L&K Take America

How the heck has no one ever told me how beautiful South Dakota is??? I feel like it’s a secret that people will nonchalantly be like, “oh yeah, I didn’t tell you that?” when I ask, when really they want to keep it a secret so they intentionally didn’t tell me. You know the feeling, tone and shifty eyes that people make in those situations.

Well, I’m willing to share. South Dakota is amazing. But before you get there from Wisconsin, you travel through Minnesota. I didn’t stay in Minnesota, but what I was able to see of this “flyover state” was also very beautiful. The terrain was decorated with picturesque windmill farms and sunflower fields as far as the eye can see. I obviously stopped to see the Jolly Green Giant, which happens to mark the halfway point across Interstate 90, which is the longest highway stretching from coast to coast in the US.

The drive from Hayward, Wisconsin to Sioux Falls, South Dakota was about 383 miles which should have taken about 6.5 hours. However, there was some heavy rain and a little traffic, so with stops it took me a little closer to 7.5-8 hours. However, we did make it to Sioux Falls before sunset, in time to set up camp and go the the Falls. Really really pretty, well kept and great grass (which was the highlight for Luna since I wouldn’t allow her to roll in the goose poo).

 

The city of Sioux Falls itself is adorable AND super dog friendly. Luna and I ventured downtown after the Falls to find somewhere to eat and found so many adorable little restaurants and shops. We decided to try to go into a restaurant called Bros Brasserie. When I went in with Luna and asked if I could eat with her on the patio, they looked at me like it was a stupid question and walked us right through the restaurant to the patio where there was live music, great food and amazing service. It was exactly what we needed after a long day of driving.

One regret I have in Sioux Falls is that I wasn’t there early enough to shop the local art that was on the walls of the restaurant.

Upon checking into our campsite, they gave me an extra piece to the welcome speel…the location of the tornado shelter. Eek! This is not something I’m accustomed to, but suppose it’s necessary.

Tomorrow we will travel to the other side of South Dakota, but there are SO many things to see along the way. It will be another long travel day, but if it’s anything like today, it will be worth it!

Lesson of the day: Always leave time for the art.