South Dakota
The most popular view of “The Many Faces of South Dakota.”
GST Season V - Chapter 3
Quest for the West
“The Many Faces of South Dakota”
If you love to travel, and we can only assume that you do, you will recognize the need to make up time to reach a destination. It was that need that prevented us from enjoying some of what Wisconsin and Minnesota had to offer. But, a sincere “thank you” to both of these states for the scenic lakes and forests that they provided us on our way to SODAK. (South Dakota:)
The 40th state and its two distinct halves: “East River” and “West River” was our objective before the end of the summer. The Missouri River bisects the state, and is responsible for its diverse geography.
Sioux Falls is East River and benefits from the fertile soil that the Big Muddy has deposited on the 2341 mile journey from the Rockies to the banks of the Mississippi at St. Louis. Corn as far as the eye can see and crops like soy and sunflower create a checkerboard to the landscape. The Big Sioux River creates the namesake of South Dakota’s largest city, a comfortable blend of old and new. The park at its center is beautiful and it reflects the city’s past and its vision: a face looking towards the future.
We continue West towards the Badlands and its unmistakable profile. This area is every bit as recognizable as the four leaders that Gutzon Borglum carved from a granite bluff near Keystone, but receives far less visitors than Rushmore, perhaps the name “Badlands” keeps the crowds away.
We remain in awe of this part of the country. It’s beauty, whether it is natural or carved by man, embodies all of the characteristics that are reflected in...
“The Many Faces of South Dakota.”
Travel safe all!
We will see you in the West.
John and Caroline 🍀
The “Profile of the Badlands” in South Dakota.
Points of Interest of South Dakota (Sioux Falls and Wall)
We had been to South Dakota before. There is simply way too much to see and do in the state of South Dakota! Here is a short list of the things we had time for during our most recent visit. Please check out “Season I - The West” for a few more ideas.
Best Hikes in the Badlands:
The Notch Trail- 1.5 Miles
Door Trail -Take the longer path and you may feel like you are walking on the moon.
Window Trail - .25 Miles
Cliff Shelf -.5 Miles
Castle Trail - 10 miles
Visit Wall, South Dakota area:
Downtown Wall and visit “Wall Drug” to order yourself an Ice Cream, Free Water, and a 5 Cent coffee. If you have time there is an interesting story of Ted Hustead and the origins of “Wall Drug.”
Plan a walk through downtown Sioux Falls and take photos of the art work, statues, and waterfalls.
Night Photography in the Badlands:
Check your night sky app and find any spot to take a few night photos in the Badlands. A real peaceful experience that you will cherish.
The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site was a real eye opener.
The Ben Reifel Visitor Center (Did you know the Badlands did not have any dinosaurs?)
Stop along Nomad View and take in what it might be like to camp along “The Edge” of the Badlands.
The other “Faces” of South Dakota. Wildlife in the Badlands.
Best Motorcycle Route in the Badlands:
HIghway 240 that circles the National Park
Sage Creek Rim is a gravel road that will take you past several overlooks, Roberts Prairie Dog Town, and back through the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. Worth the ride (or drive:)
While in Sioux Falls we had a chance to meet up with an “old BMW friend” and go for a ride in the outskirts of Iowa and South Dakota.
Our Best South Dakota Travel Videos:
We had time to put together two videos during our time in South Dakota. One tribute to our time in Sioux Falls, and one to our time in the Badlands. Both were interesting, fun, and so unique.
Thanks for watching!
