Wind Cave
Tonight is our 5th night in SD, and we have one more night before we head to the Sheyenne National Grasslands in ND.
Our first full day in SD was spent in Wind Cave National Park. The cave was unique and great fun to take the kids through since it was their first. We were told the cave is the 5th longest in the world with 150+ miles of known passages and by measuring the air flow in the cave they are able to determine that is it significantly longer. The Wind Cave also has a very unique formation known as boxwork with it’s honeycomb like patterns. We took a half mile hike down into the cave and then took an elevator out. We also took a picture of the Crazy Horse Monument before heading to our campsite.
Crazy Horse
Mount Rushmore
The following day we went to see Mt. Rushmore (the girls know each of the 4 presidents now) and then took the scenic drive through Badlands National Park. After stopping to see the Prairie Homestead on the east side of the Badlands, we tried to drive a little further to get out of the heat before camping for the night. Jodi looked through a SD travel guide to see if any towns on the way to Sioux Falls had a campground, and we found one in Murdo, SD which had a pioneer auto show next door. Now, we’re not big car enthusiasts, but when we read the information on the show, we were reminded of a true story we just read as a family – Bud & Me – about a 6 yr old and his older brother(8 yrs old) who traveled across country on horse back and then did it again in a car and again on motorcycles. Their adventure inspired us! So, we called the auto show to see if they might have the car that these two boys traveled in – and they did!! Not only that but we also found the motorcycle they rode! We were all pretty excited, as it made the story more real to us.
After our adventure in Murdo, we drove to Sioux Falls, did an interview with KDLT News, and visited with some new friends. Our first night it rained most of the night and was still raining when we awoke. Andy, Sara, Samuel, and Caroline Traub invited us into their home for a wonderfully relaxing day where the kids could take naps and play. They even let us use their kitchen, and Andy helped me get my internet working for while we are traveling. Thank you Andy!!!
Falls Park
The Traub Family
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I didn’t know you guys were going to Mt. Rushmore! I’ve always wanted to go there…trying not to be jealous. Lol:)
You are welcome to join us anytime Amanda! The kids would love to have “Aunt” Amanda along for the ride.