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The Badlands didn't interest me much. Free fwiw opinion: I'd cut that to 4, 2 or zero hours.
Or Deadwood Saturday night, whether you change anything else or not.
Maybe a museum on Sunday morning if open.
The Badlands are fascinating, but I wouldn't spend a whole day there. I'd maybe add a cave tour if they're open in April.
While doing the southern hills, I would also drive a little farther south to the Mammoth site in Hot Springs. When visiting certain sites, make sure they're open out of season.
I saw the Devil's Tower, Spearfish Canyon, Deadwood, Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Park, Needles Highway and the Badlands.
Badlands was amazing, loved every minute of it.
Needles Highway was cool, but I was expecting more.
Custer State Park was really cool, and we got to see the Bison and Burros.
Mt. Rushmore was nice but nothing special IMO.
I hated Deadwood. I thought the scenery there was gorgeous, but the downtown part I was bored out of my mind. Unless you are going to gamble, seems worthless to go there.
Spearfish Canyon was very cool and beautiful.
Devil's Tower was pretty awesome and the drive from Rapid City to Devil's Tower was very beautiful too.
I must say though Rapid City was very disappointing. I wasn't expecting anything special, but it seemed like a little bit of a depressing city to live in. It felt so sterile as I thought it would have some more character to it. It felt like nothing but strip malls.
I saw the Devil's Tower, Spearfish Canyon, Deadwood, Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Park, Needles Highway and the Badlands.
Badlands was amazing, loved every minute of it.
Needles Highway was cool, but I was expecting more.
Custer State Park was really cool, and we got to see the Bison and Burros.
Mt. Rushmore was nice but nothing special IMO.
I hated Deadwood. I thought the scenery there was gorgeous, but the downtown part I was bored out of my mind. Unless you are going to gamble, seems worthless to go there.
Spearfish Canyon was very cool and beautiful.
Devil's Tower was pretty awesome and the drive from Rapid City to Devil's Tower was very beautiful too.
I must say though Rapid City was very disappointing. I wasn't expecting anything special, but it seemed like a little bit of a depressing city to live in. It felt so sterile as I thought it would have some more character to it. It felt like nothing but strip malls.
Based on what you posted I think you pretty much have a good handle of what is and is not worth seeing out there. There are other things to see and do, but it's best going to them in season. The only thing I disagree with you somewhat on is Mt. Rushmore.
You should have been to Deadwood before the casinos ruined it. It USED to be really neat with good museums, neat historical shops, and a very historic look to it. I'm with you all the way on today's Deadwood. Frankly, it sucks.
Location: RI, MA, VT, WI, IL, CA, IN (that one sucked), KY
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jmgg
You should have been to Deadwood before the casinos ruined it. It USED to be really neat with good museums, neat historical shops, and a very historic look to it. I'm with you all the way on today's Deadwood. Frankly, it sucks.
Oh no, that's what I was hoping for. Museums, some kitsch, sure, but more historical. Too bad I missed that.
Interesting what individuals enjoy. I had very low expectations of the Badlands, and ended up wishing we had an other day!
I hear you on this. I thought the Black Hills were beautiful, but nothing special or unique. There are more impressive and more beautiful mountain ranges in the US. This isn't a knock on the Black Hills as I still loved it.
However, the Badlands, was such a cool experience. My friend an I were wide eyed and impressed as we drove around the Badlands, hiked. It was so cool. Like we were on another planet. I have never seen a landscape that looks quiet like this. We spend a day and half in the Badlands and it was well worth it.
I hear you on this. I thought the Black Hills were beautiful, but nothing special or unique. There are more impressive and more beautiful mountain ranges in the US. This isn't a knock on the Black Hills as I still loved it.
However, the Badlands, was such a cool experience. My friend an I were wide eyed and impressed as we drove around the Badlands, hiked. It was so cool. Like we were on another planet. I have never seen a landscape that looks quiet like this. We spend a day and half in the Badlands and it was well worth it.
Yes, very otherworldly! We were there in mid June '17 and the mountain sheep were running along the cliffs with their babies. So cool!
You should have been to Deadwood before the casinos ruined it. It USED to be really neat with good museums, neat historical shops, and a very historic look to it. I'm with you all the way on today's Deadwood. Frankly, it sucks[/color].
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Odd. I've talked to locals in Deadwood who explained that, whatever your take on gambling is, it actually saved the town. Before gambling money, by the end of the 1980s, Deadwood was at the tail end of a very long decline. Even though it was designated as a historic district, it was fading to the point that there was little reason to visit. The story I've heard was that the town was essentially dead broke, and failing by the time gambling was approved. It was so bad that the town's water system was nearly unusable, they were unable to pay their bills, and the courthouse was closed as it was collapsing. Given the hundreds of millions in preservation, restoration and improvements that have happened in the last thirty years, I'm not seeing how letting it rot into the ground would of been a better idea. As for the loss of the "very historic look" you're kidding, right?
I am curious whether its a good time to come to South Dakota these days and possibly find a seasonal position job with lodging. Given the situation this year is it easier or more difficult to find job with housing? I am guessing there would be much less International exchange workers this year due to travel restrictions though would shared employee housing likely be shut down as well. Meaning that people would need their on accommodation in forms of rental or Motorhome?
I know that Palmar Glutch KOA is already open today but this place never seem to respond to messages even last year. Though once I passed by that KOA in 2018 the staff there states its not too difficult to obtain a job with housing over there. Though this year at least currently its likely the camp is running under reduced capacity to avoid crowding. Am I correct?
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