2017-01-14 04:32:16
THE GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP Prairie Homestead It’s one of the first and best moments of the trip. That’s when you pull past the final stoplight, with a tankful of gas and a bag of favorite snacks, and hit the open road! And if you are traveling Interstate 90 between Minnesota and Wyoming, there are 410 miles of South Dakota freedom, fun and excitement ahead of you. Corn Palace SIOUX FALLS Sioux Falls is South Dakota’s largest city, a prairie metropolis with a reputation for fine eating and great shopping. The star attractions are the waterfalls of the Big Sioux River at Falls Park, the Great Plains Zoo, and Badlands Pawn, Gold & Jewelry. 1880 Town MITCHELL Seventy miles west from Sioux Falls on I-90 is Mitchell, home of the world-famous “Corn Palace.” It’s a stunning, whimsical civic center, decorated inside and out with more 275,000 colorful ears of corn. With recent renovations—larger exterior murals, a new sign, custom- designed light-up domes, a walk-out balcony, and a beautiful Oscar Howe exhibit space—visitors are sure to have a one-of-a-kind exp-EAR-ience! MISSOURI RIVER It’s quite a sight when you hit the Missouri River. From the east bank bluffs, there’s an expansive view of both the Great Plains and the Great Lakes of South Dakota. Visit the Lewis & Clark Information Center. It’s part of the interstate rest area and welcome center overlooking the Missouri River at I-90, Exit 263. Here, a remarkable sculpture, “Dignity” was dedicated in 2016. On the western side of the Missouri River Bridge, take advantage of the 5¢ coffee and a savory meal at Al’s Oasis, the biggest watering hole along I-90. MURDO & KADOKA In Murdo, be sure to visit the Pioneer Auto Show & Prairie Town. Chances are, you’ll also be personally welcomed to South Dakota by owner/collector Dave Geisler. His museum has a nostalgic display of 300 vintage cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors. Only 22 miles to the west of Murdo, you can explore more than 30 authentically furnished pioneer buildings at South Dakota’s Original 1880 Town. Another 20 miles, and you will start getting first glimpses of Badlands formations near the town of Kadoka (Exits 150 and 152). Kadoka is home to Badlands Petrified Gardens, an extensive exhibit of fossils, petrified wood and minerals that have been found in the area. Both Murdo and Kadoka offer comfy accommodations and some unique hometown eateries – making either town a suitable base camp for those planning to spend a day or more exploring the area along with nearby Badlands National Park. BADLANDS REGION Exit 131 is where westbound travelers exit I-90 to tour the Badlands. You’ll find two interesting attractions along Hwy. 240. Prairie Homestead is one of very few original sod houses still remaining in the USA. Because timber was so scarce on the Great Plains, settlers improvised walls by stacking blocks of sod they cut from the prairie grasslands. The deadly drama underlying the Cold War is relived at Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, near Wall, where visitors can see how the end of the world could have begun. Two 1960s era Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) sites have been preserved for public viewing. Tours are by reservation only and limited to 6 people per tour. Self-guided tours are available at Delta- 09 missile silo, located at I-90 Exit 116. The visitor center is located at I-90, Exit 131, and features exhibits that allow visitors to explore Minuteman’s role in the Cold War. A new park film will make a debut in 2017. Interior is the oldest Badlands town, dating back to the 1880s. The town is just outside the south gate of Badlands National Park and offers several options for accommodations. It’s home to the Native West Trading Company and premier agate beds for rock hunters. Entering the National Park’s east gate, the Badlands Loop Road (SD 240) wriggles down through Cedar Pass to park headquarters. The road is a State Scenic Byway and rejoins I-90 at Exit 110. All along the route, expect to find a plethora of scenic overlooks, photo opportunities, nature trails and wildlife sightings. Take in the full effect of the Badlands with an exhilarating aerial tour from Badlands Helicopters. You can experience a different culture on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where Oglala people celebrate their music, dance and social traditions in numerous community powwows, at which visitors are always welcome.
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