Episode 12: Lakota

Taking a road trip to visit family is always an adventure, but this one felt more like a journey than a vacation. The miles stretched out, not as a leisurely escape, but as a determined path to reconnect with loved ones. Each stop was less about sightseeing and more about closing the distance between us and our loved ones. While it wasn’t a vacation in the traditional sense, it was a meaningful trek to visit our family and our mother who would be turning 80 years old later that month. Here’s our journey and how it went…

Day 1

Our road trip began in our home state of Washington. We loaded up the car early in the morning, filled with excitement and anticipation for the long drive ahead. The kids were thrilled, their backpacks filled with snacks, devices, and games to keep them entertained during the drive. We headed east, leaving behind the cascade mountains and making our way toward the wide-open spaces of Idaho.

Day 1 P.M

Crossing into Idaho, as we have many times in the past, is one of our favorite places to visit. The drive was smooth, with plenty of stops to stretch our legs and take in the views. We passed through charming small towns, each with its own unique character. By the time we reached Coeur d'Alene, we were ready for a break. The lake there is a perfect spot to relax and eat before continuing on our journey.

Day 2 A.M: Our next major stop was Butte, Montana. Stepping into Butte felt like stepping back in time. The historic mining town is rich in history, and the boys loved the look and feel of the town. Home to the World Museum of Mining, offers a glimpse into the tough lives of miners in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Leaving Butte, we made our way to one of the highlights of our trip: Yellowstone National Park. The drive into the park was beautiful with towering mountains, lush forests and sparkling rivers. We spent the afternoon exploring this natural wonderland, checking out the geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser. The kids loved the bubbling mud pots and the colorful hot springs, while we enjoyed the park's many lakes and waterfalls. We were lucky enough to spot some wildlife from a safe distance,

Day 2: P.M

After our time in Yellowstone, we headed to Cody, Wyoming, known as the "Rodeo Capital of the World." Cody was full of western charm, with its historic downtown and cowboy culture. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West, you can learn about the life of Buffalo Bill and the history of the American West. The rest of the day was a 500 mile journey across an area so rural I have never seen anything like it. Not a soul or power line insight. We didn't see anything, nor have cell service either.

Day 3 A.M

Our next destination was the Black Hills of South Dakota, where we explored the historic town of Deadwood. This old gold rush town has been beautifully preserved, with its wooden sidewalks and old-time saloons. We took a tour on a trolley and learned about the town's notorious past, including the stories of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Deadwood is also home to many casinos and the infamous Bullock Hotel, which is reportedly haunted by the towns former miners. The Black Hills themselves were stunning with granite peaks. We spent some exploring a very deep and unique cave while enjoying the fresh mountain air before moving on to Mount Rushmore National Monument. We spent little time here, but they do have an ice cream parlor and gift shop. If you visit, kids may get bored here really fast.

Day 3 P.M

We finally made it to our destination. Rapid City, South Dakota. Its a unique town that has a calming feel to it. As a family, we enjoyed all the shops and restaurants that we don't have in Washington State. Once we got settled, we visited our mother before we went to Wall. NO road trip through South Dakota would be complete without a stop at Wall Drug. This quirky roadside attraction is a mix of history and pure fun. We wandered through the many shops, admiring the bizarre collection of memorabilia, and of course, their famous donuts and 5-cent coffee. The kids had a blast exploring the outdoor exhibits.

About 15 minutes away from Wall, is Badlands National Park, which to our surprise was beautiful. There’s a 12 mile loop road that takes you around the park, with many stops and viewpoints along the way. Also at the viewpoints are trails for hiking, unfortunately there was a bad thunderstorm that rolled through while we were at the park, so we decided to drive the loop instead of getting out. The boys had a great time here and liked the wildlife sightings and spending time with their grandmother.

Day 4 A.M

Reptile Gardens in Rapid City is a must-visit spot for families, offering an up-close look at some of the most fascinating creatures on earth. Nestled in the Black Hills, this unique attraction is home to an incredible array of reptiles, from massive alligators to colorful snakes and lizards. Kids and adults will like the interactive shows, where they can learn about these amazing animals and even see them in action. The beautifully landscaped grounds and engaging exhibits make it more than just a zoo—it's an adventure that combines education with excitement, perfect for creating unforgettable family memories.

Day 4 P.M

After visiting the reptiles, we visited Custer State Park, a vast wilderness home to one of the largest bison herds in the country. A few miles away is the Crazy Horse Memorial, an awe-inspiring tribute to Native American culture and history. It is currently unfinished and will probably remain that way.

Next we visited Keystone, South Dakota, a gem in the heart of the Black Hills, is a perfect blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty. This charming town serves as the gateway to Mount Rushmore. Beyond the monument, Keystone is brimming with activities that cater to all ages—from exploring the depths of the Rushmore Cave to taking a scenic ride on the 1880 Train.

The town's warm, welcoming atmosphere and abundance of family-friendly attractions make Keystone an ideal destination for creating cherished memories together.

Day 5 A.M

Today, while heading out to grab some breakfast, the hotel concierge told us about a special place to visit while we are in town. I never heard of this place, but the details they mentioned were something out of a fairy tale.

Day 5 P.M: Storybook Island in Rapid City is a magical destination that brings the pages of beloved children’s stories to life. This enchanting park is a wonderland for young imaginations, offering over 100 scenes from classic tales like Cinderella, The Wizard of Oz, and Alice in Wonderland. As you stroll through the beautifully landscaped paths, each turn reveals another charming surprise—a castle, a pirate ship, or even a friendly dragon. But Storybook Island isn’t just for kids; parents will find themselves reminiscing about their own childhood favorites, making it a nostalgic experience for all ages.

What sets Storybook Island apart is the attention to detail in every display, ensuring that each character and scene is as captivating as the stories themselves. The park is meticulously maintained, providing a safe and clean environment where families can spend hours exploring, playing, and even enjoying a picnic in one of the shaded areas. Best of all, admission is free, making it an affordable and unforgettable outing for families visiting the Black Hills.

Whether you’re climbing aboard the Storybook Express Train, exploring the Castle of Dreams, or watching your child’s eyes light up at the sight of their favorite characters, Storybook Island offers a unique blend of adventure, creativity, and pure joy. It’s a place where the magic of storytelling comes to life. It’s definitely a place that I will remember for a lifetime.

Day 6 A.M: Today is Independence Day. We gathered together at a park in Custer to watch the fireworks and enjoy some BBQ with my wife and 2 boys, my mother, sister, her husband, and my niece and nephews. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we had the perfect spot to settle in. Sharing this moment with my loved ones, especially seeing the joy in my mother’s face when we celebrated her birthday which made the night truly special. It was a beautiful reminder of the simple yet profound joy of being together as a family.

Conclusion

As we packed up the car for the last time and began our journey home, we reflected on the incredible experiences we had shared as a family. From the historic towns to the natural wonders, every stop along the way offered something unique and memorable. The kids had learned so much about American history and the great outdoors, and we all felt a deeper connection to this beautiful country. This road trip was an adventure that brought us closer together and created memories that will last a lifetime. We can't wait for our next family road trip, wherever the road may take us!