When we left the UP of MI June 4, 2021, we went directly to a Thousand Trails/Encore campground in Wisconsin Dells, WI which is part of our TT/Encore membership program. We’d been here before so we decided to take a couple weeks and figure out our direction of travel and what we’d do next.
Long story short – we headed to South Dakota.
We landed in MItchell, SD in a Wal-Mart parking lot! This particular Wal-Mart does allow overnight stays. We ended up staying for two nights and they were fine with that. Lotdocking isn’t as bad as some think.
We decided to go check out the Corn Palace in Mitchell. I’d been by it before but never through it. The Corn Palace has a fantastic history and it’s well worth checking out in person and online.
The entire decorations you see are made from corn still on the cob, corn kernels, silks, and anything else that can be used from the corn. They host all kinds of events, concerts, have a gift store, and the history of this place lines the walls. Don’t forget to watch the short movie and read all the posters! Oh, and the best part is the popcorn!! Don’t forget the popcorn!
It has actually been a very famous place for many many years and here’s the link if you want to read about it. I was impressed! Corn Palace
Trapper made a connection with an old friend of his that lives in Kimball, SD.
Brad Donald and his wife Jeri, operate and manage a pheasant hunting lodge called Wings of Thunder. Here’s their website: Wings of Thunder They are a full service outfitter operation with beautiful accommodations. The Lodge is gigantic and gorgeous!
Trapper hunt guided at this camp for 2 seasons but we all soon realized that had been 20 years ago! They all had some catching up to do and I was enjoying the stories and finally meeting the people I’ve heard about but have never had the chance to meet.
They also have their own line of BBQ sauce! They just got picked up by Hy-Vee grocery stores (mostly mid-west) and I found their sauces in Chamberlin, SD at the Chamberlin Food Center.
We had a great time hanging out with them and some of their workers. It’s the off-season for them right now, but they will be booking solid soon, I’m sure!
Headed off to a new boondocking site called Dude Ranch, near Chamberlin, SC. You never know what you’re going to find or not find when seeking out a boondocking spot. Fingers crossed this place is ok.