Named for the Dakota branch of the Sioux Indian Nation, the State of South Dakota is a state that tells the story of America's westward expansion in a way that just can't be found elsewhere in the country. From gold strikes to battles with the Indians, South Dakota is one state that fulfills the typical Hollywood image of the Old West. However, visitors to this fascinating state will find that the story of South Dakota is much more interesting than any Hollywood western that they have ever seen. All in all, South Dakota offers visitors the adventure of a lifetime.
South Dakota's Natural Attractions
One of South Dakota's finest natural attractions is Badlands National Park near Rapid City. This national park comprises 244,000 acres of protected land that features wildlife like bison and antelope. In addition to this, there are numerous fossils that are found within the park that provide an interesting look into this land's geological past. With hundreds of miles of hiking trails and numerous other activities for visitors, Badlands National Park is one natural attraction that nature lovers will definitely enjoy.
Another fantastic natural attraction in South Dakota is the Black Hills National Forest near Deadwood. This magnificent forest covers an area of 125 miles long and 65 miles wide and features some of the most majestic rock formations and canyons found anywhere in the United States. In addition to its rock formations, this forest offers some of the finest biking and hiking trails found anywhere in the United States. All in all, visitors to Black Hills National Forest leave with a deeper appreciation for the gorgeous natural beauty found in this region.
South Dakota's Cultural Attractions
Besides having numerous ...
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...uth Dakota an adventure to remember for the rest of your life.
Sources
“Top 10 Vacation Attractions in South Dakota,” Choice Hotels
http://centralus.choicehotels.com/south-dakota-hotels/top10attractions
“Most Popular Attractions,” South Dakota.com
http://www.southdakota.com/most-popular-attractions/328
“South Dakota,” Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Dakota
“Badlands National Park,” National Park Service
http://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm
“Black Hills National Forest,” South Dakota.com
http://www.southdakota.com/black-hills-national-forest/103
“Black Hills National Forest,” US Forest Service
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:-ibL4Cz7AvIJ:fs.usda.gov/blackhills+black+hills+national+forest&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a
“Wall Drug,” South Dakota.com
http://www.southdakota.com/wall-drug/282
The West is a very big part of American culture, and while the myth of the West is much more enticing than the reality of the west, it is no doubt a very big part of America. We’re constantly growing up playing games surrounded by the West such as cowboys and Indians and we’re watching movies that depict the cowboy to be a romanticized hero who constantly saves dames in saloons and rides off into the sunset. However, the characters of the West weren’t the only things that helped the development of America; many inventions were a part of the development of the West and helped it flourish into a thriving community. Barbed wire, the McCormick reaper and railroads—for example—were a large part of the development in the West—from helping to define claimed land boundaries, agricultural development and competition, and even growth of the West.
I have lived in Mississippi all my life and have had the opportunity to travel throughout the state. In doing so, I have observed several things that are important in this discussion. They are the music, the people, and the resources. First, it is important to know a few facts concerning the resources of the state. The state gets its name from the Mississippi River, which flows along the western boundary of the state.
There are many ways in which we can view the history of the American West. One view is the popular story of Cowboys and Indians. It is a grand story filled with adventure, excitement and gold. Another perspective is one of the Native Plains Indians and the rich histories that spanned thousands of years before white discovery and settlement. Elliot West’s book, Contested Plains: Indians, Goldseekers and the Rush to Colorado, offers a view into both of these worlds. West shows how the histories of both nations intertwine, relate and clash all while dealing with complex geological and environmental challenges. West argues that an understanding of the settling of the Great Plains must come from a deeper understanding, a more thorough knowledge of what came before the white settlers; “I came to believe that the dramatic, amusing, appalling, wondrous, despicable and heroic years of the mid-nineteenth century have to be seen to some degree in the context of the 120 centuries before them” .
Although West Virginia is mostly frowned upon, its positive side is key to many parts the nation, from people to places to things. One of the stand-out athletes that have come from West Virginia is the famous football player named Sam Huff. As you can see, modern celebrities and historical figures have both came from West Virginia. All the listed people are highly respected and honored nationwide and known around the world. To be respected, you have to have respect for other and while growing up in West Virginia, I have learned that when you come from a small town, you seem to have a different perspective on everyday life.
The Dakota Nation didn’t just wake up one day and decide to attack the settlers. They had been insulted, oppressed and cheated for years. Eventually, the Sioux decided to stand up and take back their land. The Sioux were hunters, not farmers. When the US decided to buy the Sioux’s hunting grounds and give them farmland, they should have thought about the consequences. The Sioux missed their sacred hunting land and struggled to make their farmland prosperous. Not only that, but the Sioux believe that they belong in Minnesota. Some say Israel is the land of the Jews. Well, Minnesota is the land of the Sioux. Of course, the US didn’t exactly steal the Sioux’s hunting land. Technically, the US bought the Sioux out, however that would imply that the Sioux had a choice about selling or were even aware of what was taking place.
The West: From Lewis and Clark and Wounded Knee: The Turbulent Story of the Settling of Frontier America.
Do you want to hear about the first national park that is the first and only dedicated to a president? Theodore Roosevelt National Park was established in 1947. The Mountains are over 55 million years old. The badlands of Theodore Roosevelt national park is dry with occasional monsoon showers. The park is located in Medora, North Dakota, and is home to some amazing animals including wild horses, reptiles and mammals.
Established as a National Park in 1933 under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Death Valley is the largest national park in the continental United States even though its total length is no more than approximately 100 miles in length. The valley is located in the Mojave Desert in eastern California and is surrounded by the Amargosa Range on the east, the Panamint Range on the west, and the Sylvania Mountains and Owlshead Mountains on the northern and southern boundaries. The topography of this region is varied and complex; and has a lengthy geologic history that explains why it is riddled with a variety of sand dunes, craters, and flood-carved canyons to name a few. The total area of the valley is about 3,000 square miles with the lowest elevation being located at the Badwater Basin at 282 feet below sea level. Interestingly enough; however, the highest elevation of the region is 14,494 feet above sea level.
Yellowstone National Park lies mostly in Wyoming, but three of the park’s entrances are located in southern Montana. People go to Yellowstone National park to see the view and the glaciers, some people go there to just go on a vacation to see the wildlife (Av2 books).
The heavily wooded but fast growing area of Black Forest, Colorado is a fantastic destination for habitual wildlife, familial, and individual enjoyment. Located just north of Colorado Springs and situated in El Paso County, originally known as “the pineries”, Black Forest is chock-full of rich Native American antiquity and well-made frontier handiwork accompanied by beautiful natural wildlife, county and historic parks for small and large group fun. Black Forrest is one of Colorado’s natural gems, and a place to visit and delight in earth’s natural splendor.
Colorado is such a beautiful state. It brings in a lot of outsiders but not only for its beauty, but for its history as well. Travelers and tourists have been visiting Colorado since before the 19th century. However, during the 19th century, the development of Colorado boomed greatly because of its iconic people and the fact that so many travelers and tourists enjoyed seeing Colorado. The people contributed to making Colorado history more appealing to tourists so the state really emerged. Tourism has led Colorado to great lengths and still to this day, Colorado brings in many travelers and tourists.
This park is famous among National Park Service enthusiasts and photographers but is under-appreciated by just about everyone else. Not only is this the most diverse National Park, but it is simply one of the best. No other place has such disparate landscapes packed into such a small area.
The story of the American West is still being told today even though most of historic events of the Wild West happened over more than a century ago. In movies, novels, television, and more ways stories of the old west are still being retold, reenacted, and replayed to relive the events of the once so wild and untamed land of the west that so many now fantasize about. After reading about the old west and watching early westerns it is amazing how much Hollywood still glorifies the history and myth of the old west. It may not be directly obvious to every one, but if you look closely there is always a hint of the Western mentality such as honor, justice, romance, drama, and violence. The most interesting thing about the Old West is the fact that history and myth have a very close relationship together in telling the story of the West.
There is no better feeling in this world than to be outdoors with nature, especially when there are numerous activities to dabble in. Often times people take for granted the sentimental value that they can experience by simply walking through a park. God created the Earth to be beautiful and peaceful, and people need to keep it that way. I have always shared a love of the outdoors with my dad and my brother. We have gone on numerous camping, hiking, fishing, and star-gazing trips ever since I can remember. It was no surprise to me when my dad decided to buy a lake house on Hyco Lake, right outside of Roxboro. We got a really good deal on the house, so my dad decided that Hyco Lake was the perfect spot.
At this National Park you may find miles and miles of hiking trails through volcanic craters, hot deserts and rainforests. They have Drive Chain of Craters Roads, Ranger Programs, A Walk Into The Past, and After Dark in the Park.