You've come to the right place.
Digging South Dakota on a Budget
Family vacations and budget-watching may seem contradictory, but summer does offer many top-value vacation ideas that need little advance planning. If you're looking for educational, environmentally-friendly family travel, and for a unique opportunity to learn something new, try a Dakota dinosaur dig.
Every year, from June 1st to August 15th, children 4-13 years can dig to their hearts' content at The Mammoth Site (605/745-6017) in Hot Springs, South Dakota when they join the daily Junior Paleontologist Excavation program.
Since professional paleontologists began excavating in the Black Hills less than half a century ago, more than 50 Columbian Mammoth carcasses and other carnivores and herbivores dating back 26,000 years have been uncovered. Children will learn excavation techniques on fiberglas replicas, then discuss field notes, mapping techniques, and identification of various bones.
This is a popular pastime, so make advance reservations. Families with children under 4 years old can tour the exciting Ice Age remains, picnic on the front lawn, or play in a nearby playground during the 90-minute Junior Paleontologist Excavation sessions.
The small town of Hot Springs, dotted with historic sandstone buildings, meandering streams, and pocket parks is a great base for a tour to nearby Mt. Rushmore (605/574-2523), which is 50 miles north.
You can visit Evan's Plunge, the world's largest natural indoor swimming hole fed by springs which remain 87°F year-round, then bundle up for a tour the Wind Cave, which remains 53°F. This 320 million-year-old geological attraction is thought to have been submerged in water up until about 40 million years ago, and takes it name from the powerful gusts of wind that are emitted from the mouth of the cave. Said the be the fourth largest cave in the world at 125 miles in length, it is known for its boxwork, a honeycomb-like formation of calcite that is found in few other caves. Another unique adventure is a visit to the former Native American lands along the Cheyenne River, where 300 wild mustangs are protected in the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary.
Call the Hot Springs Area Chamber of Commerce (605/745-4140) for information on local hotels, another real bargain.
Post your comment