By Lincoln McElwee
What comes to mind when you think of South Dakota? If you said fun in the sun and a plethora of educational adventures for the entire family, you’d be right on the money! South Dakota is one state that doesn’t disappoint: from the famous Mount Rushmore to the Badlands National Park, this beautiful northern state boasts a host of adventures and experiences for a lifetime for those families that are so inclined.
Here is a short list of some of South Dakota’s greatest treasures. Be sure that your family’s itinerary includes some of these remarkable – and historical – gems!
1. Mount Rushmore
We’ve seen the four great faces of past American presidents both in our history books and on TV before. But why not visit the historical site and give your kids something to tell their friends and teachers once the school year begins again? That’s right: Mount Rushmore National Memorial (http://www.nps.gov/moru/index.htm) is waiting for your family to step up and make its own history by visiting this must-see icon of American history. Located in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, this testament to American ingenuity took over 14 years to complete! Your child will definitely have stories to tell as Lincoln, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Washington inspire the American spirit upon those who grace the smooth granite hills! Activities for kids abound with junior ranger programs and dynamite simulations.
2. Deadwood
A popular HBO series a few years back, Deadwood (http://www.deadwood.org) is most known for its Wild West days, with Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane of notable fame. Both infamous characters are buried in town (Mount Moriah Cemetery) and add colorful tales to the town’s history. Though other frontier towns of the Wild West might have died out, Deadwood has survived well into the present and has become a very lucrative tourist destination. Kids can relive the Old West days and mine for gold or talk with the costumed townsfolk while visiting the city. Also popular is the spectacular experience of a real-life rodeo!
3. Ingalls Homestead
In case you weren’t aware, the popular literature series, Little House on the Prairie, took place in South Dakota! It was the very same love of living on the prairies of South Dakota that inspired Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the popular book series, to write about both the joys and challenges of growing up in De Smet, South Dakota. If you happen to visit the homestead while on vacation, your family can experience a bit of what it would have been like to live like Laura Ingalls Wilder! You can actually take a ride in a covered wagon on the prairie, as well as take a class in the very same 1880s Little Prairie School (http://www.ingallshomestead.com/).
4. Custer State Park
The second-largest state park in the U.S., your family can still see herds of buffalo roaming free while visiting Custer State Park! Be sure to take part in the annual autumn buffalo roundup. Your family can watch cowboys round up herds of buffalo right in front of your very eyes! Also, there are scenic drives where buffalo and burro roam free. The outdoor chuck wagon supper will have your kids feeling like they’re truly back in the Old West, while active families can fish, hike, go horseback riding or take thrilling jeep tours (http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/custer/)!
5. Sight-seeing via Train
Climb aboard a vintage 19th-century steam train, known as the 1880 train, where your family will be immersed in the beauty and majesty of the Black Hills. The popular sight-seeing trip includes visits to the Holy Terror Mine, Old Baldy Mountain, the Indian Cliffs, and Harney Peak. There is even a trip dedicated to smaller children: “Day out with Thomas” will take you on a 25-minute trip that is led by Thomas the Tank Engine (http://www.1880train.com/)!
