Oct
30

Holiday Tours Offered at Governor’s Mansion

by Katlyn Richter on October 30, 2012 · 0 comments

The Governor’s Mansion in Pierre South Dakota sitting near the Capitol and Capitol Lake were open for tours during the summer months. Now, First Lady Linda Daugaard has announced that mansion will also be open for Christmas Tours. While you’re in the area, don’t miss a tour of the the Christmas at the Capitol where dozens of trees are adnorned in sparkling lights.

First Lady Linda Daugaard announced that public tours to view Christmas finery at the Governor’s Mansion will be offered on two Mondays in December. 

“The Governor’s Mansion is beautiful during the holiday season, and Dennis and I would like to share that with all South Dakotans,” the First Lady said.  “We are so very fortunate to live in this home, but it really belongs to all of us.” 

The holiday tours are scheduled for Dec. 10 and Dec. 17.  Six tours will be conducted each day (9 a.m.; 10 a.m.; 11 a.m.; 1 p.m.; 2 p.m.; 3 p.m.). 

Those wishing to take the Governor’s Mansion tours must obtain tickets (free) in advance from the Pierre Chamber of Commerce.  There is a limit of 40 people per tour. 

The Chamber of Commerce can be reached at 605-224-7361.

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Posted in South Dakota Attractions
Aug
24

Our South Dakota

by Katlyn Richter on August 24, 2012 · 0 comments

“Our South Dakota: Big Land / Big Ideas / Big Heart” is on exhibit in the Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society located at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

It’s a great exhibit featuring the landscapes of South Dakota from past to present. You’re able to measure yourself up to a full-size replica of George Washington’s nose on Mount Rushmore – the nose is over 15-feet tall! Sit down, and gets hands on with an old-school typewriter and type out a memo to a friend, you could take it home and send it in the snail mail with a stamp!

You’ll also have the opportunity to get in touch with nature. There are fox skins, skunk skins all for you to touch, feel, explore and learn from inside this great exhibit. Oh, I can’t forget to mention the poop samplings that are lying around. Don’t be surprised if it looks like a previous visitor brought along a buffalo, coyote or prairie dog. Not to worry, the samplings are only rubber, but they sure look real!

Climb into a real combine cab and see what it is like to harvest a field. Or, see how South Dakota measures up in size to other states in our nation by grabbing a Velcro state of South Dakota and moving it along the country side to see how the size compares. We look tiny compared to Texas, but massive compared to many eastern states. It’s an interesting hands on exhibit that is great for adults and children of all ages. Get to know South Dakota a little bit better by visiting this exhibit at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Plan your visit to see “Our South Dakota: Big Land / Big Ideas / Big Heart.”

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Posted in History,South Dakota Attractions
Jul
26

Black Hills Playhouse

by Katlyn Richter on July 26, 2012 · 1 comment

Heading into the “backwoods” doesn’t usually involve high quality theater productions performed by professional actors and artists; but at the Black Hills Playhouse, that is exactly what theater-goers discover.

 

Nestled amongst the Black Hills in Custer State Park, the theater is located near famous attractions such as Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial and can be found via favorite scenic roads such as Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road.
 
Each summer, theater professionals, students and enthusiasts flock to the Black Hills to participate in and watch a variety of musical, comedy and drama productions. Previous productions included “Godspell” and “Run for Your Wife”. July and August productions include the “The Drowsy Chaperone” and “The Three Musketeers”.
 
A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) project, the Black Hills Playhouse is one of the oldest summer stock theaters in the country.  In 1946, the theater program director at the University of South Dakota brought a troupe of student actors to the Black Hills to perform at various theaters. They stayed at the old CCC camp and returned to perform there in the following years. Since then, the theater has grown to become the renowned program it is today.
 
The ambiance of the theater is an unusual combination of beautiful wood beams and low balconies that makes for an enchanting experience and seats 300 patrons- and there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Visitors to the Black Hills will enjoy the memorable opportunity to sit back and enjoy the show at the Black Hills Playhouse.

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Posted in South Dakota Attractions
Jul
18

Trail of Governors

by Katlyn Richter on July 18, 2012 · 5 comments

The Trail of Governors is a non-profit group working to celebrate leaders who have shaped South Dakota into the state it is today.  The Trail of Governors will be creating and erecting life-sized statues of all past South Dakota governors and forming a “trail” of the statues from the State Capitol grounds to downtown Pierre near the Missouri River.

Photo credit to Trail of Governors Foundation

 Photo credit to Trail of Governor’s Foundation

The intention of the trail’s design is to allow people to walk along the trail and learn more about not only South Dakota’s former governors, but also to learn more about the state’s history.

Recently, the Trail of Governors Foundation placed the first two statues of the project in their permanent places.  Walter Dale Miller’s statue stands near Burke Real Estate and Harlan Bushfield’s statue is on Historic Pierre Street. Arthur Mellette will be placed at the Hughes County Courthouse in late July.

The next series of Governors have been announced for next year. They include Governor Frank Farrar, Harvey Wollman, and Bill Janklow. Both Farrar and Wollman are still living, which the Trail of Governors chairman notes, “makes the project even more special.”

Artists from across the state have been commissioned to create the life-sized statues. Artists include John Lopez, Lemmon; James Michael Maher, Belle Fourche; and Lee Leuing and Sherri Treeby, Aberdeen. Each statue costs around $68,000 and the money is raised through private sources – each statue is allowed to have four sponsors.

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Posted in South Dakota Attractions
Jun
28

Making Memories on Mount Roosevelt

by guestblogger on June 28, 2012 · 2 comments

guest blog post by Josh Morrison

Growing up on a farm in eastern South Dakota I have some pretty strong memories about summer trips to the Black Hills. I clearly recall the dry pine scented air, the red dirt in the Spearfish area, and Friendship Monument on Mount Roosevelt.

As a kid I was fascinated with the almost castle-like structure out in the forest. The 32-foot tower in the woods was proposed by Seth Bullock as a memorial to Theodore Roosevelt. The Society of Black Hills Pioneers built the tower and dedicated it on July 4th, 1919. And, recent restoration and preservation efforts ensure that Friendship Monument will there for many years to come.

Friendship Tower - photo by Josh Morrison

The loop trail to the Tower is located at the Black Hills National Forest Mount Roosevelt Picnic Area. The trail is about 3/4 of a mile long, with an elevation gain of 180 feet from the parking lot to the monument. Even if Friendship Tower didn’t exist, this is worthwhile hike. There are amazing view of the plains and surrounding peaks. From the viewing platform near the tower you can see nearby Spearfish, plus the Bearlodge Mountains in Wyoming and views of the plains all the way to North Dakota. From other parts of the trail Bear Butte, Terry Peak, Custer Peak, Harney Peak and the cities of Lead and Deadwood are all visible.

View of Spearfish – Photo by Josh Morrison

Today, I enjoy taking visitors and my own children up to Mount Roosevelt. This is the perfect hike for people of all ages. The trail is short and easy, but the vistas are spectacular. It is a memorable hike that everyone is sure to enjoy (and it is free). You can make and afternoon out of the visit and pack a lunch to enjoy at the picnic area. There is a vault toilet available, but no fresh water.

Getting to the picnic area is pretty simple. From Deadwood head North on Highway 85 for just over a mile and then turn left on Mount Roosevelt Road (also the turn for the Lodge at Deadwood). Continue on the road for about two miles to the parking area. The first portion of the road is paved, the second part gravel. The gravel road is not plowed in the winter, so save this for the summertime.

If you feel like doing a bit more hiking, visit the grave of Seth Bullock. It is located just across the gulch above Deadwood’s Mount Moriah. Seth requested to be buried above the cemetery with a view to Mount Roosevelt.

For a video driving tour from Deadwood to Mount Roosevelt, check out this link http://youtu.be/qs84Poznd_Q.

Author Bio
Josh Morrison grew up on a farm near Mitchell. He and his family have called Deadwood home for over a decade now. They love to get out and enjoy the Black Hills whenever they can.

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Posted in South Dakota Attractions,Travel Tips
Jun
26

Black Hills Caves

by Katlyn Richter on June 26, 2012 · 0 comments

Mysterious, alluring and wild, Black Hills caves have stood the test of time and provide enjoyment for today’s visitors, making them some of South Dakota’s Greatest Places.

Wind Cave National Park

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Posted in South Dakota Attractions
Jun
20

by Katlyn Richter on June 20, 2012 · 0 comments

Road trip for the fabulous four! The faces of George, Teddy, Thomas and Abe have wrapped up a majority of their road trips for the summer. The presidential mascots, depicting Mount Rushmore National Memorial, made stops in Minneapolis, Kansas City, Omaha, Sioux Falls, and Des Moines. They were able to meet and greet thousands and thousands of people and share the joys of South Dakota and Mount Rushmore with the masses.

The boys in gray posed for hundreds of photos with young and old, new and veteran visitors to South Dakota. It was great to hear the stories and memories from those who have visited our great state in the past, and it was even better to tell stories about what one might experience on their first vacation to South Dakota.

The presidents were able to hang out at a Twins game, throw the first pitch at an Iowa Cubs game, mingle around the Kansas City Zoo and Worlds of Fun; they took in the vibe of the community at farmers markets and even rode on a log flume. They sure were busy on their road trip!

Watch out, those four great faces might be coming to a great place near you soon. Stay in tune with our social media sites for details, you wouldn’t want to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to get photos of Mount Rushmore somewhere other than the Black Hills!

These photos prove a great time was had by all.

Throwing a Pitch at the Iowa Cubs game

Enjoying the Kansas City Zoo with visitors

Presidents enjoying a carousel ride at Worlds of Fun

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Posted in Events and Activities
Jun
07

Oyate Trail

by Katlyn Richter on June 7, 2012 · 0 comments

Do you like to step off the beaten path and experience new places? Crossing the state of South Dakota can become a pilgrimage into unseen destinations, if you are willing to become an intrepid, off-the-Interstate explorer. Following the Oyate Trail can give travelers access to a unique side of South Dakota that few experience.

The Oyate trail is a 388-mile highway system that stretches from Vermillion to Edgemont, along Highways 50 and 18. Along the way, travelers can discover cultural and historical sites that represent the heritage of both Native Americans and Europeans. Traveling the Oyate Trail gives first-time visitors to the state a unique experience, and South Dakota residents can explore a part of their state they may not have previously experienced.

Destinations along the trail include Edgar’s Old Fashioned Soda Fountain in Elk Point, the Fort Randall Casino in Pickstown, the Sicangu Heritage Center on the Rosebud Reservation at Mission, and in Hot Springs, the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, the Mammoth Site and Wind Cave National Park. Art enthusiasts may be interested in the Red Cloud Heritage Center in Pine Ridge, which hosts an art show each year. This year, the art show will be held June 3- August 12, 2012. A notable outdoor location is the Missouri River National Recreational River, a 100-mile stretch of the Missouri River that has been preserved and protected by the National Park Service.

Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, Hot Springs, SD

Traveling along the highway, scenic views span from the hauntingly beautiful Badlands National Park to the foothills of the Black Hills, with quaint farm and ranch scenes spread between.  Along the trail, explorers can also experience excellent South Dakota wineries, a variety of fascinating museums and a number of wildlife refuges and parks. For more information about the Oyate Trail, please visit their website at: http://oyatetrail.com/

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Posted in Travel Tips
May
29

Main Street Square – Rapid City

by Katlyn Richter on May 29, 2012 · 1 comment

If you’re looking for a shopping experience with a little something for everyone, look no further than Main Street Square in downtown Rapid City. This past week, we paid a visit to the Square and I was completely impressed by the progress that has taken place during the last several months. The first time I visited the Square was last November, and while that trip certainly sparked my interest in the project, this visit caused me to see just how amazing Main Street Square really is. In November, there were people skating on the ice rink and holiday music was playing, giving me the feeling that I was a part of a charming Christmas scene. This was so movie-moment-perfect that I got caught up in the spectacle of the Square and failed to notice how well-planned and user-friendly the area is. It is obvious that the Square was designed to be enjoyed; there are dozens of chairs throughout the facility and the public “green” area promises year-round entertainment and enjoyment for the community, as well as for visitors.

Farmers Market – Photo courtesy Main Street Square

On the website dedicated to the shopping side of Main Street Square, the series of boutiques and eateries are described as being “a galleria of interesting things to see, taste and buy.”  The stores truly are exceptional and should be experienced firsthand! My personal favorite is Mitzi’s Books, which I think personifies everything a bookstore should be, but I also enjoyed wandering through the outdoor adventurer’s haven, Roam’n Around. You also shouldn’t miss the Gnar Spot, which is the only rider-owned and operated skate and snowboard shop in the area. The variety of stores incorporated in Main Street Square makes the experience even better. For example, Who’s Toy House is a fantastic toy store that provides a colorful array of unique toys and games to store-goers. Beyond the main building which houses these stores, Rapid City’s downtown area boasts a wonderful array of shops and restaurants, all of which are worth venturing into.

Fountains at Night – Photo Courtesy Main Street Square

I definitely recommend that visitors to the Black Hills pay the Square a visit, it’s certainly worth the time. I can hardly wait to see what the Square will become in the future, and what it will come to mean to the Rapid City community. For more information about Main Street Square, please visit http://mainstreetsquarerc.com/.

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Posted in Events and Activities,South Dakota Attractions
May
22

Rushmore Mascots Hit the Road!

by Katlyn Richter on May 22, 2012 · 0 comments

They’ve stood tall in the Black Hills of South Dakota for more than 70 years. It’s known as America’s Shrine of Democracy. They are just one part of South Dakota’s Great Faces and Great Places. It’s Mount Rushmore National Memorial. And soon, the presidents will be on the move, maybe you can meet them in person!

How? The mascots of Jefferson, Lincoln, Washington and Roosevelt are on the move to multiple cities in the coming months. The mascots will be touring Kansas City, Des Moines, Minneapolis, and Omaha. First stop, Kansas City over Memorial Day weekend. If you’re in the area, make sure you follow along on the twitter hashtag, #RushmoreMascots, this blog, or on Facebook.com/SouthDakotaTourism to see where you can meet up with the presidents from Mount Rushmore in person. It’s a once in a lifetime photo opportunity you don’t want to miss!

 

 

To top it off, you’ll be able to sign-up to win an exclusive vacation to the Black Hills of South Dakota where you can start “Your American Journey.” To enter the vacation giveaway and see a full listing of where the mascots are going, visit www.TravelSD.com/RushmoreMascots.

“Your American Journey” through South Dakota doesn’t stop at Mount Rushmore. It’s the places along the way like reliving the pioneer spirit in De Smet at the Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead; it’s the quirky only in South Dakota stops like The World’s Only Corn Palace and Wall Drug. The experience of being surrounded by 1,300 bison and a band of begging burros at the second largest state park in the nation – Custer State Park. All of these stops and more is what will truly build your “American Journey” to be one that you will always remember.

 

 

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Posted in Events and Activities

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