Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Our Fall Vacation To South Dakota, Day 4, Part I: Pactola Dam & Reservoir

This is a continuation of a travel series to South Dakota.  To start at the beginning, go HERE.  The rest of the posts in chronological order are  HEREHEREHERE HERE,  HERE, and HERE!

On our fourth day in South Dakota we decided to go to Mt. Rushmore in the morning and start exploring Custer State Park in the afternoon.  On the way to Mt. Rushmore we drove over this bridge and saw one of the most beautiful sights I ever saw in my life!  I wanted to stop my car right there on the bridge to look at this amazing view.  Thankfully, once we got off the bridge there was a parking lot for viewing and slightly down the road bit was also a very nice Visitor's Center.


We found this scenic spot totally by accident.  I love it when that happens don't you?  It makes vacations so much more exciting!


I won't get into all the details of the Pactola Dam & Reservoir because I took a picture of the sign which explains it all.  If you find it hard to read, just click on the picture below to enlarge it.



We discovered this cute little chipmunk enjoying a nut on a tree stump.  My, what a wonderful life he must lead with views like this every day!


I could not believe how blue this water was!  So stunning!


We did walk down off the viewing deck to get close to the water's edge.




The rock formations surrounding the body of water were amazing as well.


Look how crystal clear this water is!  Amazing isn't it?


If you'd like to stop and view this scenic reservoir it is located about 15 miles west of Rapid City.  To get there, take State Hwy 44 from Rapid City, turn left or south on 385,  travel 2 miles to the Dam.





The Pactola Dam & Reservoir is definitely worth a stop if you're ever in South Dakota!

Next week:  Our special visit to Mt. Rushmore.

Have A Great Day!  Amy

Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs HERE!

25 comments:

  1. Ooh! That is pretty! Adding it to our list of places to stop.

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  2. What amazing views Amy, and how cute is that chipmunk!!!!!
    South Dakota is such a beautiful state, so much to see!

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    1. I so agree Ellie! I was surprised at the beauty of the state...and such different beauty too! One minute your in a desert, the next you're in a forest. Unbelievable!

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  3. What a fun trip! You always come home with such pretty photos.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  4. Beautiful pictures, Amy! We'll have to look into this when we travel out west.

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  5. Oh wow, what a beautiful scenic place to visit! The water looks so still and stunning :)

    Thanks for sharing :)

    Away From The Blue Blog

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  6. More beautiful countryside Amy - and all that beautiful blue water must have been lovely to stop by and enjoy.
    Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I've shared on my SM :)

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  7. WOW! Absolutely breathtaking. This reminds me of when my family goes to Tahoe Lake each summer. It looks like the most perfect place for a vacay!

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

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    1. You're the second person to tell me it resembles Lake Tahoe. I really need to go there.

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  8. Those views are gorgeous! I can't believe how blue the water is.

    Brooke
    Pumps and Push-Ups

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  9. Beautiful pictures Amy. South Dakota is one of the places husband and I would like to visit.

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  10. What a beautiful site to visit! Thanks for linking up with us at the #WednesdayAIMLinkParty 30

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  11. It looks like a lovely spot, Amy, and you did a great job of capturing it in pictures. I've never been to Mount Rushmore, but it's definitely on my bucket list. Now, I may need to include Pactola Dam as well. #MLSTL

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    1. Thank you! My. Rushmore was such an incredible experience, I hope you get there someday.

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  12. Yes, I didn’t know that till we got home. If we’re ever back in the area I’ll have to check out their trails.

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  13. Another good travel post! My husband and I will be in SD in late April/early May and this will definitely be one of our stops. Thanks for paving the way for us through this beautiful state!

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