When my dad told me it was my turn to choose where we went for Summer vacation, I took the opportunity to cross off one of the top locations on my travel bucket list- South Dakota.
South Dakota, you ask? Hear me out.
1. The Badlands
The Badlands are absolutely beautiful to drive or walk through. You can spend an entire day there or just do a quick driving tour. Either way, the sights are unbelievable.
2. Deadwood
I'm a sucker for history and ghost stories, and Deadwood is the perfect combination of both. The town was the stereotypical old West town full of saloons and shoot outs, which led to almost every building being haunted.
3. Rapid City
Rapid City has an amazing Berlin Wall memorial that includes multiple sections of the wall. It also has statues of presidents on every street corner, and if you're as big of a history geek as I am, you will have way too much fun trying to guess which statue is which president and posing with them.
4. Crazy Horse Memorial
Everyone knows about Mount Rushmore, but not everyone knows how damaging it is to the Native American culture in the area. Thankfully, the Lakota are creating a mountain carving of Crazy Horse that is still in progress but beautiful. Plus, buying a ticket to see it lets you in for a laser light show at night.
5. Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave is one of the longest and most complex caves in the world, and getting to walk through it and learn its history is a special opportunity.
6. Custer State Park
Fun story- about halfway through the wildlife loop, my dad and I got caught in a hail storm. Anyway, the wildlife you get to see is so unique to the area and definitely not something you can do anywhere else.
7. Mammoth Site of Hot Springs
The Mammoth Site is an active archaeological dig site and hosts the most mammoth bones in the world. Yes, it is awesome.
8. Needles Highway
Needles Highway is the most breathtaking drive you will ever take. The views are incredible, and the stress of trying to squeeze through the tunnels makes it so much more fun.
9. Food
I didn't have a single bad meal in South Dakota. I had some of the best food I've ever had. If that's not a reason to go, I don't know what is.