SOUTH DAKOTA (USA)

Write a review or view peoples experiences in South Dakota	Hotels	Flights	Car Hire/Rental

The wide-open spaces of the Great Plains roll away to infinity to either side of I-90 in South Dakota. Though the land is more green and fertile east of the Missouri River, vast numbers of high-season visitors speed straight on through to the spectacular southwest, site of the Badlands and the adjacent Black Hills - two of the most dramatic, mysterious and legend-impacted tracts of land in the US.

Time and Hollywood have mythologized the larger-than-life personalities for whom the Dakota Territory served as a stomping ground: Custer and Crazy Horse battled here for supremacy over the plains, Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane were denizens of the once-notorious Gold Rush town of Deadwood and Mount Rushmore has appeared in more than a few movies over the years. On a more contemporary note, Kevin Costner's award-winning Dances with Wolves (1990), shot in the state, boosted South Dakota's tourism image, though Costner's own ambitious development plans for the Black Hills have meant that he himself has fallen foul of the Sioux.

Today Native American traditions are celebrated by music, dance and socializing at powwows , held in summer on the reservations; the state tourist office can supply dates and locations. Apart from powwows, South Dakota summers are taken up with historical celebrations, volksmarches (a friendly sort of community walking exercise), ethnic festivals and rodeos. The 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark expedition will be celebrated between 2003 and 2006; check for event details. The state has 170 parks and recreation areas for hikers and campers. In winter, downhill skiing is limited to Terry Peak and Deer Mountain outside Lead in the Black Hills; cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are more prevalent.

Visit the awe-inspiring Mount Rushmore or view the magnificent carving of Crazy Horse. Take a trip through Custer State Park, in the heart of the Black Hills (where the buffalo roam) or the unique beauty of the Badlands. Also, experience the nonstop gaming fun of Deadwood gambling or Sturgis Rally, where motorcycles rule during August, time of the world famous Sturgis motorcycle rally.

When coming to SD to fish don't forget our other fine attractions include the awe-inspiring Mount Rushmore and the magnificent carving of Crazy Horse. Any time is a good time to take a trip through Custer State Park, in the heart of the Black Hills (where the buffalo roam) or the unique beauty of the Badlands. Also, experience the nonstop gaming fun of Deadwood gambling or Sturgis Rally, where motorcycles rule during August, time of the world famous Sturgis motorcycle rally.