For once, we started the day early! The strong winds woke us up at 7:15 AM, expected to gust up to 41 mph and last ALL day…until 6 PM! Rather than endure the chaos inside the RV, we were out the door by 8:30 AM, ready for a full day of exploring. With Lynn finally feeling better—aside from a little nausea—we opted for some touristy adventures.
Breakfast at Colonial House was first on the list, though Lynn’s chicken fried steak didn’t hit quite the same this time—likely due to lingering queasiness. After eating, we took Otis to Braeburn Dog Park, where he ran free among the acres of trees and streams, soaking up every bit of playtime. It’s always fun watching him roam/play. California could use more huge off-leash parks like this!
Since The Chapel in the Hills was nearby, we decided to check it out—what a beautiful place! This exact replica of a Norwegian stave church is impressive with the woodwork and the architecture. The serene grounds include a prayer walk, a museum, and a gift shop, making it a peaceful stop. Along the way, we spotted a turkey and rabbit, while squirrels taunted Otis from a safe distance in the car. Cost = Free!
Next up? Bear Country USA—the highlight of the day. The drive-through park gave us close-up views of free-roaming elk, reindeer, sheep, and bears. One particularly impressive turkey put on a full feather display, stealing a bit of the spotlight. Some animals, like wolves, mountain lions and bison, were visible but not free-roaming, and unfortunately, we missed the Mouflon Sheep and Pronghorn. Otis behaved well except when he saw the reindeer and started barking at them. Other than that, he was on full alert staring at all the strange animals.
The separate Wildlife Walkway was packed with interesting creatures, but the real showstopper? 12 bear cubs playing in a tree and snacking on watermelon—Lynn could have stayed all day watching them. Other sightings included a badger, porcupine, peccary (like tiny pigs), skunk, lynx, bobcat, coyote, red fox, arctic wolf, otters, a fisher, and a marten. Otis, meanwhile, behaved well in the car as dogs aren’t allowed on the Walkway. Cost = $48 for two adults—totally worth it!
To kill more time, we stopped at Rushmore Candy, browsing through favorites and grabbing a few treats. That’s when Lynn learned the hard way that free samples aren’t always a good idea—she tried a coffee candy promising “extra energy” and instantly regretted it. Not only did she dislike the taste, but in the process, she lost a filling! So now, add “find a dentist” to the to-do list.
We tried Puerto Vallarta Mexican Restaurant in Rapid City for dinner, but Lynn’s search for the perfect crispy taco remains unsuccessful—this spot didn’t quite meet her standards. Kirk’s fajitas, on the other hand, were a pleasant surprise and were pretty good, along with the margarita. The true winner of the meal? The churros, especially with their adorable little cart presentation—a fun touch to end the night!
On the way back, Otis got one last adventure—a run in a prairie dog and rabbit-filled field. He took off like a rocket and just kept going, making us seriously question whether he’d return. Luckily, his lack of speed kept him from catching anything, and after many whistles and shouts, he finally circled back—happy, exhausted, and ready for a long nap.
All in all, a packed day of unexpected turns—but a great one!
Weather – High 70*, Low 54*. 40+ mph winds all day!
Traffic – None.
Notable – Chapel in the Hills, Bear cubs, broken filling, Otis on the hunt.
Food – Puerto Vallarta Mexican Restaurant
Chapel in the Hills pics:
Bear Country USA pics:
Video - bear cubs:
Hard to choose which videos to post. They’re too cute!
