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.
At 65 miles wide and 125 miles long, the Black Hills National Forest (BHNF) contains beauty for every season, making it a great place for travelers to either relax or, like Josh Dahlke, “get wild.” Take in views and fishing at various lakes, 11 reservoirs and 1,300 miles of streams. Spend some quality time at 30 campgrounds, 32 picnic areas and other outdoor havens. Hop behind the wheel and maximize the views exploring scenic byways and overlooks. Feel the ground under your feet on the astounding 353 miles of trails within the forest, and don’t miss some of the most beautiful places in the state (and the country), including the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, Black Elk Wilderness area and Custer State Park.
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.
Add some extra charm to your journey by staying in some of these unique accommodations across South Dakota.
Sunsets. Hospitality. Wildlife. Peace. All of this awaits you at farm and ranch stays across South Dakota.
Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, tasty treats, or special treasures, South Dakota has you covered.
Every vacation has a beginning & end, but it’s the journey that makes all the difference. See what these real-life travelers found as they explored South Dakota. Whether you’re looking for outdoor vistas, delicious treats, or unique experiences, these road journals are your guide to a perfect South Dakota adventure.
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.
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.
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.
