On August 14, 2009 some of the world’s most mentally- and emotionally-tough endurance athletes embarked on a 600 mile journey through rattlesnake and scorpion habitats on a quest to earn bragging rights as competitors in Eco Primal Quest, South Dakota. Competing in on a team of four (with at least one man and at least one woman), these uber athletes traversed the distance on foot or bike, in kayak, on ropes, through caves. Up and down and up and down again. For 600 miles.

We drove.

Team WEDALI (Photo Credit: Ron Bennett, Bennett Pro Services)

Following Team WEDALI (W.e E.at D.ust A.nd L.ike I.t), Midwestern underdog contenders who triumphed in a 5th place overall finish, our family ventured to South Dakota to take in the race and to road trip (of course). We only had 33% of our kids, and while I followed the racers (feeling quite out of shape), my husband and oldest son climbed over, on, and through many popular South Dakota destinations. And on the subject of popular South Dakota destinations, South Dakota may just be one of the only states where a tourist attraction can feel as remote and wonderful as the Great Plains themselves.

While the South Dakota Tourism website offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities based on your budget, your itinerary, and your interests, here are some of our trip highlights.

Wall Drug Store

Where the Heck is Wall Drug?

Yes. Wall Drug. (By the way, I can see you rolling your eyes.)  If the lure of a “Where the Heck is Wall Drug” bumper sticker or the infamous “free ice water” doesn’t pull your minivan in on autopilot, consider these relatively new attractions: the train station water show and a giant, roaring t-rex. And, don’t forget jackelopes, pet rocks, fools gold, and cowboy hats. Wall Drug has improved exponentially even in the last 10 years. Trust me on this.

The Needles Highway

For all you zoom zoom drivers out there, The Needles Highway (SD Highway 87) and Iron Mountain Road (US Highway 16A) should be on your Top 10 list. Featuring tunnels, hairpin curves, and slender granite pinnacles, I guarantee no one will ask “Are we there yet?” on this scenic byway near Mount Rushmore. Embracing a bad pun, you’ll squeal with delight on three different pigtail turns. Although, perhaps this is not the best time for new drivers to take the wheel.

Custer State Park

Hiking to Harney Peak

A mere 71,000 acres, Custer State Park was too big even for Eco Primal Quest to take in (but we almost did, crossing back and forth and then back again trying to keep up with the different teams). A favorite entire family activity we enjoyed were two different days of day hiking along the trails to Little Devils Tower and Harney Peak. Without the need to find a paved stroller path, we donned hiking boots and sun screen, filled water bottles, and breathed deeply in the somewhat thinner air. Even if you only journey in as far as Sylvan Lake (may I suggest a picnic lunch or snack from the nearby lodge cafe), Mother Earth has gathered some spectacular treasures in this part of South Dakota.

Wind Cave National Park

Disclaimer: Buffalo and prairie dog are plentiful on the drive to Wind Cave National Park. Before you cross over the cattle grate, may I suggest engaging the child safety lock on windows and doors (also, emphasize the many reasons why anything wild makes a bad pet).

Beyond what I now refer to the tatanka incident, Wind Cave National Park is a perfect destination for a history buff, a spelunker, a naturalist, and any tourist or native South Dakota resident. Described as “breathing,” wind blows through the caves like spirits of the Wild Wild West. Engaged in following the race, my husband and son descended into the earth for a cave tour. Having taken the same tour 25 years earlier, I saw by the twinkle in my son’s eye that the wonders of the cave have not aged with time.

Roughing it at the South Dakota Welcome Center

Other stops on our action-packed adventure were Mount Rushmore, Rapid City, Custer, The Badlands, rock shops, and reservoirs. We didn’t allow enough time or flexibility for relaxation, and it seems a shame to have never once propped our feet up or done something as simple as throw stones in a mountain stream. But, if there was any lesson to take away from the adventure race and our own vacation-version, it’s that the journey is the destination, not the end.

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