South Dakota Vacation Guide 2012 - (Page 15)

South Dakota’s national wildlife refuges Throughout South Dakota • world’s only corn Palace Mitchell • www.cornpalace.com www.fws.gov The last great Ice Age glaciers carved shimmering prairie potholes from the surrounding plains. For centuries, migrating waterfowl have nested on these lakes, marshes and sloughs. South Dakota’s six national wildlife refuges are located in Columbia, Lake Andes, Martin and Waubay. • Specifics • Most of South Dakota’s wildlife refuges and habitats are pinpointed on the state highway map. Wildlife WatcHiNg • Vacation idea! • South Dakota’s diverse terrain, from rolling hills to skypiercing granite peaks, lush mountain meadows, and prairie marshes and lakes, is home to an abundance of wildlife. You’ll find whitetail and mule deer, pronghorn antelope, elk, bison, prairie dogs and much more. South Dakota is also home to nearly 400 species of birds. Our unique combination of landscapes and diversity of bird species is stunning – perfect for the bird watching enthusiast. The first Corn Palace was built in 1892 to celebrate the harvest and stimulate economic growth in Mitchell. More than 3,000 bushels of corn are used to create the murals that decorate the exterior of the Corn Palace. Redecoration of the Moorish-looking landmark begins each year in June with replacement of native grasses. In August, the old corn, sorghum and milo are replaced. The Corn Palace hosts a celebration each September as a grand finale to the harvest with big-name entertainment, carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, food booths, antique auto displays, flea markets and more. • Specifics • The World’s Only Corn Palace is open Memorial Day through Labor Day 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. April, May, September and October hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. November – March hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is no admission fee. The little Town on the Prairie De Smet • redlin art center Watertown • www.ingallshomestead.com www.redlinart.com The Redlin Art Center is home to more than 150 original oil paintings by Terry Redlin, one of America’s most popular artists. The surrounding Conservation Park is carefully contoured to complement the graceful Egyptian-revival architecture designed by the artist’s son. Wetlands and waterways provide an alluring habitat for wildlife. Visitors have plenty of room to stretch their legs on more than a mile of walking trails or relax with a picnic at six small gazebos, one large gazebo and the Redlin Pavilion. • Author Laura Ingalls Wilder homesteaded in De Smet with her pioneering family at the tender age of 12. The farming community and surrounding prairie served as a setting for six of her much beloved “Little House” books. Laura wrote about her family and pioneer life experiences late in her life, recalling her childhood memories. Today, De Smet celebrates Laura’s life by preserving historic Ingalls’ sites. Every summer, actors portray pioneer life as experienced by Laura and her family during the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant. • Specifics • The Redlin Art Center is open yearround: Monday – Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday noon-4 p.m. Please call or check website for holiday hours and closings, 877-873-3546, www.redlinartcenter.com. There is no admission fee. museums aNd art galleries Vacation idea! • South Dakota has dozens of museums and art galleries, from rooms full of musical treasures and South Dakota’s artistic heritage to South Dakota’s archaeological and cultural history. A complete listing of museums and galleries is located in the Travel Directory at www.TravelSD.com. Specifics • The Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant is held every July, and other historic sites are open year-round. Hours and admission fees vary between the pageant and other historic sites. History aNd Heritage • Vacation idea! • In the 1800s, South Dakota was still known as the Dakota Territory – a rough and tumble lawless frontier. Men and women, like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, became legends. Meanwhile, explorers like Lewis and Clark and pioneers like the Laura Ingalls Wilder family discovered the quiet and beauty of our prairies. • www.TravelSD.com | 15  http://www.cornpalace.com http://www.fws.gov http://www.ingallshomestead.com http://www.redlinart.com http://www.redlinartcenter.com http://www.TravelSD.com http://WWW.TRAVELSD.COM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of South Dakota Vacation Guide 2012

South Dakota Vacation Guide 2012
Contents
Getting Here, Getting Around
Interstate Information Centers
State Facts
Native American Information
Places of Interest
Calendar of Events
Public Campgrounds and Recreation Areas
Southeast Region: A slice of South Dakota charm
Glacial Lakes & Prairies Region: Stories from the frontier
Great Lakes Region: Land of the mighty Missouri
Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Region: Enchanting mountain getaway
Black Hills map
Index

South Dakota Vacation Guide 2012

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