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South Dakota's (Few) Non Tourist Traps
Filed in archive Hidden Gems by Josh Lew on September 23, 2007
South Dakota's (Few) Non Tourist Traps

The Black Hills of South Dakota are known for the gold that was discovered there during the 19th century. The stories of this period were recently given a retelling by the makers of the violent, but supposedly true-to-life, HBO series Deadwood.

Rapid City, the main town in today's Black Hills, bears little resemblance to the Wild West. Most of the economy these days is geared towards the tourist industry. Even Deadwood is mostly made up of RV parks and casino buffets these days. The stories of the past are celebrated, but mostly as a means to get tourist dollars.

Mount Rushmore is in the Black Hills. The gigantic likenesses of America's founding fathers are quite a sight. They are impressive for their sheer size and the skills it must have taken to make them, if not for their patriotic significance.

For those not content to shuffle from casino to gold shop to water-slide, the Black Hills' natural sites are a boon. Custer State Park is home to windy, pine-lined roads, wild bison, bears, and scenic vistas. South Dakota's badlands offer a harsh but beautiful landscape. There is also a national forest in the Black Hills. A day at one of these places will make you appreciate the rugged beauty of this land. And you won't be pressured to buy anything (though there are some friendly wild donkeys in Custer State Park that may stick their noses in your window in search of a snack.


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Tags: South  Dakota  Rapid  City  Tourism  Rushmore  Parks  Nature  Bison  Bears  Gold  Deadwood  Gambling  Travel  sigh 
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