When most people hear about South Dakota, they think about Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. However, there's another wonderful part of the state to experience.
Extending north from Iowa, the Missouri River valley extends along the border between South Dakota and Nebraska, before turning north into South Dakota alone, and on from there. Along the way, consider stopping in Yankton, SD. Yankton is known for being one of the childhood homes of longtime NBC news correspondent Tom Brokaw, with a boulevard named in his honor. While in Yankton, go to Riverside Park and take a walk across Meridian Bridge, originally built in the 1920's to connect South Dakota and Nebraska. If walking isn't your fancy, head a few miles west to Gavins Point Dam. Built by the Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950's, the dam provides hydroelectric power to the area, as well as a drivable bridge and several recreational opportunities for visitors.
Head further north towards Interstate 90, and you'll find Chamberlain, South Dakota. Stop by the rest area at the high point of the eastern side, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Missouri River valley. After taking the nature trail, stop inside for a small museum about Lewis and Clark. Back in the 1800's, President Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory from France, including much of South Dakota. After the purchase, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were commissioned by the American government to explore what was bought. Their route took them along the Missouri River through South Dakota, and is marked as the "Lewis and Clark Trail" along modern day highways. After taking in the views and history, head across the river to the town of Oacoma. Tourists may wish to stop by "Al's Oasis", an old western themed commercial strip.
As the river winds northwest, stop by to visit Pierre. A small city in the center of the state, Pierre serves as the capital of South Dakota. While in Pierre, view the State Capitol building, along with the Governor's Mansion from a distance. Pierre is twinned by Fort Pierre, South Dakota, originally the site for talks with the Lakota tribe during the Lewis and Clark expedition, and today a small city. Two watches may want to be used when in the area, as the two cities are not only separated by river, but by time zone. Fort Pierre is a small inset in the Mountain Time Zone, also used in the western part of the state, while Pierre, along with most of the route from Interstate 90 despite going through Fort Pierre, lies within the Central Time Zone, along with the majority of the eastern part of the state.
The next time you visit South Dakota, remember that the eastern side of the state isn't just drive-by farms and prairies. The Missouri River valley may just be the place where your internal compass leads.
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