On a memorable journey from one tip of South Dakota to its other extremity, we faced a dramatic climax. We saw the looming storm from afar as we drove near Wyoming’s border. The lonely two-lane highway seemed to stretch endlessly, surrounded by vast, uninhabited lands. Then, an unexpected illness struck my daughter, forcing us to halt. Moments after returning to our vehicle, the sky opened up, pouring down rain so heavy it nearly blinded us. Lightning and thunder created an electrifying atmosphere, their effects amplified by the vast, open spaces. We kept the atmosphere light inside the car, singing and cracking jokes, trying to mask our underlying anxiety.
Our journey had started five days prior, under a clear sky. We had departed from Minneapolis, aiming for DeSmet, a place that once housed Laura Ingalls Wilder. We got to relive the pages of the ‘Little House on the Prairie’ book series as we toured the Wilder’s Historic Homes. We had lunch at Ward’s Store and Bakery, imagining the snow-blanketed scenes described in Ingalls’ book, ‘The Long Winter’. Ward’s also had a selection of keepsakes, which depending on your kids’ temperament, could either entertain or irritate.
The next stop was Mitchell, home to the unique Corn Palace adorned with mosaics crafted from corn, grains, and grasses. From Mitchell, it was about a three-hour journey to the entrance of the Badlands National Park. Along the way, we paused at Prairie Homestead, giving my daughters a chance to chase white prairie dogs and enjoy some outdoor time. Eventually, we reached Cedar Pass Lodge, our stay for the night, which sat within the confines of the park.
The next morning, the Badlands greeted us with its pristine beauty and its array of wildlife from bighorn sheep to herds of bison. The early morning light revealed mesmerizing patterns on the rock faces. After exploring the park, we made a pitstop at Wall Drug, a famous tourist attraction known for its unique offerings from Western goods to an old-fashioned soda fountain.
Our journey then led us to Rapid City, where statues of presidents grace its streets. Rapid City is also rich in dining options, making it a perfect place to grab a bite before heading to Custer. Our two-day stay in the area, marred by unpredictable weather, still had its moments of discovery – from the Black Hills National Forest with its abundant wildlife to the Crazy Horse Memorial that showcased indigenous cultural programs.
But the most unforgettable part of our trip was still that unexpected storm, which in hindsight, added a touch of thrill to our already packed journey to South Dakota’s edge.
