Interstate Adventures

I held the elevator door for a couple who wheeled their suitcases in behind them. It was early but I still had the social energy to exclaim, “Where are you two off to?”

They said “home” with relief. I became curious and asked, “Where is home?” They stood taller and said, “Sioux Falls, South Dakota.” I mentioned we were thinking about heading west and I have always wanted to visit South Dakota.

This comment turned into inspiration. The ride on the elevator was not long enough for them to get through the stops we needed to make as we passed through their state. As we spilled out into the lobby of the hotel, I became more and more excited about South Dakota.

Going from east to west, they recommended a quick stop in Mitchell to get out and stretch our legs and look around. Then they asked me, “Do you like burgers?” Al’s Oasis in Chamberlain is known for its burgers and pies. It is a famous pit stop for people traveling through South Dakota. 

At this point we were only halfway through South Dakota and I pulled out my phone to write it all down. They shared all sorts of advice about driving east to west through Badlands National Park, including a few short hikes and timing the drive to end at sunset. 

As they kept sharing, I kept writing on my phone. The gentleman leaned over to make sure I got the spelling right. Then they asked me, “Do you like donuts?” Another stop to remember. “Does your husband like steak?” We were instructed to go to Legends Steakhouse at the Silverado Franklin Hotel. “If your husband thinks he can eat a whole prime rib, wait till he sees this one.”

“Have you ever seen bison before? Because you will on this trip.” 

Once we got past Rushmore, my new friends from South Dakota told me to keep on driving and keep our gas tank topped off. There wasn’t much in South Dakota past that point.

I recently watched a travel show about South Dakota and my head swirled with all the things we should do. I did not learn anything about the people I might meet, whether fellow tourists or locals. I have decided to take the route as slowly as we can. I want to make sure we have the time not just to explore but also to chat with people we meet. Our trip was just an idea and thanks to this couple, it is now a plan.