The Yellowstone National Park Act was signed into law on March 1, 1872 by Ulysses S. Grant. This act created the world's first national park, Yellowstone. Since that time, the number of national parks in the United States has grown to 61. Each of these federally protected areas offers something memorable. In most parks, you'll… Continue reading 5 Awesome Easy National Park Hikes
Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota about an hour from Rapid City. Don't let the name fool you. The Badlands is not as desolate and dull as the name might imply. It is a beautiful landscape teeming with wildlife. Badlands National Park boasts several unique hiking trails such as the Notch Trail and… Continue reading Awesome Easy Badlands Hike: Fossil Exhibit Trail
Good food is a big part of vacation fun! Fortunately, on our recent South Dakota adventure, we had no trouble finding good eats in the Black Hills. On our Black Hills trip, we stayed in a cabin with a kitchenette and an outdoor grill. So, we fixed many of our own meals at the cabin.… Continue reading Good Eats in the Black Hills
The Black Hills in South Dakota experienced a gold rush in the late 1800's. When planning our Black Hills vacation, I knew I wanted to take a tour of one of the historic Black Hills gold mines in the area. We selected the Big Thunder Gold Mine. The Big Thunder Gold Mine is located in… Continue reading Black Hills Gold Mine
There are more things to see and do in the Black Hills of South Dakota than most of us can fit in one trip. However, if you're looking for something truly unique, then don't miss Hot Springs Mammoth Site! This tour is unlike any other tour you've ever experienced. About Hot Springs Mammoth Site Mammoth… Continue reading Hot Springs Mammoth Site
The Rapid City Dinosaur Park in South Dakota is one of the area's iconic tourist attractions. It was built in 1936 and is a reminder that dinosaurs once inhabited the area. As a result, many fossils have been found along the ridge. Yes, this attraction is super cheesy. But, who says cheesy can’t be fun?… Continue reading Rapid City Dinosaur Park
This year for National Park Week, I picked a different park each day and highlighted a must-see sight in that park. It's been a lot of fun reflecting on the uniqueness of so many national parks across the USA. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to travel to these special places! And,… Continue reading 8 Must-See Sights in 8 Must-See National Parks
Badlands National Park is an extraordinary environment. On our recent trip we stayed in the park for three nights. I really wish we could have stayed longer! Badlands is a unique National Park in that it has an open hike policy. This is awesome! Venturing off-trail is allowed in order to keep an eye out… Continue reading Badlands National Park Must-See
The Badlands of South Dakota was originally established as a National Monument in 1939. It wasn't until 1978 that it was finally designated a National Park. The Badlands has an open hike policy. This policy is unique in national parks. It allows visitors to go off trail to better enjoy the incredible geologic features as… Continue reading Tip & Tee: Badlands Cedar Pass Lodge
Badlands National Park is located in central South Dakota and is a must for any South Dakota vacation itinerary. The landscape in Badlands park is unique and offers a significant contrast to what you'll see in South Dakota's Black Hills to the west. We discovered on our recent trip that Badlands National Park offers fun… Continue reading Tip & Tee: Badlands Park Night Sky
