Go west this autumn and explore the beauty of America…
So Much Fun in South Dakota
Take the family on an adventure through South Dakota starting at Sioux Falls and ending with a tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.
Exploring Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls is a fantastic family getaway at just 5-and-a-half-hours from Kansas City. These ideas scratch the surface... discover MORE fun in Sioux Falls with our blog post here.
FREE. 1-2 hours
The city's namesake falls are the centerpiece of this beautiful, free 123-acre park. On a visit to the park you’ll explore historic buildings, a visitors center and 50-foot observation tower, museum and café. The park is also a perfect place to board the Sioux Falls trolley for a tour of the city.
The Black Hills of South Dakota
Follow I-90 from Sioux Falls to Rapid City on a getaway to Mount Rushmore and other great family attractions, Mount Rushmore, Bear Country USA, and Custer State Park among others).
Admission charged. 2-4 hours
Take a 3-mile drive-through exploration of the animal park that is home to black bears, mountain lions, reindeer, bighorn sheep, elk, buffalo and more. After the drive-through portion, guests visit Babyland. This space is home to young animals, including beavers, skunks, badgers, foxes and arctic wolves ... but most of all, bear cubs who love to play and interact.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Parking fee. 3-5 hours
The iconic landmark, carved into stone, features 60-foot faces of presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Visitors will enjoy meeting reenactors portraying the presidents, walking the Presidential Trail winding up near the face of the mountain, learning the history of the four presidents and visiting the sculptor's studio where rangers tell the history of the sculpture.
Admission charged. 2-4 hours
The project, started in 1948, is incomplete and faces many more decades of work ... it is a "living sculpture" to honor the Sioux. When it is completed, the memorial will stand at 563 feet and be 641 feet long. Exhibits honor the history of the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota (we know them as the Sioux), their culture and art, and the history of the project. On weekends you may see presentations from members of the Lakota tribe. The site also features a children's area where staff members teach children to make art projects they may take home.
Pass required per vehicle. 3-5 hours
The 71,000-acre park offers lodging, campgrounds, a restaurant, Sylvan Lake biking and hiking trails, and scenic drives. The several hour drive along Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway and Wildlife Loop is well worth it. The road runs between Mount Rushmore and the junction of US 16A and SD 36.
Admission varies by age and attraction. 3-6 hours
This amusement park is built around the stalactite-filled Rushmore Cave, which you may tour on a visit. Rush Mountain Adventure Park just recently unveiled a brand new mountain roller coaster. The park also features a soaring eagle zip ride, sky course and Gunslinger 7-D Interactive Ride.
Kristina Light
Admission is charged. 2-4 hours
The Badlands is a 244,000-acre park showcasing beautiful geology and fossil beds. There are many stops as you drive through the park that offer majestic views and history. You may hike, picnic or even camp at the park. We opted to drive through on the way home, spending more than an hour cruising through the park.
Colorful Colorado with Kids
Our Colorado itinerary starts in Colorado Springs and ends in Durango with a step back in time aboard a steam train!
Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center
FREE Admission. 2-5 hours
Garden of the Gods is a must-see on a Colorado Springs vacation. The visitors center boasts two new exhibit halls telling the story of the complex geology, ecology and cultural history of the park through new hands-on interactive exhibits. After exploring the exhibits, visitors can enjoy several hours walking trails, hiking, climbing and taking photos through the fascinating red rocks of the geological “garden.”
Admission charged. 2-3 hours
Wear comfy shoes for this spectacular attraction. Tour the famous series of waterfalls located in a 1,250-foot-wall box canyon. The 224-step staircase overlooking the falls leads to hiking trails that let you enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The restaurant at the base of the falls is considered one of the most beautiful places to dine in Colorado. This is the only Colorado waterfall included on National Geographic’s list of international wonders.
Pikes Peak (5089 Pikes Peak Hwy., Cascade, CO, 719.684.9138)
Entrance fee charged. 3-5 hours
On our trip we drove the 19-mile paved toll road with more than 100 switchbacks (and no guard rails) all the way to the summit. This drive is not for the faint of heart. You’ll experience beautiful scenic views of lakes, mountains and wildlife as you climb up above the tree line and survey a snow-topped mountain. We found many places to stop along the way and take photos. Make sure you have a full tank of gas, plenty of water to drink, charged cameras and reliable brakes before starting the 2- to 3-hour journey.
Admission charged. 3-5 hours
The Royal Gorge is a spectacular geological attraction south of Colorado Springs. Home to the highest suspension bridge in the United States, the site offers amazing views. Our favorite attraction, however, was the gondola ride across the gorge (unlimited rides offered with admission). Visitors may also purchase tickets for the zip line or train ride. In addition to the bridge and gondola rides, we toured the museum that tells the history of the gorge, and watched a bird show. Children will enjoy the playground and carousel, and the whole family can eat at the café. This is a great half-day attraction to enjoy the beauty of Colorado.
Durango Silverton Railroad (479 Main Ave., Durango, CO, 877.872.4607)
Ticket prices vary based on package. Half- and full-day options
This restored steam engine takes passengers on a breathtaking journey through the Rocky Mountains. You may choose the type of car (closed or open air), length of trip (round-trip or partway with option to raft, bike or hike) and time of day (a few options are offered). We took a round-trip ride from Durango to Silverton in an enclosed car. Ours was an all-day excursion with a stop for lunch. This was a highlight of our trip that we highly recommend.
The Flint Hills of Kansas
If you’re looking for something a little closer to home, there is fun to be had on a weekend getaway to the Flint Hills of Kansas.
Admission charged. 2-3 hours
The museum is a veritable treasure trove of all things Oz, from costumes and props from the film, to collectible items straight from the books. The magic of the museum is enthralling for every Oz fan, young and old. Kids love taking photos with the giant Tin Man, in rooms resembling Dorothy’s and with artifacts including costumes and memorabilia.
For even more fun, visit during Oztoberfest (Oct. 5). Downtown Wamego features a variety of activities that include an Oz costume contest, Toto look-alike contest, an indoor/outdoor Oz Market, classic car show, Professor Marvel's Backyard BBQ Cook-Off, Wizard's Beer & Wine Garden, Munchkinland, Auntie Em's Boutique and many more Oz-some activities.
This small town was first settled by Swedish immigrants in the 1860s and it pays homage to its heritage with Dala horses throughout the village, Swedish décor and restaurants. The Valkommen Trail with a bridge crossing the Smoky Hill River welcomes visitors in Swedish (valkommen) and offers a fun photo op and scenic trail to explore the area. The McPherson Old Mill Museum is a local historic site telling the history of the village and the flour mill. An odd-numbered-year fall favorite is the Svensk Hyllningsfest (Oct. 18-19, 2019). This celebration honors the town’s Swedish heritage with costumes, music, dancing, authentic food and entertainment. Musicians play the fiddle, accordion and nyckelharpa (a Swedish keyed harp).
Coronado Heights Park (off Highway 4, 3 miles northwest of Lindsborg)
Discover the remnants of a castle at this scenic overlook. The structure, originally built in the 1930s for the Works Progress Administration, resembles a castle made of limestone. The view from atop the hill offers beautiful panoramic shots of the prairie. This is a perfect stop for a picnic and a view of the sunrise or sunset.
Admission charged.
Learn the history of the tallgrass prairie and the signature Flint Hills of Kansas at the interactive Discovery Center, a museum for the entire family. Interactive exhibits tell of the history and geography of the region.
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
This is the nation’s only national park preserving tallgrass prairie. The 11,000-acre prairie land is home to bison herds, wildflowers and scenic views. The autumn months are when the land most earns its “tallgrass” name with some grasses growing many feet high—even as tall as an average adult. The bronze color of the grasses makes for amazing views and fabulous fall photography. Begin at the visitors center, then explore the hiking and biking trails and historic buildings, including a ranch house, barn, carriage house, ice house and more on the ranch.
Kristina Light loves exploring new places (and familiar ones) with her family.