South Dakota information
I am planning a trip by Cessna next spring or summer, it will take about day to get there. The plan is to visit the badlands of S. Dakota. I have a few choices for landing and staying a few days but know nothing about the towns and area.
The easiest choices seem to be Philip SD or Wall SD.
They have airports with fuel and I hope they have car rental and a motel to stay in so I can explore the badlands for a few days then jump back into my trusty Cessna 172 and mosey on home.
Is anyone familiar with this area, recommendations and input is appreciated.
The easiest choices seem to be Philip SD or Wall SD.
They have airports with fuel and I hope they have car rental and a motel to stay in so I can explore the badlands for a few days then jump back into my trusty Cessna 172 and mosey on home.
Is anyone familiar with this area, recommendations and input is appreciated.
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Been years ago but Wall would be my stop.
I envy you, that will be nice trip, The Badlands are breathtaking -0 -
I've been through there and I didn't see anything worth scheduling a trip for. 
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I stayed in Wall during last years Sturgis trip and did also a few years ago. I've visited Wall a few other times. Pretty much of a tourist trap but has improved over the years and now has some pretty good watering holes and food. That would be my choice. 0 -
I haven't been there in years. Is Wall Drug still there? Free ice water ! 0 -
quote:Originally posted by brier-49
I haven't been there in years. Is Wall Drug still there? Free ice water !
never mind0 -
I've been there twice.
It is really interesting and pretty to look at. I got up on some elevation and watched the sun set over that country and I've watched the sun rise over it. It's awesome.
If you get out and use a good set of binoculars there is a lot of wildlife to see there. If you blow through the main roads you will miss much of it.
My wife and I got on top of sheep table mountain on a nice day with no one else around . I glassed the area and counted dozens of deer feeding that you would never see without taking your time. The quietness was amazing.
Around some broken ground/rocks close to a prairie dog town I glassed a black footed ferret. They were introduced back to the area from Wyoming.0 -
Wall Drug always had the signs for free ice.
Not sure about airports but there is an Indian casino on the south side of the bad lands that you might check into . Otherwise Wall would not be a bad choice.0 -
quote:Originally posted by mnrivrat48
Wall Drug always had the signs for free ice.
Not sure about airports but there is an Indian casino on the south side of the bad lands that you might check into . Otherwise Wall would not be a bad choice.
There is a community airport on the NW side of town. I can fly in there and rent a car for a few days to explore the area. I am not into casino's much but it might be fun for a couple of hours in the evening.0 -
"badlands of S. Dakota".........biggest 'gravel pit' in the world, the black hills are MUCH more interesting. 0 -
I enjoyed Deadwood much more than the badlands or Wall Drug! I'm not a casino\gambler type either, but wandering through Mt. Moriah cemetary and paying respects to a few famous inhabitants will always be rembembered. Took part in the #10 Saloon card game with Wild Bill himself![:)]
Did some panning for gold in the streams outside of town. Enjoyed some Blue Points at the oyster bar. Watched a rodeo.
Didn't need a car there as their trolly system was cheap and always running. Enjoyed some good beverages without worry!
YUP! It has been over 20 years since my families visit and hope to someday get back there![;)]
Mount Rushmore also is a must see at least once in a lifetime.0 -
quote:Originally posted by MIKE WISKEY
"badlands of S. Dakota".........biggest 'gravel pit' in the world, the black hills are MUCH more interesting.
They are all connected. No?
Wall is just a few miles from Rapid City where the Black Hills stuff is centered. It looks like an enjoyable drive to get to Mt Rushmore from there.0 -
Be sure to visit Mt. Rushmore. Rapid City is a good place to stay. Wall Drug is a tourist trap. 0 -
Another vote for Deadwood, before Wall Drug.
Was there a few years ago and loved it!
Mount Rushmore is a must see at least once too.
I've never seen The Crazy Horse Monument, but it's supposed to be great!
You would be only a 2-3 hour drive(very short flight) to The Little Big Horn Battlefield in Montana, east of Billings. That is a DEFINITE MUST SEE!
I would think there must be an airstrip close to The Little Big Horn Park. otherwise Billings or Cody.......Then, not at all far from Cody, Wy. Another must see Town and magnificent museum!!
Once in Cody, you're very close to the NE Entrance of Yellowstone.....You can see Yellowstone in a day or a week! Depends on how much time you want to spend and how far you want to go!
My advice, add a few days and don't miss these fabulous sights![;)] Some amazing U.S. and Western History all around that area!
Safe travels,
Ed0 -
quote:Originally posted by SCOUT5
quote:Originally posted by brier-49
I haven't been there in years. Is Wall Drug still there? Free ice water !
That's in Mitchell
Remind me not to travel with you!0 -
quote:Originally posted by Heavy Chevy
quote:Originally posted by SCOUT5
quote:Originally posted by brier-49
I haven't been there in years. Is Wall Drug still there? Free ice water !
That's in Mitchell
Remind me not to travel with you!
I just seen this, I had just changed that post. I've been to Wall drugs and I've been to Mitchel several times. But I have no idea where my head was when I posted that. Confused with the Corn Palace I guess, for some reason was thinking I visited them both in the same town.0 -
I visited just about everyplace mentioned above in a road trip. The Little Big Horn Battlefield was awesome! Also spent the night in Miles City where "Gus" died. Gus, he may be a fictitious character but will always be a hero of mine! He don't rent no pigs![:D] 0 -
Bruce renting a car in Wall or Phillip will be a real problem. Might I suggest you fly into Rapid City and rent a car here. Then do Badlands then back to the Hills and see what you want to do here. Return car and head home. IMHO.
Forgot to say motels in both Wall and Kadoka. So you would have a choice to stay out there as long as you want.0 -
easier in and out with a helicopter AND before a rain 0 -
DO NOT FORGET to visit the antique car museum south of rapid city...NEATO 0 -
quote:Originally posted by spasmcreek
DO NOT FORGET to visit the antique car museum south of rapid city...NEATO
Not familiar with that one. There is a big one in Murdo SD.0 -
I talked to the FBO at the Rapid City Airport today. They are GA (General Aviation) friendly so I will fly into there and leave my trusty bird in their transient parking area while I explore. They do not charge for over night(s) and cars are right there to rent, hotels are close and reasonable in price. I may, if I cancel Christmas for all except my Mom have enough money to go this fall....
I am excited about this trip.0 -
bpost, you will not be disappointed. 0 -
I would just stay in Rapid. Larger choice of accomodations, and far more food choices, some even good. Don't miss the Black Hills either. 0 -
Been out that way a couple of times and would do it again if we weren't interested in seeing other parts of the Western Nat'l Parks. You would be better off staying in Rapid City since it is closer to most attractions.
Not mentioned so far is Custer State Park. A nice car ride with animals to see.
There is also a drive up a mountain to a weather station with spectacular views. I don't remember the name. Just ask around.
I wonder if the rock below Crazy Horse's arm has been cleared away. Also wondering how the Black Hills look today. Heard there a some sort of beetle infestation that was killing off the spruce trees.0 -
Rapid City is your best bet. Go to Custer State Park by all means for wildlife viewing, should be 12 to 1500 buffalo in the park. These animals are not tame, they have lost their fear of man - be careful. Air museum in the area. Crazy Horse is a work in progress. You have plenty of time to do online research w/chamber of commerce. 0 -
you might want to check out renting a small Cabin/Cottage in Rapid City
like these ,
https://www.booking.com//hotel/us/garden-cottages-motel.html?utm_source=aff_cj&utm_medium=partner&label=VR-SR-DL-4efed85a-178d-fd9d-cb48-8ba3f93036a0&aid=1430043
we stay there several years ago , not bad for the price0 -
If you're going that far west, I'm telling you DONT MISS THE LITTLE BIG HORN BATTLEFIELD!
You can thank me later......0 -
I will never forget my onetime visit to the Little Bighorn Battlefield.
I can still feel the hairs rising up on the back of my neck just thinking about the place!
The history of what went on there is somehow, imprinted into the ground and air around the place! Spooky, yes, but not in a scary way. A feeling that just can't be put into words.0 -
quote:Originally posted by us55840
quote:Originally posted by Brookwood
I will never forget my onetime visit to the Little Bighorn Battlefield.
I can still feel the hairs rising up on the back of my neck just thinking about the place!
The history of what went on there is somehow, imprinted into the ground and air around the place! Spooky, yes, but not in a scary way. A feeling that just can't be put into words.
May make a ride over to the battlefield this year when in Sturgis as never been there.
Last year when visited Yellowstone National Park again, had planned to go there but it was over 100 degrees so passed.
Only about 200 miles from Sturgis.
On my 'to do' list.[8D]
You won't regret it for a second.
As Brookwood said, it's fabulous!
Stop at the Stoneville Saloon in Alzada, Mt. on the way back to Sturgis for a refreshment or 2.
You're Welcome!0 -
quote:Originally posted by gearheaddad
quote:Originally posted by us55840
quote:Originally posted by Brookwood
I will never forget my onetime visit to the Little Bighorn Battlefield.
I can still feel the hairs rising up on the back of my neck just thinking about the place!
The history of what went on there is somehow, imprinted into the ground and air around the place! Spooky, yes, but not in a scary way. A feeling that just can't be put into words.
May make a ride over to the battlefield this year when in Sturgis as never been there.
Last year when visited Yellowstone National Park again, had planned to go there but it was over 100 degrees so passed.
Only about 200 miles from Sturgis.
On my 'to do' list.[8D]
You won't regret it for a second.
As Brookwood said, it's fabulous!
Stop at the Stoneville Saloon in Alzada, Mt. on the way back to Sturgis for a refreshment or 2.
You're Welcome!
Ed is right about not missing the Little Big Horn Battlefield. It's right at the top of things to see in the West, another being the Chief Crazy Horse Monument...it is an impressive piece of work.0
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