South Dakota

This city shines as the headquarters of the region’s top activities. Go back in time at the Dinosaur Museum and view over 50 life-size dinosaur displays. Explore more wonders of the prehistoric world at the Petrified Forest of the Black Hills, which has an extensive collection of outcroppings of fossilized petrified wood.

On the South Dakota Mines campus, visit the Museum of Geology to see displays of mounted dinosaur skeletons, Badlands mammals, marine reptiles as well as fascinating mineral exhibits. See over 30 vintage military planes and the modern-day B-1 Bomber on display at the South Dakota Air & Space Museum outdoor airpark and immersive indoor experience, located just outside of Ellsworth Air Force Base. Take a free tour of Main Street Classic Car Museum and marvel at classic cars from the 50s to 80s. Walk through five visual art galleries, an interactive children’s gallery and the Cyclorama Mural of American Economic History at the Dahl Art Center.

Towering high above the treetops and juxtaposed against limitless skies, Mount Rushmore is an impressive tribute to freedom and democracy in America. The awe-inspiring granite sculpture features 60-foot faces of four U.S. presidents who played an integral role in the birth, expansion, development and preservation of the nation: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.

Visit the Sculptor’s Studio to learn about the sculptor Gutzon Borglum’s vision for the memorial and the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center to discover the park’s history.

Badlands National Park consists of 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest protected mixed-grass prairie in the U.S. These striking geologic deposits also contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Explore the park on established hiking trails that range from flat stretches through prairie landscape to uphill climbs through the pinnacle formations. The Fossil Exhibit Trail, a National Scenic Trail, is one of the most popular and gives visitors a glimpse into the park’s distant past. Alternatively, take a scenic drive. Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway meanders through towering buttes, dramatic cliffs and striated spires. Stop at one of the many scenic overlooks along the way. Travel along the northern rim of the Badlands Wilderness Area on Sage Creek Rim Road - the gravel road hugs the dramatic drop off that separates the prairie from the alien landscape below.

Don't forget to watch out for wildlife. The park is home to many resilient creatures, including some of the most  endangered species in North America. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep, blackfooted ferrets, pronghorn and prairie dogs. The park’s herd of over 1,000 bison is easy to spot in the northern unit. If you are in the park as night falls, you will witness an amazing night sky. Take advantage of zero light pollution and marvel at over 7,500 stars visible in the sky, including the phenomenal clarity of the Milky Way Galaxy. Rangers point out constellations and provide telescopes during Night Sky Programs at Cedar Pass Amphitheater in the summer.

Deep beneath the vast expanse of the golden, windswept prairie in western South Dakota is the seventh-longest cave — and one of the most complex cave systems — in the world. Wind Cave has long been considered a sacred place for Native Americans. In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt signed legislation that created Wind Cave National Park, the first cave in the world to be designated as a national park. Above ground, explore more than 30 miles of hiking trails that offer ample opportunities to spot bison, elk and more than 100 species of birds. Then, learn about the geological history of the area on the National Park Service's self-guided Geology Driving Tour.

Located in a scenic ponderosa pine forest, Jewel Cave is a 1,279-acre park, acting as peaceful retreat for hiking, birdwatching and viewing colorful wildflowers. However, its most spectacular sight lies deep beneath the surface. Discover Jewel Cave, the third-longest cave in the world, which boasts more than 202 miles of mapped passageways as well as illuminated caverns, glittering dogtooth spar crystals, textured “cave popcorn” and ceilings dripping with stalactites.

Surrounded by the picturesque backdrop of expansive plains and breathtaking views of the Badlands, Wall is bound to leave a lasting impression on you. This charming town makes the perfect base to experience all the fantastic things the area offers to its two million annual visitors. The small town maintains its Western spirit. It is a classic place for a rest stop on your road trip. Get out and stretch your legs or stay awhile to explore. Stroll down Wall’s Main Street, where you’ll find the town’s best shopping and dining.

WALL DRUG STORE - Main Street is home to the Number One Roadside Attraction in America — Wall Drug Store. What began with a simple idea to offer free ice water to travellers in the 1930s evolved into an iconic destination. For some family fun, Wall Drug’s backyard is a must during your visit. Sit on the giant Jackalope and gather your group to snap a picture in front of the roaring T. rex. Dine at the Western Art Gallery Restaurant while surrounded by the most extensive Western art collection in the country. Savor home-style  dishes, like their legendary hot beef sandwiches with mashed potatoes and homemade gravy, as well as their famous handmade cake doughnuts. Be sure to fill up on 5-cent coffee and ice cold water — it’s still free.