A Family Friendly Destination
A Family Friendly Destination Means Less Planning The Badlands National Park in South Dakota is a stunning landscape that, at times, is overlooked but cannot be missed. The Badlands sprawl over 244,000 acres and are known for their unique geography created by millions of years of erosion. As a result, quiet, eerily beautiful shapes, peaks, and […]
The Cathedral Spires: Secrets of the Black Hills
The Cathedral Spires: Secrets of the Black Hills The Cathedral Spires rise above Custer State Park like ancient stone towers, carved by time and shaped by the quiet strength of the Black Hills. With their sharp pinnacles, rugged walls, and sunlit ridges, the Cathedral Spires create one of the most dramatic landscapes in the region. […]
Sunsets at Badlands National Park
Witnessing the Magic of Sunsets at Badlands National Park The sunsets at Badlands National Park are among the most breathtaking sights in the American Midwest. As the sun dips below the horizon, the rugged landscape transforms into a masterpiece of deep purples, fiery oranges, and glowing pinks. Whether you’re an adventurer, photographer, or nature enthusiast, […]
Inflation and the Secrets to Saving Money on Travel
Inflation And The Secrets to Saving Money Saving Money on Travel in 2025 Inflation continues to shape travel decisions nationwide. Prices rise in waves, touching everything from hotels to rental cars to meals. It leaves many travelers wondering if they should scale back, delay, or cancel their plans altogether. The good news is that Saving […]
A History of Belle Fourche South Dakota Archived
A History of Belle Fourche South Dakota Like many places in the Midwest, French Heritage seems to stand out. The name Belle Fourche was given to this area by early French fur traders. The name Belle Fourche means “Beautiful Fork”, which makes sense as the Hay Creek, Redwater, and Belle Fourche River converge. Fur traders […]
1880 Train of South Dakota
1880 Train of South Dakota The 1880 Train of South Dakota carries a sense of nostalgia that settles in the moment the whistle sings across the valley. There is something timeless about a steam locomotive moving through the Black Hills. The sounds, the scent of warm metal, and the slow rhythm of the wheels create […]
How to See the Black Hills and Badlands
How to See the Black Hills and Badlands How to see the Black Hills and Badlands. So you’ve decided to come to the Black Hills of South Dakota and check Mount Rushmore off your list! Now, what do you do? First things first. Where are you going to stay? There are many options, but where […]
12 Reasons You Should Avoid South Dakota
12 Reasons You Should Avoid South Dakota (Seriously, Just Stay Away) Thinking of visiting South Dakota tourism hotspots like the Black Hills, Badlands National Park, or Mount Rushmore? Think again. As a local, I feel a moral obligation to warn you about the horrors that await. Sure, you’ve seen the pictures—rolling prairies, rugged mountains, and […]
The Pigtail Bridges of Iron Mountain Road
Where Are the Pigtail Bridges on Iron Mountain Road? The Pigtail Bridges sit at the north end of Iron Mountain Road (Highway 16A) in South Dakota’s Black Hills. This legendary scenic drive links Custer State Park to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, ending just before you reach the monument. For a lot of travelers, the bridges […]
Custer State Park Camping Proposals
$10 Million Custer State Park Camping Proposal South Dakota is known for its wide-open spaces, independent citizens, and a hands-off approach to government involvement in traditionally private-sector activities. That’s why it was quite a surprise to many South Dakotans to hear of a new $10-million proposal for 176 camp sites at Custer State Park. Governor […]
Great Place Designee My XO Adventures!
South Dakota Great Places Designee My XO Adventures Honored to Be a South Dakota Great Place Designee It was an unexpected honor to be recognized as an official South Dakota Great Place Designee for Rapid City. South Dakota holds a special place in my heart, and receiving this acknowledgment has only deepened my gratitude for […]
The Pasque Flower of South Dakota
The Pasque Flower, A Harbinger of Spring in South Dakota Before the forests warm, before the meadows fully wake up, and before summer’s busy energy rolls into the Black Hills, one small plant quietly signals the shift. The Pasque Flower appears early, pushing up through cold soil and lingering snow like it’s answering the first […]
The Ghost Town of Spokane South Dakota
The Ghost Town of Spokane South Dakota It’s my last day of the year to visit Custer State Park. I’m on my own and decided to take Iron Mountain Road to pay a visit to the old ghost town of Spokane, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. I came here after reading The Spokane […]
Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary Northern Black Hills
Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary: A Quiet Refuge in the Northern Black Hills A Sanctuary in the Woods Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary sits in the high country near Lead, South Dakota, surrounded by nearly 80 acres of meadow, aspen groves, and peaceful woodland. Resting at roughly 6,100 feet of elevation, the sanctuary was created by Dave and Jan […]
Bear Butte – A Sacred Place
Like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or email us for details on Havana Heartbeat or anything else we do! Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Linkedin Youtube Bear Butte: A Sacred Places in the Black Hills I had to clear my head today, and nature is the best place for me to find the answers. Bear Butte is a place […]