This post was written by a student from Wisconsin, Ben K., who wrote this piece about their family road trip to South Dakota for a reader/writer class. Thanks for sharing with us Ben! We added a few photos to help illustrate Ben’s trip.

RV’s are for Cowards

“We’re here!” Our road trip from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin to South Dakota was a blast. We drove a 30′ long RV into the wilderness crawling with bus-wide spiders. In spite of that, it’s probably the most amazing state out of the 50 of them. Parking the RV was no problem, but the cranky neighbors were. The driving days were long and dreary, but stopping at the expensive treasure shops along the side of the road made up for all the sleeping up in the 5″ long bed above the cockpit.

“Wall Drug” was one of the hundreds of stores we stopped at. Excitement burst in me when I ventured through the front door of that enormous, old, and decorated district. This was way better than the large RV we risked our lives in every second with the problems like gas leaks set us back. The walls of this amazing place were covered in toy guns and Indian/cowboy weapons from the 1800′s – everything a kid under 10 dreamed of. As I walked to the next room, I could see many animal decorations that you would put on your porch or hang outside. “Boring!!!” said my brother, Max. Obviously, Max and I each had to get a gun or else our trip would be ruined.

Wall Drug - SD Dept. Tourism

Later that day I shouted, “Hey Mom, were here,” as we pulled up to a short shack that a huge man with a beard, probably didn’t have anything else to do, was working. “Welcome to Custer’s Park Camping Grounds. Now give me my 50 bucks,” said the man. Soon I learned his name was Stevie Realens. That was my favorite part of the trip; just kidding. There were far more exciting parts to the trip.

As we were driving towards the main building at our campground, Max and I spotted a tiny room with original Atari games like “Pac-man” and “Asteroids”. Once our parents deposited all of the “unnecessary fluids and solids,” we rushed as fast as our 12 year-old legs would take us. We spent about a total of about 50 dollars on a game called “Stacker.” You had to stack one virtual block on top of each other while they moved faster and faster across the screen. I wish we could have this game in the RV, I thought. That would brighten up the long days. As a prize, I got a camera that had horrible pixilation when you took the picture. “Best prize ever,” I said sarcastically.

Bear Country U.S.A. was one of our many destinations. We left our heavy RV at our campground and took a rental car. You could drive through the small park with bears scratching themselves against the side of your car. The most amazing sight to see was the bear who was sitting on a log just like a human would. It was hilarious. Max and I would take our fake guns, that we had snuck in, and would pretend the bears where monstrous beasts that we had to kill. Then we took so many pictures. I thought my smile would stay forever.

Sylvan Lake - SD Dept. Tourism

Custer State Park was a goal we had planned to reach while soaring through South Dakota. At amazing heights, we could see everything. I felt as if I were closer to God or heaven. Puh Puh Puh. “You had to bring that gun, Max!!!” Puh Puh Puh. “You just ruined the most beautiful moment of my life,” I screamed. I could hear my echo go miles and miles farther away from me. It took it away my energy for the hike we would have to go through next. The mountains in the distance looked like small hills from where we were standing. After hiking down; tripping and falling, we took a dive in a crystal clear Lake Sylvan. There were rocks out in the middle of the lake which we could rest upon. Custer State Park was the journey of a lifetime.

While we were heading home, we saw a couple with an RV. It started to pour rain. A few minutes later, hail fell down from the sky and made dents in our car. We really wanted to help the poor people, but we had a schedule we were on. The whole rest of the night, we though and made up stories about how the couple we had met earlier were doing.

After our treacherous adventure up to the top of the mountain unknowingly driving in our RV, we have learned never to drive an RV up a narrow road to Custer State Park when it is muddy… or moist… or if you riding along with dangerous spiders.

Needles Highway - SD Dept. Tourism

 By Ben K., student from Wisconsin

Earlier this summer I was at the Historic Prairie Village, just a few miles west of Madison, South Dakota. We heard all about the great turnout they had at their first pumpkin train event last fall. They were telling stories of sending workers all across the county picking up every pumpkin in sight to fill the needs of all the visitors they had on the pumpkin train. What dedication! 

Prairie Village Pumpkin Train - Photo Courtesy Prairie Village

This year, their event is planned to be bigger and better. It’s Hobo Marlin’s Pumpkin Train! Children and adults can jump aboard the train and ride it out to the pumpkin patch, pick out their pumpkins, and ride the train back. Of course, you’ll have to take some time to explore the Village. 

In addition to the train ride, the family will be able to enjoy donuts, cider and games at the Village. It’s a great family event, and what a unique way to go and find your pumpkin – on a train! I love it!

Event details:

WHAT: Hobo Marlin’s Pumpkin Train
WHEN: Saturday, October 8 from11 a.m.-4 p.m.
WHERE: HistoricPrairie Village (2 miles west ofMadison on Highway 34)HOW MUCH: Donation of $5 is suggested for children 12 and under. Teens and adults are free. Proceeds from the event will go to restoring the Emmanuel Chapel Car.

Inside of Emmanuel Chapel Car

Emmanuel Chapel Car

Amid bustling Rapid City, there is a place where favorite childhood stories live. Rapid City’s Storybook Island is one of South Dakota’s Great Places.

Storybook Island opened in 1959 after the Rapid City Rotary Club saw a need for establishing and operating a free children’s park. Through donations from individuals and community businesses, Storybook Island was born and was an instant success. Residents and visitors of the Black Hills area continue to enjoy the family tradition that has been in existence for over 50 years at Storybook Island.

Upon arrival at the park, guests are instantly reminded of beloved storybook favorites. The park is filled with sets that portray characters from children’s classic stories, famous fables, and favorite nursery rhymes. See Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs house, travel through Winnie the Pooh’s 100-Acre Woods, and take pictures with the famous Dalmatian dogs.

The park features a train ride, a maze, various playgrounds, and swing sets.

Storybook Island also features a children’s theatre. Although the park is free there is a small admittance fee for theatre performances. The tickets per person are $1.00. Performances include: Rapunzel, The Crocodile Prince, Rumplestiltskin, and The Greatest Superhero. Most of the shows are scheduled for every Tuesday through Saturday at 10 am, 11 am, and 12 pm. Visit Storybook Island’s Children’s Theatre website for more details regarding performance times for the summer.

Storybook Island is open 7 days per wwweek from 9 am to 8 pm. To learn more visit the Storybook Island website.

This information is part of the South Dakota Department of Tourism’s Great Places series.

Northeast
Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Brookings – Children will be ecstatic when they are able to jump, dance, play and imagine at this museum – and parents will be too since all the while their children will be learning! Kids can discover the prairie and how it has shaped the lives of those that live here, or create their own home and learn what makes a community. They can get all wet while learning the properties and characteristics of water by using buckets, pipes, and valves. Children can even turn into “mini explorers” while investigating South Dakota’s prairies, Badlands, Black Hills, and Missouri River. Children of all ages are able to enjoy this great South Dakota attraction.

Dakota Discovery Museum

Southeast
Dakota Discovery Museum, Mitchell – The culture and history of the Upper Great Plains comes alive at the Dakota Discovery Museum. Art galleries, a history gallery, a restored 1886 Italianate home, and a 1914 railroad depot all bring visitors back in time. Children can experience life on the prairies through cultural activities at this museum.

Central
South Dakota Tractor Museum, Kimball – This unique museum displays historic tractors and farm machinery to visitors. It’s located south of Interstate 90 at exit 284. In addition to tractors, visitors will also find an old windmill, a barn filled with horse-driven equipment, an old jail cell and other antiques. The museum is open during the summer months Monday through Saturday 9-5, and Sunday from 1-5. The museum charges no admission fee, but donations are welcome.
South Dakota Discovery Center & Aquarium, Pierre – This is a “science playground for the whole family.” Dozens of interactive exhibits and science activities will great the family upon arrival. Children will learn characteristics of electricity, magnetism, physics and be able to view many species of fish that call South Dakota’s Missouri River home.

Western
Wall Drug Store, Wall – Not only is Wall Drug known as the “#1 Roadside Attraction in America” and for it’s amazing donuts and 5-cent coffee, but also for it’s world-class collection of western art estimated to be worth more than $3 million. The histories of not only this unique family business, but also great South Dakota events are prominently displayed throughout the hallways. 

Art collection in Wall Drug's dining area

 A complete listing of South Dakota museums can be found here and an extensive listing of South Dakota events can be found on our events calendar. It’s never too early to plan your trip to South Dakota, and for you South Dakotans, it’s always fun to explore what’s in your own backyard.

The Children’s Museum of South Dakota in Brookings is one of South Dakota’s newest premier attractions. This museum, which allows children to explore hands-on exhibits, is one of South Dakota’s Great Places.

Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of South Dakota

The museum opened on Sept. 12, 2010, and was the first children’s museum in South Dakota. The museum strives to promote learning for children of all ages. Children can make music, build, climb, dance, discover their inner artist and just be a kid.

Kids can discover the prairie and how it has shaped the lives of those that live here, or create their own home and learn what makes a community. They can get all wet while learning the properties and characteristics of water by using buckets, pipes, and valves. They can even turn into “mini explorers” while investigating South Dakota’s prairies, Badlands, Black Hills and Missouri River.

“Mama,” a full-size, 25 feet tall and 60 feet long, permanent, animatronic T. rex and her animatronic baby boy, greets visitors upon arrival at the museum. “Mama” is the only life size animatronic T. rex on display in the United States.

The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m, and Sunday, 12 p.m.-5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays. Admission is $6.00 per person, ages one and up.

For more information about the museum visit www.prairieplay.org, call 605-692-6700, or stop by at 521 4^th Street in Brookings, S.D.

South Dakota’s Great Places weekly press release series is a project of the South Dakota Department of Tourism, designed to highlight places in South Dakota that are unique to travelers and residents alike. Click on the special “South Dakota’s Great Places” link at www.MediaSD.com to access the complete list of articles.  

Information for this release was obtained from The Children’s Museum of South Dakota website.�
Photo: Children are able to “make music” at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota. Photo courtesy of the Children’s Museum of South Dakota.

The National Park Service has annouced that there will be multiple days in 2011 when National Parks will not be charging entrance fees. This makes for a great time for the whole family to get out and explore beautiful parks throughout the nation – including in South Dakota.

Mark your calendar for the following entrance fee-free days in 2011:

January 15-17
(Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)

April 16-24
(National Park Week)

June 21
(First day of summer)

September 24
(Public Lands Day)

November 11-13
(Veterans Day weekend)

*Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.
**Mount Rushmore is free and open to the public year round. The only cost is to park, the parking garage is not run by the National Park Service, so parking fees at the parking ramp still apply.

Halloween is just around the corner and South Dakota is full of destinations that will fill your spooky day with thrills and chills. This year, try exploring one of South Dakota’s state parks for a spooktacular event.

Sica Hollow State Park was named “evil” by the Native Americans who told of horrific happenings in the dark ravines. Still today, many of the natural occurrences, like glowing tree stumps, still fuel the eerie legends and intrigue visitors.

Halloween Night Hike at Custer State Park – Participants will take a guided one-mile night hike along a path lit only by jack-o-lanterns. Watch out, you might meet spooks in the woods! The event is geared to expose families to interesting and humorous sights, sounds, and nightlife at Custer State Park. A hiking group will depart the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center every 15 minutes between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. on Friday, October 29, and Saturday, October 30.

8th Annual Spooktacular Trails Walk at the Big Sioux Recreational Center, this gorgeous recreational area is only 4 miles south of Brandon, S.D. On Saturday, October 30, from 5-8:00p.m., come walk the Spooktacular Trail and stop by the many stations along the way to trick or treat. Also, you can participate in a scavenger hunt along the wooded trail searching for reflective spooky signs with your flashlight. Costumes are encouraged! At the end of the walk, warm up next to the nice campfire!

Trick or Treat Trails Walk at LaFromboise Island Nature Area – A trick or treat trail marked by reflective signs will guide participants of all ages through the wooded area with stop along the way gathering prizes and of course, treats! Costumes are encouraged and bring a flashlight! The event is from 4:30-8:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 30.

With the hot weather and busiest tourism season behind us, the urge to make every moment of the enjoyable fall weather count is here. Weekend trips right here in South Dakota are a great opportunity to get out of your normal routine and visit a place you have never been.

Whether you are from the Southeast, Northeast, Central, or Western part of South Dakota, there is sure to be a place that you have not yet explored. So, what the heck, make a weekend out of it…get out and explore your own backyard!

Check out McCrory Gardens in Brookings. This beautiful botanical garden and arboretum has over 20 acres of gardens and 45 acres of arboretum. The garden is open during the spring, summer, and fall. The fall is a beautiful time to visit because of the changing leaves. Call 605-688-5136 for more information.

• While you’re in the area check out the Children’s Museum of South Dakota in Brookings…and head over to Watertown to visit the Redlin Art Center and Bramble Park Zoo.

Spirit Mound Historic Prairie in Vermillion is where Lewis and Clark stood on August 25, 1804, to view the beautiful landscape of the plains. This is where local tribes believed that 18-inch tall devils, armed with arrows, stood and lived. Because of the interesting story, Lewis and Clark ventured out to see for themselves – however, when they got there the devils were nowhere to be found. However, what they did see was an incredible herd of bison, about 800, grazing in the distance.

• Also in Vermillion, don’t miss the National Music Museum. While you’re in the area this fall, it would be worth stopping at Country Orchard near Harrisburg.

The Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center in Chamberlain stands as a tribute to the Sioux Nation. The exhibits at the museum promote and preserve Lakota culture. Visitors will find contemporary tribal art and authentic artifacts. For more information call 605-734-3452.

• The South Dakota Hall of Fame and Al’s Oasis (stop for the pie!) in Chamberlain, along with the Missouri River, make Chamberlain a great stop for your weekend getaway!

DC Booth Historic Fish Hatchery in Spearfish was once an active fish hatchery that is now a historic site. The Booth Home and Hatchery Building/Museum are on the National Registry of Historic Places. Don’t miss the underway viewing area! Visitors can feed the fish and ducks and enjoy the well maintained grounds, gardens and children’s park.

• A visit to Spearfish in the fall couldn’t come at a better time. Driving through Spearfish Canyon and the surrounding area when the leaves are changing will truly leave you breathless…

Grand River Museum in Lemmon is a great adventure in the northwestern part of the state…however – act now because the museum will close for the season on September 30. The museum boasts a large number of scrap sculptures and bronzes by John Lopez, ranching and Native American culture displays, dinosaurs and fun activities for children. Families will enjoy the scavenger hunts, learning about Wild West history, and can even touch real dinosaur bones – it’s sure to be a good time for the entire family!

• If you can make it up to this area early enough this fall – considering camping at one of the sites in Custer National Forest. This is a beautiful area where wildlife sightings are abundant and you can take in a little outdoor adventure.

You could also try exploring your own backyard by taking up geocaching. Essentially, geocaching is a scavenger hunt/hide-and-go-seek object game centered around GPS coordinates.

Another good idea is to go on a wine tour in your area. Check out an earlier blog post about a wine tour across the state.

 Share with us how your adventure went when you get back!

The Custer National Forest is located in two states – Montana and South Dakota. This national forest takes pride in its ecological diversity. Throughout the forest you will find rolling prairies, Ponderosa pines, and populations of rare species like the Merlin falcon.

It covers a large area in Montana, about 1,112,379 acres. The park covers 74,536 acres in northwestern South Dakota. It is separated between five units throughout South Dakota. 

The Custer National Forest in South Dakota offers a wide variety of activities, including hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing. If you are looking to do any of these things in a beautiful area and solitary setting, then this is the perfect location. While there are no maintained hiking trails, the land is very conducive to hiking and you will see beautiful views along the way.

Or, try camping in the forest. In South Dakota’s Custer National Forest, there are two different locations to camp. There are four camping units in the Slim Buttes Unit. Amenities at the Slim Buttes Unit include electrical outlets, vault toilets, drinking water, and shelters. At the North Cave Hills Unit there are 10 camp sites with the following amenities: vault toilets and drinking water. Call the number at the bottom of this post for more information about camping in the Custer National Forest. 

Of course, the other option is to do some primitive camping – this is allowed anywhere in the forest. Please remember to take out what you bring in. Also, a safe guideline to follow is to stay 100 feet away from any water and all trails.

The Custer National Forest in South Dakota is home to a variety of wildlife species including elk, deer, antelope, cougars, bobcats, turkeys, Merlins, porcupine, and more.

The very best part about visiting this park – it’s free! Custer National Forest is open year-round 24-hours per day. If you are interested in learning more about the park, the Sioux Ranger District Office if located in Camp Crook, South Dakota. Or call 605-797-4432.

We all know that road trips can be long and boring.  Hours of driving can make anyone cranky and turn your fun family trip into a nightmare!  Luckily, the Interstate-29 Cultural Corridor in South Dakota offers plenty of fun and interesting stops that will make your road trip one to remember.

The I-29 Cultural Corridor in South Dakota is made up of individual organizations along I-29 starting in Sisseton in the northeast and ending in Vermillion in the southeast part of the state.  That’s more than 200 miles of your drive that provides much needed stops and an opportunity to learn about South Dakota!

Start your journey along the I-29 Cultural Corridor in Sisseton and visit the Sisseton Wahpeton College.  From there visit the Redlin Art Center in Watertown and the South Dakota Art Museum and South Dakota State Agricultural Heritage Museum in Brookings.  Other stops in Brookings include McCrory Gardens and the Schade Winery in Volga, which is just five miles from Brookings. 

Drive a little further and in Sioux Falls you will find the Horse Barn Arts Center, Siouxland Heritage Museums, The Outdoor Campus, Washington Pavilion of Arts & Science and the Pettigrew Museum. Other sites in Sioux Falls include the Sioux Falls Sculpture Walk and the Strawbale Winery located only a few miles north of Sioux Falls in Renner.

Finally, the Oscar Howe Gallery in Vermillion is a great way to conclude your experience on the I-29 Cultural Corridor.  Also consider visiting the National Music Musem, Spirit Mound and the Buffalo Run Winery or Valiant Vineyards while in Vermillion.

For more information about the I-29 Cultural Corridor and the attractions you can see, visit I-29 Cultural Corridor. Just a note – of course you can travel this route starting in Vermillion and going north to Sisseton as well.