I wonder how many people out there dream of exploring South Dakota. It seems that when you mention the beauty of the state to any friends who have never left the coast, you can see a, sort of, smirk on their faces. A smirk that indicates they don’t believe that flyover America can have places as awe-inspiring as cliffed coastlines or endless skyscrapers. All it takes is a quick road trip through South Dakota to know that, perhaps, they just haven’t given it enough of a chance.
Let’s have a look at some of the gems that explain why the state’s anthem declares, “Hail, South Dakota!“
Six South Dakota Road Trip Stops You Can’t Miss
The Corn Palace
Yes, deep in the interior of South Dakota lies the city of Mitchell, which is home to the one and only Corn Palace. Built in 1892, Mitchell’s Corn Palace is used for everything from concerts to rodeos and other sporting events. The unique draw is on the outside, however. Each year, local artists decorate the exterior with extensive murals that are made completely of corn.
Originally built to highlight South Dakota’s rich soil, it has been home to local events for over half a century. Artists ranging from Johnny Cash to Theory of a Deadman have played here. Local high school and college basketball teams also call the Corn Palace home. And perhaps most impressively, the site receives around a half-million visitors per year. Be sure to add it to your road trip stops list.
Badlands National Park
I find Badlands National Park to be a bit of a surprise. I’ve been through here now a couple of times and I have been blown away each pass through. After all of the parks we’ve seen now, this one still finds a way to stand out. We have spent time here in both wintery and summery conditions and both impress. Our most recent trip through saw the unique hills covered in a dusting of snow. This added to the spectacular setting when we watched the sunset with a few local big horns.
Native Americans used this area as hunting grounds for 11,000 years so take the time to reflect while you gaze at the magnificent landscapes. And even though they aren’t as prominent as they were during the pre-white-man era, you may still luck out and see the American Bison roaming around. It’s also worth taking time to learn about local fossils. You may be surprised to learn that the area was once inhabited by several types of rhinos and alligators.
Here’s a special tip, go at sunrise or sunset. The walls light up in exaggerated colors and your eyes (and camera) will thank you! Check out the official parks page here for more.
Wall Drug
Where the HECK is Wall Drug? We’ve all seen these bumper stickers on the back of old VW buses. Well, the answer is in Wall, South Dakota. Wall Drug is actually a cowboy themed drug store turned shopping center. This highly-trafficked tourist attraction is home to everything from restaurants and book stores to novelty items and even a church!
Don’t miss out on the chance to pose out in the sculpture area. (I always like the rideable Jackalope.) Worth noting is that all stores fall under a single entity rather than being individually run. That gives an authentic and local feel to the whole scene. The place draws nearly 2 million visitors a year so, as always, I suggest checking it out during shoulder season. There’s no way you’ll miss it with almost 300 official billboards along highway 90.
Mount Rushmore
Probably the most iconic symbol you’ll see on your road trip through South Dakota, the four heads that rise high in the Black Hills are an artistic masterpiece not to miss. Why should you visit?
First, Mount Rushmore’s faces are 60′ high granite. Even if you’re not a sculptor, you will appreciate the work it took to carve these.
Second, it’s an important symbol of what we can accomplish with vision and strategy. As it sits now, the memorial is incomplete and will likely never be completed. That’s due to the death of the designer who oversaw construction midway thru the project.
Finally, the representation of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt embody the nation’s birth, growth, development and preservation. It’s hard to look at them and not ponder where we’ve been and where we go next.
Take some time to walk through the visitor center and learn more about the design and process of creating this marvel. Above all, walk through the surrounding areas and trails. The beauty of the surrounding area cannot be overstated, and it’s a really outstanding location to have the “Shrine of Democracy” overlooking.
Quick note: You do not have to pay to go in if you only have a short time. You can get a good view of the faces from the highway as it approaches the parking area. It’s not safe to pull over for more than a second, but it is possible if you just want to catch a glimpse quickly before heading to a different destination.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Just a few miles from Mount Rushmore lies this memorial paying homage to one of the most notable and iconic Native American warriors, Crazy Horse. Unfortunately, construction on this memorial is slow going. Construction started 71 years ago and small progress is made each year, largely due to funding. Despite its incomplete status, there is plenty to learn. You can spend several hours, and should, at the visitor center and museum.
Deadwood
Another location to see on your road trip is Deadwood. Yes, this is the setting of the HBO series. Here, you’ll find all the old west favorites like saloons and staged gunfights. But if the kitschy nature of the town isn’t your thing, look no further than the surrounding area where you can find plenty of hiking trails, mountain biking trails and even horse riding trails. Maybe you’re going to visit in the winter. Then you’ll be happy to know there are two ski resorts nearby. Granted, this isn’t Colorado, and they are on the small side. But the option is there.
Final Thoughts on South Dakota Road Trips
I know South Dakota may seem to some like a state with little to offer. If you fall into that category, I encourage you to pack up the car, SUV, or, if you’re lucky, the camper van and point the compass toward the center of the U.S. Here you’ll find a land of kind people, deep history, stories, and objects going back centuries and even some beautiful nature. I lived there briefly when I was little and still manage to make it back for a visit every few years.
Take your road trip through South Dakota and maybe at the end you’ll join along in singing “Hail, South Dakota!”
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