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The Haunted Indoors of Eastern South Dakota

Autumn is a beautiful time in South Dakota. It’s also when thoughts can turn to the supernatural. Check out some of the spookiest tales to come from the eastern half of the state.

South Dakota Image Gallery

TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS: In need of photos showcasing South Dakota's beauty for your materials? We got you!

Scrap into Sculpture: The Art of John Lopez

You may not know his name, but anyone that’s spent time exploring South Dakota has seen his work. John Lopez was raised on a ranch outside of Lemmon in western South Dakota. His rural upbringing caused him to develop a keen appreciation for cowboys and the animals of the plains. As he grew, his time seemed to be either spent on a horse or honing the artistic abilities that always seemed to come naturally. After college, he traveled throughout the Midwest, helping to create detailed sculpture. His big break came when he was commissioned to create a life-sized bronze sculpture for Rapid City’s City of Presidents. He ended up making 10, but Lopez’s artistic growth didn’t end there.

The tragic death of his aunt brought him back to rural Lemmon to construct a fence for the family cemetery. Instead of the smooth, lifelike details he’d utilized for the City of Presidents, Lopez created an angel made from scrap metal. The change in medium would become a staple part of his style.

Since then, he’s gone on to create scrap metal sculptures that have been displayed as far away as Qatar, and he continues to revisit the smooth brass sculptures where he got his beginning. Fortunately for South Dakota visitors, most of his work can be found across his home state. Keep reading for more on where you can make some of Lopez’s amazing creations part of your South Dakota adventure.

Winter Photography Guide

During winter, South Dakota’s great outdoors transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, offering new ways to explore our cities, towns and natural places. We’ve put together the most Instagram-worthy, selfie-inspiring, family-Christmas-card-backdrop-finding guide to photogenic spots around the state.

Viewing Wildlife in the Black Hills of South Dakota

The variety of landscapes and ecosystems in South Dakota makes for a pretty amazing amount of wildlife viewing opportunities. Read on for what you can see — and where you can see them — in the open plains and stunning hills of South Dakota.

Cedar Rapids to Black Hills Road Trip

See epic landscapes across the Midwest on your way to explore Black Hills National Forest. Follow this route through Iowa and South Dakota for rushing waterfalls, dramatic overlooks, iconic attractions and equally appealing eats along the way.

Chicago to Sioux Falls Road Trip

When the time is right to travel, you’ll need a little more than a change of pace. With sparkling waterfalls at its center, fantastic public art, great food and trails for days, Sioux Falls inspires many a Chicagoan to hit the road.

Why Camp in South Dakota?

South Dakota is the land of great places and wide open spaces. Here you have room to relax, room to play and room to explore. From rolling prairies and scenic byways to granite spires and pine-covered peaks, outdoor adventure is waiting around every corner. And what better way to experience the natural wonders of South Dakota than to stay in them?

What to Bring When Camping in South Dakota

Wondering what to bring on a camping getaway in South Dakota? Read on for info about camping essentials, what to wear and how to plan your meals.