Someone tell me about the weather and driving in South Dakota at the end of November. I've heard some horror stories and just want to get some more info.Also, I'll be driving from Des Moines into Rapid City SD, is that a nice scenic drive? Are there plenty of gas stations and places to stay overnight without needing reservations? What is a better scenic drive---Des Moines to Rapid City or Chicago to Rapid City. I am very concerned about the weather and driving at that time of year. Please reply soon.
November in South Dakota
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You shouldn't have any problem running without reservations. There are plenty of gas stations and services along the way -- so no problem on that count.
The drive is not all that scenic until you cross the Missouri River in SD, which is when it begins to take on that "big western landscape" look. From Chicago, another scenic part of the drive would be the bluff country as you approach LaCrosse, Wisconsin. By the time you're four miles into Minnesota, the scenery is essentially gone for the next several hundred miles.
I have raced snowstorms out of the Black Hills in October, so keep that in mind as you get into the high country past Rapid City. Even if that happens, it's not likely to stick around outside of the hills for more than a day or two, but there are no guarantees that late. Up in the Black Hills, it could remain until March -- you just never know!
Keep in mind that many tourist-type services and even many motels are buttoned up for the season in the Black Hills at that time of year.
I wouldn't necessarily be afraid to plan that drive, but with the understanding that you want to be flexible enough to deal with weather contingencies that could enter into the picture and that you might decide to bail entirely in the face of a major storm.
In November, your best route from Des Moines to Rapid is: I-35 north out of Des Moines to Albert Lea, and then west on I-90 through southern Minnesota and South Dakota to Rapid. You will be on the interstate the entire drive, so there are adequate gas stations, motels and restaurants. You probably will not need reservations, unless there is a storm. Listen to your radio and stop early if there are storm warnings. If you wait to stop, the motel will be filled.
You also asked about the scenery. Although I think southern Minnesota and eastern South Dakota are beautiful, most people would probably think "West River" (west of the Missouri - west of Chamberlain - South Dakota) is the most scenic. The most dramatic view is as you travel west on I-90 and approach the Missouri River at Chamberlain. You will also see deer and antelope along the interstate in western South Dakota.