edie3
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,464 
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Post by edie3 on Mar 27, 2024 15:43:14 GMT
Planning a trip to see DS and what sights we can in South Dakota. We plan on spending the most time in the western part of the state for Mt Rushmore, etc. How much time should we allow for the Badlands? Is Deadwood worth going to? And I really want to see the Dignity statute in Chamberlain. How much time for that? Thanks!
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Post by kimber731 on Mar 27, 2024 15:59:10 GMT
SD is one of our favorite vacation destinations. I would allow for a full day at Badlands, especially if you throw in a visit to Wall Drug. So much to see and do. Be sure to get out of the car to observe the overlooks through the Badlands, it is truly a one of a kind destination. I would definately plan a drive to Spearfish Canyon and Needles Highway/Sylvan Lake. So much hiking and exploring to do. I also recommend seeing Mount Rushmore both during the day but to stay for the night show, it is a totally different experience. I am not familiar with The Dignity Statute but I also loved Deadwood, but you don't need the whole day there.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,122
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 27, 2024 16:02:22 GMT
Just made a fast trip out to Ft. Pierre SD last week to buy feeder calves. Drove to Ft. Pierre and back in a day...long day, whew! Started the day at 3:30 am - semi brought the calves the following morning at 1:30 am! Did it all in under 24 hours. I was pooped for 2 days afterwards.
That view driving west out of Chamberlain on I-90 is something I always anticipate! It was even beautiful this time of year! Dropping down out of Chamberlain, going across the Missouri on the bridge. It just gets me every time! So get ready for that view! It's a stunner!
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Post by kimber731 on Mar 27, 2024 16:34:19 GMT
SD is one of our favorite vacation destinations. I would allow for a full day at Badlands, especially if you throw in a visit to Wall Drug. So much to see and do. Be sure to get out of the car to observe the overlooks through the Badlands, it is truly a one of a kind destination. I would definately plan a drive to Spearfish Canyon and Needles Highway/Sylvan Lake. So much hiking and exploring to do. I also recommend seeing Mount Rushmore both during the day but to stay for the night show, it is a totally different experience. I am not familiar with The Dignity Statute but I also loved Deadwood, but you don't need the whole day there.
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belgiangal
Shy Member
Posts: 40
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Post by belgiangal on Mar 27, 2024 16:53:01 GMT
I agree with a full day for the Badlands. Lots of great photo ops and short trails etc. There are LOTS of great hikes in the Black Hills. Custer State Park/Wind Caves NP is another great place to visit! You will often see bison, wild burros and big horn sheep there. Deadwood is a big destination for folks in my area (Northwest NE). I am not a gambler so it is not somewhere I have spent a lot of time. It does have a fun "old west" vibe and some cute shops etc. The Dignity Statue is free to view and walk around. There is also a free Lakota museum on the grounds. I have visited the statue on my way through but have not explored the museum so I am not sure how long it would take to check it out.
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edie3
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,464
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Post by edie3 on Mar 27, 2024 16:59:46 GMT
Is Wall Drug a must see?
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Post by Laurie on Mar 27, 2024 17:30:31 GMT
For us it is the official start of a Hills trip. It is mostly one souvenir shop after another. While it is a must stop for us we don’t spend too much time there. Usually see the Dinosaur thing, look at a few shops, get the donuts and leave. Badlands depends on how much you want to get out and explore. If you don’t get out of the car much it doesn’t take long. We have a permanent camping spot that is about 2 hours from the Badlands. Last Labor Day weekend we left out camper at about 8:30 and did a quick trip through the Badlands. For our for a few times for pictures. We decided we were close too Wall Drug so we headed that way and stopped at the Minuteman Missle site. After those 2 we decided since we are only a couple of hours from Mr Rushmore we would go see that too. After that we quickly stopped at Keystone. We got back to our camper around 10 that night. It was a fun day trip but living in SD we go there often so it is easier to quickly do these things. |
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edie3
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,464
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Post by edie3 on Mar 27, 2024 19:16:37 GMT
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Post by Basket1lady on Mar 27, 2024 19:20:38 GMT
I’d say the Wall Drug is a must see, but you could easily spend 20 minutes there and move on. It’s the very definition of a kitschy tourist trap.
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Post by essiejean on Mar 27, 2024 19:53:57 GMT
edie3 what time of the year are you planning to visit? Here are some links that I often share with our vendors & customers that are coming to Rapid City to visit our factory. gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park/rushmoretramwayadventures.com/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=mainwww.bigthundermine.com/www.nps.gov/moru/index.htm Mt. Rushmore National Memorial crazyhorsememorial.org/www.downtownrapidcity.org/www.visitrapidcity.com/things-to-do/downtown-rapid-city/ These attractions are a little further away but well worth a visit if time allows www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm Badlands National Park www.walldrug.com/ The Dignity statue is basically just a rest stop close to Chamberlain. Great place to get out and stretch your legs a bit. Statue is impressive and a great photo op. The little museum is interesting but I can't imagine anyone spending more than an hour or so at this spot unless you plan to pack in a lunch. They do have several picnic tables and the grounds are kept up very nicely. If you are interested at all in learning how Black Hills Gold is made then I would encourage you to stop at our factory outlet - 2707 Mt. Rushmore Rd. in Rapid City, They have factory tours every hour. It is very interesting to see it being made in person. Really brings the history of the jewelry to life. Deadwood is fun if you like some light gambling. There are also several good places to eat and a couple of museums. If you are here in August you can take in the motorcycle rally in Sturgis. A full week of concerts at several venues and motorcycles everywhere you turn.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 27, 2024 20:25:24 GMT
It really is. But it can be a quick stop.| I had the THE worst meal of my life at a restaurant across the street. The Cactus Cafe. It still is fresh in my mind, and it has been over 10 years ago! LOL Last I saw it burned to the ground in 2022. |
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Post by huskermom98 on Mar 27, 2024 22:17:58 GMT
When would you be going? Is DS going to be with you or is this part of the drive, if so how old? My son is finishing his first year at school in Rapid City so we've done some touristy things on our last two visits and am working on our next two visits...
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Post by Laurie on Mar 27, 2024 23:32:41 GMT
How old is your ds?
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edie3
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,464
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Post by edie3 on Mar 28, 2024 0:31:05 GMT
We are going in May and DS is 28 and will be with us.
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