We began the day by checking out of our hotel, Hansen Inn & Cabins. If you’re ever in Wall, we highly recommend staying here. After checking out, we headed back to Wall Drug for breakfast, savoring the charming ambiance of this iconic spot once more. Our next stop was the National Grasslands Visitor Center, where we learned about the local flora and fauna. While inside the Visitor Center, I noticed a couple of guys hanging Christmas ornaments on the power lines outside. It was a quaint sight that highlighted how quiet and serene this town is in winter—they didn’t even need to block the road for their safety.
We then headed into the Badlands, opting to take the road directly south of Wall for our entry. This National Park is truly a marvel, with its striking landscapes and unique beauty. Visiting during winter meant that we almost had the park to ourselves, encountering only two or three other cars throughout the day. This solitude allowed us to stop wherever we wanted and get up close to the wildlife. One memorable encounter was with a bison, which was casually scratching itself on a road post before crossing the road right in front of us. We even had the chance to relax and have lunch at one of the overlooks, taking in the breathtaking views. It was truly an amazing experience and a fantastic start to our road trip.
After our amazing experience in the Badlands, we headed to the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. Unfortunately, we arrived with only ten minutes to spare before they closed, so we didn’t get to see much of the exhibits. However, from what little we did glimpse, the site looked incredibly interesting, offering a glimpse into the history of the Cold War and the significance of the missile installations. We agreed that we would definitely return the next time we are in the area to explore it more thoroughly.
