South Dakota

Distances stretch long across South Dakota, shaping a slower, more patient pace of life than in much of the country. Mount Rushmore, which gave the state its nickname, carries genuine local pride, while the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial, still being carved, will honor Native American history and Lakota leadership on an even larger scale once finished.

Indian tacos served on fry bread and German dishes like kuchen, the official state dessert, reflect the state’s layered heritage. Each August, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally brings a burst of energy to the Black Hills, a genuine part of the region’s identity regardless of whether one rides.

Badlands National Park holds strange, sharp rock formations, and wild bison roam free at Custer State Park.