The Adventures of Austin Kaus

Writer/filmmaker Austin Kaus loves nothing more than exploring (and eating) in South Dakota

Austin Kaus is a passionate writer and filmmaker whose storytelling roots run deep in the heart of South Dakota. In his never-ending travels, Austin loves celebrating the places, personalities, and the often-overlooked details that bring stories to life. With a sharp eye and often-empty stomach, he celebrates a deep appreciation for Midwestern culture. Whether behind the camera or the keyboard, Austin brings humor, heart, and a genuine curiosity to every project he touches. Keep scrolling to find some of his favorite places and meals in the land of Great Faces, Great Places.

Explore with Austin

Finding the Heartbeat of South Dakota on Highway 14

"I tried to keep track of how many berries I ate before my next stop. Because I’m not great at impulse control, I lost count at 20."

Let's ride

Feelin' the Vibe in Spearfish

"I eat the Monte Cristo with gusto and finish with a piece of rhubarb cake because I believe both ham and whipped cream are appropriate forms of hiking fuel. Note: I am not a certified nutritional anything."

SEE WHAT MAGIC AWAITS

A woman takes a picture of an artist painting a large alien/bug looking creature in Art Alley

An Artist in Art Alley: Logan Beert

' 'If you go and stand and pose by the mural, no matter who you are, you’ll be the normal one,' Logan says. 'Because by comparison, there’s a 9-foot alien.' ”

Alley Art Awaits!

A boy launches against his opponent in a ring of mashed potatoes during Clark's Potato Days celebration

South Dakota's Weirdest Events: Potato Wrestling, Flying Pumpkins and All Sorts of Racing

"But potato wrestling? Ah, now that’s something you’ll be able to tell your grandchildren about."

Get Weird

The Journey of Sitting Bull

"Twelve hours after the stealth operation began, Sitting Bull was in his final resting place. Armed guards were left behind to monitor the site, but there wasn’t much that potential intruders could do. 20 tons of concrete doesn’t leave much room for negotiation."

Check out this crazy story

Lyndsey Kastein stands for a picture in Sioux Falls during the Downtown Burger Battle

A Love of the Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle

"'It’s just a ridiculous amount of red meat and carbs,' she said. 'To me, that’s peak Midwest. We’re hearty folk.' ”

Take a Bite

The Haunted Indoors of Western South Dakota

"Have a meal and/or spend the night in this Black Hills landmark to enjoy a full stomach, old-world charm, and the possible protection from a friendly spirit."

Who You Gonna Call?

The Haunted Indoors of Eastern South Dakota

"He was known to cause an organ to randomly play until it was dismantled, but he still enjoys playing pranks with props, lights, and other items."

Discover the Undiscoverable

LaFramboise Island at night with headlamp

8 Haunted Places in South Dakota's Outdoors

"Some have heard strange noises while others claim to have captured strange balls of light on film, but the scariest rumor may be that the ghost of a young child appears at dusk near the river and leads the willing into a forested part of the island before disappearing."

Discover if you dare

Haunted Deadwood

"The look of the place is so pleasing, in fact, that early investor Harris Franklin still likes to check in on his namesake. Some have claimed Franklin sometimes appears to make sure employees are doing their job."

Discover Un-Deadwood