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.

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.

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

The caves found in the Black Hills are among the oldest and longest in the world and form one of the largest concentrations of cave passageways on the planet; all are limestone and boast a variety of rare formations. While most haven’t been fully explored, there are several caves throughout the area that are open for the public to experience and enjoy.

This post was written by a guest blogger.

In these economic times, it’s more important than ever to plan a family vacation that is fun and relaxing, but also provides excellent value for your vacation budget. Whether you prefer all-inclusive family resorts or choosing your own hotels and restaurants to complement your sightseeing, there are plenty of options to fit your budget.
Read on to learn about some of South Dakota’s stunning destinations and how to enjoy them without breaking the bank.

Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

No visit to South Dakota is complete without a trip to world-famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The 60-foot faces of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln carved in granite will be a sight your family remembers forever. There are a number of ranger-guided and self-guided tours available covering the history and construction of this historic landmark, and the nightly lighting ceremony offers particularly breathtaking views.

Nearby, the Black Hills National Forest offers over 300 miles of hiking and biking trails. Entrance to both parks is free, although there is an $11 parking fee at Mount Rushmore.

About an hour from Mount Rushmore, the town of Deadwood offers some inexpensive but entertaining places to stay, including Deadwood Gulch (800-695-1876) and The Lodge at Deadwood (605-584-4800). Each hotel has an on-site restaurant, pool, and casino, and rooms start at $79 a night.

Badlands National Park

The Badlands region provides some of the most spectacular vistas in the entire state. The Badlands National Park, about 75 miles south of Rapid City, offers a wide variety of activities for the entire family. The park’s entrance fee is $15 per vehicle for seven days of access. Once inside, drive the Badlands Loop Road for an excellent introduction to the park’s stunning natural wonders.
A number of free ranger programs provide information and activities relating to Badlands wildlife, geology, and plants and flowers. Kids will love Robert’s Prairie Dog Town, located near the Pinnacle Entrance. Don’t miss the extraordinary Night Sky program, held Friday through Monday evenings in summer, with the chance to view over 7,500 stars.

Budget Tips

• Take advantage of low or no entrance fees at South Dakota’s 12 state parks and 42 recreation areas! Outdoor adventure vacations are a chance for every member of the family to have fun and learn together without spending a fortune.

• On-site restaurants at the larger destinations tend to be overpriced and offer little variety. Instead, pack a cooler and have a picnic! All the major sites allow you to bring your own food, and you’re bound to find a quiet place away from the crowds.

• South Dakota is best experienced by car. If you live within one or two days’ drive, avoid the costs of plane tickets and car rental and consider making the road trip part of your vacation experience! Give maps to the kids so they can follow along and help pick out interesting stops along the way.

There is nothing like getting away on a romantic excursion with your sweetie. Newlyweds do it frequently, and parents of young children dream of it often. Empty-nesters even love a private getaway, when they are not visiting the grandkids that is. Valentine’s Day often gets a lot of attention, sometimes too much if you ask me. I cannot believe the hype for this holiday. However, it does provide the perfect reason to get away with that special someone.

There are so many romantic places to stay in South Dakota, from lodges to bed and breakfasts, to hotels that provide just the right amount of luxury at just the right price.

One weekend, my sweetie whisked me away from our routine and we enjoyed a great time together in the Black Hills. We stayed in a wonderful Black Hills vacation home that was filled with the amenities of home, and was tucked away within the beautiful forestry of the Black Hills National Forest. There are so many different private vacation homes to choose from in this area to accommodate your needs.

My girlfriend in the eastern corner of South Dakota raved about her time staying at the Club House Hotel and Suites in Sioux Falls. Nearby, they were able to find a wine and coffee bar, great dining options, and of course, she was able to do a bit of shopping. A great getaway if you ask me! Sioux Falls is full of interesting things to do, with something for everyone.

It’s not too late to start thinking about where you want to get away for Valentine’s Day. So why not plan a great trip instead of sending a bouquet of flowers or buying chocolate and wine at the last minute? Even if it’s not for Valentine’s Day, a nice getaway is always a treat.

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.

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.

The park is not only known for the wildlife, but also the breathtaking scenic views around each corner. From granite formations, known as “The Needles,” to sweeping prairie backdrops and curving creeks, visitors will find the unexpected.

The campgrounds in Custer State Park offer unique landscapes alongside creeks or amidst pine forests. Additionally, Custer State Park Resort company offers several lodging options, including the new Reunion Cabin. Staying in Custer State Park puts you just minutes from three scenic byways; Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road and the Wildlife Loop Road.

There is no shortage of outdoor adventure at the park. Rock climbers test the limits along the “Needles” formations and fly-fishermen can enjoy abundant fishing. Mountain bikers, hikers, photographers, and road cyclists will all find the park exceptional for their trade.

 The annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup is one of the grandest events at the park. It’s a weekend filled with Old West entertainment and heart-pounding adventure as cowboys and cowgirls round up nearly 1,300 bison. Thousands of spectators take in this mandatory park management event each September. The 2011 Buffalo Roundup is September 26.

American Bison, or buffalo, handle frosty winter weather very well with a thick layer of fur insulation. This bull in Custer State Park didn’t seem bothered at all by the temperatures as I took his picture out my vehicle window on the Wildlife Loop Road.

Chad Coppess, Senior Photographer

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.