Summer Roadtrip Day 10: Sioux Falls to Keystone SD

After leaving Sioux Falls, we visited the Corn Palace in Mitchell SD.

We saw a highway sign for the South Dakota Tractor Museum in Kimball SD. Steve wanted to check it out so we made the detour. Unfortunately, it was closed and wouldn't open for a few more hours. 

The Holy Trinity Church that is right next to the museum was having a yard sale to raise money to repair the roof. We stopped to see what was there. Steve talked on of the volunteers into opening the church so we could see inside. This church is considered to be an important example of Bohemian vernacular religious architecture in South Dakota and a visual survivor of Czech settlement history.

and then she even gave us a tour of the basement, which had a collection of historic items from the church and town.

We then stopped at the Dignity statue in Chamberlain SD

which overlooked the Missouri River.

We also visited the Lewis and Clark visitor center. 

A few more miles down the road, we stopped to see the giant pheasant made of railroad ties and other parts 

We then crossed the Missouri River.

From there, we headed further west, stopping to see the exhibits at the Minuteman Missile National Historic site.

Before the entry to the Badlands National Park, we stopped to see prairie dogs (real and giant).

We then visited several areas of the Badlands National Park.

We walked on a few of the paths to get a better look at the rock formations and scale of the area.

But it was really hot and humid, so we mostly just stayed at the scenic overlook areas.

We even saw a few bison as we left the park.

I think the highlight for Steve was seeing the military practice "rescue operation"

After leaving the Badlands, we drove to Wall SD. It was really busy at Wall drug, so we decided to skip it. Instead, we stopped at Dahl's chainsaw art to see the World's Largest Jackelope.

Steve paid the $1 admission to go inside.

While I stayed on the ground with Sasquatch 

From there we drove to Rapid City and stopped at Firehouse Brewery for dinner.

It was still light out, so we drove to Mount Rushmore. 

Unfortunately, the sun was setting behind the monument when we got there, so it was hard to get a good picture.

We thought about staying for the lighting ceremony, but that was still 1-2 hours away and we were tired, so went to the motel for the night. After relaxing a bit, smwe saw this lighted view from the motel.