Western South Dakota
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"Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam..." That's what you'll be singing when you visit this next destination, a very popular spot at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Western South Dakota brings many tourists to its hills and buttes every year. Many are attracted to the Mount Rushmore national monument. During the 1930's, the likeness of four United States Presidents were carved into the mountain, and continues to stand to this day as a wonderful viewing opportunity. National Park seekers also head a few miles to the east to visit Badlands National Park. Breathtaking views and drives through the buttes (said as with the single letter "U", and not to be confused with a person's backside) may be had by those who enter the park. Even if you don't visit the park itself, take a drive along the northern edge of the park on Interstate 90, or the southern edge along South Dakota Highway 44, an empty yet peaceful stretch through the Badlands, as well as the Buffalo Gap National Grassland.
If you long for the buffaloes, head a little south of Mount Rushmore to visit Custer State Park at an altitude of about 4,000 feet. While there, take a ride on the Wildlife Loop and its side access roads. View the herds of bison, along with pronghorns and prairie dogs in their natural habitat. However, don't be dismayed if you don't see any buffalo in the area, as the buffalo is native to Africa and Southeast Asia, while the bison is native to the United States. Instead, humor yourself with the incredibly awkward yet perfectly legitimate English sentence, "Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo." Many are familiar with the place of "Buffalo" and the animal "buffalo", but there is also a verb "buffalo", meaning "to bewilder or baffle". In other words, set A of animals from a particular place, which are baffled by set B of animals from that same place, also baffle set C of animals from yet the same place.
While in Western South Dakota, if you need to re-supply, stop by Rapid City, the second largest city in the state. When coming from the east, be sure to stop by the world famous "Wall Drug". The town of Wall, South Dakota hosts this old western style mall with novelty stores and small monuments abound, and is advertised throughout the entirety of the state. If you're a motorcycle enthusiast, the beginning of August may call you to head to the town of Sturgis, which hosts an annual 10-day festival that can see over a quarter of a million bikers. Those with connections to the military may also recognize the city of Box Elder, which is home to Ellsworth Air Force Base.
After your visit to Western South Dakota, you'll seldom hear a discouraging word. All you'll likely hear is your internal compass telling you to return again and again.