The Best of South Dakota

A whole state via interstate can be daunting for scenery hounds, but we think we found the best of South Dakota. From Pipestone MN we headed for DeSmet SD, one of Laura Ingall's homesteads. We spent a pleasant few hours learning about homesteaders life, from sod houses to soap and rope making. Davyd enjoyed driving riding the horses and wagon. I have always had a soft spot for Laura myself since being wrapped in her books in third grade. Besides, we are almost old family friends, as later in life I learned that my great great Grandparents bought their property in Stockholm WI from Laura's grandfather in 1868.

We zigzaged the late afternoon away on rural roads, only to be absolutely delighted with an amazing view of prairie bluffs over looking the Missouri River on the northern outskirts of Chamberlain SD. The view was stunning and a gentleman from Jerusalem was enjoying it with a friend when we arrived, making a very picturesque scene. We hiked the bluffs for an hour or so before driving into the sunset. The next morning we toured the 1880's Town (set of Dances with Wolves) - touristy yes, but fun- after a thunder storm.

Back in Minnesota I had commented "lots of bikers, must be fuel prices getting more on the road". By South Dakota and asked Pete "hey is that Sturgis motorcycle rally in August". By western South Dakota I had answered my own question it was a very obvious "yes!" Bikers were everywhere, filling motels, campgrounds, gas stations, even little ghost towns sprung to life (we ate Indian tacos in Scenic SD with a parade of bikers). The bikers in the Badlands were most interesting - Europeans that looked like rock stars and fashion models along with grey-haired American business men that looked like they were wearing dry cleaned jeans and pressed black bandannas strutting their stuff for the weekend. Everywhere else they just looked like...bikers. Needless to say we drove through the Black Hills but didn't stay!