What should we do while in SD?

I have a general scope of ideas from past visits growing up, places I want to take our family. They include:

Badlands

Black Hills

Wall Drug

Corn Palace

Mt. Rushmore

What other scenic and historical places should we include? What other gems of the state should we be considering. Right now I%26#39;m working in generals as this is a trip we plan to take anywhere from next summer to three summers from now. Depends where we end up first, but this is one high on the list. Thanks for any help/suggestions :-)

What should we do while in SD?

You have quite a few of the must sees on your list already. I would also add the following:

Devil%26#39;s Tower

Jewel Cave

Wind Cave

Crazy Horse

Custer State Park (Sylvan Lake, Needles Hwy. Wildlife Loop, Iron Mt. Rd

What activities does your family enjoy? How old are your children? For a family that includes relatively young children, you could also include:

Bear Country

Reptile Gardens

Mammoth Site

Panning for gold in various mines in the area

The Adams House and Museum in Deadwood is interesting to see as well. There are many privately owned caves in the Black Hills if those interest you. Wind %26amp; Jewel, which are operated by nps, are really the best, however.

To get a good overview of the area, be sure to order a South Dakota travel guide (travelsd.com).

Have fun planning, and feel free to ask additional questions.

What should we do while in SD?

Depending on the time of the year renting a boat on the Missouri river, like around Chamberlain, and having a couple days to fish is a relaxing alternative to the busy touristy areas in the Black Hills.

The EROS Data Center near Sioux Falls might be worth a visit. Lots of info on remote imaging and satellite images. http://eros.usgs.gov/about/visit.html

North of the Black Hills (6 mi. north of Sturgis) consider Bear Butte State Park. On a clear day hiking to the summit will be rewarded with a great view. There is also a lake within the park. sdgfp.info/parks/…BearButte.htm