Comments for South Dakota Tourism

Comment on The Roo Ranch – Deadwood, South Dakota by Barb

Barb — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 04:21:16 +0000

Checking out this website/attraction to plan for when my son and his kids are here and had to read the critiques.
I do believe that when you expose yourself to wild animals you take risks. And the mother possibly should have been more vigiliant. Having said that, an incident DID happen, the staff should have responded immediately by assisting to remove the animal, then make sure the child’s wounds were looked after appropriately. And very definately an apology.
Really great PR would’ve been to give a partial refund.
For the staff not to respond at all is negligent in the extreme and sets themselves up for a lawsuit.
These owners need to rethink and have an action plan for any incident that should arise like this in order to do damage control. One; because it’s the right thing to do, two; because they need to have consistancy with staff in dealing with issues, and three, they need to take ANY injury seriously.
My grandkids are 6 and 8, but after reading this not sure we will be visiting.

Comment on Badlands Petrified Gardens – Kadoka, South Dakota by Judy

Judy — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:59:24 +0000

Good definition of petrified wood, except for one thing — “150 million years ago”. In actuality, due to flaws and difficulties in dating methods, no one really knows how old the petrified forest is. Since we have seen examples of petrifaction that occurred in less than 1000 years, the age of the petrified forest could be about anything. If there were a large flood, for example, petrifaction would have occurred over a very short period of time.

Comment on Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper & Show – Rapid City, SD by Colleen

Colleen — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:07:32 +0000

Very fun. The food was good and the entertainment great! Walking around the set and seeing the workshops was fun also. We came home with a Fort Hays tin plate and a unique photo taken that looked like we were on Mt. Rushmore too. Great fun! Welcoming people everywhere we went.

Comment on The Roo Ranch – Deadwood, South Dakota by Sharon

Sharon — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:10:37 +0000

I take my foster children, grandchildren and nieces to the ROO ranch every year, at least six to eight children at a time. Never has this type of incident happen with the Roo’s in all the years that we have gone. I have taken them as young as two or three years of age. An animal will sense if one is nervous around them to. I agree though the Roo was no doubt wanting to give the child a hug as they have done with my children. I will continue to take my children there as well as tell people about this wonderful place in the Black Hills area. What did the lady want the people at the Roo ranch to do? A scratch is a scratch, you go clean it up put some antibiotic on it and make sure it stays clean. As for saving your money it is one of the cheapest sites out there to see besides Mt. Rushmore, besides that, the children can pet and hold a roo. Again, why would you put a one year old in a pen with an animal that big?

Comment on Gavins Point Dam – Yankton, South Dakota by dustin

dustin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:52:56 +0000

what secret was there about this dam when it was being built?

Comment on Gavins Point Dam – Yankton, South Dakota by Editor

Editor — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 23:41:52 +0000

It was built between 1952 and 1957.

Comment on Gavins Point Dam – Yankton, South Dakota by dustin

dustin — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:53:32 +0000

i want to ask a question. When was the Gavin’s Point Dam finished.

Comment on Devil’s Gulch – Garretson, South Dakota by Redgirl3

Redgirl3 — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:05:47 +0000

Beautiful location- esp. in summer. The rocky landscape almost seems out of place for easter SD. A hidden treasure.

Comment on Historic Prairie Village – Madison, South Dakota by Claire Anne

Claire Anne — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:59:18 +0000

Been Here, It is REALLY fun!!!!! I’m going to go again!

Comment on Wounded Knee Museum – Wall, South Dakota by John Swaim

John Swaim — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:39:31 +0000

A great story of what happened to the Native peoples not just at wounded Knee but over the hundresd of years of treaties broken and land taken. Sad, but true.

Comment on Buffalo Roundup and Buffalo Arts Festival – Custer, South Dakota by Editor

Editor — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:12:21 +0000

Make sure you stop and see the Crazy Horse exhibit. It is outstanding.

Comment on Buffalo Roundup and Buffalo Arts Festival – Custer, South Dakota by Editor

Editor — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:11:47 +0000

The 2010 Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival will be September 27, 2010.
Please be aware that they do not let people ride with the roundup under normal circumstances so you would need to contact the Custer State Park staff for informaiton about what is allowed and what is not.

Comment on W.H. Over Museum – Vermillion, South Dakota by Editor

Editor — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:09:15 +0000

They do not have an email contact so you will need to call them at 605-677-5228. It is most generous of you to offer this to them.

Comment on South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center – Pierre, South Dakota by Editor

Editor — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:06:41 +0000

I have forwarded your request on to the Center and asked them to contact you.

Comment on Storybook Land at Wylie Park – Aberdeen, South Dakota by Sara Dangers

Sara Dangers — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:17:26 +0000

Could I please get some more detailed information on Storybook Land.

Thank you.

Comment on Gavins Point Dam – Yankton, South Dakota by Rick Horton

Rick Horton — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:32:01 +0000

Just passing through checking history from the past to present it very interesting to me. Laura Ingall Wilder is a smart person of her day and I would love to visit South Dakota one of these days.

Comment on Buffalo Roundup and Buffalo Arts Festival – Custer, South Dakota by Nadine Wallack

Nadine Wallack — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:26:52 +0000

I’ll be traveling with my 84 yr.old mother from May 11-16th. We’re coming from the NY/Boston area. Any suggestions to see or be aware of other than the seeing Mt. Rushmore, Jewel Cave and the beautiful scenery?

Thank you,
Nadine

Comment on South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center – Pierre, South Dakota by Marietta Lindell Johnson

Marietta Lindell Johnson — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:07:39 +0000

I would like to order the First Naturalization papers for my grandfather, Carl Lindell who lived in Lawrence County, South Dakota.

Lindell, Carl, Lawrence County, Date of Intent – 11/02/1880 – from Sweden – Location – 547, Page – 100

Please advise me of the cost of obtaining a copy of this paper. I ordered his second paper information some time ago but did not realize there was evena first paper then.

Comment on W.H. Over Museum – Vermillion, South Dakota by Iola Bean

Iola Bean — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:21:52 +0000

To the staff of W. H. Over Museum, University of South Dakota Museum:

I have an Indian hammer found by my father many years ago when working his farm one mile west and one-half mile north of Milltown, SD. I have kept it since he passed away, but now I am getting old, too. I would like to find a home for it where it could be seen by coming generations.

If you would like to have this hammer for your collection, let me know. I can bring it next summer when we plan to visit relatives in South Dakota. If you need a picture of it , I can send one by E-mail or regular mail. I would need an E-mail address or postal address to send it to.

Let me know if that is something you can use for your collection.

Iola Bean, 10301 Melody Drive, Northglenn, CO 80260-6045
wibean@usfamily.net Phone 303-451-0488

Comment on The Roo Ranch – Deadwood, South Dakota by Alicia

Alicia — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 05:14:54 +0000

I agree with Hannah don’t be ridiculous. Kangaroos sometimes do try to give hugs and they’re also a wild animal. I’m sure it didn’t mean to hurt her and what were you as a mother thinking putting your 1 year old baby with an exotic animal?? You’re going to blame the zoo for your irresponsible parenting? Good grief woman get a clue. You would surely have the same risks of scratches with a cat as the kangaroo. I wouldn’t be sympathetic with you either. With a child that young you should most certainly let her look from a distance not jump in a pen with an animal that is huge possibly unpredictable and that could even be tired of being drug into pens all day for grubby little kids to poke. Ridiculous.

Comment on 1880’s Train – Hill City, South Dakota by Editor

Editor — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:48:08 +0000

I have sent an inquiry to them and will post the answer.

Comment on 1880’s Train – Hill City, South Dakota by Ginger

Ginger — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:18:06 +0000

Is the train wheelchair accessible?

Comment on Porter Sculpture Park, Montrose, South Dakota by Ray Phoenix

Ray Phoenix — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:24:01 +0000

My afternoon spent viewing Wayne Porter’s sculptures and talking with him remains one of the most enjoyable parts of my recent 15,000 mile tour around the USA. Thanks, Wayne.

Comment on The Roo Ranch – Deadwood, South Dakota by Tom Condon

Tom Condon — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 02:45:12 +0000

Come on down, we’ve got roos by the thousands wombats, echidnas,possums, cockatoos, kookaburras, magpies and huge lake for fishing and water sports.. Our roos are wild, and you would be too if you had to put up with brown snakes, black snakes, tiger snakes and thousands of spider species.
We are really close to the snow in winter and enjoy warm 100-120 degree days during summer, Have great deadly bushfires but only if you are silly.
All this in just 5 miles..
Bonnie Doon Victoria Australia.

Comment on Wind Cave National Park – Hot Springs, South Dakota by Mike

Mike — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:55:38 +0000

Wind Cave is very underrated. I wasn’t expecting much but it’s most definitely a worthwhile visit. Beautiful scenery and animals. Wind Cave and Badlands were my favorite in South Dakota.

Comment on Valiant Vineyards Winery – Vermillion, South Dakota by Susan

Susan — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:47:31 +0000

I visited this winery while on vacation.By far the BEST strawberry wine I have had to date!

Comment on Mount Rushmore National Memorial – Rapid City (Keystone), South Dakota by Tiffany

Tiffany — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:07:18 +0000

AMAZING…make sure you do the trails too.

Comment on The Roo Ranch – Deadwood, South Dakota by Tiffany

Tiffany — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:02:34 +0000

I was not impressed with the Roo Ranch either. Save your money!

Comment on The Ghosts of Deadwood Gulch Wax Museum(Attraction is Now Closed) – Deadwood, South Dakota by franklin page

franklin page — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:04:31 +0000

i was in deadwood this year for the 2009 mustang rally i loved this town except the show of wildbill and mccall was not all the way free when you got to the trial it was 5dollars a person i didnt mind since i love history when i come back next year i will see the gravesites of bill and jane i was actually in the reinactment of wild bills last day i got to b the bartender i was honored to do it the folks where kind hearted and very helpfull with directions no matter where i asked please keep up the great job it was nice to go to a town where u was treated the way you wanted to be with kindness

Comment on The Roo Ranch – Deadwood, South Dakota by Hannah

Hannah — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 01:38:22 +0000

Something like that could just as easily happen with someone’s family dog. It should MOST CERTAINLY be expected at some point with an animal that is normally not domesticated! Animals don’t know boundaries when it comes to being affectionate. As a mother of two very well loved and well taken care of little boys (ages 1 and 3) I would recomment you and your daughter buck up, learn to let stuff go and enjoy life!!!
As for me and my family, I can’t WAIT to take my children to see these beautiful wild animals. Hopefully everything will be safe and peaceful but if we get a scratch or two, we will roll with it and treasure the experiences we got to share together as a family…and have fun telling the story of how Andrew got scratched by a kangaroo! There aren’t a lot of kids who get to say that!
Kangaroos aren’t pets. They are wild animals. Period.

Comment on Buffalo Roundup and Buffalo Arts Festival – Custer, South Dakota by Editor

Editor — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 20:29:21 +0000

The Date for 2009 for the Roundup is Monday – September 28, 2009

Comment on Buffalo Roundup and Buffalo Arts Festival – Custer, South Dakota by SHARON MEYERAAN

SHARON MEYERAAN — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 01:18:31 +0000

When is the buffalo run dates for 2009..? Thanks!!

Comment on Black Hills Aerial Adventures – Custer, South Dakota by meredith waterman

meredith waterman — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 18:13:25 +0000

IT IS WONDERFUL I LOVE IT ITS THE BEST WAY TO SEE THE HILLS

Comment on The Roo Ranch – Deadwood, South Dakota by Kayla

Kayla — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 21:42:01 +0000

I would NOT visit this place again! My 1 year old daughter had a 4 year old Kangaroo, named Jasmine, jump up on her and scratch her face and neck deep enough to bleed while we were in the interaction area with the tour guide. They did not offer any medical attention at all. We took her to the bathroom and cleaned the scratch and put antibiotic on it right away. We decided to leave after this incident and told the lady at the front where we paid about it. She acted as if it was no bidg deal when we showed her my daughters neck and claimed that Jasmine had NEVER done this before and that she was probably just trying to give my daughter a hug. Whatever the circumstance was, if the roo had never done this before maybe there was something wrong with her and she should be checked out. Also “WHAT IF” is a big deal in the sitaution. What if she started biting, the guide stood there while I had to get the roo to let go & grab my daughter! NOT impressed with this place or their customer service at all. After paying $35 for 10 mins and my daughter being jumped up on…..NOT WORTH IT!!

Comment on Mount Rushmore National Memorial – Rapid City (Keystone), South Dakota by Editor

Editor — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:29:13 +0000

I have forwarded the inquiry on to the US Park Service for a response. Thank you for asking.

Pat Watson, Editor

Comment on Mount Rushmore National Memorial – Rapid City (Keystone), South Dakota by Jim Roberts

Jim Roberts — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:43:17 +0000

Are there good hard surface and wide shoulders around the area for road cycling, and approx how many miles. Can you get to Mount Rushmore on road bicycles. From Rapid City, or what is the closest distance you can ride between the two?
Thanks, Jim Roberts

Comment on Paradise Valley Trail Rides – Nemo, South Dakota by Amanda Gill

Amanda Gill — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:42:03 +0000

Our rides range in price from $25 for the hour ride, $45 for the 2 hour, $65 for the 3 hour, and the Nemo Mountain ride (4 person minimum) is $100. This year we are also offering horse drawn wagon rides at $150 per hour, great for family reunions.

Comment on Tatanka: Story of the Bison – Deadwood, South Dakota by Sharon Garvey

Sharon Garvey — Sat, 16 May 2009 19:20:06 +0000

We visited Tatanka a few years ago and it is still so fresh in my mind. I was totally in awe of the magnitude of the sculptures, but the most memorable event was the storyteller in native dress. His story made me see both sides of the history and the passion that came across in the telling made it unforgettable. I will be back

Comment on Wounded Knee Museum – Wall, South Dakota by Editor

Editor — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:14:46 +0000

The museum has “Open seasonally to October 12 on their site with the hours being 8:30 am – 5:30 pm daily. You can call ahead to see if they are going to be open by callin 970-226-3218.

Safe travels.

Comment on Wounded Knee Museum – Wall, South Dakota by Sharon Cruse

Sharon Cruse — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:51:41 +0000

HELP! Am planning a trip to South Dakota May 1-11. Is the museum open??? Can’t find any info on hours and dates. thank you!

Comment on Devil’s Gulch – Garretson, South Dakota by DonnyGrant

DonnyGrant — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:50:00 +0000

What a spectacular place! When we lived in Rock Rapids it was a favorite spot for our children. Once while on motorcycles we met the great-grandson of the man where Jesse stayed. What a story. Go Visit!!!!!!!!!!!1

Comment on Evans Plunge – Hot Springs, South Dakota by Evans Plunge - Hot Springs, South Dakota

Evans Plunge - Hot Springs, South Dakota — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 14:16:31 +0000

[...] healing water, water flow rate of nearly 5,000 gallons per minute all await you at Evans Plunge in Hot Springs, South Dakota. Enjoy the hot springs and then take the family to the indoor waterpark where you can [...]

Comment on Wounded Knee Museum – Wall, South Dakota by Tim Barrett

Tim Barrett — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 05:47:11 +0000

I visited the Wounded Knee Museum, Wall, S.D. several times in the fall of 2006. I am still impressed, 2 years later, at the quality of the exhibits.
I reccommend this museum to everyone who visits Wall. Stop for 15 minutes, or for 2 hours . . . . it will be worth it !

Comment on Tatanka: Story of the Bison – Deadwood, South Dakota by Monica Salyer

Monica Salyer — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:29:55 +0000

I was lucky enough to be in the area during the grand opening. The entire place is just gorgeous! The bronze statues were amazing in their detail, and everywhere I looked was just so – right. I bought several shirts as souvenirs, some of wich I still have. I met Kevin Costner – He was such a nice guy! – and my husband took a couple of pictures of us standing side by side.

I’d love to repeat that day!

Comment on Black Hills Aerial Adventures – Custer, South Dakota by Cathy Kuzmeskus

Cathy Kuzmeskus — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 02:46:07 +0000

What sights are included in the Ultimate arial adventure tour?

Comment on Sturgis Motorcycle Rally – Sturgis, South Dakota by Editor

Editor — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:08:12 +0000

The following was the response regarding the T-shirts. We thank the member of the Sturgis Rally for their timely response. "Your request was forwarded to me from Pat Watson regarding t-shirts. You can purchase the official rally t-shirts by calling a toll free no. 1-800-689-7469 if you are looking for Harley Davidson T-shirts you can contact the local Sturgis Harley Davidson store at (605) 347-2056

. Thanks for your interest in Sturgis. "

Comment on Sturgis Motorcycle Rally – Sturgis, South Dakota by Editor

Editor — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 01:32:08 +0000

Hi Lila,
I have sent a request on to the organizers and asked them to contact you directly. Hopefully they will be able to assist you with your shirts.

Pat Watson
Editor

Comment on Valiant Vineyards Winery – Vermillion, South Dakota by Editor

Editor — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:23:09 +0000

Hi Rick,
Thank you for contacting us with your inquiry. I have forwarded it on to the winery and asked them to contact you with information.

We appreciate you coming to http://www.southdakotabeautiful.com and sending us your inquiry, we hope the winery will be able to provide you the help you seek.

Pat Watson
Editor

Comment on Valiant Vineyards Winery – Vermillion, South Dakota by richard kuchar

richard kuchar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:56:13 +0000

hi. i was wonder what varities of grapes you have. i am in bloomfield nebr. an have niagara’s and catawba’s from new york. i do it as a hobby and have not tried making any wines from them. this is only the second year but they have produced more than i thought they would. i have 25 vines of each and was exploring options as to what i was going to do with them and was wondering if you have done anything in the past with anyone else, as to making the grapes into wine if delivered or what other options you my or may not be interested in. thank you for your consideration. i look forward to seeing your operation in the future. thanks rick

Comment on Sturgis Motorcycle Rally – Sturgis, South Dakota by Lila Gluck

Lila Gluck — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:20:35 +0000

I’m looking for some tee shirts from the Harley Davison Rally, (Aug. 08) hope you can help……. Thanks