2021-01-15 01:17:39
Great Places Await EXPLORE SOUTH DAKOTA’S REGIONS Wide-open grasslands, dramatic rock formations, historic mining towns that nod to Wild West days, panoramic overlooks along the Missouri River — there’s an adventure to be found in every region of South Dakota. In the west, explore the Black Hills & Badlands Region. To the northeast, discover the Glacial Lakes & Prairies Region. In central South Dakota, experience the history of Lewis and Clark in the Missouri River Region, and bring the whole family to the Southeast Region for unforgettable attractions. Black Hills & Badlands REGION With one of the largest concentrations of national parks, monuments and caves in the Midwest, this region is packed with natural beauty and family-friendly adventure. HIGHLIGHTS PARKS & MONUMENTS: See a massive sculpture of four U.S. presidents at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, awe-inspiring rock formations at Badlands National Park in Interior, the third-longest cave in the world at Jewel Cave National Monument in Custer, boxwork formations at Wind Cave National Park in Hot Springs, a sculpture of the famous Oglala Lakota warrior at Crazy Horse Memorial® in Crazy Horse and a 1,400-bison herd at Custer State Park in Custer. QUIRKY SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS: Dating back to 1931, the landmark Wall Drug Store used to lure in road-weary travelers with its free ice water. Today, the draw is 5-cent coffee, handmade donuts and plenty of photo ops. At Minuteman Missile National Historic Site in Philip, view a Cold War-era nuclear missile silo. Time travel to Old West days when you watch an outlaw reenactment on Main Street in Historic Deadwood. READY TO RIDE: Mountain bike along the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail; go off-roading on more than 600 miles of ATV, UTV and OHV trails within the Black Hills National Forest Motorized Trail System; or ride your motorcycle within the 19-mile Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. MAJOR CITIES & TOWNS Custer, Deadwood, Hill City, Hot Springs, Keystone, Rapid City, Spearfish, Sturgis, Wall » Turn to page 34 to learn more about the Black Hills & Badlands region. Glacial Lakes & Prairies REGION In this region in northeastern South Dakota, discover glacier-carved lakes scattered across vast grasslands, as well as authentic frontier history and vibrant Native American culture. HIGHLIGHTS HISTORIC SITES: Relive frontier days when you stroll the grounds of the 1864 military fort at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park in Lake City or when you ride in a covered wagon across the prairie to a one-room schoolhouse at the Ingalls Homestead in De Smet, where Laura Ingalls Wilder once lived. Then, snap a picture of the eccentric “pink castle — the late 1800s Pickler Mansion in Faulkton and home of South Dakota’s first congressman. CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS & MUSEUMS: In Brookings, peruse artwork at the South Dakota Art Museum and imaginative exhibits at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota. Delve into the life of artist Terry Redlin at The Redlin Art Center in Watertown, showcasing more than 150 of his oil paintings. Westbound on Highway 212, keep an eye out for the Faulkton Grain Elevator Mural by Guido van Helten. FAMILY FUN: See approximately 800 animals at Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown, experience imaginative rides and play areas at the nursery rhyme-themed Storybook Land and the Land of Oz in Aberdeen, zoom down water slides at Splash Central Waterpark in Huron and enjoy a free ride on Faulkton's Happy Times Carousel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. MAJOR CITIES & TOWNS Aberdeen, Brookings, De Smet, Huron, Faulkton, Redfield, Sisseton, Watertown, Webster » Turn to page 162 to learn more about the Glacial Lakes & Prairies region. Missouri River REGION More than 440 miles of waterways beckon for endless fun in the sun. Retrace the footsteps of legendary explorers Lewis and Clark, experience Native American heritage and visit the South Dakota State Capitol building in Pierre. HIGHLIGHTS FUN ON THE WATER: Paddle in a kayak along the Missouri River — the longest river in the U.S. — or launch a larger watercraft into the 80-mile Lake Sharpe. SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE: Reel in walleye, smallmouth bass, catfish and salmon on the Missouri River and the 231-mile Lake Oahe — the largest of four Missouri River reservoirs. Revel in renowned pheasant and waterfowl hunting, as well as big game hunting. Numerous rodeos throughout the year showcase the skill, stamina and competitive spirit of cowboys and cowgirls. TRIBAL CULTURE: Learn about South Dakota’s earliest inhabitants at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. In Chamberlain, shop authentic handmade Native American crafts at the Dakota Plains Gallery & Gift Shop, and delve into the lives of the Lakota people at the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center. Along I-90 near Chamberlain, stop at the Dignity: of Earth & Sky statue, a 50-foot Native American woman holding an outstretched quilt of 128 stainless steel blue diamond shapes. MAJOR CITIES & TOWNS Chamberlain, Fort Pierre, Mobridge, Oacoma, Pierre, Winner » Turn to page 186 to learn more about the Missouri River region. Southeast REGION HIGHLIGHTS Bustling cities infuse this region with arts, culture and history, while the Missouri River and pristine state parks offer peaceful moments and scenic views just minutes from the action. ALL-AGES FUN: Sioux Falls is filled with family attractions. Gaze at coral reefs teeming with saltwater fish and then step into a jungle filled with butterflies at Butterfly House & Aquarium. View more than 1,000 animals at the Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History. At Washington Pavilion, let kids learn and play with hands-on science exhibits. In Mitchell, see an active archeological site at Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village. HISTORY LESSONS: In Sioux Falls, see architectural details at the Pettigrew Home & Museum, and take a self-guided tour of the 1893 Old Courthouse Museum to see stained glass windows and murals. Explore local history in Yankton at the 1909 Mead Cultural Education Center, originally built as part of the Dakota Hospital for the Insane. In Vermillion, browse natural history and archeological exhibits at the W.H. Over Museum. SCENIC ADVENTURES: Enjoy sandy beaches at Lewis & Clark Recreation Area, pink quartzite cliffs at Palisades State Park, a 1,350-acre lake at Lake Herman State Park, calm river waters at Big Sioux Recreation Area and picturesque hiking trails at Good Earth State Park. Experience the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at Missouri National Recreational River or hike to the top of Spirit Mound north of Vermillion. MAJOR CITIES & TOWNS Sioux Falls, Madison, Mitchell, North Sioux City, Vermillion, Yankton » Turn to page 206 to learn more about the Southeast region.
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