Lee and Karen Duquette,
The Two RV Gypsies: Full-Time RVers/
enjoyed the Corn Palace, Wall Drug and more
in Mitchell, South Dakota
September 13, 2009

South Dakota is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States of America and is shown on the map above.

South Dakota was named after the Lakota and Dakota Sioux American Indian tribes. South Dakota was carved out of the southern half of the Dakota Territory and admitted to the Union on November 2, 1889. Centrally-located Pierre is the state capital and Sioux Falls is the state's largest city. As of 2008, South Dakota had an estimated population of 804,194.

South Dakota is bisected by the Missouri River, dividing the state into two socioeconomic distinct halves, known to residents as "West River" and "East River". Fertile soil in the eastern part of the state is used to grow a variety of crops, while ranching is the predominant agricultural activity in the west. The Black Hills, a group of low pine-covered mountains, is located in the southwest part of the state. The area is of great religious importance to local American Indian tribes. Mount Rushmore is a major state tourist destination in the Black Hills.

Historically dominated by an agricultural economy and a rural lifestyle, South Dakota has recently sought to diversify its economy to attract and retain residents. However, it is still largely rural and has the fifth-lowest population density among U.S. states. While several Democratic senators have represented South Dakota for multiple terms at the federal level, the state government is largely dominated by the Republican Party, which has carried South Dakota in the last eleven presidential elections.

The jackalope (shown above and below) is part-antelope, part-jackrabbit - an antlered species of rabbit, unfortunately rumored to be extinct, though occasional sightings of this rare creature continue to occur, suggesting that pockets of jackalope populations continue to persist in its native home, the American West. The Jackalope is an aggressive species, willing to use its antlers to fight. Thus, it is also sometimes called the "warrior rabbit." Jackalopes possess an uncanny ability to mimic human sounds. In the old West, when cowboys would gather by their campfires to sing at night, Jackalopes would frequently be heard singing back, mimicking the voices of the cowboys. Jackalopes become especially vocal before thunderstorms, perhaps because they mate only when lightning flashes (or so it is theorized). When chased, the jackalope will use its vocal abilities to elude capture. For instance, when chased by people it will call out phrases such as, "There he goes, over there," in order to throw pursuers off its track. The best way to catch a jackalope is to lure it with whiskey, as they have a particular fondness for this drink. Once intoxicated, the animal becomes slower and easier to hunt.

Below: Badlands / White River - KOA Campground, Interior, South Dakota - Features: swimming pool and kids wading pool closes 8:30 P.M. - cook house serves breakfast and dinner - nature walk - miniature golf - gift shop - basketball, volleyball, football, softball, horseshoes, bocce ball equipment available for loan at the front desk - 2 laundry rooms, game room upstairs above main laundry room, NO Wi-Fi but free broadband wireless internet available within 500 feet of main building or east restroom - cable TV with limited stations, fax service at front desk. Lee and Karen Duquette seldom use any of the services offered by campgrounds except for maybe the TV and Wi-Fi when available. They are just too busy touring the sights of the area to be in the campground very long.

Below: The World's Only Corn Palace located at 604 North Main Street in Mitchell, South Dakota.

The Corn Palace serves as a multi-use center for the community and region. The facility hosts stage shows, as well as sports events in its arena. The World's Only Corn Palace is an outstanding structure which stands as a tribute to the agricultural heritage of South Dakota.

The original Corn Palace was called "The Corn Belt Exposition" and was established in 1892. Early settlers displayed the fruits of their harvest on the building exterior in order to prove the fertility of South Dakota soil. The third and present building was completed for it first festival at the present location in 1921. The exterior decorations are completely stripped down and new murals are created each year. The theme is selected by the Corn Palace Festival Committee and murals are designed by a local artist. The current Corn Palace built in 1921 was designed by Rapp and Rapp the same architects used to design New York Radio City Music Hall.

Over 275,000 ears of Corn are used in the decorating the outside of the Corn Palace each year. Each year the Corn Palace is redecorated, selecting a new theme and new designs. All the colors of corn are naturally grown with special seed raised just for the Corn Palace. Each color must be planted in separate fields to maintain its pure color.

Below: WALL DRUG

Lots and lots of signs on the way in advertising Wall Drug. Actually, it is a big store - 76,000 square feet, not near as exciting as the signs made it out to be. But it does have some unique things such - the backyard with its Branding Iron Arcade, animated T-Rex, panning & mining experience for fossils and gemstones, Train Station Water Show & fun picture-taking props in a picnic area, a restaurant for sandwiches and deserts, 5-cent coffee, lots of stores, and South Dakota made items.

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