Off the Beaten Path: South Dakota Style! đď¸
To see a true piece of American beauty and some iconic landmarks, go north on a road trip through South Dakota. The state that lies right in the middle of the country, lacks major cities, major sports teams, and people...it's paradise. Unbelievable natural beauty, the nicest people, hearty food, and an ingrained Native American culture.
Our road trip entailed 1 driver (me) and two tween girls and a 5 year old boy - oh and no electronics (we played landmark and roadkill bingo mostly). Our route was unmapped from the beginning and covered a route from northern Minnesota all the way west to the southwest corner of South Dakota.Â
Angostura Reservoir was a welcome site after 12 hours in the car and 110 degree temps. Needless to say, I think we were all surprised by this stunning body of water outside of Hot Springs, SD. We rented a pontoon, kayaked, hiked and slept without the fly under a full moon and stars. It's like we planned it [perfectly], without a plan at all.
Around every stop was a surprise, from the buffalo in Custer State Park, to the marinas in beautiful Chamberlain, and the lakes, parks, and historical sites in Watertown.
Around every stop was a surprise, from the buffalo in Custer State Park, to the marinas in beautiful Chamberlain, and the lakes, parks, and historical sites in Watertown.
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Exploring Watertown:
Where art meets adventure and great tastes are always on the menu.
⨠Rich Cultural Experiences: The city boasts cultural attractions such as the Codington County Heritage Museum, where visitors can learn about the area's history, and the Redlin Art Center, showcasing the work of renowned artist Terry Redlin.Â
⨠Family-Friendly Fun at the Lake and Parks: Watertownâs lakes and parks are not only great for individual activities but also perfect for family outings. The lakes offer designated swimming areas, picnic spots, and playgrounds, while the parks provide trails and nature centers for educational fun.Â
⨠Special Events and Festivals: Watertown hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including annual festivals, craft fairs, and holiday celebrations. These events often feature local music, arts and crafts, and community activities, making it a lively place to visit any time of year.Â
⨠Shopping and Dining Experiences: Downtown Watertown boasts an array of unique shops and boutiques where you can find local goods, antiques, and gifts. The dining scene includes everything from farm-to-table restaurants to international cuisine, offering a diverse range of flavors. So many aspects of South Dakota were unexpected â the beautiful landscape, the wide open spaces, the stargazing, the wildlife, and the hot springs. Our trip was a true adventure and escape â and that, for us, was everything.
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When you plan to visit South Dakota, summer and fall will not disappoint. Summer weather can be very hot and humid, although in the Black Hills there are plenty of lakes and streams to cool off in. There will also be fewer crowds in the Badlands and Mount Rushmore in the fall, as well as in the Black Hills in general. And donât be surprised if people are very accommodating and talkative. That is just the South Dakota friendliness in action.
In Good Company,
Megan Kellin
