Comments for South Dakota Tourism

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

Editor — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:19:26 +0000

September 22-23, 2012

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

P Miller — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:58:24 +0000

What are the dates for the 2012 Buffalo Round up?

Comment on NATIONAL MUSIC MUSEUM – Vermillion, South Dakota by clinton l wood

clinton l wood — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:09:55 +0000

I have a 1907 Kimball upright piano in my house that I would consider donating.
If you have an interest please contact me. This piano is coming from my wife’s
estate.

Thank you,’

Clint Wood

Comment on Gavins Point Dam – Yankton, South Dakota by Pat Stoural, Jensen Const. Co.

Pat Stoural, Jensen Const. Co. — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:40:12 +0000

I need to find the dates in 2010 that the dam was releasing 34,000 to 55,000 of water. Can you provide me with that?

Comment on Sitting Bull Monument – Mobridge, South Dakota by A.B.

A.B. — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:32:21 +0000

The use of the word “Sioux” as the “tribe” which Sitting Bull (Tantanka Iyotake, in “Americanized” Lakota) was a member is not merely offensive to many First Nations Peoples in what the world now calls “America”, it is inaccurate. The proper word is Lakota. “Sioux” is a derivation of the French “Nadouessioux”, which in turn was derived from an Odawa word which most likely meant “speaks a foreign language”. Think about how humiliating it would be for the entire world to refer to your own People by a name which is not your own — imagine the English being known as “those smelly people who live on that diseased island” — and you will have only begun to understand why the “Sioux” and other “Indians” learned to not trust the White Man. You will perhaps be able to understand why Tatanka Iyotake fought so hard to protect HIS People.

Comment on Petrified Wood Park – Lemmon, South Dakota by Peter step stool

Peter step stool — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:15:49 +0000

Some years ago I am going through Lemmon, SD. When I saw the large sign on the highway for the park, it was amazing. An entire block filled with objects made from petrified wood, It has a very nice collection of items well displayed.

Comment on Buffalo Cave Rock Art Tour – Edgemont, South Dakota by John P

John P — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 03:54:37 +0000

Hi, I’m from Australia and my wife and I travelled to the Black Hills in 2007 and 2009. We fell in love with the sheer beauty of the region and intend to come back again, possibly in 2012. We normally stay in Custer which we find an excellent base from which to travel to all this wonderful part of the world has to offer. This Buffalo Cave Rock Art tour is something we were not aware of and we will definitely partake in on our next trip. We can barely wait to visit again and this time may bring my wife’s sister and husband with us. Until then, keep the magnificent Black Hills as pristine and magical as we remember them!!

Comment on Garretson Historical Society Museum – Garretson, South Dakota by JIM Penning

JIM Penning — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:52:29 +0000

My wife, Colleen Froseth, went to school at the Hegge rural school and we would like info on when it started and other history available.

Comment on Tatanka: Story of the Bison – Deadwood, South Dakota by Loise DiPalma

Loise DiPalma — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 02:24:38 +0000

I have just returned from a visit to many of our National Parks out West. One of the MOST moving was the stop at Takanta. In hearing the presentation from the Native American speaker, my interest in the History and Culture of The Navtive ways has been peaked. The White race has been greatly cheated in learning of their beliefs

Comment on Tatanka: Story of the Bison – Deadwood, South Dakota by Sharyn Singman

Sharyn Singman — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:49:20 +0000

I visited Tataanka on my recent trip to The Black Hills. It was one of the highlights.The sight is breathtaking and I really enjoyed the presentation from the Native- American woman. But mostly, was hearing the grand-opening speech from Kevin Costner in the video, that brought tears to my eyes. Thank-you soo much Kevin, for saying what has to be said and having the passion to inform others. You expressed my feelings.

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

stan foresman — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:39:10 +0000

We really enjoyed the tour around the hills. Dan is a great driver and full of info. Have been to many of the shows, but never on the tour. A must do for any traveler. Thanks to Herman the the crew.

Comment on Badlands Petrified Gardens – Kadoka, South Dakota by Roger Cruze

Roger Cruze — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:31:00 +0000

We’re going to be passing through Kadoka on our way to Rapid City. We were going to stop but couldn’t find any information about the “Fee charged” for the attraction. I assume you think it’s too high to put on your website, so I believe you. We’ll just save our money and time for other attractions near Rapid City.

Comment on Sitting Bull Monument – Mobridge, South Dakota by Paul Larsen

Paul Larsen — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 20:56:41 +0000

One of the men moving the remains was a Mobridge banker, Dan Heupel … until quite recently his son Jim owned the burial site and then sold it to several South Dakotans who promised to restore and dignify the monument – the monument bust was carved by Korczak Ziolkowski, the sculptor who began the Crazy Horse Memorial, using a piece of granite blasted from the Crazy Horse site.

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

leslie bock — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 13:44:07 +0000

Husband and i went and had a great time. Only way to see things without driving! So much fun telling grandkids that next year will be going back!

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

Traci — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 03:55:20 +0000

We went on a trail ride today. My family says it has been the highlight of our trip! None of our 4 children had ever been on a horse on a trail before..Even our small child LOVED it!!! Ashley and Addie were our guides and they were absolutelyu wonderful!! Don’t hesitate to come here. It was worth it! Our youngest has spent the remainder of the day begging to go back! Thanks Ashley and Addy for making this a great memory for our family..P.S. Give my horse Elmo a big hug!

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

Editor — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:33:00 +0000

Monday, September 26, 2011 is the roundup.
You will want to make reservations as soon as possible since this popular event will quickly fill hotel rooms.
The dates for 2012 are not yet posted.

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

David Hagen — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:00:18 +0000

what are the dates of the 2011 and the 2012 round up. how much in advance should we make resveration for lodging?. thanks Dave

Comment on Sitting Bull Monument – Mobridge, South Dakota by Kay Anderson

Kay Anderson — Tue, 10 May 2011 20:21:44 +0000

Sitting Bull’s bones were removed from Ft Yates by a group of Mobridge men and and his relative (granddaughter, I believe). My grandfather, Julius Skaug, was a Mobridge lawyer who orchestrated bringing Sitting Bull’s remains back to their land. The group took two cars during the night to get the remains. A Monument Bust was erected over a concrete base. I attended the ceremony dedicating the monument. Many people attended including his relatives, congressional an other dignitaries. I have several pictures from the event. I have heard people have used the bust to shoot at and have defaced it. This is too bad. My Grandfather wrote about Sitting Bull and many Indian (now Native American). I believe my grandmother Skaug visited the reservation and helped the people.
We had beautiful black wool wedding dress (with 600 shark teeth, many moccasins, an incredible beaded saddle blanket, peace pipe, old doll, and more. After I was married and away from home my Mom gave it all to the New Mexico museum. I felt a real loss and feel all should be in South Dakota or the museum in Washington. I don’t even think I have pictures of this collection.
I do have a rare, framed photograph of Sitting Bull in full head dress.

Comment on Flintstones Bedrock City – Custer, South Dakota by Katie Fullerton

Katie Fullerton — Fri, 06 May 2011 20:29:33 +0000

I went there when I was yonger and had an AWSOME time!!!!

Comment on Split Rock Park – Garretson, South Dakota by laura

laura — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:27:21 +0000

im going to this on Saturday (April 16th) with my Boyfriend and my friend and her boyfriend!!! its a beautiful place!

Comment on Lake Byron – South Dakota by Larry Malikowski

Larry Malikowski — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:53:19 +0000

The number in the Editor says comment above is wrong, please do not contact 605-352-3131, it is a private individual that has nothing to do with the Campground.
Thank you.

Comment on Sica Hollow State Park – Sisseton, South Dakota by Trace

Trace — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 18:33:25 +0000

A few years ago, my Dakota adopted sister & I along with my niece walked a trail in Sica Hollow. The small bridge crossing the creek was unusable, so we decided to cross over some very large boulders in the creek. As I was crossing, there were two large, somewhat flat boulders I was going to use to cross. They we’re dry and it was a nice fall day out, around dinner time. I remember stepping on the first one, and went down as I was about to step on the second one. Going down, I hit my head so hard on a rock, I thought I was going to pass out.

My sister & niece couldn’t get me up and I could not get up myself. They were calling out for help as we saw some other visitors across the road, but no one ever came. After about 20 minutes, I was finally able to pull up enough strength and get myself up and out of the creek. They took me to the hospital where I stayed overnight with a level three concussion.

We went back the next day with my sisters father who happens to be a very well respected Dakota Medicine Man throughout the region from Sisseton. We showed him where I fell. If I would have fell a slight centimeter in either direction, there were jagged rocks on either side of where I landed and probably would’ve been killed if I landed on either one. I love Sunkist Orange and had a bottle with me that day which was about half full. We couldn’t believe the bottle was still bobbing in the creek where I had fell. It should’ve flowed on down the creek.
I truly believe the spirits were watching over me on this day in Sica Hollow.

Comment on Fool Soldier Band Monument – Mobridge, South Dakota by Corby Shoots The Enemy

Corby Shoots The Enemy — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 19:24:14 +0000

My great great grandfather Fast Walker and 24 Hunkpati Dakota were also part of this story. My unkana and his brother Don’t Know How were the two last remaining who went to court in 1918 I have court papers to prove this. 605-245-2667

Comment on Storybook Land at Wylie Park – Aberdeen, South Dakota by Kathryn Luze

Kathryn Luze — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 19:22:45 +0000

Sara, I live in Aberdeen and can tell you that Storybook Land is a great place to take your kids. It is free to go there and the Land of Oz. I take my kids a lot in the summer and they never get bored of it. There are parks located throughout the Storybook Land area, a visitor’s center, gift center, and two locations of bathrooms. There is also the Wizard’s balloon ride, carousel, and a train that takes you around the park.

Comment on Deadwood, South Dakota by dj

dj — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 04:07:16 +0000

We have come to Deadwood every summer for the last 10 years and enjoyed it so much. I called for reservations this year and cannot believe how much the rates have been hiked! First no smoking and then rooms that are outrageously priced, no wonder people aren’t flocking there anymore. This party of 4 will be sadly exploring other places that don’t gouge as much. A vacation is a luxury in these trying times, but not worth it if you have to scrimp the whole trip to pay for the hotel that you don’t see that much of!

Comment on Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society – De Smet, South Dakota by karen snyder

karen snyder — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 19:22:35 +0000

We went to De Smet in August of 2010, on our trip down Rt.66, we traveled up north to see Wyoming and South Dakotah. It was a very nice visit, I very much enjoyed seeing the town, homes, cemetary and homestead where the Ingall’s family lived.

Comment on Tatanka: Story of the Bison – Deadwood, South Dakota by Disgusted Visitor

Disgusted Visitor — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 15:52:39 +0000

My wife and I visited in 2008 and enjoyed the stop so much we went back again in 2009. I guess we should have remembered the visit from 2008. The older lady who runs the place was in the process of one of the many bus tours they do there when my wife and I arrived. Without greeting us or anything she met us outside and cursly informed us that we must pay at the front desk which we already knew. We went inside and paid the young lady working the front desk who was very professional and helpful. We asked about the 5 minute video and she went and turned it on for us. When we came out I saw the older lady glaring at us because I suspect she had skipped that part of the experience for the bus tour. In any case the rest of our experience at Tatanka was ruined. I for one will never go back!

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

Donna — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:03:48 +0000

anybody know anything about wheels west camp site

Comment on Gavins Point Dam – Yankton, South Dakota by Scott Werner

Scott Werner — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:05:52 +0000

I just visited Gavin’s Point Dam again on August 29, 2010. It has all 14 spillway gates open, not very far but far enough to be letting out so much water. They can’t open them any more because it would be too much water releae and water pressure below the dam. The way the gates are now is just the right opening for just the right amount of water. So there isn’t too much water at once. I climbed to the top of the dam from below him in the parking lot, and I could see the other side of the dam. Very amazing view. I saw how high the water was next to the gates. I was pretty high up there, but just high enough. I was really high up. Like I said, I climbed up on the side of the dam as high as I could go. Very high up, maybe a 1/4 mile high. Whatever it was, it was really high. I stayed there at the dam an hour then ate supper for 1 1/2 hour. Then went back to the dam for another 2 hours and couldn’t believe how it looks in real life. more later.

Comment on Tatanka: Story of the Bison – Deadwood, South Dakota by Ricky GoodVoiceFlute

Ricky GoodVoiceFlute — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:02:17 +0000

I was working nearby at the new lodge moving furniture and went there on my break to get a cup of coffee. The woman behind the counter informed me that I would have to pay admission in order to get a cup of coffee. I told her that I am a full-blood Oglala Lakota from Oglala, and that Crazy Horse Memorial doesn’t charge Natives, so why was Tatanka charging admission for Lakota people?

It’s really a shame how Kevin Costner is using the Lakota culture for his own gain.

Thank you.

Comment on Porter Sculpture Park, Montrose, South Dakota by Joe & Judith Peterson

Joe & Judith Peterson — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 22:39:43 +0000

We visited the walk through sculpture park of Wayne’s and found it was very amazing. We loved it! If you are passing through it is very well worth it. The talent put into those sculptures is just breathtaking. Very well job done! Would like to go back in future to see any ad ons! Keep up the great work Wayne!

Comment on Gavins Point Dam – Yankton, South Dakota by Scott Werner

Scott Werner — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 04:06:30 +0000

Gavin’s Point Dam is my favorite dam for many reasons. 1. It is a nice, neat, little, cute dam. 2. It is the most important dam on the missouri river. 3. It is the closest dam from where I live. 4 Its in a great location to get to from where I live and close to campsites. Just a great vacation spot. Fort Randall is next, but pretty far from where I live. Even though being the smallest dam and living an hour and a half away from it, I still feel like a tourist/vacationer whenever I visit it. My favorite part of the dam is the powerplant. Only housing 3 generators, they all play a vital roll everyday. They are my favorite generators for a hydroelectric plant. They are my favorite brand. General Electric. I was just to gavins point dam July 25th when they just had 5 spillway gates open. Now they have at least 12 open. I thought just 5 were putting out a lot of water. 12 gates is putting out more. I really appreciate gavins point for what it does. Every time I visit it, I have a new appreciation for it. Being the smallest dam & powerplant it still is very exciting to visit it. It may look small on the inside but the outside by the powerplant is still very impressive. I really enjoy visiting it. The dam may be old but he is still a very good dam and in very good shape.

Comment on The Triple U Buffalo Ranch – Fort Pierre, South Dakota by lorraine johnson

lorraine johnson — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 04:09:47 +0000

Think I met a man from your ranch at the rally. He had been in a motorcycle accident and I was wandering how he is doing?

Lorraine

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 Big Thunder Gold Mine – Keystone, South Dakota by Krystal

Krystal — Fri, 21 May 2010 15:32:03 +0000

I contacted the company by email and was told that the admission for tour was 8.99 and the gold panning was 6.25 per pan.

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.