mp

My husband and I are roadtripping to Ketchum id and we want to check out the Badlands, Mt Rushmore, Wounded Knee, etc. We would like to drive straight to SD and rest, wake up and tour - then keep going. I would also like to see a real Indian reservation with real Native Americans. I know it sounds hokie, but I would truly like to meet the people who really know how we are supposed to live here - and support trade by purchasing tuqoise jewelry. Any tips would be great..<BR>thanx. mp<BR>

Tricia

Hi mp,<BR>My husband & I did a similar trip, admittedly, 20 years ago.<BR>You will be surprised to see the Native Americans selling their wares right along the roads. I will never forget spotting them for the first time.<BR>There will be many styles of jewelry and hair accessories to choose from. You will also see Black Hills gold for sale. We're going again this summer ~ this time w/sons. Can't wait to share this travel experience with them!<BR>We have done a bit of travelling since then, but this road trip out west remains our favorite. You'll love the Badlands. Have a great trip!

susie

MP. Check Mt Rushmore in the text search and you will find lot of valuable info already posted.

diane

Not to be too hard on you, but you're right - it sounds VERY hokie!!! Native Americans don't have all the answers as to how to live, as does any other nationality. Many families are hindered by poverty, alcoholism, single motherhood, etc. on the reservations. Many others have made a fine life for themselves with good educations, out of respect for their heritage. There is nothing special to see about a reservation - it's just a large parcel of land (can include several small towns) where people live - period. As for turquoise jewelry - wrong state and tribe; try Southwest USA for that. As for the post about selling alongside the road - maybe 20 yrs ago, but in all the times I've been down the road in South Dakota at least the past 10 yrs, I've NEVER seen that!!! Now for the tips - you will probably meet Native Americans just in your travels, perhaps serving you in a restaurant, or a store clerk, as a park ranger, etc. They are not an attraction to be "seen". You don't say how long you want to spend in the area - you could easily spend a week, and not touch on everything. If time is short, I would concentrate on the Mt. Rushmore/Rapid City area for attactions/natural scenery. If interested in Native Americans, plan to see the Crazy Horse Memorial being done (on the order of Mt. Rushmore), and ask at the many tourist centers for museums/crafts in that area. I know that pottery unique to the area is a great purchase to make; I'm sure you'll find several shops to help you find local art. Also - the Black Hills Gold jewelry is unique to the area; the "real" deal should have well-defined carving and good color to the leaves. Knockoffs have become common; stick to the reputable jewelers instead of the sidewalk sales.

Marsha

Check out the South Dakota Department of Tourism website at www.travelsd.com. It will have some good ideas on where to go and what to do. With regards to seeing Native Americans, I've never seen anyone selling their artifacts alongside the road here in South Dakota. I agree that Crazy Horse would be a good place to include in your itinerary. There also are many pow-wows on the different reservations during the summer. Run a search or call the SD Department of Tourism and they may have some dates and locations.