S. Dakota and Nebraska
#2
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We've lived in South Dakota for 45 years and are familiar with the state from border to border. Clearly, the Black Hills of Western SD are the main attraction for travelers. Everybody knows about Mt. Rushmore and I never get bored with the awesome carving. The Crazy Horse mountain carving (in progress) is nearby. If you are interested in buffalo in a natural setting, take a drive through Custer State Park. The roads are narrow and winding, but beautiful.
In the northern Black Hills, there are two places to check out. Historic Deadwood has been tranformed into pretty much a casino town. If that doesn't appeal to you, don't waste a lot of time trying to find what's left of the historic saloons and wild west history. I'd highly recommend a drive through Spearfish Canyon. September is the perfect time to see the aspen trees change color and this Canyon is the best place to witness the change of seasons.
It's not hard to find a place to stay after Labor Day weekend. Rapid City has the most hotels. There are also lots of places to stay in Spearfish and Deadwood. If you are into something rustic, but comfortable, rent a cabin in Custer State Park. They're newer units and you'll enjoy the pine smell and cool breeze.
In the northern Black Hills, there are two places to check out. Historic Deadwood has been tranformed into pretty much a casino town. If that doesn't appeal to you, don't waste a lot of time trying to find what's left of the historic saloons and wild west history. I'd highly recommend a drive through Spearfish Canyon. September is the perfect time to see the aspen trees change color and this Canyon is the best place to witness the change of seasons.
It's not hard to find a place to stay after Labor Day weekend. Rapid City has the most hotels. There are also lots of places to stay in Spearfish and Deadwood. If you are into something rustic, but comfortable, rent a cabin in Custer State Park. They're newer units and you'll enjoy the pine smell and cool breeze.
#3
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I used to go to Nebraska to visit my grandparents in the 50s. It is great if you know someone with a farm to visit, but not much there otherwise. Pioneer Village in Minden, Nebraska (if it is still there) was interesting,with a sod house like those early settlers lived in. It really is lovely to look across endless wheat or corn fields, and I have wonderful memories of being a child on the farm for 2 weeks a year. Not much of a tourist mecca, though it has some lovely small towns and certainly is a different part of America. Maybe you could make a connection for a short farm visit through 4H Clubs of America, or the University of Nebraska.
#4
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Don't miss the Henry Doorly Zoo. Besides the regular zoo there is an indoor rain forest, IMAX theater and an awesome aquarium. Another interesting place is the SAC Muesum just outside of Omaha. It's a new facility and my kids really enjoyed seeing the planes in the hangers you can walk through.
#6
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hi...i'm from nebr and i would suggest the following: Omaha...Joslyn art center. perhaps the most magnificent art center for any city of this size anywhere in the country. very good collections. In Lincoln, the capitol building. Encyclopedia Brittanica used to list it as the 3rd archetectural worder of the world. The northwestern part of the state, the sandhills is miles and miles of rolling grass hills, boring to some, beautiful to me. quaint small towns that haven't changed much in 100 years.
SAC air museum between lincoln and omaha. lodging is easy to find and reasonable. lots of people pass thru the state on the freeway (we like that) so you may have to venture off the freeway a bit but you should'nt have trouble finding lodging.
SAC air museum between lincoln and omaha. lodging is easy to find and reasonable. lots of people pass thru the state on the freeway (we like that) so you may have to venture off the freeway a bit but you should'nt have trouble finding lodging.