I woke up to a sunny day and a semi nestled next to me. I noticed the rest area bathrooms had electrical outlets, so I was able to use my straightening iron to get my hair into shape 👍

All South Dakota rest areas have cement frame teepees. So I had to get a picture there as well as their South Dakota sign. Then a quick breakfast and then on the road.

I could not go through South Dakota without stopping again at the corn palace! First I had to see how far off the interstate it was and how complicated it would be to drive there with an rv. Well it wasn’t that bad at all. It is especially easy because there was not a lot of traffic for this time of the year. I was even able to park in the bus loading zone so I could get a picture with the palace in the background.

I could not get any good pictures of the Corn Palace because the sun was right behind it!! Bummer. I was surprised to see them already changing out some of the pictures. And I have noticed that they have metal flames on top of the towers now. I think the old ones were damaged in a storm and they’ve replaced with these because they were not metal before.

Back on the highway. Next stop, Chamberlain rest area. I especially wanted to stop here for lunch because they have a beautiful statue to represent Native Americans. It’s made of metal panels with colorful quilt like squares in them that are lit at night. It is named Dignity. When I got there and saw the size of it, it really took my breath away. It is something to see.

When I stood underneath it I could really feel the strength and the Dignity of that strength. I think it did a good job of projecting the ability to overcome all the things that have been in the Native Americans past.

There are a number of plaques on the walk to the statue that gives some interesting, basic information concerning the tribes of america. I have included the photos of those plaques below.

This rest area is also known for its tribute to the Lewis and Clark expedition. Inside the building they have a full size replica of the boat that they used during their exploration along with the types of supplies and stocks they would have in it. I did not go in to see that, as I had seen it in the past. I did however walk around the area outside and in the back, the end of the boat sticks out! I didn’t realize that. I guess they really wanted to keep true to its actual size but couldn’t put it all inside!!

Back on the road. The next stop is going to be the Belvedere rest area. Between Chamberlain and Belvedere it’s a pretty bare and the drive is long.

Once I got there I did my walking around for exercise and noticed it was getting quite chilly. For 2:30 in the afternoon it was pretty cloudy and resembled more 5:00 p.m. . Next stop, Wall Drug, South dakota. Cannot go past that either!! 😅.

Again because of being off season, I had no trouble driving around with the RV and finding the RV parking area which was just a block from the store. Overnight parking is allowed and free in the lot!

That was good news because I was checking my phone for the weather and it was not pretty. The area was experiencing 35 mph winds with gusts up to 60 miles per hour forecast,! Plus rain or possibly SNOW was expected. You’ve got to be kidding me! 😯

It was a real walk to get into Wall Drug against the wind! And cold!! It was hard to open the door to the store, and you just felt blown in. The warmth inside was so welcome!

Since it was already late in the day, I just had a chance to browse around through some of the stores, and check out where their cafe is located for tomorrow. Matthew and family had just returned from a visit to Wall Drug this summer, and encouraged me to have their five cent coffee and their maple flavored donuts. 😋 Breakfast here I come!

Now to settle in for the evening. As cold as it is getting and windy, I think I’m going to keep the slides in. And it’s starting to rain…