November 2023

Located at Exits 150 and 152 along I-90, Kadoka derives is name from the Lakota Sioux and literally means "hole in the wall."  This references the easy entrance into the spectacular but foreboding Badlands just west of town.  This also gives Kadoka the distinction of being the "Gateway to the Badlands."

Kadoka offers year around services which include:  9 motels, 5 restaurants, 3 convenience stores / gas stations, 2 auto repair shops, 3 churches, bank, post office, medical clinic, veterinarian, hardware, feed and grocery stores, city park, swimming pool and a 9-hole sand green golf course.

Kadoka is the home of Badlands Petrified Gardens, which features South Dakota's largest exhibit of petrified trees and logs, plus pre-historic badlands fossils, and minerals native to the area.  While in town, visit the Depot Museum, which holds local memorabilia and historical items from the area.  Kadoka is also in the process of restoring the 100-year-old Pearl Hotel to its original state.

Just minutes away along I-90 take Exit 131 where the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway (SD Hwy 240), takes you through the heart of the Badlands National Park.  The Badlands not only includes an eerie and mysterious landscape of sharp ridges and steep-walled canyons, but also the largest preserve of mixed-grass prairie in the National Park system.  Numerous overlooks, hiking trails and the Ben Reifel Visitor Center are located along the 35-mile byway.

Located 23 miles south of I-90 at the junction of Highway 83 and 44; White River is a gateway to the Badlands and Rosebud Reservation. Settled in 1911, White River has become known as favorite hunting area for grouse, pheasant, deer, varmint and wild turkey. Experience fishing, ranch vacations, rodeos, powwows, and other outdoor activities where the prairie skies meet western life.

Rodeos, powwows, ranch vacations, wagon train, hunting and bull riding to name a few. Come to Mellette County to relax and have fun!

Surrounded on three sides by the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservations, the town of Martin is a good base camp to experience the Lakota culture. Motel accommodations are available for overnight guests and dining for your eating pleasure.

To the north are the rugged Dakota Badlands and the moonscapes of Badlands National Park. To the south are the Sandhills of Nebraska. Sandwiched in between are Martin and the flat lands used for wheat farming.

Enjoy hunting prairie dogs, deer, turkey, geese, elk and pheasants in the area. Close to LaCreek Refuge, Bowring Ranch and enroute to the Badlands and Black Hills on US Hwy 18.

Located 12 miles east of Wall, there are still 6, or maybe 9, people living in Cottonwood. The town was originally called Ingham in the early 1900s but changed its name in honor a nearby grove of cottonwoods.

In the late 1930s, the area was a favorite for grouse and sage hen hunters. Today, it’s a good place to take photos of a town slowly fading back into the prairie.

Welcome to Edgemont, South Dakota - the gateway to the Black Hills!

Located on the southwestern flank of the Black Hills, Edgemont is a charming community that offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in stunning natural surroundings. To the north of Edgemont on US 18, the mountains of the Black Hills abruptly rise 1,500 feet in two miles, providing a dramatic and breathtaking view.

As one of the oldest towns in the Black Hills, Custer is a historic gem that offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm. From hiking and biking to exploring museums and historic sites, there is something for everyone in Custer.

Located on the banks of Rapid Creek in the northern Black Hills is the old gold mining town of Rochford. Not typical of a Western town, Rochford had very little violence, unlike the wild and woolly Lead and Deadwood just 21 miles to the north.

Rochford was founded in February 1877 by R.B. Hughes and M.D. Rochford. In March 1877, a mining district was established. By December 1878, Rochford had 200 houses, a population of 500, a solid block of stores with wooden, canopied sidewalks, a couple of doctors and a good school.  By 1900 only a post office and 48 residents remained.

Today, "downtown" Rochford consists of the historic Moonshine Gulch Saloon and the Rochford Mall/antique shop. Down the road is the Rochford Community Hall/Fire Station. Several other historic buildings remain standing but have deteriorated over the years.

Located in the Northern Black Hills, Lead is a former mining town that has transformed into a vibrant city full of unique attractions and events. From historic sites to outdoor adventures, Lead is a must-visit destination in the Black Hills.

Spearfish, a charming city in the Northern Black Hills, offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, culture, and history. From the stunning natural beauty of Spearfish Canyon to the vibrant downtown area, Spearfish has something for everyone.