The amazing thing about family vacations is that they stick with you for your entire life. The last time I was in South Dakota, Reagan was in office. Fast forward several presidents, South Dakota held just as much wonder from the front seat as it did from the back β even in off-season October.
All the majestic Western vistas became real again; hits of intense geological masterpieces separated by long stretches of grasslands and sky-scapes, with layers of Native American history, pioneer life, outdoor adventure, and roadside kitsch in between.
In South Dakota, the towns are small; the storms are huge; the residents are proud; the buffalo are wild; and the dinosaurs are concrete. South Dakota is very accessible by car, making road trips the way to go. This is no secret, but it does make the state a great place for the youngest and oldest in the family to explore together.
Explore the Black Hills β Gold was discovered here in the late s , creating a series of mining boom towns. Today, drives, outdoor action, picnics, and walks through the rocky, picturesque hills are the supporting actors in an area that features several headliners.
See Mt. Each one can take a few hours to visit and are worth the investment of time. Non-peak season visits, as well as early morning and nighttime at Rushmore are a good call. While Mt. Rushmore is well-known, the Crazy Horse Memorial just thirty minutes away is less popular. A privately-held monument to all Native American tribes, an admission to the grounds includes access to a massive visitor center, museum, and gift store.
