National Grasslands Visitors Center and Wall, South Dakota

Between Minuteman Missile National Site and Badlands, we stopped to have lunch at Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota (where the jackalopes roam) - an iconic 4 block (or possibly more) shopping area started by one lady offering free ice water to travelers and that has turned into a multi-million dollar company, I'm sure!  RV have a large RV parking area; buses are welcome and cars have plenty of parking spots!  We'd been to Wall Drug before so we knew we'd probably spend a couple hours there easily - but for those who haven't been, be prepared to spend about 4 hours there!  There are shops galore, great food, ice-cream and now, another area has opened along the back part of the block long, drug store.  Below is just a VERY SMALL section of the lunch area.  I had a BBQ Beef Sandwich and homemade donut they are known for and Scott had the Roast Beef dinner.

After lunch, we just stopped in a couple of shops: Minnetonka Moccasins, a camping shop and a Native American artifact shop.  Will never get there?  No fear, you can shop online!

I bought a little bison to put in the truck with me and Scott bought me a bag that just fits my National Parks Passport book like a glove so that we can have a designated place for it.

And, before heading out, we had to get ice-cream!  The shop staff are usually young adults from different countries.  One gal was from Jamaica that we met and I don't know where he was from...he didn't have on his name tag.

Also in Wall, South Dakota as we were leaving town, we spotted the National Grasslands Visitor Center.  Buffalo Gap National Grasslands is next door but I think they are now part of the visitor center.  I decided to stop in before heading to the Badlands.  It was a surprisingly wonderful place and they even have a junior ranger program just like the National Parks do!  The National Grasslands Visitor Center is the only visitor center in the country for all 20 National Grasslands and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.  These grasslands are located at the following locations: California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming! Who knew?!  As always, it's a free location and there is a 25-minute film, lovely display of exhibits quite tastefully done and ranger-led events!  The Exhibit Room features interactive displays on ecosystems, grazing, Great Plains history, artifacts, wildlife, etc.  If you want to see the film, please request it.  These events are offered only during the summer months, however the visitors center is open year-round.  There is also a gift shop containing a variety of books and collectors items for old and young.  And, you can even stamp your National Parks Passport Book there!

It's well worth  your time to go to both Wall Drug AND National Grasslands Visitors Center.  You could easily spend a day doing both!