Moving into the Badlands SD

Sunday's journey took us to two NA (Native American) sites. The first was an archeological dig in Mitchell SD. It was very interesting and definitely makes the 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle look like a walk in the park. They started working on the site in 1939 and built a permanent structure in one area of the park. That is where the major digging is taking place. Based on my observation, they have job security for several more generations. The second tour was a cultural center for the Lakto Sioux tribe,located in Chamberlain right on the banks of the Missouri River. Our Native Americans were way ahead of their time as the supreme “green” people. They made use of every single park of the bison, not wasting one bit!

As we approached Chamberlain and crossed the Missouri River, the landscape changed dramatically from flat plains to rolling hills with small valley-like pockets where trees grew. We also started climbing into higher elevation that then opened out onto endless flat plains. We noticed that the crops now were less corn and more grains and lots of sunflowers.

By mid-afternoon (gained an hour in Mellette) we were into the Badlands – very well named. We couldn't imagine a horse and rider much less a wagon traveling this area. This is also the edge of the 50 or more underground missile site of the Cold War era. The drive through the Badlands was one unbelievable view after another, including stops for mountain goats and the multitudes of prairie dogs.

Just to prove we are here!

Before stopping for the day, we went to Wall Drug that covers an entire block of the small town. It has just about everything one might want or need. Apparently, the owner put Wall on the map when he put up a highway sign advertising free water and the rest is history, as they say.

We were treated to a spectacular sunset as we drove into Rapid City SD – Nancy & George driving off into the sunset!