Welcome to another review of craft beers brought to you by Freedom Rolling. Today, we look at three different breweries in South Dakota and what they have to offer. As with every review, please ensure that these, or any brews, are enjoyed in accordance with local laws wherever you may be.
Welcome to Sturgis South Dakota: Home of America's most famous August motorcycle rally, and right off the highway is the Sturgis Brewing Company, with one of their offerings being their Red Cut Red Amber ale. This particular brew has the smooth taste one would expect from the typical American Amber, with just a hint of hops to keep the taste buds excited. There were a couple of points during the tasting of this beer where it flirted with the line between smoothness and flatness, and although there have been plenty of other red and ambers we've come to enjoy more, Red Cut does pass as something drinkable.
Staying in the Black Hills of South Dakota, take a trip down to Rapid City and the Lost Cabin Beer Company. First starting in 2016, Lost Cabin has been brewing at both their primary city location, along with their new Beer Garden in Hill City. One of their most popular signature beers is the SoDank IPA. This moderately colored brew will give the strong taste of hops that you would expect from a typical IPA, but they have been able to balance it with a smoother taste that would allow someone in the middle of acquiring the taste for this type of beer to enjoy. Although perhaps not the best value for money, it isn't a bad choice for a special occasion in the area.
When one thinks of South Dakota, they may think of Mount Rushmore. Found in the city of Custer is the so-aptly named Mount Rushmore Brewing Company, with one of their regular beers being the Buffalo Snot stout. This particular brew brings a strong smell and taste of coffee to the drinker. However, as one would continue to enjoy this smooth, dark offering, the first impression may be deceiving as the coffee taste will diminish after the first sip, allowing even the connoisseur that does not enjoy coffee to want to have this beer again.
So the next time your Internal Compass takes you to Western South Dakota, try some of the local brews around you, but be cautious in what you choose.
Freedom Rolling once again brings you their famous Brew Review, this time looking at three different locations for a particular beer they offer. As always, please ensure that these, or any brews, are enjoyed in accordance with local laws wherever you may be.
Starting in Fort Worth, Texas, just off the west fork of the Trinity River, one can find the Martin House Brewing Company. While in Texas, if you want a bit of a change from one of the most popular brewed bock beers in the state, then try on for size the "Bockslider". Bocks are sometimes also referred to as a "dark lager", giving a darker color for those with the preference, though not quite as dark as a porter or stout. A slight amount of bitterness will reach your palette from the light hops, but otherwise a smooth taste the experienced drinker will be able to enjoy, possibly in their Bock-yard.
We head northwest to our next stop in Sheridan Wyoming, home of the Black Tooth Brewing Company. Black Tooth brings to the table the Bomber Mountain Amber Ale, named after a peak at over two and a half miles of elevation where a famous aviation accident happened during World War II. The first pour of this selection for home distribution suffers from over-carbonation. Once you get past that, the body of this amber is what one would delightfully expect from this brew and more. The beer has won several awards from various festivals, and we can certainly understand why. The brewery has opened two other locations in Cheyenne and Casper, and it may just be a good place to visit.
Going back towards the Black Hills of South Dakota, we visit Spearfish and the Crow Peak Brewing Company to try their Canyon Cream Ale. Crow Peak has been brewing in-house since 2007, undergoing several expansions to keep up with demand in the northern mid- and mountain west. Although the beer doesn't necessarily look creamy when first pouring, the creamy taste is certainly there as it goes down smoothly. The subtle sweetness comes from locally procured honey, but does not overpower the taste. As a blonde, this is a wonderful addition to any summer gathering, and is one to enjoy again and again.
So as your Internal Compass takes you across the country, try some of the local craft beers as able, and see how they fare for you.
One of its largest industries was outlawed for several decades. If you're holding aces and eights, watch your back. Allow Freedom Rolling to Lead you down to this twin city.
Welcome to Deadwood, South Dakota. Just off the northern terminus of US Route 385, Deadwood is a place for gamblers, gold seekers, and other enthusiasts of the wild west. Although Deadwood has quite the history of these activities, both before and after South Dakota officially became a state, public gaming of this sort was outlawed shortly after World War II. Although the pastime continued in secret, the town was even further declined as a result of a fire in 1987 that ravaged the city. Looking to save Deadwood from becoming just another ghost town, the "Deadwood You Bet!" campaign successfully lobbied the state to once again legalize gambling. Although many fuel stations will have the colloquially known "Video Lottery" machines in their so-aptly titled "casinos", Deadwood remains the place in the state to find full service gaming.
Deadwood has much more history to it than simple gambling. In the mid-1870's, the city of Deadwood was founded as a result of one of the primary industries in the west: Mining of gold. Once Frank Bryant found the metal, it was just a matter of time before the city was built to what is seen today. There was an additional fire that ravaged the area in the late 1800's, but Deadwood was re-built and is still preserved by today's historical society. Other notable names of Deadwood include James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok, a former deputy who had moved to Deadwood and was shot by a recent poker opponent, along with Martha "Calamity" Jane Cannary, who supposedly had once married and had children with Wild Bill and remained in Deadwood after his death.
Today, Deadwood remains a real-life replica of what life once was in the city. Take a stroll down Main Street, visiting Saloon No. 10 where Wild Bill was shot, or perhaps see a re-enactment of one of the several famous gunfights of the city. Take a drive up Mount Moriah to the final resting places of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, or slightly north to see the Tatanka Story of Bison. If the few streets of Deadwood have tickled your fancy, take a trip across the other side of the terminus of US Route 385 and up the mountain to the twin city of Lead. While there, experience the Black Hills Mining Museum, dedicated to an industry that still exists in the area today.
So the next time you want to experience the history of the Wild West, Follow your Internal Compass right to the city of Deadwood.
When here, you can go up, down, on top, or in. The Department of the Interior charges many entrance and parking fees, but none here. It's where Alvin McDonald once led spelunkers on tours.
Welcome to Wind Cave National Park. Situated in western South Dakota along US Route 385 between Custer and Hot Springs, Wind Cave has become a place for nature seekers to explore. Unlike most of the National Parks in the system, this is one of the few that is able to be visited without cost to the visitor, although several tours of the caves themselves, along with campground stays, are able to fund the park. Even if spelunking isn't your cup of tea, the prairie is accessible by several walking trails above the ground, along with a few driving roads where wildlife can be seen.
Wind Cave was first discovered by the McDonald family in the late 1800's, when the family moved from Iowa to start their exploration. Alvin McDonald was the main cartographer and guide, and although his life was cut very short by typhoid fever, his contribution has one that is still enjoyed today. The caves themselves seemed endless according to one of Alvin's final journal entries, but there are five designated cave trails today of varying difficulties are available for the public to explore.
While taking a look around the Prairie Vista, one point of interest is a small yet inaccessible cave entrance with an associated story known as Lakota Emergence. The Lakota people believed that they, along with bison, emerged from this point when each species was in its infancy. The spirits were told not to come forth until the Earth was ready, though some prematurely arrived after giving into temptation, and after suffering from the inability to survive the harsh conditions, were further punished by being transformed into bison. The people who obeyed were then instructed to follow the bison to survive, but the entrance was shrank to what it is today to prevent returning to the spirit world.
So the next time your Internal Compass takes you to Western South Dakota, make a stop at Wind Cave National Park.
If you've ever driven the highways of South Dakota, even so much at the point of barely crossing the border, there's one place you'll see advertised time and time again.
Welcome to Wall Drug, an iconic oasis in the middle of South Dakota. Situated along US 14 and Interstate 90, this place has become a popular stopping point for motorists going between Rapid City and either Pierre or Sioux Falls. Wall Drug began as a simple drug store founded by Ted Hustead in the 1930's. With a simple drug store in a fledgling town suffering from the depression, and Mrs. Hustead unable to sleep from all the tourists driving by, she decided to try something different to help the business. Why not offer them free ice water so long as they stopped at Wall Drug in the hopes of purchasing something else? To help, she made several roadway signs spelling out a "jingle" to attract the drivers. The rest, they say, is history.
Today, Wall Drug is still very much an icon of pride for the city of Wall, the state of South Dakota, and just about anyone seeking to travel this country by road. The drug store still exists, and the backyard is still offering free ice water, although it is now self-served. Several more merchants have brought their western-themed wares to turn Wall Drug into a bustling plaza attracting thousands of tourists daily from all across the country. Perhaps check out the large dinosaur as you enter the city from the east. Have a bite to eat in their restaurant. Check out the shops both within Wall Drug and across the car parking street. Let the children play for a bit in the Wall Drug Backyard at the center of the plaza. Perhaps stop at the chapel for a moment of prayer and reflection. Even if you're only filling up a jug with free ice water, there's something for everyone.
The City of Wall is approximately 50 miles east of Rapid City, 300 miles west of Sioux Falls, and 117 miles southwest of Pierre. As you drive that way, be sure to check out all the different hand painted billboards, from various offerings at the store to how they have been featured on national media. Even the international public have taken themselves to creating their own homemade signs showcasing the distance to Wall Drug, many of which can be found on the walls of the building near the Wall Drug Backyard. The city is so aptly named because of the "wall" seen to the south, otherwise known as Badlands National Park. The city does have an assortment of other amenities, although the drug store is what has placed Wall SD on the map.
So the next time you're Following your Internal Compass, don't despair if the road seems long. Make a stop at Wall Drug.
One more stop awaits us, this time at the Big Sioux State Recreation Area in Brandon, South Dakota. This park is a bit unique in that it lies within a suburb of Sioux Falls along the Big Sioux River, next to a housing development and local schools, a few miles off Interstate 90.
Grounds: Although Big Sioux is within a suburb, you'd never be able to notice it when you're inside the park. Once inside, it feels like a rural setting in the middle of nowhere. Drive a few miles, though, and you're able to resupply, fix your rig, or even make some improvements. The signage isn't the best when driving to the park, but is sufficient once inside.
Sites: The park boasts 50 sites and three cabins in a single campground area. As it's a state park, there's a 14-day limit, back-in only sites, electric only, and a single dump station near the entrance with several water spigots around. The site was fine-to-medium gravel, but there was a little difficulty finding a level spot. The pads were quite spacious, as we were able to extend our awning for the first time in a while. We did notice some fellow campers with larger rigs having difficulty entering their site.
Staff: Just after parking, we were greeted by two very friendly camp hosts who marked the site and provided helpful information without being overbearing. Based on this interaction, coupled with what we saw in the day use area, we could tell they took great pride in the park, and it was a very welcome place to visit.
Amenities: Big Sioux offers fine amenities for the area, including nature trails for hiking and biking, a disc golf course, and playgrounds where the younger campers can enjoy some time. If something else is desired, the city isn't far away, where pools and courts could be accessed. Cell phone signals are a little difficult due to a transmission line running through the park, which is a bit surprising for being within a suburb.
Atmosphere: Even during the very short stay, the fellow campers we saw on the trails seemed like they were having a great time. Some of the campers seemed they were kicking back on their own or finding day use fun elsewhere in the area, yet still had that vibe of "the place to be".
Overall, Big Sioux State Recreation Area becomes the first taxpayer-funded park, and the second since we began this adventure, to receive the illustrious 10 out of 10 rating. Yes, there's the added entrance fee if you don't have the annual pass, but for a relatively short stay, whether you're a casual camper taking a weekend trip, or in between locations as a full-time RVer, it is absolutely worth it. There's a little something for everyone, and what more could you ask for? This is a place where we will definitely return, and should our Internal Compass take us to Eastern South Dakota again, this park will be at the top of the list.
Let's go to Brandon, and play some more disc golf!
We're coming to you, almost live, from the beautiful Big Sioux Recreation Area Nature Trail Disc Golf Course, within the Sioux Falls suburb of Brandon, South Dakota. This is a more difficult course with more hazards, including the Big Sioux River. Again, this is within a state recreation area requiring a fee to enter by one day or annual pass. This course is designed to be challenging yet good for all players, with the front and back nine easily able to be played on separate occasions. The "B" baskets are not standing, forcing players onto the "A" baskets. However, the park was gracious enough to provide scorecards with a map and the "par" rating.
The morning session saw the front nine, this time without the pup. The handicap was in play, where she gets the driver, and he gets the mid-range, with both sharing the putter. Plenty of shots made the tall grass and hit a few trees along the way, but with all that, how did we fare?
Front 9: His holes: 4 Halved: 1 Her holes: 4
Course Record: Him 1 - 1 - 2 Her Holes Record: Him 7 - 9 Her
The front nine saw us going back and forth. Three times she'd win a hole, and three times he'd pull it back even, even with a halved hole in the way. Although unofficial, we decided to keep track of the shots to see how we'd do, and as a result of his terrible first hole, she won the shot count 64-67. This was on a Par 31, so needless to say we'll be sticking to match play for a while. However, with the first nine a draw, what will happen on the back nine?
Back 9: His holes: 5 Halved: 2 Her holes: 2
Course Record: Him 2 - 1 - 2 Her Holes Record: Him 12 - 11 Her
Once again without the pup, after a little more back and forth, along with some terrible hazard luck for him coupled with "tree love" (favorable bounce off a tree) for her on 13, he knew he had to turn it around. However, one shot deep into the rough on 15 and she just wasn't the same, allowing him to take the back nine going away. Unofficially, because of hole 13, he still barely eked out the shot count 57-58 on a Par 30, leaving the entire course to her, 122-124.
However, by all official counts, although he's up one hole in the aggregate, the course record is tied. Which way will it go next time? Find out when we Follow our Internal Compass to the next course.
Time to pack up and head to site number three, the Lake Thompson State Recreation Area in De Smet, South Dakota. This park is on Lake Thompson, a few miles south of Highway 14 in east central South Dakota. Although being a lake in the middle of the country, Lake Thompson has regularly crashing waves and a breeze that will make you think you were near the ocean.
Grounds: Lake Thompson is one of the parks that is a bit off the beaten track, as a paved yet narrow farm road as part of the midwest's famous "grid" is needed to access this place. De Smet isn't too far away if you need to resupply, but don't expect too many largely known brands in this small town. The park is well signed from the highway, as well as within the grounds itself.
Sites: This park boasts 103 campsites, five cabins, and a group lodge within a single campground. As with the other state parks, there is a 14-day limit, back-in sites, and only electric at the site, with a single dump station near the campground entrance and several water spigots throughout the campground and at the dump station. Each site was fine-to-medium gravel and fairly level, although we had to re-hook and adjust our spot due to the winds coming off the lake seeming like they would topple our rig. The 30-amp breaker had its polarity reversed, requiring us to use an electricity alternative.
Staff: The host and maintenance crew were seen now and again, and generally attentive. When we reported the electricity issue to the hosts, they chose a late hour to contact us despite stating in the note to wait until we were gone to fix the plug.
Amenities: Unlike many of the other state parks, Lake Thompson doesn't have as much to offer. There is a swim beach, although the lake is filled with algae to give it a greenish tint, so we had to suffice with long walks while trying to avoid dead fish. There are also walking/biking trails and a few sports court options. Bathhouses and vault toilets were readily available, although the maintenance crew left a sprinkler on in front of the door, leading you to get a shower before and after taking a shower.
Atmosphere: This park had a very friendly vibe, so much to where it was very pleasant to walk the dog around the grounds, or just take a leisurely stroll yourself. The park is relatively family-friendly with kids riding their bikes throughout the area. It's a laid back place where you truly can enjoy yourself.
Overall, Lake Thompson State Recreation Area receives an 8 out of a possible 10 rating. The added entrance fee without annual pass is a usual sticking point. You'd usually expect this to be included as part of the site fees, but given the annual pass and its relatively good deal, it's understandable that the charges are separate, though a bit of "fine print". If there were a couple more amenities or a better kept beach, this would be perfect. We would certainly be willing to return, although we would try to find a site that wasn't on a hill and a little further from the water to protect against the high winds.
The second of the several state parks visited as a part of trip 10 was the Oahe Downstream State Recreation Area in Fort Pierre, South Dakota. The park is located on the Missouri River just off Oahe Dam, built by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1948 to provide hydroelectric power to the area, while completely blocking off the river into two parts without any sort of canal to access the north, and the greenery of the hill makes the water run underground, avoiding the eye-sore of a concrete walled dam. Visitors can use a state highway to traverse the top of the dam and see the northern Missouri.
Grounds: Oahe Downstream is located just a few miles from the state capital of Pierre, and its sister city Fort Pierre. The easiest access is from the Fort Pierre side on Highway 1806 North. Signage from US 14 will mention "Oahe Dam", but the campground is in the same area. Time is quite a debate, as from Fort Pierre all the way north to the next state, the river serves as the border between the Central and Mountain time zones. One of the park's three campgrounds is in Mountain on the west bank, with the other two campgrounds, camp office, and amenities being in Central on a peninsula. Once you get to the park, the areas are easily accessed and well signed, with self-pay stations to handle entrance fees.
Sites: The three campgrounds boast 205 campsites and a dozen cabins. As with the other state parks, there is a 14-day limit, back-in sites, and only electric at the site, with a single dump station near the highway and several water spigots throughout the campground and at the dump station. The rig parking was on pavement and fairly level, although there was a bit of a drop-off to the spacious grass area with the picnic table and fire pit.
Staff: The staff, although there was a rig and golf cart in the campground host area, was effectively non-existent. This seemed to play a large role in an "anything goes" experience that existed around us. Once in a while, a maintenance staffer was seen to clean a restroom or do lawn care, but the park needed more conscientious attention to what was happening, and if it's going to have regulations, the hosts need to at least attempt to enforce them.
Amenities: Bathhouses are available at Oahe Downstream with showers, however there are curtains at the stalls instead of doors, having to go through one stall to get to another. A swim beach exists with waist-high water all the way to the safety buoys. The park also has a marina and disc golf course, and the nearby dam is a good place to visit and go fishing.
Atmosphere: If you're looking to relax and have a quaint, laid back experience, you will be sorely disappointed. The park was filled with large snooty groups, sometimes numbering almost 20 at a single site, nearly blocking the streets with the overflow of vehicles. Many dogs were let loose without leashes despite park policy, leading to our dog being attacked during his walk. The campers were not the best of character, either, as toiletries were stolen from us during a shower due to the lackluster stall setup, later found to be used and tossed by the same grifter that couldn't be bothered to bring their own. Although this was during a weekend where higher occupancy is expected, the campers and guests had little to no respect for their surroundings, especially with a non-existent staff allowing it to happen.
Overall, Oahe Downstream State Recreation Area receives a 4 out of 10 rating. Apart from the issues we had at the campground, as well as the added entrance fee charge without an annual pass, the flushing hose at the dump station didn't work well. The only saving grace for this park from being a complete disaster was the disc golf course. Needless to say, if our Internal Compass brings us to this area again, another park will need to be found, as we will not return to Oahe without significant changes.
It's a wonderful day back at the park, as we are ready to take to our next disc golf course!
Welcome to Powerhouse Alley, located at Oahe Downstream State Recreation Area just outside Fort Pierre, South Dakota. As with most of the state parks, there is an entrance fee required, whether by a one-day or annual pass. This is an easier course that is good for beginners, but the par number of throws is designed for the player with the strong arm. The course is designed for the player to be able to play the front or back 9 and easily head out for something else, or to play all 18 holes at once. The course is well marked with different tees to suit your difficulty rating, as well as an online map to help guide your way. Be careful of traffic driving around while you play.
We spent a morning playing the front 9. This time, we had the pup with us, and his disc of choice was from our "Can Slam" set that he chased while we played with our starter pack, and not once did he try to pick up our discs. Once again, the handicap was in play, and with such a long course, it made things relatively even. The score ended up as such:
Front 9: His holes: 2 Halved: 7 Her holes: 0
Course Record: Him 1 - 1 Her Holes Record: Him 3 - 3 Her
It was a fairly even game without too much break in number of throws, and only a couple times were the discs "brought out" from the rough with even throw penalty so nothing was lost. On the seventh "green", she was nearly able to pull within one after some difficulty with which goal was to be used, but a successful long putt attempt by him was able to halve the hole. A double-or-nothing was offered on the ninth hole to even up the game, but with it being halved, no change was made. Everything is all even-steven, so who will break the deadlock?
Back 9: His holes: 0 Halved: 7 Her holes: 2
Course Record: Him 1 - 2 Her Holes Record: Him 3 - 5 Her
The next morning was a great day for her on the somewhat more challenging back 9, with plenty more hazards. He tried to hold on as best he could, including long putts to halve holes, but in the end it wasn't enough, as she took the final two targets to seal the win and even up the course as a whole. She remains in the lead overall, with a two hole edge.
Be sure to stay tuned for the next time we Follow our Internal Compass to another disc golf course, and see what happens.
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