Category
- Art 1
- Bike Rides 8
- Boondocking 2
- Capitals 3
- Food on the Road 2
- Hikes & Trails 3
- History & Architecture 1
- History & Culture 12
- Kayaking 1
- Museum 1
- National Park 5
- Natural History 1
- Nature & Outdoors 23
- Photography 8
- Sculptures 1
- Shorelines & Water 1
- Travel Journal 28
- Van Life 49
- capitals 11
- hike 1
- historic sites 5
- parks 3
- photography 3
- trails 2
Pierre Capitol Tour and Prairie Homestead
My South Dakota day took me from the marble halls of the State Capitol in Pierre, to the underground world of the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, and finally to the Brown Homestead where pioneer life came alive. Three places, each with a very different story, but all part of South Dakota’s past.
Sioux Falls To Pierre SD
A windy drive along Route 14 led me to Pierre, South Dakota’s quiet capital. I explored the expansive capitol grounds, the Trail of Governors, and downtown’s small-town charm before ending the day at Walmart with dinner and rest.
Bismark, ND - State Capitol
Touring North Dakota’s Capitol gave me a look at one of only three “tower” capitols in the country, complete with Art Deco details, massive wheat-inspired chandeliers, and sweeping prairie views from the 18th floor. I also stopped at the new Governor’s Residence, with its Prairie School feel, and wandered the historic grounds of Fort Abraham Lincoln where the Custer House stands on its original foundation—a place filled with both family life and frontier history.
Minneapolis, MN - Capitol
Exploring Minneapolis brought a mix of history, art, and local charm. The day began with a tour of the Minnesota State Capitol, where gilded sculptures, mosaic floors, and a massive unsupported marble dome told the state’s story with bold symbolism. From there, the city’s creativity shone at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden—home to the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry—and inside the Walker Art Center, where free admission and unexpected conversations with locals made the visit memorable. Evening settled in with a smoky Lake Superior sunset, the perfect close to a day spent discovering Minnesota’s capital city.