Day 3. 580 miles driving from West Des Moines, Iowa to The Badlands, South Dakota (technically Wall, South Dakota). 1900 miles in total so far.
Driving from Des Moines, the scenery went from rolling and lush green - to flat and lush green - to really flat and parched.
Right after we crossed into South Dakota, we headed into Sioux Falls for lunch. We were able to find a place with tons of vegetarian options, and they made me a great vegan sandwich as well. We also checked out the falls which bear the city’s name. It was a nice spot….but the falls were not nearly big as they were in previous years; with the river having been dammed up to make way for city development.
We crossed the Missouri River halfway across South Dakota….and it was quite a spectical. After hour after hour of flatness (we could have put the car in cruise and taken a nap if we wanted to), the road took a big dive down a very large hill, and the river wass right ahead.
Our first real “destination” for the day was Badlands National Park, about 4 hours drive due west from Sioux Falls. Along the way, there were a half-dozen little attractions along the highway. We stopped at the Corn Palace in Mitchell (where the ice cream place actually had soy ice cream!) but passed by the Reptile Museum, the 1800’s touirist town, Car Museum (with the Dukes of Hazrd’s General Lee on display) and several other little sights. Time was short and we wanted to see the Badlands before it got dark.
Badlands National Park was totally different from what I expected (in a good way). We arrived in the evening, and were able to see the park at sunset. We droke through the park, taking the 30 mile scenic route off of I90. The rock formations are insane. If you have ever been to Red Rocks (near Vegas)…image that times 100. The place is huge and there is a lot of wildlife in the park. During out drive, we saw about 12 deer within 20 feet of our car, over three different sightings (several Bucks as well).
As we were cruising around the park, the sun began to set (and we saw a really cool lighting storm on the horizon). Instead of driving the 140 miles to Rapid City, we decided to just get a room in Wall, South Dakota; which is where we are now.
Tomorrow, we will head to Mt. Rushmore, and then to Cody, WY; about an hour east of Yellowstone.
—some pics—
The Sioux Falls, in Sioux Falls!
A vegan meal in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Crossing the Missouri River, in South Dakota. The river really suprises you, after hours of complete flatness.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Stretching out
Sunset in The Badlands
{ 0 comments… add one now }
Leave a Comment