Western South Dakota is a region of rugged beauty, rich history, and diverse landscapes, offering visitors a wide range of attractions and outdoor adventures to explore. It is probably one of the most underrated areas in the entire United States, in our opinion.
One of the highlights of Western South Dakota is its stunning national parks and monuments, which showcase the region’s breathtaking scenery and geological wonders. The iconic Mount Rushmore, with its towering granite faces of past U.S. presidents, is a symbol of American pride and ingenuity, drawing millions of visitors each year to marvel at its grandeur. Nearby, the Badlands National Park offers a stark contrast with its otherworldly landscapes of rugged canyons, towering spires, and expansive prairies, providing endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography.
The Same
Both the Dinks and The Family did very similar things but in different ways.
Badlands National Park
In the heart of South Dakota lies a geological wonder that often goes unnoticed on the national parks radar. Badlands National Park, with its rugged beauty and surreal landscapes, stands as a testament to the underrated gems waiting to be discovered in the American wilderness. Towering spires, deep canyons, and striped buttes create a geological masterpiece.
Robert’s Prairie Dog Town offers a charming and animated encounter with these small, sociable creatures. Situated amid the rugged Badlands landscape, this prairie dog town becomes a bustling community, where these furry inhabitants pop in and out of their burrows, chirping and communicating with one another. Visitors can observe their playful antics and social interactions, providing a delightful and entertaining break during a visit to the park.
Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial
Our journey doesn’t end with the Badlands; we extend our adventure to two iconic cultural landmarks – Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.
- Mount Rushmore, a sculpted masterpiece embedded in the Black Hills, pays tribute to four of America’s greatest leaders. As we gaze upon the colossal faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln, we’re reminded of the nation’s rich history and the enduring spirit of democracy.
Custer State Park
Custer State Park in South Dakota stands as a haven of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Encompassing 71,000 acres of rolling hills, granite peaks, and lush valleys, the park provides a diverse and captivating landscape. Home to a thriving population of bison, elk, and other wildlife, Custer State Park offers wildlife enthusiasts a chance to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Scenic drives, such as the Needles Highway and Wildlife Loop, lead visitors through breathtaking vistas and up close to the park’s iconic granite formations.
Needles Highway – offer breathtaking views of the park’s rugged terrain, towering granite peaks, and serene lakes.
The Wildlife Loop Road, in particular, provides an opportunity to spot the park’s abundant wildlife, including bison herds, pronghorn antelope, deer, and bighorn sheep, against a backdrop of sweeping prairies and rolling hills.
Local Cuisine
South Dakota cuisine reflects its agricultural roots and diverse cultural influences, offering a blend of hearty, comforting dishes and regional specialties. These dishes highlight South Dakota’s culinary diversity, drawing from Native American traditions, German-Russian influences, and the state’s agricultural bounty.
- Buffalo/Bison: Bison meat is a lean and flavorful staple of South Dakota cuisine, historically significant and enjoyed in various forms such as steaks, burgers, and stews. It’s known for its rich, slightly sweet flavor.
- Chislic: A beloved regional dish, chislic consists of cubed meat (typically lamb or beef) skewered and grilled or deep-fried. It’s often served with a side of garlic toast or dipping sauces, combining hearty flavors with a satisfying crunch.
- Fry Bread: Influenced by Native American cuisine, fry bread is a simple yet delicious bread fried until golden and crispy. It can be served as a savory base for dishes like Indian tacos (topped with beans, meat, lettuce, and cheese) or as a sweet treat with powdered sugar or honey.
- Walleye: As a state known for its freshwater fishing, particularly in the Missouri River and its reservoirs, South Dakota celebrates walleye as a popular fish dish. It’s commonly pan-fried, grilled, or prepared in a fish fry, highlighting its delicate flavor and firm texture.
- Kuchen: A traditional German-Russian dessert that has become a South Dakota favorite, kuchen is a type of sweet pastry with a custard filling. It’s often made with fruits like apples, peaches, or berries, providing a delightful end to a meal or a sweet snack.
- Wojapi: A Native American fruit sauce, wojapi is made from berries (such as chokecherries or blueberries) simmered with water and thickened with cornstarch or flour. It’s traditionally served over fry bread or as a dessert topping.
- Pheasant: South Dakota is renowned for its pheasant hunting, and this game bird often finds its way onto local menus. Pheasant is typically roasted, grilled, or used in hearty stews, offering a lean and flavorful alternative to more common poultry.
- Hot Beef Sandwich: A comforting dish found in diners and cafes across South Dakota, the hot beef sandwich consists of thinly sliced roast beef served on bread (often white or Texas toast) and smothered in rich beef gravy. It’s a hearty choice, especially during colder months.
The DINKs
We got a little adventuresome when visiting Badlands
Badlands NP
Notch Trail, a hidden gem within this park, invites us to embark on a 1.5-mile journey that includes a heart-pounding climb up a steep ladder, rewarding us with panoramic views of the badlands below. Did it once. Don’t need to do that again.
The Medicine Route Trail extends is an easy trail winding through the park for a more immersive experience. Four miles of captivating scenery unfold, showcasing the rich biodiversity and unique rock formations that characterize this underappreciated national park. We saw a couple prairie dogs along the way.
The Castle Trail is a moderately challenging hike that spans approximately 10 miles round trip, making it one of the longest trails in the park. We only did a portion of this. Starting at the Fossil Exhibit Trail parking area, the trail winds its way through the heart of the Badlands, offering sweeping views of the park’s iconic rock formations, colorful striated cliffs, and expansive prairies. Along the way, hikers will encounter unique geological features, including spires, buttes, and hoodoos, which resemble ancient castles rising from the earth. The trail also passes by several interpretive signs and points of interest, providing insights into the park’s geology, history, and wildlife.
The Door Trail is a shorter and more accessible option, perfect for visitors of all ages and abilities. Starting at the Door and Window parking area, the trail leads hikers on a scenic journey through the park’s rugged terrain, culminating in breathtaking views of the Badlands’ iconic rock formations. Along the way, hikers will pass through a natural break in the rocks known as “the door,” offering a unique vantage point from which to admire the surrounding landscape. The trail is relatively flat and easy to follow, making it ideal for families and those looking for a leisurely stroll amidst the park’s stunning scenery.
- A short drive away from Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial offers a different perspective, showcasing the ongoing work to carve the likeness of the Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse, into the granite cliffs. The colossal undertaking is a tribute to Native American culture and resilience, inviting us to reflect on the diverse tapestry of America’s heritage.
The Family
Bear Country USA Wildlife Park
Bear Country USA Wildlife Park, nestled in the picturesque Black Hills of South Dakota, offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe North American wildlife up close in their natural habitat. The park is home to a diverse array of native North American animals, including black bears, grizzly bears, mountain lions, wolves, elk, bison, and more. In addition to the drive-through tour, Bear Country USA offers a variety of other attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. The park’s Wildlife Walk allows guests to explore on foot and get even closer to some of the animals, while educational programs and presentations provide insights into the park’s conservation efforts and the importance of preserving native wildlife habitats.
Get the full details on this portion of the Family’s cross-country road trip at AffordableFamilyTravel.com.
Summary
In comparing the experiences of the adventurous DINKs and the family explorers in Western South Dakota, both groups embraced the region’s natural beauty and cultural landmarks with enthusiasm. The DINKs’ daring escapades at Badlands National Park exemplified their penchant for exploration and adrenaline, while the family’s inclusive visit to Bear Country USA Wildlife Park added a charming dimension of wildlife encounters to their journey. Both groups marveled at the iconic Mount Rushmore and the ambitious Crazy Horse Memorial, paying homage to American history and indigenous culture respectively. Amidst these shared highlights, each group brought a unique perspective to Custer State Park and savored local cuisine, creating memories that reflect their distinct interests and dynamics. Ultimately, whether scaling the rugged cliffs of Badlands or bonding over wildlife sightings, both experiences encapsulate the spirit of adventure and discovery that defines Western South Dakota, leaving us to appreciate the diversity of travel experiences that this region offers to all who visit.
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