rolling_rhoda wrote:
Badlands NP is two hours from Mt. Rushmore. It's stark and beautiful with scenic short hikes. A drive through takes about 90 minutes. However, the NP campground would be a good place to overnight and take in a ranger-led night sky program with the kiddos.
For family-oriented prairie pioneer history, DeSmet, SD is well worth leaving the interstate. If you are acquainted with the "Little House on the Prairie" TV show, it's based on books that Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote about her childhood. Five of the books are about her life in DeSmet. The Laura Ingalls Wilder home tours are led by good story-tellers. You'll find lots of hands-on activities and a campground at the Ingalls Homestead
Depending on your family's interests and time, you may have to make choices for this part of your trip.
The night sky thing is right up the kid's alley. There's something about walking around at night that fascinates them.
I'm really glad that you mentioned Little House. I think I'll keep this as a surprise for them all - we LOVE Little House. We have every episode on DVD and to be able to see it in person will be great.
