South Dakota
We have been through South Dakota many times with our kids. This time we did mostly Drive Bys. This trip is mostly a drive to Salt Lake City to help our daughter Grace move in. But the drive on I90 through South Dakota is always amazing. This first sight to see is the Corn Palace in Mitchell SD. This is sporting building that is decorated with corn murals. Then we drove past the Porter Sculptor Park. You can see many of the sculptors from the highway, or stop and pay $10 to walk around. We noticed a bunch of firetrucks standing up end in a circle and discovered Firehenge. Although you can see soime fothe badlands fromHwy 90, you can take the loop road to get a great view of all the sights the Badlands has.
Corn Palace
The Corn Palace is decorated annually with 7 murals made out of 12 different colors of corn, each framed with native grasses, straw, milo, and sourdock. A local farmer grows all the corn for the Palace, local artist(s) design the murals, and a team of approximately 20 workers change out the murals every year beginning in late-August and working into September (as crops become available). The Palace is never un-decorated, as the murals are not taken down until it is time to replace them in the late summer, when the work is a gradual process.
The 2026 theme of the Corn Palace is 250 Years of America!
Porter Sculpture Park
A world of metal marvels at Porter Sculpture Park, a South Dakota treasure. Over 60 sculptures crafted from metal with accompanying poetry dot the tall grass prairie the park sits on. The self-guided loop trail is a third of a mile long and accessible by golf cart if walking is difficult. All sculptures are by artist Wayne Porter, who is on site and enjoys meeting visitors. New works are regularly added, ensuring a fresh experience for returning visitors. Many Sculptures are viewable from the highway.
Firehenge
Firehenge is located along Interstate 90 near the Badlands, east of Kadoka, South Dakota, at Exit 152. The attraction consists of old fire trucks half-buried upright in a circle, inspired by the ancient monument Stonehenge, with a smoke jumper airplane positioned in the center. It was created by Bob Fuchs, co-owner of Firehouse Brewing Company, who wanted to transform his collection of historic fire trucks into a public art and roadside experience
Badlands Loop Road
The Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240) is a 39–40 mile scenic byway through Badlands National Park, offering breathtaking views, wildlife sightings, and access to numerous overlooks, hiking trails, and visitor facilities.
