Travel Nursing Destination Spotlight: South Dakota

Want to explore the outdoors and visit famous monuments without the typical crowds? A travel nursing job in South Dakota might be the perfect opportunity. Here are a few reasons to head to the Midwest.

Visit mountain monuments

Mount Rushmore is a must-see. Take some time to visit the giant carvings of presidents and check it off your list. Walk along the half-mile Presidential Trail to get close to the presidents, and when you’re done with that, check out Mount Rushmore artist Gutzon Borglum’s nearby studio.

In addition, Crazy Horse Memorial is a lesser-known but equally impressive monument that’s also carved into a mountain. It’s still in progress, but when it’s complete it should be the largest sculpture in the world. Since Crazy Horse Memorial is just half an hour away from Mount Rushmore, you can see both monuments in a day.

Hike in Custer State Park

No matter what outdoor activity you prefer, Custer State Park has an opportunity for you. Do you like to hike? There are lots of trails and if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you’re allowed to hike anywhere in the park — which means you can make your own trail. How about fishing? Custer offers 182 acres of lakes for trout fishing. Would you rather just take a relaxing drive? The park offers three different hour-long scenic drives.

Custer is also a great place to see wild animals. Once a year, Custer hosts the Buffalo Roundup, where cowboys and cowgirls round up a herd of about 1,300 bison. Still haven’t gotten your animal fix? Custer also has wild donkeys wandering around, so bring some carrots, because they’ve learned to expect them.

Drink free ice water at Wall Drug

Be sure to visit the Badlands, which offers incredible geologic features that look like they’re straight from Mars and fossils from all sorts of species. If you have a weekend, it’s a great spot to camp. If you’ve just got time for a day trip, go on a hike or two, and drive the Badlands Highway 240 Loop.

On your way to or from the Badlands, you’ll notice never-ending signs that advertise Wall Drug. It started off as a fairly simple drug store, but with some marketing and insistent signage, it’s now a well-known stop. Wall Drug comically offers free ice water and five-cent coffee, and the shop is worth the stop. It’s got a giant statue of a “jackalope” and a gift shop that’s sure to have something for everyone.

Ready to check out all that South Dakota has to offer? See which travel nursing jobs in South Dakota are available.