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One of South Dakota’s Great Places is a premier trail within the state park system that stretches across 109-miles in the Black Hills. It’s the George S. Mickelson Trail.
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There is a place in South Dakota that combines interesting terrain with eerie legends. It’s Sica Hollow State Park, in the northeastern corner of the state.
Sica Hollow State Park is located 15 miles northwest of Sisseton, S.D. It’s a place filled with ancient mysteries and rugged beauty. The park, part of the Coteau des Prairies Hills, offers a variety of year-round activities and is the source of many Native American legends.
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There is a unique place in South Dakota that combines rugged limestone cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and a forest-lined creek. Spearfish Canyon in the Black Hills has been a long time Great Place in South Dakota.
Frank Lloyd Wright described Spearfish Canyon as “unique and unparalleled to elsewhere in the country,” when he visited in September 1935. At that time, he followed the railroad track through the canyon, which has since been abandoned. By 1950, there was a smooth roadway that is now known as Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, part of the National Scenic Byway system.
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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
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One of South Dakota’s Great Places is the second largest state park in America, home to one of the world’s largest publicly-owned bison herds, and known for interesting landscapes. It is Custer State Park, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Stockade Lake, Custer State Park
Custer State Park’s 1,300 bison have 71,000 acres to roam. Other wildlife, including pronghorn, elk, mountain goats, prairie dogs, and the park’s entertainers – the begging burros – also can be found at the park. It’s a place were visitors can see the wildlife, up-close and personal, along the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road.
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By the 1980s, the park service was faced with steadily increasing visitation and deteriorating facilities that hampered its ability to tell theMount Rushmorestory. With a growing federal deficit and sorely needed improvements at other park service units, federal funding for major improvements at Mount Rushmorewas highly unlikely.
Consequently, in 1989, the Mount Rushmore Society embarked on one of the most ambitious private-sector initiatives in the history ofAmerica’s national parks. South Dakota Governor George Mickelson issued a $2 million dollar challenge that would be matched by state funds. More than 54 South Dakota communities exceeded that challenge by providing $3.5 million to the Preservation Fund. The nationwide campaign raised $25 million, which spurred $56 million in improvements such as the Amphitheater,Lincoln Borglum Museum,Visitor Center,Information Centerand concession buildings.
The campaign also developed new techniques to preserve and monitor the carving as well as protect the Memorial’s historic artifacts, generated unparalleled media attention forMount Rushmore and resulted in new opportunities for visitors toAmerica’s Shrine of Democracy.
In 1992, initial ground breaking for redevelopment took place, and construction continued on the redevelopment for six years. In 1998, the redevelopment design and construction of the current facilities at Mount Rushmore were completed with no federal tax dollars being used to fund the project. The Preservation Fund goal of $56 million was reached by combining $25 million in private and corporate contributions, $14 million from AmFac Concession investments and $17 million from parking facility investments.
-some of this content was written by Mount Rushmore Society Board Member T.D. Griffith who was the Society’s Director of Communications during the Preservation Campaign in the late 1980s which raised millions for the park’s renovations.
This is the fifth part in a series of Mount Rushmorehistory posts. The four previous posts can be found by following the “Mount Rushmore History” tag. The Mount Rushmore National Memorial Society allowed us to share these great pieces of history about Mount Rushmore National Memorial, visit their website for more information. They can also be found on facebook by searching for “Mount Rushmore National Memorial Society.”
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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.
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Looking for an evening away from your busy, hectic life? Travel to Renner, SD to Strawbale Winery for the 5th annual Quilts & Vines event.
Stroll through the idyllic vineyard grounds at Strawbale Winery with hundreds of colorful quilts draping grape vines and hanging throughout the winery.
Walking through the vineyards you will be amazed at the detail and craftsmanship that goes into each quilt. The quilts serve as canvases for different scenes and themes depicted on each quilt.
During the event you will also be able to enjoy wine tasting, food, and musical entertainment, provided by Poker Alice.
Wines that will be available for tasting are produced with only South Dakota-grown fruits, berries, and grapes.
This event will take place August 13, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event costs $12 at the door or $10 in advance. You are able to purchase tickets in advance at Heirloom Creations, 3800 S. Western Ave., Sioux Falls, S.D., and Strawbale Winery, 47215 257 St., Renner, SD, and Lewis Drug Stores.
While you are enjoying this unique event you will also be helping those in need. A portion of the ticket prices will go to support the local Project Linus chapter, an organization that gives blankets to children that have been traumatized by illness or abuse, and Camp Bring It On, a camp for kids with cancer.
Strawbale Winery will not be allowing parking on their grounds for this event. However, there will be a free shuttle service provided from the designated parking lot located at the Renner/Crooks exit 86 off Interstate 29.
For more information on this event, please visit the Quilts & Vines website.
Take an hour or two away from your hectic life and take the time to enjoy the taste of South Dakota.
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Katlyn Richter
