There are lots of roadside attractions in South Dakota. Traveling along I - 90 you may choose from the giant prairie dog statue, Wall Drug, the Corn Palace, the Reptile Garden and many more. Right in the middle of the state around milepost 264 you will find one of the best attractions. The rest stop features a nature walk, a Lewis and Clark museum, art installations, travel information and clean bathrooms. After you have hit the bathroom, take a stroll along a walking path to the bluff overlooking the Missouri River. The view is spectacular, especially at sunset. Down below you can see where Lewis and Clark and their Corps of Discovery poled and paddled their way up the Missouri River back on September 16th, 1804. Of course many other people had discovered this place thousands of years before Lewis and Clark arrived. Nevertheless it is still a fascinating story which the museum helps explain. Also along the path you will encounter a statue called Dignity: Of Earth & Sky, sculpted by Dale Lamphere. The massive sculpture celebrates courage, perseverance, and wisdom of the Lakota and Dakota people. The sculpture is of a Native American woman. It is composed of hundreds of pieces of stainless steel. At 50 feet tall and 12 tons, it is imposing. If you are heading west the scale of this sculpture sets the stage for your upcoming visit to Mount Rushmore or Crazy Horse stone carvings in the Black Hills.
Take a walk with Birkenstock.
Photo credit: Amber Harden
