Today was my last day in South Dakota and I spent it hiking, driving back to Rapid City, and visiting a Norwegian stave church.
South Dakota 2024: Day 8
South Dakota
South Dakota 2024: Day 7
I spent the morning hiking and driving the Needles Highway in Custer State Park. Tonight I went to the nighttime illumination at Mount Rushmore. In between, I enjoyed a nap, cider, and some pasta for dinner.
South Dakota 2024: Day 6
I ate breakfast in the shadow of the presidents this morning. Any guess as to where? If you guessed Mount Rushmore, you’re correct! I hit the road early this morning so as to beat the crowds to the monument and it worked out in my favor. There were quite a few people there before 7AM but it wasn’t crowded. I got to enjoy the Presidential Trail with very little company and take in the views without hundreds of people in my photos.
South Dakota 2024: Day 5
I started my day today in Badlands National Park and ended it at my third stop of the trip: Hill City, South Dakota. There are a handful of trails in the Badlands and I tackled a few of them today, stopped at some scenic overlooks, and relaxed in Hill City.
South Dakota 2024: Day 4
Happy Fourth of July! I celebrated Independence Day with an all-American parade in Belle Fourche and ended it at stop #2 of this South Dakota road trip: Badlands National Park.
South Dakota 2024: Day 3
You can see Devils Tower from miles away. Literally. Devils Tower rises over 1,200 feet from the Belle Fourche River, is 867 feet tall, and was my morning destination today.
South Dakota 2024: Day 2
I love South Dakota. This morning, I woke up early, got ready, and walked into town. The sun was shining (briefly) as I settled into what is already my favorite Spearfish breakfast spot, Blackbird Espresso. I’m sure I’ll be back again for another breakfast before I leave. I spent the rest of the day exploring Spearfish Canyon and a couple of local attractions in Spearfish.
Continue readingSouth Dakota 2024: Day 1
“South Dakota? Why South Dakota?” That is the question just about everyone has asked when I’ve shared my summer vacation plans. Truthfully, I was inspired by “The Awkward Tourists”, a YouTube couple I follow who spent a couple of days here on a road trip. When I watched their videos, I thought, “Why have I never been to South Dakota?”. And so, here I am!
Traveling with Laura 