Local Area Attractions Near Belvidere East / Exit 170 KOA Journey

Belvidere East KOA in Midland, South Dakota, offers a fantastic central location for exploring a variety of attractions and activities in the area, such as historical sites, scenic drives, and natural wonders.  By making the Belvidere East KOA your basecamp for exploration, you can enjoy both the convenience of modern camping amenities and the opportunity to discover the fascinating history and natural beauty of Midland, South Dakota.

Here's a recap of the attractions and activities you can enjoy:

  1. Badlands National Park: Experience the unique geology and stunning landscapes of this iconic national park. You can hike the trails, take scenic drives through the Badlands Loop Road, and appreciate the park's diverse wildlife and natural beauty.
  2. Minuteman Missile National Historic Site: Gain insights into Cold War history by touring a decommissioned missile silo and a former missile launch control facility. Learn about the region's role in the Cold War and the United States' nuclear deterrent strategy.
  3. Pioneer Auto Museum: For automobile enthusiasts and history buffs, this museum houses an impressive collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, tractors, and transportation artifacts. It's a fascinating look into the history of transportation.
  4. 1880 Town: Step back in time to the late 19th century by visiting this authentic historic town. Explore over 30 historic buildings, including a schoolhouse, church, and saloon, to learn about life in the Old West.
  5. Stroppel Hotel: Immerse yourself in the late 19th-century ambiance by visiting this restored hotel. Enjoy mineral plunges for relaxation and rejuvenation after a day of exploration.
  6. Local Trails and Scenic Drives: Discover the natural beauty of South Dakota's countryside by hiking local trails and taking scenic drives through the area. It's an excellent way to connect with the outdoors and enjoy the region's picturesque landscapes.

In addition to these attractions, there are opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and photography. Whether you're interested in history, automobiles, natural beauty, or the Cold War era, Midland and its surroundings have something for every traveler to enjoy. It's a great destination for those looking to combine modern camping amenities with exploration of the region's rich history and natural wonders.

1880 Town

1880 Town

Midland, SD 1880 TownWalk down Main Street of this 1880 town and explore more than 30 buildings authentically furnished with thousands of relics.  Enjoy the rolling terrain of a sprawling homestead and envision life on the prairie.  While at the 1880 town, you can also view memorabilia from the late Casey Tibbs, a champion rodeo bronc rider, and many props that were used in filming the movie “Dances with Wolves”.

 Dances with WolvesAmong the many props from the Dances with Wolves movie set are a sod house and tent and Timmons Freight wagons. “Buck” (Cisco), one of the horses ridden in the movie, lived at 1880 TOWN until he passed away in 2008 at the age of 33. There is a memorial for him at his burial place in the 1880 TOWN.Casey Tibbs MuseumCasey Tibbs, 1929-1990, was a well-known, 9-time, World Champion Rodeo Cowboy. He traveled the rodeo circuit and delighted many as a champion bronc rider. A tribute to Casey Tibbs is presented in the Vanishing Prairie Museum of the 1880 TOWN in a wide array of memorabilia, including one of his saddles, belt buckles, jackets, hats and other personal possessions as well as photographs, sculptures and event advertisements.
 Gift ShopWhile at the 1880 TOWN take time to stroll through one of our gift shops! One is located in the 14 sided barn and one is located in the Shell Convenience Store. We offer gifts of western decor, children's toys, t-shirts and clothing, SD Made products, jewelry and books.If you are interested in purchasing something form our gift shop, please call 605-344-2008.Be sure to visit the Long Horn Saloon for a cold sarsaparilla, the gift shop, and the diner for lunch specials. The 1880 Town is hard to miss with easy access off I-90 and a large parking area for buses.

Tour: length: self-guided as long as wanted

Open: May 1 - October 31

Hours: Dawn until Dusk

Courtesy of: South Dakota Department of Tourism.

Website

Pioneer Auto Show

Pioneer Auto Show

Murdo, SD

DISCOUNTED ADMISSION.
Pioneer Auto Show and Prairie Town
For a genuine slice of Americana, stop in Murdo and visit the Pioneer Auto Show and Prairie Town to take a nostalgic journey into the past. Established in 1954, and known as "The Big Variety Show", this an unrivaled celebration of America's romance with the automobile, and includes motorcycles, tractors, scooters, and bicycles portraying the history of 20th century America through their incredible evolutions. Most of these wheeled antiques have automated recordings for self-guided tours.

Courtesy of: South Dakota Department of Tourism.

Wall Drug

Wall Drug

Wall, SD

America's favorite roadside attraction, Wall Drug has been entertaining and educating the traveling public since 1931. Wall Drug has evolved into a 76,000-square-foot wonderland of free attractions. There is something for everyone at Wall Drug! AAA approved.

Courtesy of: South Dakota Department of Tourism.

Hot Mineral Baths

Hot Mineral Baths

Midland, SD

For over 70 years the hot mineral waters have run into the hotel's plunges to relive the body of aches and pains caused from muscular skeletal discomfort, trauma and disease. The healing waters have also been known to help with some skin disorders, respiratory issues, immune deficiencies by assisting the body own healing process through cleansing and detoxifying.

The mineral water comes from the ground at about 119 degrees F. Flowing to the plunges at about 30 gallons per minute, where it naturally arrives at about 105-109 degrees F. We use no other heating methods or chemical additives in the plunges. Just hot mineral water from the earth's natural source.

Courtesy of: Lava Water Hotel

Badlands Petrified Gardens

Badlands Petrified Gardens

While walking through the Petrified Gardens, you will be walking through the eons of time that the Badlands fossils, logs and minerals represent. The Badlands area has undergone dramatic climatic and geographic changes over the millions of years that they represent. It has changed from sea to swamp to grassland. The sea life fossils are 200 million years old; the petrified wood is 60 million years old; and the fossil mammals are 40 million years old.

Kadoka, SD

Courtesy of: South Dakota Department of Tourism.

Local Area Recreation Near Belvidere East / Exit 170 KOA Journey

1880 Town - Midland, SD

1880 Town - Midland, SD

South Dakota's Original 1880 TOWN has more than 30 buildings from the 1880 to 1920 era, authentically furnished with thousands of relics, historical accounts and photographs, a Casey Tibbs exhibit, Dances with Wolves movie props, and fun activities for kids. Walk down Main Street of this 1880 town and explore more than 30 buildings authentically furnished with thousands of relics.  Enjoy the rolling terrain of a sprawling homestead and envision life on the prairie.  While at the 1880 town, you can also view memorabilia from the late Casey Tibbs, a champion rodeo bronc rider, and many props that were used in filming the movie “Dances with Wolves”.
In 1972 a gas station was built at this location along with forming an idea of an old west attraction. Later, an additional 80 acres was purchased. About that time a movie company came to a small town nearby to film an 1880 era movie. A main street set was constructed from old buildings and a number of Indian relics and antiques were borrowed from Clarence Hullinger, Richard's father. Winter set in and the filming was abandoned. The movie company returned home giving the main street set to Clarence for the use of his artifacts. The movie set was moved to the 80 acres and the 1880 TOWN was born! Along with the beginning of the 1880 TOWN began years of collecting what is now an authentic 1880 to 1920 era town from buildings to contents.  The displays and buildings range from Indian relics from the 1970's to the fourteen-sided barn built in 1919.  This history of the 1880 TOWN is just a snap shot of what you'll see and experience while visiting our attraction. We are constantly updating and adding items and buildings to the collection so make sure and plan to visit us soon!

24280 SD Highway

Midland, SD 57552

605-344-2259

Website

Rocks Climbing in Hill City, SD

Rocks Climbing in Hill City, SD

Don't let your vacation be boring. Go rock climbing in Hill City, SD.

Courtesy of: South Dakota Department of Tourism.

Hill City, SD

Biking in the Black Hills, SD

Biking in the Black Hills, SD

Perfect stop for your trip anywhere in the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park and Mickelson Trail.

Courtesy of: South Dakota Department of Tourism.

Custer State Park, SD

Hiking in the Badlands National Park

Hiking in the Badlands National Park

The Badlands National Park, or "mako sica" as it is known to the Lakota people, is a place of mystery, spirituality and natural beauty. Located near Wall, South Dakota, the Badlands National Park consists of 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest, protected mixed grass prairie in the United States.

Once home to ancient marine life, early mammals and now bison, bighorn sheep and ferrets, Badlands National Park is a must-see stop filled with painted canyons and photo opportunities.

One million visitors are attracted to the park's 244,000 acres each year, which are divided between three units for hiking and exploring. The Stronghold and Palmer Creek Units to the south are also part of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. An entrance fee is required to enter Badlands National Park, and is valid for 7 days.

Courtesy of: South Dakota Department of Tourism.

Badlands, SC