Storybook Island Rapid City

Another highlight of the trip, especially for the kids, was Bear Country USA. And despite its name, there were a lot more than bears, although there were a lot of them. And by a lot, I mean A LOT!

You stay in your car to tour Bear Country and drive through the various animal areas, where the animals are just left to roam free. It starts …

... up the road is the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. There's Journey Museum, Founders Park Plaza, Sioux Park Formal Gardens, Storybook Island Children's Park (really cool), Stavkirke Chapel ( a.k.a. Chapel in the Hills; more details below), Canyon Lake ...

... must-see, but if you're in the area it's worth a quick stop for the dino lover in your life. We also stopped at Storybook Island, which was quiet impressive. It's set up with a bunch of different characters from books that kids can explore, climb on and ...