South Dakota
Hello, we are thinking about taking a trip to South Dakota in April, no details planned as yet. Any suggestions would be great, we live in south eastern Wisconsin, so that will be the direction we will be traveling from.
Thanks,
Lea
P.S. we will be traveling with our children, ages 6 and ten at travel time. And we are thinking of renting a van.
specifics
Welcome to the RTA Forum!
How much time do you have for this trip, and what sorts of things are you looking to do along the way?
This thread has a number of ideas about attractions along I-90 between Wisconsin and the Black Hills.
Some ideas
Thanks
Thanks for the quick replies, I am thinking 5-7 days, not sure yet. I did read the field report, and I am going to look at the I-90 thread now. Does anyone know how many hours straight this would take? I'm not planning on doing that, just wondering. I haven't even mapped it out yet, but I will probably do that know too.
A big target
Well, South Dakota is a big state, so it will depend upon where exactly you are going. From Milwaukee, you'd be looking at about 9 hours to Sioux Falls, and another 5 hours or so to Rapid City.
That is of course, assuming that you are sticking to the interstate and only taking minimal breaks. If you stop to see things along the way, or take so scenic two lane routes, you'll need to add additional time.
If you want to get off of I90 for a while and enjoy a two lane road, then you should try old 90 which starts just on this side of Reliance SD and runs through Draper SD. Yes there are a few towns along the way to slow progress down, but it does get you off the interstate for a few hours and gives you a chance to see some of the smaller towns.
Almost every single rest stop along the way has a scenic overlook or a hiking trail so plan on spending a little time at the ones you do decide to hit. A personal favorite of mine is the one right on top of the hill before crossing the Missouri River. The view is fantastic and depending on the weather that day, it can be quite a distance too.
I am hoping to get back out that direction in May of 2009 myself. Enjoy the trip.
a VERY long day
From Madison WI to Rapid City SD, it is about 800 miles. If you only made quick stops for fuel and food and the interesting rest stops galaxie recommends, you'd be looking at about 14-15 hours. Definitely split it over two days.Originally Posted by rayandlea
Last edited by PNW Judy; 09-29-2008 at 12:10 PM. Reason: clarified statement
technically
That would be an interesting route, although technically, I think it would be called Old 16, since I-90 basically replaced US 16 between Western South Dakota and near Austin, Minnesota. Old "US-16" still also exists in Eastern Minnesota and Wisconin labeled now as State Highway 16. They are also nice ways to get a break from the interstate - and at least up until a few years ago, there were still "Wall Drug" signs along the route.
I also agree about the I-90 Rest Areas overlooking the Missouri River, it too is one of my favorites.
I knew someone would come up with the name of that road. Some of my buddies that live out that way just call it old 90. Thanks for the correction Michael.
The last time I was on 16, I did notice two older billboards for Wall Drug, but they were in pretty shabby shape and that was 4 years ago, so who knows if the signs are still there.
Wall Drug Signs
I distinctly remember there used to be a wall drug sign along MN-16 near Hokah, MN, in the far southeast corner of the state. I think it even said something like "only 500 miles to Wall Drug" or something like that. It was my first experience with a wall drug sign as a kid, but I think it might have been removed in after some flooding a couple years ago.
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