so there is still plenty of time to catch one this year. Here’s a quick list, let us know if there are more.
Mobridge Threshing Bee – September 12
Menno Pioneer Power Show – September 26
James Valley Threshing Show in Andover – September 11-13
Dupree Threshing Show – September 30.
Lennox, Madison, Sturgis and Twin Brooks all have their events in August, so keep your ears out for them next year.

Getting there is half the fun. I know some people like to race to their destination, but we’ve turned our time into a tradition. It wasn’t something we intended to do, but rather at the urging of two small boys who bored quickly at the thought of sitting in a car and playing games. Now that they’re older, it’s just become part of the trip. There’s a lot of interesting places along the way, but we’ve become creatures of habit.

Here’s some of the stops that have become traditions for my family…

• Falls Park – Located in Sioux Falls, this used to be about 4 hours into our drive from the Twin Cities. It was always a favorite place to walk around and stretch the legs, not to mention the boys could burn some energy playing on the rocks. The ice cream at the Falls Overlook Cafe is always an added bonus. Just up the street from the park in Downtown Sioux Falls is the Sculpture Walk where sculptors from around the world have their art on display. Now I don’t think that anyone would classify teh boys as art aficionados, but they really like seeing the different sculptures, especially if they have something to do with wildlife or dogs.
• Even though it’s just an hour down the road, Mitchell is usually the next stop, and I would call it a “just because” stop. A trip by the Corn Palace is pretty common for the clan and now the boys have added Cabela’s to the “we gotta stop” places. Enough hunting, fishing and camping stuf to keep the boys dreaming of the outdoors.
• Chamberlain has turned into a double stop. The rest area right before you get to the Missouri River has a great view, plenty of room for the dog to run and a neat little museum to get you into the Old West pioneer spirit. Then it’s over the bridge and on to Al’s Oasis for 5 cent coffee and buffalo burgers.
• Next stop is always Wall Drug. By now you’ve seen about 4 million signs urging you to stop and you just have to visit. There’s been so much written about Wall Drug that there probably isn’t too much more to add other than if you’re looking to get into that “we’re on vacation” mood, this is the place! There are a million different souvenirs and the ice water is free. Really classic Americana.

Here’s my first attempt at making a Google Map – Stops along the way