South Dakota Travel Guide |
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Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota (C. Borland/Photodisc/Getty)
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South Dakota Overview
From the days when the harmony-loving Sioux Nation roamed the northern plains and Lewis and Clark ventured here via the Missouri River, South Dakota has been a land of outdoor adventure and beauty. In fact, one of the country's much-loved writers, Laura Ingalls Wilder, settled here as a child with her family in the late 19th century, and South Dakota became the setting of five of her famous young adult novels. Although venturing out into unknown lands took great leaps of bravery, you can see why the state's verdant lands were an attractive place to dig in, with lush forests and rolling prairies and rivers. As with many frontier states, though, South Dakota's history had its own sad bout of progress clashing with the public good. When gold was discovered in the Black Hills in the 1870s, the push of white settlers overwhelmed the native Sioux tribes, who would not allow mining rights on their land for prospectors. This resulted in the bloody battle of Wounded Knee in 1890. During this struggle, 500 U.S. troops surrounded the Lakota tribe keeping a stronghold on the ore-rich area. After the dust settled, two dozen soldiers and 153 Sioux, including many women and children, lay dead. Today, the site bears a stone monument marking this tragic piece of American history. Knowing how easy it is to lose their culture in the dust, the Sioux Nation has kept its traditional celebrations alive; and visitors can attend powwows, visit museums proudly displaying tribal arts, and see history markers across the country.
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GORPtravel Adventure Trips & Guided Tours
AttractionsEvans Plunge
1145 North River St.
Hot Springs, South Dakota Description: Evans Plunge is the world's largest warm-water indoor swimming pool. Vistors can enjoy three Waterslides, Tarzan Rings, Fun Tubes, Kids Pools, and a full service Health Club.... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
Angostura Recreation Area
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Not Yet Rated
10 miles SE of Hot Springs off US Hwy. 385/18
13157 N. Angostura Rd. Hot Springs, South Dakota 57747 Description: Angostura Reservoir is a recreation area offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary
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14 miles south of Hot Springs off Hwy. 71
P.O. Box 998 Hot Springs, South Dakota 57747 Description: The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary spans 11,000 acres and is home to more than 500 wild horses... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
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