South Dakota- Badlands and 1880 Town

Our day trip to the Badlands and the world famous Wall Drug ended up being a very long day.  While having lunch at Wall Drug a couple we were sharing the table with told us about 1880 Town so we decided it would be worth the time and extra miles to go check it out. 

Our first stop was at Wall Drug Store .  The history of the store began with free ice water.  It is a very interesting story so just click on the link above, you will be glad you did.  Just as it is told in  the history of the store the signs along the highways are seen all over the area.  The store has grown to 76,000 square feet and is the #1 Roadside Attraction in America.

We drove to Murdo, South Dakota to see life in the past at 1880 Town.  Movie props from the movie Dances with Wolves are on display in 1880 Town.  A short show in the Longhorn Saloon put a nice ending to our stop.

Finally we arrive at the Badlands National Park. The White River Badlands are one of the best places in the world to study and understand the effects of erosion.  It was amazing to see the jagged peaks and rugged cliffs on one side of the road and prairie land on the other side.   We decided to take the unpaved  Sage Creek Rim Road to exit the park and we were so glad we did.  Just when we thought we had seen it all we were constantly blown away as we rounded the next curve.

Wall Drug gives away an estimated 5,000 glasses of ice water every day during the summer.

The main street in Wall, SD. 

Inside Wall Drug - this place is huge

First time to see this.

The Badlands National Park covers 244,300 acres.

Not a good sign to come up on while wearing flip-flops.

The Badlands have vibrant colors caused by mineral deposits.

The next several pictures show the colors and different formations that give the appearance of castles in the Badlands.

This area is known as the Yellow Mounds

Shedding the winter coat.

One of a few bison we saw in the Badlands.

Roberts Prairie Dog Town-this area looked like wide open land until we looked a little closer and saw all the prairie dogs sitting up, running around chasing each other or just playing.  They were fun to watch.

The landscape begins to change as we start making our way out of the park.



This was picture perfect. 

The sky as we were leaving the Badlands.



Tipi from the movie Dances with Wolves-the next few pictures are of other props used in the movie.

In the skinned buffalo scene a passerby called the police during the filming and they showed up with guns drawn ready to arrest the crew for poaching.  After a few explanations the cops left laughing.

I had to take this picture for my cousins that attended Dry Creek school in Louisiana.

This reminded me of the TV show Petticoat Junction.

These flowers were in front of the Longhorn Saloon.

The McNasty Brothers.  The children really enjoyed being part of the show.

Playing on their phones between their performances.  A little odd looking.

I am always curious about the Post Offices of the past.  My dad was a letter carrier for 30 years so I guess it is just a way to take a few minutes to honor and reflect back on his career.

It was almost like I could hear his comments.

Thought I would go ahead an issue a warrant for Terry while in the Marshall's office.

As we left 1880 Town along the shoulder of the interstate they were baling hay.  That is what I would say is making use of all their resources.