Travel Blog 31
South Dakota Part 1
Travel Blog 31
By far the number one destination in Sioux Falls is Falls Park just north of downtown. The park is dissected by the Big Sioux River with a set of falls moving 7,400 gallons of water per second. The park is loaded with walking trails, viewing/photo platforms, and grasses areas everywhere. There's also an observation tower in the gift shop that provides viewing/photo opportunities for the entire park and beyond. Falls Park has also preserved the ruins of the Queen Bee Mill completed in 1881. The original mill was operational for less than two years before the operators went bankrupt. There were a couple of failed attempts in the early 20th century but the mill never find it's groove. This may be the nicest city park I've ever visited and I think it's well worth your time.
Falls Parks Sioux Falls, SD
Falls Parks Sioux Falls, SD
Falls Parks Sioux Falls, SD
Falls Parks Sioux Falls, SD
Falls Parks Sioux Falls, SD
Falls Parks Sioux Falls, SD
Falls Parks Sioux Falls, SD
Falls Parks Sioux Falls, SD
Falls Parks Sioux Falls, SD
I booked 3 nights at the WH Lyons Fairgrounds to see the area and rest a bit for a three day long drive. The camping area offers full hook-ups but there are no real amenities. Just off I-29, the fairground is very close to restaurants, shopping, Falls Park, and Historic Downtown Sioux Falls. They do offer seasonal sites and the in & out for traveling RVs is great. I paid $40 per night for my stay. No complaints.
WH Lyons Fairgrounds
WH Lyons Fairgrounds
WH Lyons Fairgrounds
WH Lyons Fairgrounds
WH Lyons Fairgroundso
The Badlands National Park has a wonderful 39-mile loop with 16 designated scenic overlooks and many other pull off areas. I entered the park in Wall SD and exited in Cactus Flat at the Minuteman Missile Visitor Center and I-90. The Badlands is an alien looking rugged area of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires surrounded by the typical South Dakota prairies. My first site at the entrance was a lone Bison and hundreds of prairie dogs scurrying around. The landscape was created by millions of years of erosion with layers of sedimentary rock deposited by ancient seas and rivers that has been sculpted into jagged peaks and deep canyons by wind, water, and time. While the site of Bison and bighorn sheep roaming the prairie is breathtaking, there are also signs warning of rattlesnakes at nearly each scenic overlook so I decided to leave Barron in the truck throughout the loop. I originally intended to boondock on the Badlands Wall but it was 94 degrees when I arrived in the area. I opted for full hookups and air conditioning. Someday! The Badlands National Park is a must see for all RVers.
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park
If you've spent any time traversing the Great Plains of South Dakota, you've seen the Wall Drug Free Ice Water signs. Although Wall only has a population of about 800 it's western themed main street has been a magnet for tourist for nearly 100 years. Visitors can eat at one of the town's many cafes or loop through the seemingly endless local shops for Western wear, Native American gifts, and a wide assortment of handmade crafts. There is of course the Free Ice Water & 5 cent Coffee. There are a number of things in the main street complex that should be able to keep the kids interested. Wall is also at the west entrance of the Badlands National Park and the 39-mile Badlands Scenic Loop. There are plenty of areas that allow Big Rig parking in Wall so RVers need to make this a must stop in South Dakota.
Wall South Dakota
Wall South Dakota
Wall South Dakota
Wall South Dakota
Wall South Dakota
Wall South Dakota
Wall South Dakota
Dignity of Earth and Sky is a 50-foot stainless steel statue overlooking the Missouri River. The statue is located at the Chamberlain Lewis & Clark Welcome Center & Rest Area near Chamberlain, South Dakota and seems to be a favorite for Internet Photos. This is a great stop half way between Sioux Falls and Wall SD. Great walking area for you and the dogs with a very interesting Lewis & Clark mini museum inside the welcome center. Plenty of room for big rigs.
Dignity of Earth and Sky
Dignity of Earth and Sky
Dignity of Earth and Sky
Dignity of Earth and Sky
