South Dakota

Got up early and headed to South Dakota.........First stop was the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD (saw it in the Roadside Attractions book)  An entire building decorated with corn on the outside. Next, headed west to Badlands National Park.  During the trip the landscape really changed - we are really way out west now.There is nothing out here - driving miles without a town in sight. Had to finally stop at a Subway in a gas station for lunch because we were out of our lunch food - and it was packed !! Badlands was awesome - wound up staying a long time hiking, driving the loop road, and seeing some cool wildlife unexpectedly. Saw prairie dogs and then mountain goats. On the way out of the Badlands we made our obligatory stop at the World Famous Wall Drug Store (Also in any roadside attractions book). Saw about 100 billboards along the way and just had to stop for the free ice water and some ice cream.  Finally, headed to Custer, SD where were will be staying for the next 3 days. Passed Mt. Rushmore along the way - we'll make it there tomorrow for sure.