ND and SD ideas

Danne · 08-19-2020, 07:09 AM

We are in central MN today and have 15 days to explore the Dakotas before our reservation at Custer's on 9/3.
We plan to hit North and South Teddy's NP and Badlands SD.
We love hiking, history, and local events (thinking rodeo!).

Any other suggestions for must see attractions and/or campgrounds?

Thanks!

Hopeful1 · 08-19-2020, 08:04 AM

We stayed at Big Pine RV park in Custer, SD. and enjoyed the back to nature feel. Owners very nice...deliver firewood to your site, etc. Did the Jewel Cave National Park tour. If you want to do that, get tickets ahead of time. We also enjoyed the 1880s Train ride. Have fun!

Hopeful1 · 08-19-2020, 08:06 AM

Mt. Rushmore too, if open. Incredible.

hank857 · 08-19-2020, 08:33 AM

wind cave NP in SD is supposed to be a good thing to visit. Pretty much unknown! Tried to find it and locals didn't know where it was, thus we missed it. Lotsa walking UNDERGROUND supposedly. Down south of sturgis area.

be happy · 08-20-2020, 04:01 AM

We just left Minot ND heading east, if you are planning a visit to Minot the Scandinavian Heritage Park is a must see. Best part its free, at least until my wife went to the gift shop.

**creativepart** · 08-20-2020, 11:02 AM

We enjoyed the town of Sioux Falls, SD. Nice area and downtown. Really nice compact and livable town. Great town park with Falls:

SummitPond · 08-20-2020, 07:34 PM

The Corn Palace in Mitchell SD is a sight to be seen. Their civic auditorium is decorated on the outside and inside with corn, and it's free. [link to a photo] We stayed at the Dakota Campground while there.

Just before you cross the Missouri River (headed west on I-90) there's a rest stop with a enormous statue and a museum (also free). [link to photo]

While at the Badlands be sure to see the Minuteman 2 Missile Museum and silo. You'll have to make reservations ahead of time if you want to tour the command center. The first two are free, there's a charge for the tour.

In the Black Hills we toured Wind Cave; no problems finding it. On our way back to our campsite (Heritage Village Campground, with views of Crazy Horse) we drove through Custer State Park on SR-87. There are some amazing views of Mount Rushmore from there, as well as animals. [link to photo]

If you have the National Park Pass (what used to be the Golden Eagle) it will get you a discount on parking at Mt. Rushmore and on the NPS tour of the cave; it doesn't work for the tour of the missile command center.

We enjoyed a good (almost) home-cooked meal at the Hill City Cafe (in Hill CIty, SD).

Safe travels.

Hopeful1 · 08-20-2020, 08:47 PM

I forgot about Corn Palace! Yes! Incredible! An amazing sight and walk about inside and out! Loved it. Take pics with the giant corn guy (in corn dress) for a great memory!

LeonardoBF · 08-23-2020, 08:20 PM

While visiting Teddy Roosevelt national Park South, Medora has RV parks and an excellent pitch fork fondue, along with an evening show in their outdoor amphitheater. Check it out on the Internet

Shedboy · 08-24-2020, 11:21 AM

Jewel Cave National Monument - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewel_Cave

Jewel Cave National Monument contains Jewel Cave, currently the third longest cave in the world, with 200.3 miles (322.4 kilometers) of mapped passageways. It is located approximately 13 miles (21 km) west of the town of Custer in Black Hills of South Dakota.It became a national monument in 1908.

Shedboy · 08-24-2020, 11:32 AM

Devils Tower
nps.gov/detoDevils Tower is a butte, possibly laccolithic, composed of igneous rock in the Bear Lodge Ranger District of the Black Hills, near Hulett and Sundance in Crook County, northeastern Wyoming, above the Belle Fourche River. It rises 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River, standing 867 feet from summit to base.Wikipedia
Location:Crook County, Wyoming, United States
Parent range:Bear Lodge Mountains, part of the Black Hills

sjcopy · 10-02-2020, 05:08 PM

This is are plan for thinking around June Thank you everyone for the ideas and the original poster.
Hopeful1 have seen that park definitely our list now.

TJFogelberg · 10-02-2020, 06:13 PM

Don't forget about Wall Drug.

DesertRatt · 10-02-2020, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJFogelberg

Don't forget about Wall Drug.

Coolest collection of cowboy boots I've ever seen! Loved it.

AJMike · 10-03-2020, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJFogelberg

Don't forget about Wall Drug.

Stopped there on the way back from Alaska more than 50 years ago and have wanted to go back ever since. As tourist traps go it is king of the hill and I loved it.