Dakotas Trip- Day 1 10.4.26

Visiting all fifty states that make up our diverse and beautiful country was never on my bucket list. But after I visited Alaska, Wyoming and Idaho in 2025, I realized that there were only two states I had yet to visit – North and South Dakota. The main reason I have had the opportunity to set foot in many of the states I have visited is through work, whether it was being invited to cycle across  Iowa in the annual RAGBRAI event or visiting clients or potential clients in almost 30 states including places like Hanover, New Hampshire and Kalispell, Montana.

While in Alaska, which made it the 48th state I would set foot in, I met a guide who was originally from North Dakota. I asked her whether it was worth visiting the Dakotas. She responded, “Well, there is a lot to do and see in South Dakota including Mount Rushmore. In North Dakota, not so much.” I did not think too much about it. Maybe I would end up visiting just 48 states. 

And then a funny thing happened. I have always been a big Theodore Roosevelt fan. He is one of my favorite presidents.  I will explain why in a future post. He also happens to be a favorite president of my mother-in-law, Sarah, who spent her career as a high school history teacher. She and my recently deceased father-in-law have been members of the Theodore Roosevelt Association for many years. And when she recently gave me her Teddy Rosevelt library which consists of over 75 volumes, I joined the Association, which holds an annual meeting every year. And guess where the meeting is this year – Medora, North Dakota, which is the location of the new $450 million Theodore Roosevelt Library, which just opened in July! So, that is why I am sitting in my hotel room in Custer, SD writing this travel blog. 

After flying into Rapid City, SD earlier today, I drove straight to Keystone for lunch for a cowboy burrito, and then drove to Mount Rushmore. Afterwards, I visited the Lake Sylvan area of Custer State Park, where I completed a challenging 4.5 mile hike, before driving the scenic Needles Highway towards the town of Custer, which will be my landing spot for the next four days. Custer State Park is the gem of this region. More on that tomorrow.  I will then make the five hour drive to North Dakota, where I will attend the Annual TRA meeting. Enjoys the pics from today!