South Dakota Classic Family Vacation
“My husband Todd always tells people that “everyone should go to South Dakota at least once,” said Stephanie.
South Dakota has topped the list for years as a family-friendly US destination, providing experiences and activities the whole family will love. National Parks, Monuments, caves in the Black Hills and Badlands, Glacial lakes, and Native American culture and history, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
“The mix of terrain in one state-from forest to farms to mountains- is amazing. The scenery is breathtaking! There are so many things to do; in addition to exploring the area, we also went on a buffalo safari and panned for gold,” Stephanie continued about her family vacation to South Dakota. She, her husband, and their two children 17 & 12 just returned from their family trip.
South Dakota Must See Destinations
According to Travel & Leisure, visits to Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Badlands National Park make for a classic family road trip and is considered in the top 11 places to travel in July.
The family stayed in Hill City, South Dakota; however, they traveled to many places outside of Hill City during their stay. They visited Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, the Badlands, the Black Hills, and Crazy Horse.
The Crazy Horse Memorial features a museum and restaurant in addition to the carving in the mountains.
“Barb suggested we see the Evening Lighting Ceremony at Mount Rushmore. The ceremony included a presentation on each of the presidents of Mt Rushmore and what they represented along with a beautiful lighting of the monument. We wanted the kids to experience and explore a place totally different from the Midwest,” Stephanie said.
Take the family to pan for gold in the Black Hills National Forest gold rush town of Deadwood or explore Custer State Park like this family to see bison, antelope, elk, mountain goats, and donkeys.
“Barb booked a train ride through the mountains for us. The train took us alongside mountains and through forests, farms, and ranches. The narrator described stories from history that magnified the setting and made it come to life. We went on a buffalo safari in Custer State Park. The tour guide parked our jeep right in the middle of the buffalo herd. Although it was scary at times, it was beautiful to see animals in their own habitat.”
Seamless. Helpful. Organized.
Barb took our worries away! She made all of the reservations and planned out our days, so we could have a fun and stress-free family vacation! The most helpful and practical thing was the Vamoos app, which included each day’s activities with a list of nearby restaurants and directions.
