Nothing about moving is fun. Less than nothing about moving is fun when you have kids to consider. Once we got beyond the dreadful processes of packing, selling things, loading the POD, life started to look up. We painstakingly began our trek: from East to West, Virginia to Idaho, ocean to mountains. We totally loaded down the car, strapping two bikes to the back of our car and an extra storage compartment on top. Don’t even bring up our gas mileage. Our odyssey began with a one-hour standstill stop on the interstate soon after leaving Virginia (with us departing five hours late as it was). We had made a much too quick stop at the St. Louis Gateway Arch the previous day. Now we drove through torrential rain all the long way into South Dakota before collapsing at the end of yet another exhausting day.
South Dakota Impressions
As much as we appreciated our hurried visit to the Arch, we were ready for the incredible natural beauty that South Dakota provides. After our two-day visit to this state, I would probably not be the first to say that many grossly underestimate South Dakota. It offers any family so much. Unfortunately, we barely scratched the surface. That could only mean that a return visit might be in order, although perhaps when we are less loaded down.
Entering the Badlands
Our America the Beautiful annual pass in hand (a worthwhile $80 investment), we drove through the entrance into the incomparable Badlands National Park. Wow! Some of the best, most gorgeous views treated our eyes right near the entrance. Don’t drive past the first parking area; your most quintessential Badlands pictures might just be taken in this spot. No waiting necessary to snap your next Christmas card family photo.
Of course the “best” is a relative term, as there really is no “worst.” Barren beauty surrounded us our entire visit. After hours and hours (did I mention more hours?) in the car, the stark ruggedness of the landscape rejuvenated our exhaustion.
Meeting the “Locals”
The scenery and hiking alone would’ve been enough to add up to one stunningly memorable day. But then our visit only improved as farther down the road we began to meet the four-legged locals.
All too soon, exited the park on our way to Rapid City. Goodbye, Badlands. We couldn’t have asked more of you. You were a sight for sorry eyes. Till next time!
So cool, your photos are beautiful and I love all the wildlife you captured!
Love the pictures! Just saw the St. Louis arch for the first time, wish I would have journeyed here!
Funny name for such an awesome place. I love your adventure there!
The first trip I ever took as an adult was to the Badlands. It’s really such a beautiful place and your photos were so fun to look at! I can’t imagine moving across country with kids, but it looks like you were able to enjoy the scenery. Idaho is such a change from Virginia!
Yes, Idaho is certainly a major change! Although Idaho is beautiful, we do miss the beach.
I remember that we took a trip to the Badlands years ago when I was much (much!) younger. It was beautiful then and it looks like it has remained that way. Thanks for sharing your trip.
Wow, finding that sunflower like that is so cool! I love all of the animals too. Is it always like that or were you lucky!
I’m not sure about the animals, but I’m thinking that herd of sheep is always around somewhere. But maybe not quite so close up? I’d like to think we were lucky, anyway!
I live visiting the Badlands.. the bighorn sheep are so big there and it beautiful to see them! I have never seen a sunflower! Amazing pictures!
We loved visiting the Badlands. We actually just went last month. We think South Dakota is so beautiful!
Great post! I’m excited to go through the Badlands in just a couple of weeks!
That is terrific! You will love it.
I’ve never been to South Dakota, looks like an amazing trip for the family!
We are moving from Virginia to Colorado at the end of September. I’m thinking a slow journey across the country might be a great idea.
We have something similar in Canada in Alberta….beautiful landscape.
Haven’t been to the Badlands, but I’ve been ‘through’ SD a few times on cross-country trips. We’ll be taking another trip next spring/summer, so we may have to make plans to stay awhile.
What a fun trip. Your kids must have had a blast. Seeing all the wildlife and getting out in nature is such an amazing experience! Great photos too!
Note to self…make sure you have a full tank of gas before entering the badlands! We realized we were on fumes about 3/4 of the way through…no gas stations…ah!!!! It was great fun! We enjoyed the badlands…just had to leave really quickly!
How beautiful!!
Oh my gosh you saw a bison? That’s awesome. I’ve always wanted to see the Badlands. It’s so mysterious the way it’s so desolate, yet not flat like a desert. It’s always intrigued me.
I never realized how big the head of a buffalo is until I saw one up close. They really are magnificent!
Wow that is beautiful country. Love the classic Prairie Dog photo!
We were in South Dakota last fall but didn’t make it to the Badlands. Now I’m wishing we would’ve.
I absolutely love South Dakota and the Badlands. I jokingly tell my parents that our ancestors didn’t move quite far enough west. The Badlands are one of my favorite places. I have been there numerous times over the years and no matter how many times I have been there I never get bored of seeing them. Thanks for sharing.
You did a good job giving South Dakota some of the publicity it deserves. Too often North and South Dakota are the joke states because so few are familiar with them.
We’ll be there next week and I can’t wait! It’ll be the first time for my husband and I.
Sounds and looks like an awesome place.
Great shots of a beautiful, stark area. The contrasts are amazing.
The prairie dogs are adorable, lol. The rock formations are pretty impressive as well.
This looks beautiful! I’m not overly familiar with the area but definitely it peaks my interest!
Great post! This is definitely next on my road trip list.
We skirted the badlands when in the area and saw of of this wildlife as well. The wildlife is always my favorite.
Would love to visit the badlands someday! Great pics!
Such a great day exploring!!! When we moved to Alaska, we didn’t stop and explore. We will need to do this on the next trip.
The Badlands are so beautiful! I really need to visit this part of the US.