So Long, South Dakota

South Dakota was awesome. So much to do, so much to see…Here are some of the highlights:

 --Beautiful start to the change in seasons foliage show, and great temperatures—mostly highs in the 50s to 70s, lows in the 30s and 40s.

--Amazing artwork, including the “Dignity” statue honoring Native Americans near Chamberlain.

--Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park. A great hike, amazingly still water and breathtaking rock formations.

--The Corn Palace in Mitchell. Murals on the outside are made with corn cobs.

--Miles and miles of sunflower fields; we were too late in the year to see them in full bloom—it must quite a sight during the growing season!

--The Chapel in the Hills and the meditation walk there, a Stave church modeled and built following a plan of an ancient church in Norway.

--Crazy Horse memorial and visitor center.

--The Badlands are a must see!

--Spearfish Canyon is beautiful.

--Mount Rushmore, of course.

--Custer State Park, a must see. Be sure and go on the Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway and go through the tunnels, and keep an eye out for wildlife. Visit in September when they have the annual Buffalo Roundup.

--The Mickelson Trail is an amazing biking adventure, for novice through experienced cyclists. It follows an old railroad track route and has amazing scenery.

--Rapid City is a cool town. Be sure and get some pie at Colonial House.

South Dakota is now in the rear-view mirror. Thanks for being an amazing state. We will be back!