Driving cross-country makes the United States feel majestic and small at the same time. It’s so cool how the topography differs from state to state — prairies to mountains to lakes to deserts. Some states required more loud music to keep us awake than others (ahem Wisconsin and Minnesota), but it’s been a blast so far. Since we’re so familiar with the East Coast and Midwest, we logged those miles as quickly as possible.

The first really exciting destination: South Dakota. We were pleasantly surprised. Who knew South Dakota had so much to offer?! First stop was the Corn Palace, the one and only in the world. This place was tacky and great. Corn on the outside walls, fresh popcorn at the “Corn-cessions” stand, huge corn gift shop inside… hilarious.

Entering the crux of the giant Corn Palace

We then traveled to the Badlands National Park. Somehow this place didn’t even cross our radar when planning the trip, which would’ve been a gross oversight because it was awesome! We managed to get a little trail hiking in.

Entering the trail into the Badlands

Inside the Badlands

We did some climbing

We did some yoga

View from the top of the trail

Sunset

The other great part of our time in South Dakota was that we arrived just in time for the Sturgis Bike Rally. Again, unplanned but totally worth accidentally experiencing. There were bikers EVERYWHERE, and they were the nicest leather-clad bikers you will ever meet. We got especially up-close and personal with them the next morning at Mount Rushmore.

Note the mile-long line of bikers!

Before heading down to Wyoming and Colorado, we had to stop for some good old-fashioned homemade ice cream.