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.
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