Hearts in Hawai'i
Our Trip to South Dakota (2023)--Day 4
9/12/2023
Badlands National Park
This was the day and the activity we were really looking forward to, touring Badlands National Park--specifically, the Badlands Scenic Loop Byway which starts (we went east to west) at exit 131 near the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site (gotta see that on our next trip!) and ends at exit 110 (Wall Drug). Along this route (SD 240) were 13 overlooks, some with trails, and some requiring a very short walk from your vehicle. We managed to stop at all 13 stops and saw some magnificent vistas in the process. Hiking the Door and Window Trails was a special treat, despite my knees preventing my being able to go up or down steep trails. This drive took us four hours from start to finish which is lengthy considering the loop drive is only 32 miles. Take your time if you go! There are all kinds of scenic overlooks and trails to hike.
The entry fee is $30 for a vehicle, and it's money well spent.
Patty at the Big Badlands overlook, a stellar start to our tour
Big Badlands Overlook
Big Badlands Overlook
Door & Window Trails
Door & Window Trails
Door & Window Trails
near the White River Valley
near the White River Valley
near the White River Valley
White River Valley Overlook
This is how the Great Plains once looked
Between White River and Conata Overlook
Conata Basin
Conata Basin
Yellow Mounds
Pinnacles
Tonight's dinner was an attempt to satisfy our pizza craving, and we wound up at Pauly's Pizzeria. As always, we will compare our vacation meals to similar type places in the Duluth area. In this case, Pauly's measured up well; while not in the same class as Sammy's Pizza or Shamrock Pizza, it was still excellent. We ordered a 16-inch pie with sausage, pepperoni, red onions and mushroom. We only managed to finish off half this pizza and the rest went back to our hotel room where it became a late night snack over the next couple days.
Excellent pizza at Pauly's
Once again, without having a nap and having walked a good deal on various Badlands trails, I was out like a light by 9 p.m. Very unusual for me since I'm a night owl!
Previous: 9/11/2023--Our Trip To South Dakota (2023)--Day 3
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last updated september 24, 2023
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