South Dakota Prairie

As I continue my series on my love for South Dakota, here are some photographs taken in July 2006 at the Ingalls Homestead just outside of De Smet, SD.  Laura Ingalls has been one of my favorite writers since 6th grade, and I always thought that she lived the most interesting life span (1867-1957).  She was born during the era of horse and buggy, she lived in a dugout and log cabin, and by the time she died at the age of 90, it was modern America! I had long wanted to visit some of her houses.  The original building no longer stands, though a version has been reconstructed.  It’s just a beautiful place.

Prairie Grass at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Homestead

Who does not love open space, endless blue skies, and prairie grass? The night before I took this picture, Vinny and I lay awake while a new kind of storm raged in the skies: a Midwestern storm with extremely high winds and all sorts of lightning.  We had to hold the tent up from the inside so it wouldn’t blow away.  It is one of the few times in life that I thought I might die. Of course, the fact that the campsites were out in the open on a South Dakota prairie probably had something to do with the wind factor.  However, we survived without sight of a tornado; by morning it was one of the most beautiful places in the world and perfect setting for a morning walk.

And, now, for your entertainment: another site on the homestead:

Poor building, what happened?

Beats me. For the record, I didn’t do it. And below is another picture to show our sites along the way. 

Beautiful views and beautiful horses

I’d recommend South Dakota to anyone.  De Smet is in eastern South Dakota, which is the typical prairie one would imagine.  The Black Hills are in the western portion of the state and are completely different, but beautiful as well. And of course, all of South Dakota should be appreciated for its beauty. Hopefully, this land can be preserved as open space.  You just can’t imagine such an open place until you see it.

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