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By Jacob
By Jacob
South Dakota is most known for the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore but there is so much more to see. In this article I will show you, from east to west, the attractions to see along Interstate 90. So come along on a trip through this beautiful state.
1. Sioux Falls
At the intersection of I-90 and I-29 is the town of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In this town you will find the actual big Sioux Falls in Falls Park. The falls are beautiful anytime of year and go right through the town. This area is great for recreation, there is a 19 mile long bike trail going around the town. The area is also very walkable with a nice downtown. Sioux Falls is a great place to start your journey across this state as there are many hotel accommodations as it is an intersection of two interstate highways.
2. The Corn Palace
An hour and ten minutes west of Sioux Falls is the small town of Mitchell, South Dakota. Here you will find our next attraction, the Corn Palace. You may want to just stop to take a picture or go into one of the events that they host there. They have a variety of performers and events that go on year around. The Corn Palace is a cool thing to see and should not be missed if it is your first time to South Dakota. Most people do not miss it, the Corn Palace gets 500,000 visitors per year.
3. Missouri River Crossing
Another hour west is the town of Chamberlain. This town sits where I-90 crosses the Missouri River. The river is over a mile wide at this point and looks more like a lake than a flowing body of water. You will see exit for a rest stop/overlook. This is a good place to stretch your legs and take your picture with the river as well as the fifty foot Dignity Statue of a native woman with a star quilt.
4. Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
Nearly two hours west from chamberlain and I time zone change you will see signs for Badlands National Park and Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. On exit 131 and going north there is the Minuteman Missile Visitor Center. Here you can get information about the two missiles that you can visit, Delta-01 and Delta-09 further along the I-90 corridor. The missiles are nuclear warheads; they were always on a moment's notice during the Cold War. This National Historic Site shows the history of the Cold War and the nuclear deterrent. This is an interesting site to visit on your trip to South Dakota.
5. Badlands National Park
On the other side of I-90 from the Minuteman Missile NHS is Badlands National Park. After a long day of driving this is the best way to get out and stretch your legs. Badlands National Park is a series of eroded hills that have exposed layers of rock. The Badlands are an incredible site to see and should not be missed. If you want to get off the highway you should do the entire loop road, Highway 240, through the park. This has many vistas and parking lots to get out, climb and play in this incredible place. The loop road is a byway and will put you at the next attraction in Wall, South Dakota.
Big Badlands Overlook
6. Wall Drug
The whole way you have been driving you will see 100+ signs for Wall Drug. This attraction should not be missed if this is your first time to Wall Drug. It is essentially an oasis on the plains. It has food, shopping, souvenirs and information for tourists. There are plenty of weird little things to take your picture by. Wall Drug is in my opinion a good tourist trap that everyone who passes by should see at least one.
Further down I-90 you reach Rapid City and the Black Hills. There will be many more articles about the Black Hills to come. Be sure to stop at the many tourist attractions in the state, all right along I-90.
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