South Dakota - Pitstops for Kids

Flyover country road trip: Fun in flyover country

June 7, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

I’m very excited to share that long-time Pit Stops for Kids contributor Kathleen Basi, a proud lifelong resident of “flyover country,” released a road-trip-themed novel this spring, and agreed to share a few places she uncovered in her research. If you’re on a flyover country road trip with kids this summer, check out one or two of these fun stops along the way!

1. Silver Beach Carousel

Online: https://www.silverbeachcarousel.com/2016-06-15-14-44-41/test-menu-item
Where: St. Joseph, Michigan
What: A must-stop if you’re trekking northward with little ones (or not-so-little ones)! Our family discovered this by accident when we got off the highway to let the kids see the Great Lakes for the first time. We were looking for a beach, and we got that–but we also got a carousel and the best spray park we’ve ever seen. In fact, with the additional attractions here, this could turn into much more than a stop along the way!

2. “Castle Park”

Online: https://www.pitstopsforkids.com/southern-illinois-pit-stop-jeremy-rochman-memorial-park/
Where: Carbondale, Illinois
What: If you have young (or even not-so-young) children, plan several hours to let them enjoy this amazing, Dungeons & Dragons-themed park. A dragon big enough to climb on, a castle with thrones, dungeons and secret passages, and countless surprises hidden in the trees and shrubs.

3. Cahokia Mounds (featured in A Song For The Road)

Online: https://cahokiamounds.org/
Where: Collinsville, Illinois (just outside St. Louis)
What: an active archaeological site and 2000+-acre preserve featuring a collection of Native American mounds, including Monks Mound, with a base roughly the same size as the base of the Great Pyramid at Giza. There’s also a top-notch interpretive center.

4. Future birthplace of James T. Kirk

Online: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g38341-d1985332-Reviews-Future_Birthplace_of_James_T_Kirk-Riverside_Iowa.html

Where: Riverside, Iowa
What: Features a statue of the intrepid captain in the park, a model of the Starship Enterprise, and a store-museum.

5. Corn Palace

Online: https://cornpalace.com/
Where: Mitchell, South Dakota
What: a multipurpose arena with domed towers, decorated on the outside by murals made of corn, other grains, and grasses grown in South Dakota. It is redesigned every year, and if you come at the right time you could even see the new mural under construction.

Flyover country road trip: Nine stops you won't want to miss along the road.

6. Gunfighter Wax Museum

Online: http://www.teachershallfamedodgecityks.org/wax-museum.html
Where: Dodge City, KS
What: Housed inside the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame, the name says it all. See life-sized figures of Wyatt Earp, Sitting Bull, Calamity Jane, and more.

7. Taos Pueblo

Online: http://www.fodors.com/news/photos/20-us-places-to-see-before-you-die#!7-taos-pueblo
Where: Taos, New Mexico
What: This UNESCO World Heritage site consists of mud-and-straw adobes that have been occupied by Native Americans for almost a thousand years. Get a glimpse of what life was like when the Spanish first encountered them in the 16th century.

8. UFO Watchtower (featured in A Song For The Road)

Online: https://www.mycoloradoparks.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/colorado-places/ufo-watchtower-colorado/Where: Hooper, Co.
What: a viewing platform, gift shop, and campground in the San Luis Valley, one of the premier UFO-sighting regions. Visitors can stay up all night and watch for mysterious lights in the sky. There’s also a “healing garden” which reportedly has otherworldly connections.

9. Craters of the Moon

Online: https://www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm
Where: Central Idaho
What: a national monument centered around a volcanic debris field in Idaho’s Snake River Plain. There are paved trails and a scenic drive which allow you to see lava tubes, rifts, cones, and many other volcanic features.

The wonders of Wall Drug, South Dakota (in photos)

August 24, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

Have you stopped at Wall Drug, in Wall, South Dakota? If you’ve driven along I-90 in either direction, even hundreds of miles out, you probably have stopped. This fantastical roadside pit stop is absolutely worth a stop, or even a detour, to explore with the kids.

I was lucky enough to meet the third and fourth generation owners of Wall Drug, which is still owned by the original Hustead family. The story of how this sprawling place came to be is as uplifting as the place itself: in the 1930’s, when Wall Drug was the very humble, one-room Hustead Drug Store owned by Ted and Dorothy Hustead, customers were scarce, due to the Depression and drought. Faced with closing their doors, Dorothy Hustead came up with the idea of offering free ice water to passing travelers. She put up a few roadside signs, and the rest is history. Today, roadside advertising is still the #1 way customers find Wall Drug, and trust me, these signs are abundant…and entertaining on the interstate.

You can still get free ice water at Wall Drug, and coffee is still five cents. What else is there? Um…everything? There are departments for Western wear, jewelry, toys, clothing, candy, art, and more. There’s still a working pharmacy, plus a pharmacy museum of sorts, a mining attraction for kids, a play area with water features, a shooting gallery, an arcade, multiple dining options, a soda fountain, and thousands of historic photos of South Dakota history. Prepare to get lost a few times! Honestly, Wall Drug defies explanation, so we’ll show you the place in pictures.

Wondering where to stay while in Wall? Head to Ann’s Motel. This charming throwback to bygone eras of road trip travel lodges is clean and affordable, and best of all, Ann still checks you in with a real key and a friendly smile. Ann’s is just down the street from Wall Drug.

While in the Wall area, definitely head to Badlands National Park!

Black Hills mountain biking for families

August 6, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

The Black Hills of South Dakota never fail to surprise…and impress. This western region of South Dakota is known as the home of Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and of course, for its Wild West history (Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane called the Black Hills home). More recently, however, the Black Hills have been recognized as an emerging mountain biking region, known for its amazing range of trails that includes everything from accessible paths and great beginner terrain for families to more advanced trails for avid bikers . Here’s where to go…

Mickelson Trail

Families looking to add some mountain biking to their Black Hills road trip or vacation should start with the Mickelson Trail. This 109-mile trail curves through several Black Hills historic towns, including Deadwood, Hill City, and Custer. It’s a rail trail, which means it follows an abandoned railroad line, and is therefore a good grade for family riding (in other words, it’s not too steep).

There are 15 trailheads at which you can start your rail trail journey, assuming you’re not going to do the whole thing. Along the way, trestle bridges and rail tunnels add fun for kids, and the scenery is always gorgeous as the trail cuts through the limestone and granite of the Black Hills. It’s easy to follow the Mickelson Trail for a full day, stopping for a nice lunch and some sightseeing en route.

We recommend: Take the section from Hill City to Custer, which is about 15 miles from the Burlington Northern Hill City trailhead to the Harbach Park trailhead in Custer. This map is a useful planning tool.

Alkali Creek Trail

Families who have intermediate riders and are ready for a bigger challenge than the flat Mickelson Trail may want to try Alkali Creek. The entire length of the trail is 18 miles, but there’s not too much elevation gain. From I-90, you’ll want to take exit 34 near Black Hills National Cemetery, turn right (north) and follow the road for about one mile. For a bigger challenge, try Terry Peak, which is located past Deadwood by the Terry Peak Ski Area in the town of Lead.

Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park Trail Network

For families with beginner and intermediate riders who want a trail system that has a bit of everything, and is based close to Rapid City, the Hanson-Larsen network is located just outside town and offers great views of the city. Head up Skyline Drive to find it (park at Founders Park on Omaha), and be ready for some elevation gains and losses. The circuits are short however, allowing families to tailor the length of the ride to suit. Note: The Skyline Drive Trail is located just past Dinosaur Park in Rapid City, but its trails are more advanced.

Where To Rent Bikes

For families not road tripping with their mountain bikes, there are numerous places to rent bikes while on vacation in the Black Hills. We rented bikes at Rabbit Bicycles in Hill City because this shop is directly on the Mickelson Trail, making it very easy to go from renting to riding. They also offer a shuttle service for families who want to go one way on the trail and then be transported back.

Alternatives certainly exist: If you think you’ll want to ride bikes in many locations, and are flying or driving into Rapid City, consider renting at ACME Bicycles or Black Hills Bicycles in Rapid City. We also noted rental locations in Spearfish and Sturgis.

Tip: Make sure everyone in the family has a properly fitting helmet while riding, as well as shin guards and arm pads for single track (not necessary on the Mickelson Trail). We recommend G-Form pads.

This post was written in partnership with Travel South Dakota, and based on my personal experience in the Black Hills region. Interested in traveling to South Dakota? Get a free travel guide!

Black Hills Road Trip Itinerary: Exploring South Dakota’s Wild Side

July 9, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

When families ask me where they can find outdoor adventure, beautiful scenery, American history, and affordable accommodations, the Black Hills of South Dakota are at the top of my list. The first time I visited the Black Hills, I was blown away, and I feel just as passionate about this family-friendly destination today. Located on the western end of the state, the Black Hills are within easy driving distance of Rapid City, or can be accessed via I-90 on a cross-country road trip.

Black Hills Road Trip Itinerary

From Rapid City, your Black Hills road trip should take you about a week, though families could of course take longer if desired. It’s easy to tent or RV camp in the area during the summer months, but a nice aspect of the Black Hills is the availability of affordable travel lodges, roadside motels, and cabins.

Start By Exploring Wild West Towns

Day 1-2: Drive about a hour from Rapid City to Deadwood, home of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock. Parents, you may have seen the HBO show by the same name. Deadwood doesn’t disappoint, with a historic downtown and multiple museums. Stroll the main street, stopping at Saloon 10, where Wild Bill was shot to death by Jack McCall more than a century ago. Kids will enjoy the sawdust on the floor and the historical photos on the walls, and the saloon is open to minors until late evening. Families can also visit the cemetery where Calamity Jane and the others are buried. Stay at any number of affordable Deadwood hotels, augmenting your history tour with some outdoor recreation on the nearby Mickelson Trail, a gravel-paved bike path and rail trail that winds from Deadwood 109 miles through the Black Hills. Read more about Deadwood activities for families.
Day 3: From Deadwood, drive south on Highway 385 to Keystone. This town is best known as the gateway to Mount Rushmore, and as such, is more touristy than historic. Instead of staying the night here, stop to enjoy a few family-friendly activities, like the Rushmore Tramway Adventures, then spend a few hours of the day at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. In the evening, drive on to the small Wild West town of Custer.

Day 4: Families will find lots to do in Custer, starting with the downtown area’s historic buildings and shops. Eat at the Purple Pie Place or Black Hills Burger and Bun (Tripadvisor’s #1 Burger joint in the entire US in 2014, #2 in 2015). For outdoor adventure, 3,000 miles of ATV trails crisscross the Black Hills, and Black Hills ATV Adventures can guide you along some of them just outside of Custer. The Mickelson Trail also goes through Custer and nearby Hill City. Hill City is a good place to rent bikes for the trail for a full or half-day adventure. Stay the night at either Custer Gulch Resort outside of town, or more centrally located Rock Crest Lodge. Read more about Custer activities for families.

Step Into Outdoor Adventure

Day 5: Dedicate this day to exploring Custer State Park, which many believe to be worthy of national park status. This massive park deserves at least two days of your time. It can be accessed from Custer, allowing you to stay in town, or families can camp or stay in cabins within the park. Begin with an overview of the park via the Needles Highway Scenic Drive (part of the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway). Kids will love going through rock wall tunnels and around hairpin turns (take it slow!). Keep your eye out for mountain goats and bison along the drive. Next, check out one of the lakes in the park for some water recreation; Sylvan Lake rents watercraft and has a family-friendly swimming area. After getting some energy out, take the Wildlife Loop Road to see the buffalo corrals and prairie dog town at the other end of the park.
Day 6: The next day, head out on a few hikes. Sturdy hikers will want to tackle Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak), a strenuous seven-mile round trip hike to a lookout tower with exceptional views. The less ambitious can try Cathedral Spires (only three miles round trip) or Badger Clark Historic Trail, which gives an overview of the human history of the park. Read more about Custer State Park.

End In Rapid City

Rapid City is a fun, small city worth exploring for a day in its own right. It has a recently renovated downtown area, fun eateries, and inventive and artsy shops. There’s even a family-friendly pub and winery in a firehouse!

Ready to explore? Sign up for a free vacation guide.

This post was written in partnership with Travel South Dakota. Get more Black Hills travel ideas here.

One day in Badlands National Park itinerary with kids

August 8, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

We were blown away by the beauty and peacefulness of Badlands National Park! During our one day visit, we found ourselves comparing this dry, rugged, and dramatic park to other favorites: it has much of the same feel as Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. However, Badlands adds another element: high prairie wildlife and terrain that will impress in a subtile, almost delicate manner. Here’s what to do with one day in Badlands National Park:

Allow me to explain: while the first thing visitors are likely to notice about the park is its dramatic rock formations and chasms (think of Grand Canyon in miniature, or as one fellow traveler put it, of being a giant hiking in the Grand Canyon), it’s quickly evident that beyond, and in some cases, above, these rock formations, lie plateaus, gulches, and lowlands blooming with sunflowers and wildflowers, harboring prairie dogs and rabbits, and opening up onto prairie grasses. The juxtaposition of dry, cracking rock and flowering plants is stunning.

The park is well-known for fossil finds dating to prehistoric eras, though we learned that dinosaur fossils are not found here. The region was underwater during that time period. Instead, early mammal fossils are found quite regularly, and dig sites can still be active.

How to spend a day at Badlands National Park:

Ready for your Badlands National Park itinerary with kids? Though the park area is quite large, most of the sites and hiking options are in a concentrated area, making this park do-able in a day, if needed. As we always suggest, start at the Badlands visitor center to get your bearings. Here, kids can see a well-made 20-minute video, then tour several rooms of exhibits on the park’s geological history, wildlife, and native history (this is Lakota territory). Stop at the desk and ask for a form on which to document any fossil finds. They can still be spotted in the rock throughout the park, and park scientists depend on visitor documentation to help their research. Cool, right?

After touring the visitor center, take the Badlands Loop Road. Backtrack to the Window Trail and Door Trail parking lot.

Tip: to do this itinerary as described, enter the park via I-90 Exit 131 instead of via Exit 110 near Wall. We suggest this direction because it places families at the visitor center early on.

The Door Trail offers an amazing vista of the canyons of the park, with half a mile of ‘trail’, which is actually rock hopping and free-form hiking from marked post to post (the rock bottom here doesn’t allow for a proper trail). The way is easy enough, but kids can make it more fun by climbing a few short rock formations along the path. The nearby Window Trail consists just of a boardwalk ending in a vista to see a very deep chasm in the canyon. Definitely do both. Note: we hit this trail at sunrise, which rewarded us with beautiful light against the stone.

Accessed from the same parking lot, the short Notch Trail is great for kids who want more climbing, as this 1.5 mile loop descends through the canyon then up a wooden ladder to follow a ledge to a great view of the White River valley. Only proceed on this trail if you’re comfortable with heights.

For those wanting a longer hike, The Castle Trailhead is located just across the street from the Door and Window trails. This trail is 10 miles long, and travels west all the way to the opposite end of the Badlands Loop Road at the Fossil Exhibit. Those wanting to hike 10 miles will need a car to pick them up on the other end. However, thanks to a very user-friendly trail system in the park, it’s possible to hike only a portion of the Castle Trail. Starting at the trailhead at Door, hike a short distance on flat terrain to the junction of the Castle and Medicine Root trails. At this point, families have access to a loop of 4 miles, making the hike around 5.5 miles total, or can opt for an out-and-back for less mileage, turning around at the junction.

Or, do what we did: after seeing Door and Windows, head back on the Badlands Loop Road in your car and stop at the Saddle Pass trailhead. This quarter mile trail connects you to the Medicine Root/Castle Trail loop for a hike of 4.2 miles. The short Saddle Pass section is severely steep as you climb from the valley floor to the top of the ‘wall’, but once there, the terrain is quite flat. Up on this wall while hiking the Medicine Root Loop, you’ll see prairie grasses, sunflowers, wildflowers, and, possibly, snakes and other small animals. There is no shade up here, so plan to accomplish this part of your day in the morning.

Further along the Badlands Loop Road, families will come to the Fossil Exhibit Trail. This boardwalk loop of about half a mile features well-done displays en route, which describe the various fossils found here, and whether these prehistoric animals ended up adapting, moving to a new region, or becoming extinct.

If you depart the park via the Badlands Loop Road toward Wall, you’ll come across many more roadside pull-outs with vistas of this area of the park. It seems to go on and on!

Where to eat:

During your day, definitely stop to eat at the Cedar Pass Lodge. This lodge is modern-looking and new, which didn’t quite seem to fit in with the setting of the national park, but inside, it has a very nice gift shop filled with handmade items and Lakota souvenirs, and a casual cafe that serves wonderful fry bread tacos. These native treats can be ordered with buffalo meat or black beans, and they are huge…two people can definitely share one. And yes, they are very fattening. Enjoy!

Where to stay:

The park does have lodging at Cedar Pass, in the form of very nice cabins overlooking the terrain (and the highway, but it’s no big deal). I did not stay the night on this trip, as the park can definitely be done in one day, but certainly this would be a good option as well.

The park is located along I-90 in South Dakota, near Wall. Make a stop at Wall Drug before or after!

Family guide to Deadwood, South Dakota

June 29, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

We love wild west towns, especially those that are more historical than touristy. While Deadwood, South Dakota is decidedly both, there’s much to appreciate about this historic town booming in western history.

A little background: Deadwood is most famous as the home of Wild Bill Hickok and sheriff Seth Bullock (made even more famous by the HBO series Deadwood). Gold was discovered in the Black Hills at this site in 1875, and in the subsequent boom, Deadwood became one of the most notorious wild west towns. Families can visit the saloon where Bill Hickok was shot to death, visit the graves of Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Bullock, visit museums, and see reenactments.

Note: because the entire town is on the national register of historic places and its rich history in gambling and gaming, Deadwood is still a gaming town. Casinos are present throughout the town. This surprised me, but even though I dislike gaming, it didn’t interfere with my experience too much.

Activities and historical sites:

Reenactments on street: Depending on the time of year, reenactments of shootouts are regularly occurrences on Deadwood’s main street, with characters in period garb. Crowds gather, and the scene only takes about 10 minutes to perform. Catch at least one showing during your visit.

Saloon 10: Yes, it’s a saloon, but until 8 pm each night, it’s kid-friendly. Stop in to see the chair where supposedly Wild Bill Hickok was sitting when shot to death by Jack McCall. Sometimes, reenactments of McCall’s trial are held in the saloon as well. Kids will like the sawdust floor and fun setting with a true wild west bar, and the menu is quite good. Wonderful historic photos line the walls of the saloon, and of course, there’s a small gift shop.

Days of 76 Museum: This museum is located just outside downtown at #18 Seventy-Six Drive. It’s massive, so allow a few hours to explore the exhibits of covered wagons, coaches, carriages, firearms, and native american artifacts. Admission is very affordable at $5.50 for adults and $2.50 for kids.

Historic Adams House and Museum: This historic home and museum at 22 Van Buren near downtown offers house tours and scavenger hunts for kids. It’s fun for everyone to see the inside of Victorian life in Deadwood.

Mt. Mariah Cemetery: There is an admission charge for this cemetery of a few dollars, but it’s well worth it to see graves of Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok, and Potato Creek Johnny. On a walkway further up, you can also see Seth Bullock’s grave. It’s also worth walking along the other grave sites, to note the deep history in the area and a glimpse at the hardships of pioneering life.

If you need more ideas, stop by the History and Information Center one block south of Historic Main Street and pick up a walking tour guidebook. 17 stops are described in detail, marked by plaques, and the brochure does a good job walking families through the sites and history.

Note: the historic ghost tour advertised in Deadwood is very entertaining and interesting, but it is NOT for children, due to graphic details about the town’s history of prostitution (which, interestingly enough, was banned as late as the 1980s.

Hiking:

There are a few great area hikes in the Black Hills right outside Deadwood. Our favorites, due to accessibility:

Mt. Roosevelt to Friendship Tower: Seth Bullock was actually a friend of President Teddy Roosevelt, serving in his Rough Riders. Upon Roosevelt’s death, Bullock built the Friendship Tower to commemorate him. The hike up Mt. Roosevelt is short and easy, and ends at the tower, which you can climb up. The views are great! Find the trailhead on Forest Service Road 133. Take US Highway 85 north out of Deadwood a few miles to the turnoff.

Little Spearfish and Rimrock Trails: Located adjacent to Deadwood in the Spearfish area (near Lead), these trails offer a nice overview of the Black Hills. The Spearfish trail is a six mile loop that’s easy to moderate, and the Rimrock Trail is 4.7 mile, but a bit harder. From Spearfish, take Highway 14A to Savoy, then travel west on Forest Service Road 222 for almost five miles to the trailhead. Biking is allowed.

Biking:

Deadwood is home to the Mickelson Trail, a fantastic rail trail that runs through the Black Hills over 100 miles. It’s easy to access right in town, and bike rentals are available at the Pump House at Mind Blown Studio (which is a great place to visit for lunch and to watch glass blowing, too!). Bike long distance to the town of Rockford, then Hill City if you’re very ambitious, or do what we did, and pedal about five miles out and back for a nice ride. As an alternative, it’s very easy to ride from one side of town to the other in just a few miles, and the entire path through Deadwood is well lighted at night.

How to get around:

Parking is available on the street and in public lots, but in summer, it gets very busy. We recommend taking the town trolley, which is only $1 per ride.

Where to stay:

We stayed at Deadwood Gulch Resort, which is located on the far end of town right on Whitewood Creek. This location is quieter, and still easily accessible to downtown via the trolley. Rooms were simple but clean, and while there’s gaming in the lobby, which I dislike, gaming is unavoidable in this town.

After visiting Deadwood, head to Custer to explore all the offerings in addition to Mt. Rushmore, and to Custer State Park!

Photo credit: Amy Whitley and Flickr/AaronVowels

Five free things to do in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

September 4, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Sioux Falls is a surprising city in many ways: it’s larger than most visiting families would guess, and is well-stocked with family friendly activities and historical sites…many of them cheap or free. Read on for our top five cheap or free things to do in Sioux Falls.

1. Ride the Sioux Falls Trolley

This trolley system works its way from downtown Sioux Falls to the falls themselves at Falls Park. Along the way, families can use the system to access Washington Pavilion, the Old Courthouse Museum, and the downtown shopping district. Hop on the trolly at the Pavilion at :10 after the hour or :40 after the hour, or at the falls on the hour and half hour.

2. View the Light Show on the Falls

Any evening during the summer months, find a comfortable spot on the grass lawn and await twilight, when Sioux Falls’ Light Show guides viewers on a light display storytelling of Sioux Falls’ history, narrated in audio and punctuated by changing colors on the falls themselves. Before the show begins, climb Falls Park’s five-story viewing tower to get a great view of the city and falls.

3. Take the SculptureWalk

SculptureWalk is an exhibit of outdoor sculptures (available for purchase, should you want to make this event considerably less ‘free’!). Most interesting is the fact that the sculptures are rotated out annually, always featuring different artists. From May to September, cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award.

4. View European art

Believe it or not, Sioux Falls is home to Michelangelo’s David and Moses…or at least perfect replicas of them. For kids (and adults) who haven’t seen the real thing, this public exhibit serves as a great educational tool, and is fun for kids to discover for themselves. You can find David at Fawick Park, and Moses at 29th Street and Summit Avenue.

5. Go on a bike ride

Sioux Falls is surrounded by a full loop, easy-access bike and walking path with views of the Big Sioux River, downtown, and more. The Big Sioux River and Recreational Greenway literally wraps around the city. Bring bikes, or take a walk along a potion of the path before or after dinner.

Have you visited Sioux Falls? What family-friendly activities do you recommend?

Best travel experiences of 2015: Our top family trips

December 7, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

In the travel industry, there are a lot of articles and advertising messages that tell parents to hurry up and see it all. Go before they grow up. See it before they’re out of school. You only have X number of years left. While I appreciate the effort to get families out their front door, I urge parents to remember that primarily, travel is about time together, sharing experiences and new places, wherever that may be.

Fun contests like the #LuvRitzSweepstakes get this, and help parents take the pressure off travel and add the fun. After checking out our favorite destinations for 2015, let us know where you’d like to go, for a chance to win $5000 in Southwest gift cards. (More info below!)

In the meantime, here are our top travel experiences for 2015! We logged over 70 travel days in 2015. We visited many good destinations, a few just ok ones, a couple of duds, and a handful of absolutely amazing ones. Picking just five for our top travel picks proved hard, as usual!

Three Bars Ranch, Cranbrook BC:

Snagging the top spot is an all-inclusive dude ranch tucked into the Canadian Rockies. Three Bars Ranch eclipsed even our already high standards when it came to dude ranch vacations (Wyoming’s Triangle X Ranch made our top five in 2014). What made it so special: somehow, the team at Three Bars have managed to find that perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, all wrapped up in a friendly atmosphere. It’s 1/3 summer camp, 1/3 cruise, and 1/3 mountain lodge. A week at Three Bars actually leaves you feeling refreshed, instead of needing ‘a vacation from your vacation’.

Black Hills, South Dakota:

Readers of Pit Stops for Kids know we like our vacations rugged, usually with some mountain air thrown in. I didn’t expect to enjoy South Dakota as much as I did. What made it special: beyond Mt. Rushmore, much more history awaits, ready to be peeled like layers on the proverbial onion. Badlands National Park doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves (think of it as a less crowded Canyonlands), and Custer State Park sports over 1000 buffalo, making us wonder why more families don’t opt to come here in lieu of Yellowstone.

Hanalei, Kauai:

I haven’t met a Hawaiian island I didn’t like, but I fell in love with Kauai. With a less touristy and more artsy feel than any other tropical island I’ve experienced, Kauai also offers some of the best hiking I’ve seen. We recommend basing a stay in the small town of Hanalei (or in a home rental in nearby Princeville), and spending the majority of your vacation on the wilder, rainier North Shore. Hit an authentic farmer’s market, swim, and try surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, or tubing. Check out all our Kauai coverage.

Palm Beach, Florida:

Families on the East Coast wanting sun, sand, and Caribbean waters can find all of the above within an easy flight or drive into West Palm Beaches. (There is something to be said for accessibility!) I liked the way city and ocean meet in West Palm Beach, making it easy to spend a full day in the surf followed by a night out with kids in one of the many open-air restaurants. Plus, there are excellent harbor waters in the area, perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. This part of Florida has interesting history, too: we liked checking out the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. Hands down, stay in a Marriott Vacation Club property like Oceana Palms for the convenience of in-room kitchens.

San Juan Islands, WA:

If you want one location that combines family-friendly activities, outdoor exploration, fine dining, and quaint town life, and you’re on the wrong coast for a visit to Nantucket, head to San Juan Islands, WA. What we love: the natural beauty of the islands, the ferry-entrance, the many state park beaches and coves, the cute towns, and the excellent lodging options. To up your adventure a few notches, book a 2-3 day kayak trip with Crystal Seas.

Honorable mention: Idaho Panhandle

We have to give this awesome region of Idaho a shout-out, because it never fails to surprise us…in great ways! In summer, families can base themselves in either the mountain lake towns of Coeur d’ Alene or Sandpoint, or tuck themselves into the mountains at Kellogg or Wallace. This entire area is rich in mining history and abundant with outdoor opportunities: bike on the newly constructed Hiawatha trail, kayak or swim, or fish. In winter, the skiing is excellent (and affordable) at Silver Mountain and Lookout Pass.

Where would YOU like to go?

Ritz and Southwest Airlines want to know where you want to go and how you enjoy Ritz Crackers. One lucky winner will win $5,000 in Southwest gift cards! Just Tweet or Instagram your response along with #LuvRitzSweepstakes to be entered. (Example: “I want to go to #Dallas for the holidays and enjoy Ritz Mint Thins #LuvRitzSweepstakes”) Personally, the peanut butter, banana, and honey snacks get my vote!

Need more inspiration? Read about our best trips of 2014 and top experiences of 2013!

I partnered with Southwest Airlines and Ritz Crackers on this post. All opinions and destination picks remain my own.

Exploring Custer State Park with kids

September 25, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Haven’t been to Custer State Park? Get ready to be impressed! This state park encompasses 71,000 acres, making it larger than some national parks. In fact, some argue that Custer should be a national park, and after visiting, I agree! Plan to stay at least two nights to see the majority of what this park has to offer, or at least one full day to see some highlights. Here’s how to tackle Custer State Park with kids:

Start with the Needles Highway Scenic Drive:

It’s not often I recommend driving through a park with kids, but Custer’s Needles Highway is breathtaking, and easy to access from the western park entrance at Custer. Plus, it concludes at a great lake and hiking option (more on that later).

After driving past the stockade area and coming into the center of the park, the Needles Highway will head north, winding first through meadows and grassland where you’ll want to keep an eye out for bison. Then, it climbs into the more dramatic, rocky part of the park, taking you through several narrow stone tunnels and opening up on incredible vistas of the Cathedral Spires, Needles Eye, and Little Devil’s Tower. Definitely stop a few times along the way to snap photos (you won’t be able to help yourself), especially after the tunnel that delivers you to Needles Eye. This natural wonder is indeed a rock formation in the shape of a needle’s eye. Hint: mountain goats can often be spotted on the craggy peaks beyond.

Take a hike (or two or three):

Custer State Park is filled with kid-friendly hikes of various mileage and degree of difficulty. We’ll start with what may be the most spectacular:

Harney Peak: Harney Peak has the distinction of being the highest point east of the Rockies (at over 7000 feet elevation). There are several trails that will get you there, marked Trail 9, Trail 4 East, and Trail 4 West. The shortest route to the top of the peak is Trail 9, which is a 3.1 mile (one-way) trail starting at the Sylvan Lake.

The trail is well-maintained, and moderate in difficulty for the first two miles, then gets quite rocky and steep for the final mile. Young kids can absolutely do this hike with the right shoes and the right attitude, and teens will definitely be able to handle it. Most of the way is fairly shaded, but because the final stint is in the open, and because the trail gets very crowded as the day goes on, I highly recommend hitting this trail early in the morning. Pack a picnic lunch to eat at the top, which rewards you with a wonderfully constructed fire tower lookout built by the CCC in the 1930s.

Cathedral Spires: This trail is also a one-way (out and back) deal, and families will see the trailhead right off the Needles Highway. It’s only 1.5 miles long, but strenuous and mostly open. Another to tackle in the first half of the day, the Spires rewards with amazing views and cool rock formations.

Centennial Trail: If you want to try the Centennial Trail, which actually winds 111 miles through the Black Hills from Bear Butte State Park in the north to Wind Cave National Park in the South, 22 miles of it is available within Custer State Park. The French Creek portion is 10 miles one-way, and moderate. It takes hikers through the Narrows, which requires either climbing a 60-foot embankment or wading 100 feet through the creek (way more fun). I recommend doing this trail with kids who are well-adapted to longer hikes and if you have two cars (so you can shuttle). You can do a shorter section of the trail at Badger Hole (approximately 4 miles, but it’s more strenuous).

Badger Clark Historic Trail: For those looking to get out of the car and stretch the legs with an easy loop, this one mile loop offers fun historical background in a pretty setting. The trail is located behind Badger Hole, home of Charles Badger Clark, South Dakota’s first Poet Laureate, and is mostly level, with some short climbs on an even trail.

Go jump in a lake:

Custer State Park is dotted with lovely lakes, all of which offer swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and picnicking.

Sylvan Lake: Sylvan is located near the trailhead for Harney Peak, and has a small marina and a trail circling the lake. There’s a general store and lodging, and while it gets crowded in summer, it can be a great place to spend a warm afternoon after hiking. If Sylvan looks familiar, that may be because it was featured (along with Mt. Rushmore) in National Treasure 2.

Legion Lake: Located toward the center of the park, Legion Lake also has swimming, fishing, and picnicking, plus dining at the lodge. If it’s crowded, try Center Lake, to the north up Needles Highway (turn on South Playhouse Road).

See wildlife:

You may see bison just while driving around the park (in fact, it’s very likely), but there’s also the Buffalo Corrals in the south end of the park to visit, and the Prairie Dog Town. Take the Wildlife Loop Road to easily hit both spots, and whenever you stop to get out of your car to snap photos, keep your eye trained on the rocks for mountain goats. We saw several, thanks to some eagle eyes.

Where to stay:

Custer State Park Resort, privately operated within the park, offers five lodges plus specialty cabins within the park. You can check them all out here, but they generally range from stately and elegant (yet still casual) Sylvan Lake to historic State Game Lodge, ranch-like Blue Bell, modern Creekside, and lake house Legion. All have the convenience of services like stores and casual dining.

If you plan to stay outside the park, I suggest staying in the town of Custer, near the west entrance to the park. I was very comfortable at Rock Crest Lodge. It was located on the highway, but close to town dining and had a nice playground and pool.

Have you been to Custer State Park? What do you recommend?

Beyond Mt. Rushmore: Custer, South Dakota

September 16, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Mt. Rushmore is iconic, monumental, and inspiring. By all means, go and see it. Check out the museum below the viewing platform, and definitely stop for some vanilla ice cream made from Thomas Jefferson’s original recipe. (The shop is located directly in the monument cafeteria.) After you’ve crossed this landmark off your list, however, you’ll find an array of outdoor, active things to do in Custer, South Dakota and the surrounding area.

Custer State Park:

First and foremost, spend at least a day (two is even better) in Custer State Park. See our full post all about this fantastic park. (Coming soon!)

ATV riding:

Take to the 3,000 miles of ATV trails traversing the Black Hills. We toured the area with Black Hills ATV Adventures, starting at Custer Gulch resort…a private campground outside Custer with trails directly from the campground. Families can rent two or four-person UTVs (buggy-like vehicles with full harnesses and seats) for full or half-days. Trail maps are available on-site, and trails are wide and well maintained. We saw the rural outskirts of Custer this way, and loved checking out the area’s many well-kept ranches and homesteads. The UTVs were stable and safe, and easy and fun to drive. In some areas of trail, it’s possible to drive up to 50 mph. Rentals start at $225 for a four-seat UTV for a family for half-day, and may well be worth becoming your ‘big splurge’ attraction, provided you’re comfortable with driving.

Bringing your own ATVs or UTVs? Start here for more information on permits and trails.

Biking on Mickelson Trail:

This rail trail runs over 100 miles from Deadwood to the Southern hills, and goes right through Custer. Ride a few miles down and back to get a sampling of the trail, as we did with a free morning, or tackle a larger portion of the trail to and from Hill City or Pringle. To access the trail in Custer, just head across the street from the Chamber of Commerce, downtown. The trail is highly interesting to kids, as it goes over bridges and through rail tunnels.

Maps are available in the Chamber building, and rentals can be found at Frontier Photos in Custer or Rabbit Bike in Hill City. Note: you’ll need a trail pass, which is only a few dollars and available at the Chamber.

Aerial Park in Keystone:

There’s a reason this post is centered around the town of Custer instead of the town of Keystone. Keystone is closer to Mt. Rushmore, and as such, we found it far more touristy and busy than its neighbor, Custer. This said, the aerial ropes course park at Rushmore Tramway Adventures is worth the stop into Keystone. And afterward, if you’re in the mood for some fun souvenir shopping, take a stroll along Keystone’s kitchy downtown district for t-shirts and such. Prices start at $29 for kids, which is a good deal with over 80 elements to try.

Helicopter ride with Black Hills Aerial Adventure:

If it’s in your budget, seeing the Black Hills, Mt. Rushmore, and Custer State Park from the air is absolutely spectacular. We tried this the day we entered the Custer area, and it made for a wonderful introduction to the region. We saw the top of Harney Peak, which we planned to hike the following day, herds of bison, plus an elk and mountain goat, Sylvan Lake, the Crazy Horse memorial in progress, the towns of Custer and Hill City and the Mickelson Trail, and Mt. Rushmore. I had never seen Mt. Rushmore before, and seeing for the first time via helicopter was a very unique way to do it!

Black Hills Aerial Adventure has seven helicopters to use, which means that families can likely ride together, or if not, two helicopters can go simultaneously, so family groups can still enjoy flights at the same time…a big convenience if you’ve ever tried to schedule scenic flights.

There are multiple flight packages to choose from; we chose the package that included all the sights above, but we could have downgraded and not seen Mt. Rushmore (if perhaps you’ve seen it). Check out flight options and pricing. The heliport is located at 24564 US Highway 16 in Custer.

Where to eat in Custer:

We found downtown Custer to be easily walkable and kid-friendly, with bison sculptures on the corners (don’t climb them, but admire their paint jobs) and pedestrian-friendly walkways. We ate a great meal at Bitter Esters Brewhouse, located at 607 Mt. Rushmore Road. This restaurant has local brews on tap, brewed on-site, and kid-friendly selections as well. Absolutely indulge in a plate of their potato chip nachos for a starter! Though we didn’t get a chance to try it, Black Hills Burger and Bun Co was also recommended to us.

If you have room for pie, head to the Purple Pie Place just down the street. You can’t miss it…the farmhouse-type building is bright purple. They have multiple flavors of pie always at the ready, plus ice cream and sundaes.

Just outside Custer in Hill City, Prairie Berry Winery and Miner’s Brewery are deserving of a dedicated afternoon or lunch stop. Prairie Berry specializes in berry and fruit wines (their Red Ass Rhubarb is quite famous in the area), and their free tasting is very fun. Kids are welcome, and there are even some toys and games set aside for their use while parents are tasting wines. Sandwiches and soups are available for lunch, and just next door, Miner’s brewery offers up great brews on tap, made on-site.

Where to stay in Custer:

Head to Rock Crest Lodge, located at 15 West Mt. Rushmore Road (just at the edge of town). This roadside upscale motel has rooms and cabins available, plus a nice outdoor pool and playground. I stayed in a roomy cabin with a single bedroom/kitchenette with dining table and bathroom. It had a microwave, sink, and mini-fridge, but no oven or stovetop. However, cabins vary, and some do have full kitchens and multiple bedrooms. This page offers a full list.

We explored the Custer area as guests of the chamber office, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain our own.