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

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.

Chocolates, taffy, toffee, popcorn and hard candies. Get your lips-a-smackin’ and your tummy rumblin’. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and to me, nothing says, “I love you” more than a basket full of yummy goodness. Forget the flowers that die within a few weeks, I want the chocolates that I can gobble up in days. It is also a good idea to keep this information handy the next time your driving through South Dakota; the perfect confection makes a road-trip a heck-of-a lot more sweet. Read more for details where you can find a “sweet spot” in South Dakota.

North Woods Candy Emporium in Sioux Falls features chocolates and other spectacular sweets. With more than 25 different flavors of truffles and 12 flavors of mini-truffles, finding the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth has never been easier. This year, for Valentines Day you can find velvet Valentine boxes, chocolate covered roses and chocolate covered strawberries.

Also in Sioux Falls is Candy and Canvas which houses bulk candy sold by the pound. Visitors can also find a great selection of gifts and a unique gallery of original art by Chad Lubbers. This is a great stop for wine, coffee and chocolate lovers.

Headed up the Interstate-29 in Watertown, Watertown Confectionary provides not only handmade chocolates, but coffee roasted in the store and wine and beer home brewing supplies. The chocolates, chewy creamy caramels, English toffee, and mint melt-aways are handmade in the kitchen of the store with fresh ingredients and no preservatives.

Now, let’s head west and south to Kimball, South Dakota. Kimball is home to the “Original Kimball Popcorn Ball” this popcorn ball has been made famous in most of the Midwest and beyond! This tasty ball of goodness comes in two varieties, Original and Honey flavored.

On the road again, this time we’re headed north and west to the capital city, Pierre. Angela Olson took her love of chocolate to a new level when she was encouraged to open a confections store. Karcher Confections has homemade fudge, nostalgic candies, taffy from Rushmore Taffy in Keystone, pies, toffee and great lunches.

On the way out west, don’t forget to stop at Wall Drug. Inside you’ll find homemade fudge, salt water taffy and donuts. The maple covered donuts and cream and butter fudge are tied for my favorite sweets to get at Wall Drug – they are a must try!

On the road again, on the road again…final stop, the Black Hills of South Dakota. There are several “sweet” stops in the Black Hills region, but here a few to highlight. Fjord’s Ice Cream Factory in Rapid City makes homemade ice-cream that has been recognized on a state and national level. Fjord’s has more than 40 flavors daily, desserts, fine chocolates, homemade food, and houses a full expresso bar.

Mostly Chocolates is also in Rapid City providing truffles, fudge, chocolate covered cherries and assorted signature chocolates. While you’re at Mostly Chocolates getting your chocolate fix, mix up a frozen yogurt where you choose your ingridients and pay only 49 cents per ounce!

South of Rapid City are two more great places to find sweets. The Custer County Candy Company is known as the “Sweetest Spot in the Black Hills.” This shop specializes in hand-dipped truffes and chocolates. Other items to indulge in are caramel apples, fudge, divinity and they also carry sugar-free chocolates South Dakota made jellies, honey, syrups, popcorn and more.

One of my favorites places to stop, especially before jumping on the 1880 Train, is Rushmore Mountain Taffy Shop in downtown Keystone. The delicious homemade taffy is pulled right before your eyes as you enter the shop. They make taffy daily, and also have a selection of sugar-free taffy.

And finally, there is nothing better than having an assortment of goodies from the Chubby Chipmunk in Deadwood waiting for me after a long day exploring the Black Hills. The Chubby Chipmunk features hand-dipped chocolates, homemade truffles, caramels and toffee. The treats are melt-in-your mouth devine goodness!