Unique Places in South Dakota

Jack McCall shot Wild Bill Hicock in the head while he was playing poker at the No. 10 Saloon in 1876. This is the place where McCall was arrested for his crime. It is along Main street but only a hanging placard marks the location of the event.

The Washington profile is quite stunning to see from the road. The mountain peaks around it, and pine trees. There is a small pull off parking spot that will give you good views.

1/2 mile west on Hwy 244

Harney Peak is a wonderful hike in the Black Hills region. The most popular trailhead begins in Sylvan Lake, which has absolutely stunning scenery. It is a few miles from the lake to the summit, however anyone in decent shape will have no problem with this. At the top is an observation tower, where you will see an incredibly grand sight. The Native Americans regarded the top of this mountain as being very sacred. My hike was made in April, and there was no snow on the trail at that time. I got an early start and had the whole place to myself. It was a little chilly with the wind, so appropriate clothing is needed depending on the season. By far, this has been one of my favorite hikes. You will not regret it. Go to Custer State Park and find Sylvan Lake. Then find the trail to Harney Peak at a parking lot opposite from the lake. This is the highest point in South Dakota.

So it's barely "off the beaten path." Less than half an hour west of Sioux Falls on I-90, there is an artist's outdoor statue display. You have to pay to get in, but I admit I don't know much about it. Kind of a freaky looking thing along the side of the interstate. Keep your eyes peeled. Looking while traveling is good enough for me.

I-90 Exit: Montrose

When driving between the Badlands and the Black Hills, forget Interstate 90, and use Highway 44 between Hermosa and Scenic instead. There's very little traffic, the road is splendid, and the views of the rolling prairies with their tall grasses and the Badland buttes are unparalleled. To my way of thinking, it's one of the great drives in the US, but very, very few people ever do it.

Ghost towns are such a big part of the history in the American West.... small towns that were once thriving due to economy (resorts, mines, railroads, industries, etc.) that are no longer thriving in that way and have as their greater part a significant number of abandoned remains.
At "Four Mile Ghost Town" you can tour the historic town, stagecoach waterhole and stockade where you can touch the artifacts and feel the atmosphere. This ghost town is year round but hours vary. Four miles west of Custer.

South Dakota has a lot of Indian reservations. I drove through one north of Pierre, just across the Missouri river. I don´t know the name anymore. But don´t expect to see too much. It just looks like normal farmland.

Ski/Snowboard Crow Peak in the winter, or hike it during the summer. It is a beautiful area just outside of Spearfish, SD. This is a picture of my cousin, his friend, and myself getting ready for the descent of Crow Peak in December.