Wyoming & South Dakota
No matter where you’re from, South Dakota and Wyoming aren’t exactly the sorts of states you just happen upon – it takes a concerted effort to find yourself in this remote region of the United States. Don’t let that stop you from making the trek; it’s guaranteed to be one of the most memorable of your life. Sprawling, inspiring, desolate, and dusty, these are road trip destinations that appeal to the adrenaline junkies and crowd-haters among us, and while you may have visited spots like Jackson Hole or Old Faithful before, there’s so much more that awaits. Bonus points: When it comes to social distancing, there are few places in the entirety of the Western Hemisphere that are as well-suited to the challenge as these vast and varied locales.
Badlands National Park
“I was totally unprepared for that revelation called the Dakota Badlands. What I saw gave me an indescribable scene of mysterious elsewhere,” said architect Frank Lloyd Wright of this other-worldly destination. The general sentiment here is that Badlands National Park is difficult to describe – you just have to see it for yourself.
Deadwood, South Dakota
A downtown full of 19th-century brick saloons and storefronts nestled in the beauty of the Black Hills, Deadwood is where gunslinger Wild Bill Hickok was gunned down by the coward Jack McCall while playing poker at Nuttal & Mann’s. Go for the photo op; stay for the curiosities.
Devils Tower National Monument
There are several hiking trails along and around this unusual land formation tower, but what it’s best known for is rock climbing. It’s also been a sacred indigenous spot to tribes like the Arapahoe, Cheyenne, and Lakota, so be sure to read up on its significance before you go – and take extra care in respecting and revering the monument.
Thermopolis, Wyoming
This tiny but scenic and kitschy town offers several hot spring pools to lounge in – and, depending on who you ask, is home to the world’s largest springs. Hot Springs State Park Bath House, which is perfect for single travelers or couples, is free to the public for small windows of time.
