Steve DeMott Loc: St. Louis, Missouri (Oakville area)

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

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

Assuming this is a road trip, check out a website named roadtrippers.com. A great site to map out things to see and do on a road trip. It will show you places of interest, photo ops, places to eat and places to sleep.

jvangorp Loc: Stickney, SD

Mitchell, SD has the Corn Palace, and its free. I would take the Badlands loop off of I-90. As far as the Black Hills goes, driving Spearfish Canyon is a must. It is always beautiful and has different waterfalls you can stop and see. (Bridal Veil and Rough Lock are the main 2) If you have time, stop in Deadwood (checkout the #10 Old Style Saloon)is fun and Mount Roosevelt (google it)is not far from here. Custer State Park Wildlife loop is great. You'll see buffalo and possibly some big horn sheep and donkeys too. If you want to tour a cave, Wind Cave is our favorite we've gone about 4 times and it's on the way to Custer State Park. There are a few wineries in the Hills if you like to stop and visit them. I believe there is a "wine trail", I would google that also. Enjoy your trip! The hills has had plenty of rain this year and everyone says it is green and lush, we haven't made it out there this year yet!

Sunnely Loc: Wisconsin

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

(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

We leave for your route & more mid-August from Central IL - my last 5 states - been doing research. Don't think anyone mentioned 1880 Town at Midland or Wall Drug @ Wall SD on your way for coffee.. Also Minuteman Missile Park in Philip, Motorcycle Museum @ Sturgis, Fort Hays (Dancing with Wolves movie). Have more listed but not home at computer. Omaha obviously has Boy's Town, Durham Museum, two train museums, fabulous zoo, and a quaint old downtown area. We end up there to visit son and skydive - with 5 states, 2 items off bucket list.

BTW it is Sioux City IA and Sioux Falls SD. Hear the Saint Joseph Cathedral is an interesting stop.

ken patton Loc: Portland, OR

Hi, the motorcycle rally at Sturgis runs from Friday Aug 3 - Aug 12 this year. The Corn Palace murals are made each year by the local high school. Each year is a different group of scenes. If you are in Deadwood, check out the "Trial of Jack McCall". It begins at the #10 Old style Saloon with a mock shooting of Wild Bill....normally surprises the unkowning tourists. Custer State park had a massive fire in Dec 2017 which burned much of the Wildlife loop. I haven't made it there this year yet, but will be in early Sept. Fire affected grass mostly, some of the donkeys were injured. You'll see signs along I-90 for Al's Oasis."....best homemade cinimon ice cream and Dutch Apple pie. A welcome break about midway in the state. I was stationed there in the 70's and now vacation there every year. One day I probably just move back there !Enjoy your trip....

Steve DeMott Loc: St. Louis, Missouri (Oakville area)

Great site. This might turn into a month long trip.
Thanks
Steve

dakotacheryl Loc: Near Mt Rushmore

Yes the fire burned a lot of acres in the park. The donkeys are now fenced off from the road, so you can't feed them so freely (which was supposed to be a no no anyway). If you like old trains, Hill City has the 1880 train which goes between Hill City and Keystone.

I feel very blessed to live in this gorgeous place!!

EricMGB1974 Loc: Elmira, NY

De Smet, SD has the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes if you're interested in 19th century life on the prairie.

Steve DeMott Loc: St. Louis, Missouri (Oakville area)

Thanks so much.
Steve

Steve DeMott Loc: St. Louis, Missouri (Oakville area)

Thanks for all the info and great photos. Looking forward to this trip

Steve DeMott Loc: St. Louis, Missouri (Oakville area)

Thanks. I know you'll have a wonderful trip. Most our time will be in Sioux Falls SD area (got it right this time). Maybe Omaha next time.
Ever in St Louis give us a shout.

Thanks
Steve

FrankR Loc: NYC

Don’t forget the Crazy Horse Monument, which is about 17 miles from Mt Rushmore. When it’s completed, it will be among the biggest sculptures ever, if not THE biggest.

Steve DeMott Loc: St. Louis, Missouri (Oakville area)

Thanks Ken
Lived 3 years in Northbend/Coos Bay OR left in '76. Loved it.

Steve

Steve DeMott Loc: St. Louis, Missouri (Oakville area)

Thanks Frank. That one is on the bucket list

Steve