What is there to do in North and South Dakota, you ask? Plenty! When people ask me which trip was my favorite, I always think of this one, mostly because I was surprised by what I took away from it: a new appreciation of the American spirit embodied in the homesteaders and pioneers who toughed it out for a piece of land to call their own. It’s tough to imagine my kids and me coming out on a covered wagon to settle the new frontier on the prairie. What was particularly interesting was how few trees there were. In fact, on a few stretches there wasn’t a tree in any direction for as far as the eye could see—nothing but tall grasses.
We had a new group for this trip. After two road trips together, Sherry and I parted ways and this time, I took along my next door neighbor, another single mom, who was like a second mother to me. Though her kids were grown and married, Avrille had an adventurous spirit and she was a terrific travel partner, which made the trip that much better. I often find myself wishing I was back in the Dakotas, which are rich with history and beauty. I encourage anyone to make the trip and see this unique and interesting region. Here we go…
States North Dakota, South Dakota
| Theme Homesteaders and Pioneers | Duration 9 Days | Map |
Day 1
 | • Arrive in Rapid City • Attend Central States Fair |
Day 2
 | • Bear Country USA • Cosmos Mystery Area • Mount Rushmore • Presidential Wax Museum • Sitting Bull Crystal Caverns • Overnight in Rapid City |
Day 3
 | • Wall Drug (Wall) • Badlands National Park • Prairie Homestead (Interior) • Overnight in Pierre |
Day 4
 | • State Capitol Building (Pierre) • The Corn Palace (Mitchell) • Ingalls Homestead (De Smet) • Thunder Road Family Fun Center (Watertown) • Overnight in Watertown |
Day 5
 | • International Vinegar Museum (Roslyn) • Bonanzaville (West Fargo) • Overnight in Fargo, ND |
Day 6
 | • Valley City Fish Hatchery (Valley City) • National Buffalo Museum and Frontier Village (Jamestown) • Overnight in Bismarck |
Day 7
 | • State Capitol Building (Bismarck) • Medora Riding Stables (Medora) • Medora Musical • Overnight in Medora |
Day 8
 | • Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame (Sturgis) • Deadwood • Overnight in Rapid City |
Day 9
• Fly home
What a great website. You do a wonderful job of describing the itineraries visually. We’re good friends of your parents – they should be very proud of you. Len and I wish you great success in your new venture.
Len and Barbara Vosen