Blogs from Badlands, South Dakota, United States, North America - page 5

We traveled 545 miles today from La Crosse, Wisconsin over the Mississippi River, into the southern part of Minnesota, over the Missouri River, over into Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and finally ended up in the small town of Kadoka, SD near the Badlands for the evening. There really wasn't much to see after the Mississippi River in southern Minnesota. I would like to explore the lakes and Minneapolis when I have more time as there was a lot of advertisements and much more to see in those areas. We stopped in Sioux Falls to see the water falls and mill that surrounds it and to grab a bite to eat. I was surprised to find a Turkey pesto panini sandwich on the menu at the falls cafeteria. Very delicious! The falls were very pretty so we ... read more

Today we headed to the Badlands. But first we called into the world famous "Wall Drug". It had to be done! After reading so much about the place and seeing the numerous sign posts for it along the way. We weren't disappointed. Skim got to indulge in a bit of retail therapy for a change. And I got to sit with a couple of long drinks, before taking some fun photos.... (Ted Hustead was a Nebraska native who moved to Wall and opened a tiny drug store in 1931. Five years later, it was still a tiny drug store. Dorothy, Ted's wife, thought that the travelers driving past their store must be thirsty, and suggested that Ted put up a sign outside of town advertising free ice water at Wall Drug. Ted thought it was ... read more

Worthington, MN to Rapid City, SD What's hot: Badlands National Park Also hot: South Dakota Speed Limit: 75 mph The road: Clear, hot, dry, windy, windy, windy. 440 miles today, 2100 miles since July 6. Over half way to San Francisco. What's not: Travel cooties Travel lesson of the day: Moderation in all things, including travel distances. from Kathy: South Dakota: Land where high test gasoline costs less than regular, the legal speed is 75 mph, where temperatures go from 97 degrees at 2 p.m. to 56 degrees at 10 p.m. And did I mention the endless miles of wheat, oats, and wild grasses waving in the wind so continuously they remind us of the surface motion of Long Island Sound? Cornfields with rows so regular you could set your clock by the distances in between. ... read more

We did some touring, hiking, a trip to the famous Wall Drug Store. We also met some nice folks from other parts of the country.... read more

Visted the southern section of Badlands. Beautiful desolute country. The visitor center was laid back and helpful. I was directed to the local college to view a visual and audio presentation of Wounded Knee. It was a sad but well presented story. What a contrast to my time a few days earlier at Mt. Rushmore. One sight invoking chest-swelling pride, followed with a sight revealing shame and sorrow. What an opportunity to see both sides of America. Keeps one well balanced.... read more