Phillip, South Dakota

Area attractions in Phillip;

Badlands National Park – View 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest protected mixed grass prairie in the U.S. Once the bed of an ancient inland sea it still yields paleontological treasures.

Tour the Sage Creek Wilderness Area, acclaimed as Outside Magazine's “South Dakota Hike”. There, 300 head of bison roam free sharing their sanctuary with big horn sheep, pronghorn antelope, deer, mountain lion, coyotes, prairie dogs and a host of other prairie wildlife.

Visit the park's Ben Reifel Visitors Center for an interpretive history of the Badlands from their formation. Activities such as the Jr. Ranger Program and night walks are offered (if the Badlands are awesome at sunset, one should see their indescribable beauty under the unpolluted night sky).

For those adventurous souls, bring your 4 x 4 and explore the Stronghold Unit for views from Sheep Mountain and historic sites of the 1890 Oglala Sioux Ghost Dances.

Horse enthusiasts can trailer to Sage Creek area for riding and primitive camping or the public can enjoy a taste of the old west at the Badlands Trail Rides.

Minuteman Missile Historic Site - At I90 Exit 131 you will find Minuteman Missile Historic Site Visitor's Center. Through the Department of Interior the Delta Command Center and D – 9 Missile have been preserved for the public to tour. See that the “cold war” was very real.

Prairie Homestead Historic Site - Take the family to see a real sod house and life authentically portrayed as it was when western South Dakota was settled.

Buffalo Gap National Grasslands - Experience thousands of acres of natural rolling prairie teeming with the same grasses and wildlife as 100's of years ago. Stop at the Grasslands Visitors Center in Wall, SD for friendly information and interpretation.

1880 Town - At I90 Exit 170 walk down the boardwalk with your spurs jingling and pistol at your hip. Mom, in her bonnet with parasol in hand, looks like she stepped back 120 years. You are in 1880 Town, an authentic western town on the prairie created with salvaged historic buildings, churches and railroad engines from the ghost towns of South Dakota. Included are many props from the movie “Dances with Wolves”. Rent your costume and tour “the town” for an old west experience . . . . and don't forget your ice-cold sarsaparilla.

Midland & Kadoka Museums - the original railroad depots, built as our towns were chartered, house fascinating artifacts and memorabilia of the pioneer days. Tours by appointment with congenial and informative hosts.

Road less traveled *(Route A) - Exit I90 West at #183 and travel the paved Service Road west to #131 (Badlands exit). At a slower pace you will see the rugged White River valley, glimpses of the Rosebud Indian Reservation, flat-topped buttes rising from the prairies, native wildlife, ranches, hayfields and a preview of the remarkable Badlands formation. Wave back at the friendly locals you meet and end up at Circle 10 Campground Cafe for homemade pie and a tall iced tea.

*(Route B – Native Culture) – At Exit #150 gas up and turn south on SD Hwy # 73 to travel that 2 lane highway through fertile wheat fields, crossing the White River into the “Land of Red Cloud – Pine Ridge Indian Reservation”. Gaze in awe as the road brings you to the brink of the Badlands Basin near Kodak Point and continue on up Quiver Hill to turn west at the junction of #73 and #44 taking in the rugged beauty for which the Oglalla people thank their creator. At the junction of #2 and #44 turn north and cross White River to the little village of Interior where you can get a cold drink and ice at “Cowboy Corner” gas station. Continue on #44 to the nearby Badlands National Park headquarters to view the sunset.

*(Route C – Ranch Culture) – Take Exit 143 and head north on SD Hwy #73 toward Philip, a cowtown named for famous Scottish emigrant, Scottie Philip, who was credited with saving the buffalo in Western South Dakota. At Philip, shop for groceries or gas up at the junction of #73 and Pine St. Turn right on Pine and travel up the hill to the Philip Livestock Auction (largest in our region). Hear the auctioneer cry out the bid (don't raise your hand or scratch your nose – you may have bought a cow). Taking time for piece of Pam's sour cream raisin pie and a steaming cup of coffee in the PLA Cafe will afford you the opportunity to meet and greet real ranchers and cowboys. Continue west on SD Hwy #14 to turn south on #240 at the little historic ghost town of Cottonwood. This gravel road will take you to I90 Exit #131 and the Badlands. Or continue on # 14 to Wall, SD and the World famous Wall Drug Store.

World Famous Wall Drug Store - Yes, “Hustead's Wall Drug” is all their billboards say, and more. Now sprawling to cover a city block, it has been family-owned since 1931, remaining a wholesome business serving all ages – an American entrepreneurial story. “The Drugstore” really has a full service pharmacy, still offers free ice water, 5 cent coffee and homemade ice cream at an old-fashioned soda fountain next to one of their 5 uniquely-themed western dining rooms. You can enjoy the historic animated cowboy orchestra complemented by original western art on every wall. The mall area replicates main street in an old west town with storefronts beckoning. If you are a shopper, you can purchase cowboy boots, jeans, hats, leather coats, Indian pottery, rocks & gems, souvenirs, handmade jewelry, classic books, homemade fudge, fancy milled soaps or a bottle of aspirin. The “backyard” features a 16 ft. animated T- Rex, gold panning, a water park, train station and memorabilia from the “Dances With Wolves” movie. Throughout the store complex are seen moving tributes to the American Cowboy. It's an American institution where generations of travelers return with their families to relive the nostalgia of their childhoods.

Rocks & Fossils - The volcanic activity that formed western South Dakota is responsible for the geological treasure found on the eroding slopes of the Grasslands and Badlands. Agates, fossils and maybe the prized SD Fairburn Agate may be found on a misty day. (Ask landowner permission before hunting rocks).

Wild Game Hunting – Mule deer, White-tail deer, pronghorn antelope, wild turkey, grouse, pheasant and numerous varmints thrive here on the prairies. Contact SD Game, Fish & Parks for hunting information. The National Grasslands are open for responsible hunters and, as always, stop and ask the private landowners.

Rodeo! - There are many outdoor sports to enjoy in our region but none more exciting than a rodeo. From the Central States Fair and the historic Belle Fourche Roundup to the 11-Mile Corner Playday, rodeo is the summer sport of South Dakota. Schedules may be seen online at www.travelsd.com.