Good Bye!

Utah sunset scene

I really didn't think I was going to finish this.  The more I posted, the more I realized how little I really knew about many of the states.  I traveled quite a bit with my parents when I was a child but that was so long ago, many of my memories are now just blurs.  I have traveled some in recent years but many parts of this country I have never seen and some only briefly while on our way to somewhere else.  I hope this has helped at least one person find a spot that they want to visit.  

Rocky Mountains - Colorado

Any way you want to look at it, this is one really BIG country with lots to see!  Since 9/11 many states have developed their tourist industry and more Americans are traveling "at home" than ever before.  No matter where you are living or visiting, there are a multitude of places to visit, sights to see, adventures to be enjoyed. Our land itself provides venues for every kind of outdoor sport.  From beach to mountain top, with rivers, lakes and streams, winding trails, bike lanes and unexplored wilderness areas, we have much to choose from.

Each little town or city has their own artsy area, their own  theater group, their own hot spots for night life and there is a restaurant almost everywhere you look.  Museums showcase everything from historical events to the latest kids toys.  Amusement parks have sprouted all across this land with new twists to every kind of ride.  Our highway system allows travelers to cross this country in a short period of time.  There are many state and local roads that are scenic byways for those who have the time to enjoy one area on a closer level. Each state and many cities have a website where you can be an armchair traveler even if you are unable to actually travel by plane, train, car or ship.

Midwest farm scene

Armchair traveling can be lots of fun.  I have been a member of a marvelous online group for several years now. http://www.postcrossing.com  is a free website for those who would like to send and receive postcards from all over the world.  Just register and you can begin meeting people from everywhere.  It takes only a few minutes and a little money for stamps and postcards to get a view of another place and you might make a friend or two.. 

Old Mill -North Little Rock, Arkansas

This is the land of plenty and I hope we Americans can always remember to share it joyfully with the rest of the world.  We forget sometimes that our kind of freedom is not enjoyed everywhere, that grocery stores with wide selections are not available in some other locations, that our way of life is not always accepted by everyone and that we need to be less wasteful of our natural resources.   We are a country formed mainly by immigrants but we sometimes forget to make newcomers feel welcome.  Since 9/11 our welcoming arms have become less open and we have become less trusting of others.  In my view these are sad consequences of the 9/11 attacks.  

Louisiana morning

 This page shows photos I have taken in various places rather than the postcards I usually use.  If you have comments, I am not sure I activated the site correctly so you can just send me an email at maryjane496@gmail.com  .

Washington, the District of Columbia, our Nation's Capitol

Vintage Multi View Postcard

Where do you begin in Washington, D.C.?  Of all the cities in the United States, I feel this city has the largest number of interesting places to visit.  Besides the expected sites like the White House, the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument, there are dozens of other places to choose from.  We spent a week there and left without seeing some of the places we had planned to visit because our time just ran out. 

The Metro rail system allowed us to stay outside the city in Arlington, VA, yet remain just a short ride to the center of activities.  There are bus tours available including tours that allow you to hop on and off multiple times or tours with specific stops.  The National Mall is an open green area and ideal for walking from one place to another. 

US Marine Corps Memorial - Iwo Jima Statue

I love the Museums on the National Mall.  The Smithsonian Institute has several including the National Museum of Natural History.  It is a marvelous museum with many unique exhibits.  The National Air and Space Museum is another great place with the Wright Brothers flyer to Space Ship One.  The International Spy Museum, The National Geographic Museum, The National Postal Museum and many others are found in the Washington, D.C. area. 

Monuments, Memorials, Theaters, Art Galleries, Federal Buildings such as the National Mint and many others are located in the area.  Many have interesting tours or exhibits.  Doesn't everyone want to see how they make money?

Washington Monument in Cherry Blossom season

If you arrive in spring you can enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival.  In 1912 the cherry trees were given to the United States as a token of goodwill by Japan.  The 3,000 trees line the tidal basin with their blossoms each spring.  Many events are held during the three week Festival.

A one mile Red Line Metro ride from the National Mall brings you to The Smithsonian National Zoological Park which features many exotic animals including Giant Pandas.  Admission to the zoo is free.   A solar powered carousel features over 50 different animals for children to ride. A small fee is charged for rides.

The Giant Panda exhibit 

These are just a few of the many wonders of our nation’s capitol city.  To enjoy your visit, I encourage you to plan ahead by searching their website.  It is a very good website with an interactive map to help you locate your “must see” places.  There are other maps showing just museums, etc.  They also have a feature of 100 free (or almost free) places to see in D.C.  You can find their website at http://www.washington.org .

Wyoming

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!

Wild Elk Herd - Jackson Hole

If you have stuck with me through this journey from one state to another, you will realize that Wyoming is the last of the 50 states.  I won’t say that I saved the best for last because I feel that each state is “the best” in one way or another although Wyoming does have so much to offer.  I still have not yet posted the District of Columbia, our nation’s capitol city, which I feel deserves a place in this blog.  

Wyoming is a very special part of this country.  To me it still has a lot of that “Wild West” flavor.  Times change, towns grow into cities, but most of Wyoming is still open land where you can almost see the buffalo grazing in huge herds and antelopes are a common sight in the distance.

Old Faithful Geyser

Yellowstone Park is one of the best known National Parks because it is so unique.  The geological wonders in this park are amazing but they are only a part of a much larger wilderness area that reminds us of the beauty of our land.  I remember my childhood amazement to see Old Faithful spout right on time and the wonderful pine scent that permeated our cabin while I fell asleep.  Vacation memories can last a lifetime!

Mt. Moran and the Teton Range

Just a bit south of Yellowstone Park is another beautiful park.  Grand Teton National Park is one of the most scenic places I have ever been.  The mountains are especially beautiful when reflected in the alpine lakes nearby.

The northwest corner of Wyoming has many other destinations and adventures to find in addition to the two national parks.  Jackson Hole, a valley about 48 miles long, is the “jumping off place” to skiing, sled dog or mountain bike tours, whitewater rafting and many other outdoor sports activities.

Mount Moran

In the northeast corner of Wyoming is a National Monument that preserves an unusual volcanic formation called Devils Tower.  It was featured in the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind.  Rising 1200 feet above the surrounding prairie it is a remarkable sight.

The southeast corner of the state is centered around the state capitol, Cheyenne.  Each year Cheyenne Frontier Days are held in mid July.  If you have ever wanted to see a rodeo, this is the place to see the real thing.  Other cities include Laramie, Casper, Jackson and Cody.  Only three cities have a population over 30,000.  Like many of our western states, there are just a few large cities but many small towns.

Minerva Terrace at Mammoth

Websites you might want to explore:  http://www.wyomingtourism.org   Wyoming is about a day’s drive from one side to the other and there are many interesting sights to see along the way.  This website has several recommended road trips.  http://www.jacksonholechamber.com  and http://www.cheyenne.org  are more specific to their area and also have a great deal of useful information.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!

Wisconsin

Greetings from Wisconsin

Once again, Wisconsin is a state that I have been in only on my way somewhere else.  There are a few special places in the state where I would really like to spend some time. 

In a town by the name of Baraboo, about 15 to 20 minutes off Interstate Highway 94, the Ringling Brothers Circus had its winter home in the early 1900s.  Circus World, Baraboo serves as home to circus memorabilia and is also active with daily performances and a parade.  A museum of circus history and a collection of circus wagons make this a fascinating place to see.  For schedule of events and an overview of all that is available, check out their website at 
http://www.circusworldbaraboo.org/

Lone Rock in the Lower Dells

I also would enjoy a boat tour of The Dells.  I had heard of the Wisconsin Dells but did not know what they were for many years.  The Wisconsin River has carved its way through sandstone since the Ice Age, similar to the Grand Canyon in Arizona.  The rock formations are smaller but spectacular in their own way.  

Lumber Raft running the Kilbourn Dam

Green Bay is home to the National Railroad Museum.  The museum not only has many engines and trains on display; there are rides on the vintage trains and special exhibits as well.  This city is home to the Green Bay Packers, the only National Football League team that is non-profit, community owned. 

Hawk's Bill in Lower Dells

We seem to be a very nostalgic nation.  Some of our favorite places to visit are the villages that have been restored to pioneer times.  Cedar Creek Settlement in Cedarburg boasts of a stone building that was previously a woolen mill.  There are other buildings as well including a blacksmith’s shop.  A wine museum is also part of this complex along with a variety of other shops.

Naturally Wisconsin has a few good sized cities and each of them has their own arts, museums, night life and other attractions.  Milwaukee is the capitol city, on the western shore of Lake Michigan, and is known for its history of breweries.  Many German immigrants settled in Wisconsin during the 1800s.  My Dad’s great great grandmother was one of these settlers.  To find all the attractions Wisconsin has to offer, use this link: http://www.travelwisconsin.com/

West Virginia

Vintage card - Oglebay Park Swimming Pool, Wheeling

West Virginia is another state that I have traveled through many times but never toured for pleasure.      I really don’t have any “memories” although there are places I would really like to see.   It is a mountainous state with many beautiful forests and lakes.  The Appalachian Mountains which cover much of the state are “old” mountains with top elevations around 5,000 feet.  Outdoor activities of all kinds are available including white water rafting, rock climbing, spelunking, golf, hiking and skiing. 

Kanawha City Motor Lodge

The coal mines and railroads were important to the Industrial Revolution.  The glass industry grew in West Virginia as well and there are still many factories with gift shops, tours and demonstrations.  Trains were vital to the coal and lumber industries also.  Today there are several museums to showcase the old steam engines.  

Historical Harper's Ferry

Excursion trains continue to use these older models and provide interesting views along each tour.  In Wheeling I would like to visit the Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum, an interesting place for the entire family.  I would also enjoy watching glass blowing at one of the factory museums.

Other interesting places would be the Harper's Ferry area and a trip to the Spa in Berkeley Springs State Park.  The five hot springs there are the oldest Spa in the nation.  Located only a little over 100 miles from Washington, D.C. it was established in 1756 while the area was still part of Virginia and is now a National Park.

West Virginia Capitol on the Great Kanawha River

The Capitol City of Charleston is located in the western side of the state.   Special events are held throughout the year.  One that I would particularly enjoy is called the Vandalia Gathering held at the end of May each year.  Fiddlers, story tellers and banjo pickers come together for a fun weekend of entertainment.  Each town or city has their own special places, events and charm.  Check out the website at http://www.wvtourism.com.

Washington

Mount Hood with Rhododendrons in foreground

Washington is usually referred to as Washington State to avoid confusion with Washington, D. C.   This is the northwestern most state except for Alaska.  North of Oregon and west of Idaho, Western Washington has a mild climate.  Moisture is plentiful and often takes the form of fog or mist.  This almost constant gentle Pacific moisture results in an abundance of plant life.  Much of the Olympic peninsula is rainforest.  Cascade Mountains split the state and the eastern side is much drier with some almost desert like land.  Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens are the most well known of the volcanic mountains in the Cascade Range.

Seattle view of Mt. Rainier and the Space Needle 

Seattle is the largest city and a delightful place to find all kinds of tourist destinations.  At one time the city was flooded and when it was rebuilt the streets were raised to prevent future flooding.  Portions of this older underground city with abandoned stores may be seen on a tour.    Pike Place is a market near the docks and provides a fun stroll to find just the right produce or fish for your next meal.  A trip to the top of the Space Needle is required for a complete tour.  There are many other interesting places to explore in Seattle whether you are looking for art, theater, children’s activities or night life after dark.

Antique card of Wind River Falls

We took the ferry from Seattle across to Victoria, British Columbia to visit my husband’s sister who was in a Poor Clare Monastery nearby.  The boat ride was delightful and gives you a view of Puget Sound and The Islands.  Other boat tours are available for sightseeing or whale watching.

Washington apples are some of the best.  The Hood River Valley is where cousins of my Dad lived.  When they came to visit us they would bring at least one bushel of apples from their orchards.  This valley area is primarily farmland for fruits, vegetables and vineyards.
  

Antique card on Columbia River

The Columbia River is the border between Oregon and Washington.  Where the river reaches the Pacific Ocean was the final destination for the Lewis and Clark expedition after their long trek from St. Louis, Missouri.  The river produces a large amount of electricity from the dams along its path.  The Columbia River Gorge runs for 80 miles along the southern border of Washington, cutting across the Cascade Mountain Range, and is up to 4,000 feet deep.

Olympia Brewing Company in Turnwater, Washington

Both State and National Parks provide an abundance of outdoor enjoyment.  Beaches, rain forest, mountains, volcanoes, desert, gardens, valleys, wine country, cities and towns, Washington offers many different types of vacation ideas.  Their website is at http://www.experiencewa.com. Find what speaks to you.

Virginia

Vintage postcard map of Virginia

When I was about four years old, our family lived in Arlington, Virginia.  I was too young to remember much except the house we lived in.  Family photos from that time include some from Skyline Drive.  Years later I insisted my husband take that drive since I did not remember the childhood trip.  The Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive are two very scenic byways with areas to stop to enjoy the views. 

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel

Virginia is a large state with everything from mountains to beaches.  The Appalachian Mountains, The Blue Ridge Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau are in western Virginia while beaches can be found on the Atlantic Ocean.  Chesapeake Bay is popular for water sports.  There are a few large cities but the majority of Virginia is rural with smaller cities and towns along with farmland and forests.

Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway

A few years ago we spent a week in Arlington, a city adjacent to Washington D. C.   We found it convenient as a place to stay while touring Washington D. C. since the Metro was only a short walk from our hotel and allowed us to see everything in D.C. without having to rely on an automobile, get lost or stuck in traffic. The highlights of Washington D. C. will be in a separate post. 

Iwo Jima Statue

While in Virginia we visited Arlington National Cemetery, spending a few moments at the grave of John F. Kennedy and then at the memorials to those fallen in battle.  We watched the ritual of the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.    We also toured George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon, which is nearby.  Other places I would like to have seen if we had a few more days of vacation were the Marine Corp Museum in Prince William and the Air Force Memorial which is adjacent to the Arlington National Cemetery.

The Flower Garden at Mount Vernon

Luray Caverns, National Bridge, Natural Tunnel and the Great Dismal Swamp are all interesting natural places to see.  Jamestown was the original settlement in Virginia and Williamsburg was the capitol city in the 18^th century.  Both have outdoor interactive exhibit museums.  Jamestown shows life as it was for those first settlers while Williamsburg features life in the 18^th century.  Find your “must see” places by visiting their website at http://www.virginia.org

Amphitheater at Luray Caverns

Vermont

Vintage card - Vermont in Early Fall

Vermont is one of the northernmost states in what is commonly called New England.  In each of the New England states you will find some kind of historical building or marker or museum recalling the colonial period and the Revolutionary War.  Vermont has its own place in our history although it was originally a sovereign state rather than one of the thirteen original colonies.  It was the first state to be added to the United States. 

Vermont is a small state with the smallest U.S. big city, Burlington (42,417), and the smallest U.S. state capitol, Montpelier (7,855).  It only measures 37 miles wide at the border with Massachusetts although it widens to about 89 miles at its widest.  From the Massachusetts border to the border with Quebec, Canada is only about 159 miles.  It is bordered on the east by the Connecticut River.  On the western border with New York State, Lake Champlain makes up about half of the border.

Harlow's Sugar House at the foothills of the Green Mountains

This is a state that we visited often when we lived in Massachusetts.  The fall leaf colors make it a wonderful afternoon drive on the weekends when our kids were not in school.   We often would take a picnic lunch and stop at one of the farmers market stands for fresh produce.  The kids always enjoyed the times when we would pick apples.  During the early spring, a trip to the sugar house at a maple farm was a treat.

The Creamery Covered Bridge in Brattleboro, Vermont

The covered bridges throughout the state are very picturesque.  They number only around 100 now; at one time there were almost 600.  A museum following their history is located in Bennington. 

There are a number of stores for those who enjoy finding unique items.  I always enjoyed Basketville, one of the many craft type stores, since a woman never has quite enough baskets.   During a more recent visit, my husband and I enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the Yankee Candle Store with all their special areas.  I love the Christmas ornaments and other decorations in the Christmas rooms.  The Vermont Country Store is another unique place where you can find Advent Calendars.

Basketville in Putney, Vermont

The Green Mountains offer camping, hiking or snowmobile trails depending upon the season.  Christmas Tree Farms are fun outings just before Christmas each year.   Open Studio, a weekend in May each year when art studios of all kinds in the state open their doors and allow visitors to watch.  Whatever you are most interested in, you can find it on their website at http://www.vermontvacation.com/

Utah

Early 1900s postcard of the Great Salt Lake

Utah is one of those states that I've technically been in but have not really seen at all.  When traveling I have landed or changed planes at the Salt Lake City airport.  That really isn't the same as seeing the state.  So this is one of those states that I would like to actually visit.  Flying across the state and landing in Salt Lake City you do get to see some interesting views.  From the air it is always so interesting to see the geological layers that have been formed over time.  

The Great Salt Lake looks like any other lake from the air, but I would like to experience the water myself.  Since I never learned to swim, it would be relaxing to know that I could float easily.  I’m sure the salt in the water would provide some healing properties so my skin would feel different after a dip, similar to the amazing feeling of ocean water.

Vintage postcard of the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is the capital city of Utah and the Headquarters for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or Mormons).  Salt Lake City is where the Mormon pioneers settled.   I would love to tour Temple Square where the Temple, the Tabernacle, the Museum of History and Art and the Family History Library are all located.

The same type of erosion that formed the Grand Canyon has formed unique shapes from different types of rock to make cream, pink, gray, white, red and chocolate colors in the rock formations found in the five National Parks of Utah.  Shuttle buses are available in some of these parks along with camping, hiking and other active options.  I would love to see each of these parks.

The Narrows in Ogden Canyon
Vintage/Antique postcard

Arches National Park has the world’s largest number of arches in one area while Bryce Canyon National Park has hoodoos and many cliffs.  Canyonlands National Park is a desert area divided by the Colorado and Green Rivers.  The rivers have formed four distinct areas with mesas, buttes and canyons.  The white water of Cataract Canyon in a heavy snow year is the largest in North America.  Capitol Reef National Park has a 100 mile long monocline called the Waterpocket Fold.  Zion National Park is one of the best places to go canyoneering with many canyons including slot canyons which are sometimes just wide enough to squeeze through. 

Utah is famous for powder snow each winter.  Ski enthusiasts have more than a dozen world class ski resorts to choose from, most within an hour of travel time from the airport in Salt Lake City.  Snowboarding, mountaineering and many other outdoor sports are available to enjoy,  Lake Powell in the southwestern edge of the state is a large reservoir formed by the Glen Canyon Dam.  Houseboats are available to rent for those looking for a leisurely vacation.  The website for checking out all that Utah has to offer is http://www.utah.com/

Tennessee

Tennessee was supposed to be posted before Texas but I goofed!  My mistake – I’m sorry!  I prepared it first and then forgot that I did not actually post it!

Vintage Map Postcard of Tennessee

Tennessee is the state east of Arkansas where I live.  Our daughter lives in Chattanooga, one of the larger cities at the southeastern corner of Tennessee.  When we visit her, we drive through Memphis and almost all the way to Nashville before we turn south over the mountain to Chattanooga.

Driving through Memphis we drive by St. Jude’s Hospital for Children.  This is a wonderful place for children with devastating illnesses, especially cancer.  They provide free treatment and continue to seek cures for cancer, especially the cancers that attack children. 

Graceland, home of Elvis Presley in Memphis

Memphis is also where Elvis Presley made his home called Graceland.  Rock ‘n’ Roll and Jazz have both been part of the music scene in Memphis for more than 50 years.  Beale Street is the place for those who love night life, clubs and music. 

Nashville, the capital city, is the center for Country Music and a fun city to visit.  The Grand Ole Opry and The Country Music Hall of Fame are just two of the many sites to enjoy.  Southwest of Nashville in Johnson, Tennessee you can find Castle Gwenn, the location each May for the Tennessee Renaissance Festival.   The castle was featured in Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” music video.

The Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee

Like most other states, Tennessee has a few large cities, some smaller ones and a multitude of little towns or villages.  Most of the land is forested or farm land.  The deciduous forests provide spectacular colors when the leaves begin to turn in the cooler weather of fall.  The Smokey Mountains of eastern Tennessee are often partially hidden by low clouds or fog that gives the mountains their name.  The streams running through the mountains provide interesting sounds and make for delightful hiking through the beautiful woods.  Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are popular destinations with many unique shops, hotels, restaurants and family oriented attractions such as Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s amusement park.

Andrew Jackson's home, The Hermitage, near Nashville

Knoxville is just west of the Smokey Mountains.   One of my favorite authors, Jefferson Bass, writes mysteries regarding The Body Farm, a forensic teaching area of the University of Tennessee.  The Mississippi River,  Jack Daniels whiskey, Tennessee walking horses, over 9,000 caves,  Rock City, Lookout Mountain, the Appalachian Trail, the Cherokee National  Forest, and  Oocee River white water canoeing are just a few of the many places to explore in Tennessee.  Visit their website at http://www.tnvacation.com/ to find the exciting places that speak to you.  

Texas

Big Tex - Dallas State Fairgrounds

How can I possibly tell you about Texas?  It is huge – the largest state except for Alaska.  Texas has so many different areas that it could easily be a country all by itself as it was in the early 1800s.   If you want variety, Texas certainly has it.  The southeast is on the Gulf of Mexico so you can find sandy beaches, barrier islands and plenty of water sports.  There are also swamps further in and gradually the land rises to the piney woods of east Texas.  There are rolling hills, grasslands and prairies in the center of the state.  You can find deserts, canyons, mountains and unbelievable amounts of open land as you travel west and southwest. 

 

The Astrodome in Houston

There are large cities, each with unique characteristics and many small towns, farms and ranches. Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States and is a major seaport.  NASA headquarters are located here and tours are available to learn about the missions that resulted in the moon landing.  

The Alamo - San Antonio

San Antonio features both The Alamo and a lovely river walk in the downtown area.  Dallas/Fort Worth is another major metropolitan area and home to the Dallas Cowboys, a popular football team along with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.  El Paso is at the western border with New Mexico and borders Mexico along the Rio Grande River.  Austin is the capital city and hosts the SXSW (South by South West) musical festival each year.   Each of these cities have their own unique museums, art galleries and other interesting places to visit and of course, family oriented attractions for the youngsters.

The Devil's Tombstone-Palo Duro Canyon

Big Bend National Park is in the southwest area of Texas and has valleys, mountains, desert and canyons.  There are 13 National parks and over ninety State parks to choose from.

When I was a very little girl, several families from our neighborhood held an Easter picnic in Palo Duro Canyon which is located south of Amarillo.  It is an area that is similar to the Grand Canyon only much smaller with unusual formations of rock.  My older brother and his friends – all about 10 or 11 years old-went exploring and found a place called The Devil’s Slide.  They thought they would get back to the picnic area by going down the slide side which was shorter.  My brother was the first one to slip and then he tumbled with fallen branches and rocks.  The other boys helped him back to the top and the long way back.  He tore all the ligaments and tendons in his leg so his summer was on crutches that year.

Texas Longhorns

I lived in Amarillo, in the “Panhandle” area of north Texas, when I was a little girl and then in the large city of Houston when I was in high school.  I have traveled across the state many times to visit my grandparents who lived in Houston while I was growing up.  When we drove from California to be there for Christmas, I remember waking up at dawn in El Paso and my Dad driving all day long to reach Houston by Midnight.  It’s over 900 miles across the state so even with the modern interstate highways, it is still an all day drive.

Another unusual place west of Amarillo is the Cadillac Ranch.  There are 10 old Cadillac cars that were an Art project done by the Ant Farm group on the land of a wealthy Texan in the 1970s.  They have been repainted many times and covered over with graffiti from the visitors to the ranch.

To find your favorite place to see, check out the website at http://www.traveltex.com

South Dakota

Mitchell South Dakota Corn Palace

South Dakota is a north central state with many interesting places to visit.  Although much of the state is farm land, the western region is more mountainous.  This is the state we are hoping to visit in our next vacation.  I have been there before but it will be a new experience for my husband and the daughter we will travel with. 

One of our stops will be at Wall Drug along the way and we also hope to see the Corn Palace in Mitchell.  These two places have been traditional “roadside tourist attractions” for decades.   

Mount Rushmore and a new mountain carving of Crazy Horse are located south west of Rapid City, South Dakota.  There are numerous tourist attractions in this area featuring tours that include many smaller attractions in addition to the main ones.    We plan on the bus and train tour from Hill City to Keystone which features an 1880 steam locomotive.

Wall Drug Store in Wall, South Dakota 

Harley Davidson owners meet in Sturgis annually for one of the largest motorcycle rallies.  This city is in the northwest part of the state, just north of Deadwood, an old west town that has been restored as a major entertainment area including old hotels, historic displays, casinos and other family oriented attractions.

The Black Hills and Badlands of northwestern South Dakota feature many caves, National Parks, hiking trails, and unique scenery.  The Minuteman Missile National Historical Site is located 45 miles east of Rapid City in the southwestern section of the state.  Tours of the Launch Facility/missile silo and Launch Control Facility are available daily during the summer season. 

Vintage view of The Badlands of South Dakota

There are about a dozen major stops along the Lewis and Clark Trail which winds along the Missouri River for over 400 miles in the mid section of the state.  Those familiar with the Little House on the Prairie books might enjoy a visit to the original homestead of Laura Engalls Wilder, the author in De Smet, a town in the eastern prairie area.  The hardest part of any vacation is narrowing down the list of places to a reasonable number so that you can actually have time to enjoy the places you choose.  Check out the travel site for South Dakota at http://www.travelsd.com/