DFT21 - Day 3 and 4

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Day 3 we woke up in Sioux City, Iowa with plans of stopping in Sioux Falls, SD, then spending the day driving across South Dakota.  First off there weren't many places to stay in Sioux City.  I did end up finding an Avid, which is owned by the same group that owns the Holiday Inn. And for a one night stay it was really nice.  Next time I need a quick place to stay only for a night or two, I will def. check them out again.  The coffee was fresh ground as you wanted it.  The breakfast was a variety of grab and go items and they had a great selection.  The rooms were nice, new, and clean.  We were really happy with our stay there.  After leaving the hotel we drove 1.5 hours to Sioux Falls for breakfast.  We ate at Josiah's Coffee and it was fantastic! The only downside was the gravy was spicy so EG wouldn't eat it.  But we tried a homemade pop tart that was awesome.  And we also had the Cinnamon Roll!  Their Barista Drink of the week was a Coffee Shandy.  And I know it sounds gross but I had one in Colorado Springs on 2018 trip and it's SOOOO GOOD!



After breakfast we walked around downtown and ventured to Sioux Falls Park.  The city and park both seemed really nice but it was kinda chilly and rainy which was no fun for us. 

                                      

We started our drive across South Dakota and started seeing lots of ads for the Corn Palace. We decided we didn't have anything better to do so we stopped.  It was quite interesting and for sure a tourist trap.  But the history behind it was kinda cool and the popcorn was good ;) Their local sports team mascot is the Kernels and I have now officially joined their booster club fb page because I want to buy a shirt.

                                      

Also we were determined to stop at Wall Drug....because is it really a trip to South Dakota without stopping at Wall Drug? We got free water, 5 cent coffee, and tried their doughnuts.  It was a lot to take in and a lot of people.  Pretty overwhelming in my opinion.  But hey we can say we stopped.

                                                   

                                          

Sunday we woke up at camp ready to venture into the Black Hills.  We started at Mount Rushmore. Daniel and I have both been before but wanted to take EG.  And she earned her first junior ranger badge!  This time we hiked the trail around the park and it was neat to see all the presidents at different view points. Plus there are some even better places to get pictures with Mount Rushmore, so we highly recommend actually walking around and not just the main plaza.  


After Mount Rushmore we had a picnic lunch in Black Hills National Forest and it stormed on us :(. But we drove over to see the Crazy Horse monument.  It is massive and going to be so cool when finished.  But the visitors center is really well done and the movie is great.  It makes you realize how much you actually don't know and need to learn about.  


We ended our day with a train ride through the Black Hills on the 1880 train.  We randomly saw it while driving through Keystone and thought EG would really enjoy it.  Which she did, but we enjoyed it just as much if not more!  After the train ride dinner pickings were slim and we ended up at a place called The Front Porch....it was meh.  I wouldn't go again, but we had to eat something.  The Train Conductor also recommended an ice cream place called Benky's where we had "Ssert" and it was good.  




Ice Cream Count: 2

Added one more state to EG's list!

Saturday's Favorite Thing - Fresh Popcorn

Sunday's Favorite Thing - The Train Ride

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