When we entered South Dakota on Saturday, I began seeing signs for Wall Drug which is on my kitschy places to see list (I missed the SPAM museum). I took pictures of as many signs as I could and my anticipation built with each sign.
We stayed in Belvidere SD on Saturday night at a great KOA. Peaceful, not crowded and as a bonus, we got to connect with a friend and her son who were traveling to Badlands National Park at the same time as we were.
Sunday, we wound our way through the Badlands in Bella-BOW. It was my first time seeing this breathtaking beauty, and we stopped where space would allow so I could take photos.
As we left Badlands, we had only a few miles to Wall South Dakota and Wall Drug.
The holiday weekend had the town very crowded. We found the Wall Drug truck and RV parking lot with no problem but because of the inconsiderate way others had parked there was no space at all for us. After a few minutes of searching, I said “next time”, muttered a few choice words in the direction of the pissy parkers and we drove on.
So, after miles and miles of signs and a big build up I was left …..Wall-less.
Our destination was Mt. Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch. It’s a huge park with RV spaces, cabins, a lodge, restaurants, etc. in a beautiful setting only about 5 miles from Mt. Rushmore. What it does not have is CELL SERVICE or Wifi. I walked around outside until I got one little bar of Verizon 1x and was able to get a text through to family to let them know where we were and that we didn’t have service and then the “No service” notification came up.
I’m not accustomed to not having connectivity and kept picking up my phone to check the weather or google something. This morning as we left I was like a junkie jonesing for a fix. As soon as we got to a place where I had service, I hopped on my laptop.
I would have sucked as a pioneer.
Me: “Stop! Stop the WAGON! I have one bar! “
The shotgun guy to the Wagon Driver Guy: “Clem, the lady wants to stop at the saloon.”
Next blog I’ll talk about Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse monument
Stay tuned….
Ramble in the Bramble 
Ha, I don’t believe we got to see Wall Drug, either, going through South Dakota years ago. Quite a buildup. Similar fuss for the Corn Palace over in Mitchell, SD — but their buildup did result in us finding the thing and having as much of a look as we wanted.. I will look forward to hearing about the Crazy Horse monument. It should be amazing… if it ever gets finished.
Catching up up on your blog. You lucky girl. What no Spam museum? I’m guessing you also missed the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. Lots for next time. Lol!