steve DeMott wrote:
We are planning a trip from St. Louis, MO - Kansas city, KS - Omaha, NE - Sioux City, SD and finally Rapid City, SD around mid Sept.
Besides the obvious Mt. Rushmore, Crazy horse and badlands (Not sure what areas in the badlands to go). Any other recommended areas for photo ops in SD.
Camera Equip. Includes Oly bridge, D7100, 24mm f/2.8, 70-300mm f/4-5.6, 105mm macro f/2.8and a 170-500mm. Thinking of buying a 10-24mm because of the crop sensor. Have a sling pack and med backpack to carry equipment. Thoughts on taking more or less equipment.
Thanks in advance for all your support. I'll check back after 6pm gotta go to work.
Steve
We are planning a trip from St. Louis, MO - Kansas... (
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You are set with your camera gear.
Unless you like to shop for tidbits and cup of coffee for 5 cents, avoid Wall Drug. Very close to Badlands. Nothing but a glorified flea market. Sturgis is near Rapid City but nothing happens there until Sept 3-12, the big Motorcycle Rally and Music Festival.
I agree with all of jvangorp's suggestions. Custer State Park (a must). This is where you "roam" with the buffaloes, "feed" the donkeys, and chance to see some elks, big horn sheep. Check their website when the best time to visit (your likely chance of seeing buffaloes). Find time to drive by the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway where you can see Mt. Rushmore through the Doane Robinson tunnel and take some great photos of the presidents from a different view. It's just a wonderful place to see. Needles Highway is not too far away. Named after its shape. Try visit Sylvan Lake, a clear and very serene lake around several rocks. Deadwood is nearby. Gambling is big here and so is Kevin Costner ("Dances With Wolves"). FWIW, Mt. Moriah Cemetery is right there where Wild Bill Hickock is buried along side Calamity Jane. (You pay to take the tour but can get in for free after 6 or 7 pm.) If you have time, try to swing by Devils Tower, about 1 - 1 1/2 hour drive from Rapid City into Wyoming. You'll probably need a day to enjoy the place. The Corn Palace is also in the state with a unique but impressive way of displaying art. It will be a good stop if you're headed east (close to Minnesota) about 2 hours, give or take (my guesstimate) from Rapid City.
Stay in your car when buffaloes are around. I don't recommend feeding the donkeys but some do. If you prefer, they love apples cut into pieces.
Be safe, enjoy your trip, and post some good pictures. I guarantee, you'll love South Dakota. "Great Faces. Great Places."
FWIW, here are some photos we took during our trip to S.D.:
Photo # 1 - Corn Palace
Photo # 2 - Devils Tower
Photo # 3 - Custer State Park - Buffaloes
Photo # 4 - Custer State Park - Donkey
Photo # 5 - Sylvan Lake
Photo # 6 - Mt. Rushmore (seen through the Doane Robinson Tunnel)
Photo # 7 - Deadwood
Photo # 8 - Needles Highway (Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway)
Photo # 9 - The Badlands (picture taken right after it rained)
Photo # 10 - Custer State Park - feeding donkey