Leaving Al’s Oasis this morning we continue west, leaving Central Time Zone and entering Mountain Time.  South Dakota is a very flat state. The eastern half is mostly cropland. We some big corn fields, and some sunflower fields. Now as we travel into the western half the flatness begins change into rolling hills and cattle ranches.

South Dakota

Random Skeleton Sculpture

Next we come upon the Badlands National Park. The entrance fee would have been $15 for us but with Bernie’s National Senior Pass we get in free.  The park roads are freshly paved, which made the drive around the scenic loop easier with this big RV.  We were not able to fit into all of the scenic overlook parking areas so had to pass some of them up, but we had a good view nonetheless. It was 90 degrees.

Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park

The park road exits right at the little town of Wall, South Dakota, where is the World Famous Wall Drug; a mega-tourist trap, but a very popular stop-over for many years.  In its early days the owners gave free “Wall Drug” signs to travelers and these signs have been placed all over the world. We stopped in for its signature free ice water and 5 cents coffee. The tiny drug store in the middle of nowhere has now morphed into the major employer in this town of about 800 people.

Wall Drug

Tonight we are staying at Heartland RV Park south of Rapid City, SD.  It’s hot and we want to spoil ourselves with electricity and the city water supply.

• Gasoline:    $95 @ $3.45
• Lodging:     $26
• Admission: free