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Category: South Dakota

Hot Springs, SD

Hot Springs, SD

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Hot Springs

Hot Springs, South Dakota, has a rich history dating back to the Native American tribes who considered the area sacred for its thermal springs. The Lakota Sioux, Cheyenne, and other tribes believed in the healing properties of the warm waters. In the late 19th century, the town developed as a resort destination, attracting visitors seeking the therapeutic benefits of the natural hot springs. The establishment of the Evans Plunge, one of the oldest indoor swimming facilities in the U.S., in 1890 further boosted Hot Springs’ popularity. During World War II, the town served as a training center for the military. Today, Hot Springs remains a charming small town known for its historic architecture, natural beauty, and the Mammoth Site, a renowned paleontological site showcasing the remains of prehistoric mammoths.

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Rapid City, SD

Rapid City, SD

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Park Review – Rapid City / Black Hills KOA Holiday

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐1/2
Location:  Rapid City, SD
Type: Commercial Park
Check-in/Check-out times: 1:00/11:00
Site Quality / Amenities: Depends on the site you book. We were in an executive site that had asphalt roads and sites along with a concrete patio. Executive sites have nice patio furniture and a fire ring.
Access: Easily accessible from Interstate 90 and Bypass 16 on the east side of Rapid City.
Staff: The staff was friendly although they needed more folks for the check-in rush.
Cellular/WiFi: Verizon was very fast – I had 5Guw most of the time and download speeds were typically about 366 Mbps with upload speeds of about 21.6 Mbps.
Restaurants: Jambonz Deux – Serves contemporary Louisiana cuisine that is actually pretty good for the area. On the Border – Mexican chain serving about as close to Tex-Mex as we could hope in South Dakota.
Nearby parks: We didn’t have time to explore any other RV parks in the area.
What we liked: The executive sites in the park are very nice, superb for a KOA but they are pricey. There are lots of places to shop in Rapid City including two Walmarts and a Sam’s Club.
What we didn’t like: Much of the KOA was very similar to others, a bit too packed in and not particularly great. Rapid City had much more to offer as far as stores and restaurants than Spearfish but it is more crowded, felt a bit less safe and was not as intimate. It’s still a relatively small town but we prefer the Spearfish vibe a bit more.
Verdict: We could see staying here again for maybe a week but if we wanted to be in the area for longer we’d prefer Spearfish.

Interior (Wall), SD

Interior (Wall), SD

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Nestled within the rugged landscapes of the Badlands, Interior is a gateway to some of the most stunning natural beauty that South Dakota has to offer. One of the town’s most significant features is its proximity to Badlands National Park, less than 2 miles away, a captivating landscape of eroded buttes, canyons, and unique rock formations. Visitors come from all over the world to explore the park’s hiking trails, observe wildlife, and witness the awe-inspiring scenery. Interior serves as a convenient base for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of the Badlands.

The town itself embodies a sense of authenticity and simplicity. With a handful of local businesses and accommodations, Interior offers a down-to-earth experience that contrasts with the hustle and bustle of larger towns and cities. This makes it a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking to disconnect from the chaos of modern life and connect with the tranquility of the great outdoors.

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Pierre, SD

Pierre, SD

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The history of Pierre, South Dakota, is intertwined with the broader history of the American West and the development of the Dakotas as territories and states. The area around present-day Pierre was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux. The region was rich in natural resources and was used for hunting, fishing, and gathering. European explorers, fur traders, and settlers began to arrive in the region in the 18th and 19th centuries. The area was explored by French and British fur traders, and it played a significant role in the fur trade economy.

When South Dakota became a state in 1889, Pierre was chosen as the state capital. This decision was influenced by Pierre’s central location within the state and its accessibility via the Missouri River. As the capital of South Dakota, Pierre saw significant growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Government buildings, schools, and infrastructure were established to support the state government and the growing population. Agriculture, especially wheat farming, played a significant role in the economy of the region.

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Hill City, SD

Hill City, SD

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Since we’ve been living full time in our RV, this is our second visit to this area. See the Hill City 9/2021 post for more information about the area from our first visit. The first time we were here for a week at the end of September. This time we stayed two weeks so we had a bit more time to just enjoy this beautiful area. We did a few familiar things along with some new ones. Sylvan Lake remains a favorite outdoor spot to visit and the Rafter J Bar Ranch RV Resort is our new favorite commercial RV park. The picture at the top of this post is of the view from our patio at site 161. We spent a lot of time just sitting and enjoying the view!

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