Suggestions appreciated please

Thank you AngleEyes for bringing So Dakota to mind.....have never been there but have been looking for a side trip while visiting relatives in Wyoming next summer.....Custer State Park looks wonderful.....lots of hiking trails, wildlife and beautiful lodges.....

A few questions from those who have been there.....do you have a favorite lodge ?.....we are leaning towards the housekeeping cabins with the most privacy.....which is less frequented by bus tours or large groups ?.....which closest to the best day hiking trails ? When does the snow melt usually for the earliest time to enjoy the area ?......We will fly into Billings and have a rental car.....about how long to drive from there ?....

Suggestions appreciated please

Hi mombear, I am new on the SD board too so I cannot answer your questions but in the end of September on the way from our long road trip to Alaska we are planning to stop for two nights in Hill City, SD. I just posted my question about driving from Billing, MT to Hill City, SD. Google maps indicates it is 350 miles and 5 1/2 hour drive. Well, this not too bad but we hope to have enough time to stop at Devils Tower National Monument in WY and then take a very scenic Spearfish Canyon Road. I just would like to find out if this is doable and enjoyable in one day.

Are you planning to visit SD in 2009?

BTW, I am working on last details of our Alaska trip and trying to decide on activities in Haines and Fairbanks.

Suggestions appreciated please

Hi Places.....

Planning on visiting family who moved to Wyoming.....thinking early spring 2009, as we really enjoy our summers here in Haines.....the post that Angeleyes made,though, about South Dakota or Alaska, got me looking around online and Custer State Park sure looks like pretty country.....

We were in Custer State Park last week %26amp; it was wonderful!! I wish we had stayed at a lodge, but instead stayed at a Comfort Inn %26amp; Suites in Custer. Be sure to grab a piece of pie in Custer at the Purple Pie Place!

In addition to the cabins/lodges in the park, there are a number of places in the area surrounding Custer that offer cabins or lodges. You%26#39;d be surprised how many campgrounds offer cabins now.