Rhys is a second-grade student in North Dakota. When his family vacationed in Rapid City, Rhys loved it so much he had to write about it. See the magic he discovered in South Dakota.
Are you adventurous? During a school break, I went on a trip with my family. We went hiking, saw waterfalls and unusual animals, and slid down waterslides. It was AMAZING! I think everyone must visit Rapid City, South Dakota.
There are many fun things to see and do outside. The winding Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore will give you a closer look at the amazing details of the presidents’ faces carved into the hard rock of the mountain. For example, you can see the glasses carved on Theodore Roosevelt’s face. The half-mile trail has 422 steps and hundreds of trees, which is even better in fall when the leaves change to brilliant colors of yellow and orange.
If you are lucky, you might get to see strong mountain goats scale the mountain below the presidents’ faces. If you get hungry and tired from the long hike, you can stop at the restaurant by the gift shop. You can order the most delicious French fries that you will not want to stop eating. Then, you can order scrumptious ice cream for dessert. Now you are ready for your next hike.
About 50 miles from Mount Rushmore is Spearfish Canyon, where you can see two stunning waterfalls. One is easy to see because it is right beside the road. The second one, you have to take a beautiful hike to see closer. The hike is less than a mile and is a very easy hike. You get to walk over a cool bridge and listen to the stream flowing. Then you will walk the trail through ginormous trees to get to the waterfall. There are benches to sit on at the bottom of the waterfall where you can listen to the fast-roaming water. It is very peaceful!
In addition, you can see many fascinating animals and learn amazing facts about them at the animal parks. Reptile Gardens has slow giant tortoises that will walk right beside you. You can pretend you are walking your dog. You can even pet their massive hard shells. The oldest giant tortoise they have is 117 years old but they can live to 130 years old! It is weird to think that this tortoise is older than most living people on Earth!
They also have a large collection of snakes. They even have the world’s deadliest snake, but don’t worry. It is kept inside a terrarium. That is good because I would not want to see these snakes out in the wild.
Bear Country is another fun animal park. It is hilarious to watch the baby bear cubs play, climb trees, and push each other down the trees.
The best place to visit is the largest indoor waterpark in the Dakotas. Watiki Water Park has many thrilling and twisting water slides. One slide with a clear section goes through the restaurant so you can wave to people as you slide through.
This restaurant makes the yummiest cheese pizza when you need a break from swimming and a snack to eat. Watiki Water Park is for people of all ages. They have splash pads and a lazy river for little kids.
If you are feeling brave, you can speed down the giant winding slides on an innertube by yourself or with a friend. It is exciting! Also, there is an arcade with the most fun games. Watiki is attached to five hotels so you have many choices of where to stay.
In conclusion, everyone must visit beautiful South Dakota. Pack your bags and rush to the car and start driving. With so many fun and exciting things to see and do, what will you do first?
