Northern High Plains

You don’t have to travel far in South Dakota to get back to the good ol’ days. The Northern Plains of Western South Dakota is comprised of more than a dozen ranch communities whose residents pride themselves on the true Old West. Things like cowboy heritage, and dinosaur fossils.

Buffalo
Located in the extreme northwest corner of South Dakota, Buffalo is known for endless scenery and clear skies. From the rolling prairies to the buttes of Cave Hills, it is home to diverse wildlife such as eagles, turkeys, coyotes, antelope, deer, elk and mountain lions.

Overnight visitors can choose from three motels and dine at several restaurants. If you're looking for a horse-riding vacation, check out nearby ranches that offer camping, corrals and miles of scenic trails. Buffalo is 160 miles north of Rapid City at the junction of US Hwy. 85 and SD Hwy. 20.

Lemmon
Ed Lemmon, Lemmon’s namesake, bossed the single biggest roundup in history, and was one of the first South Dakotans inducted into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. A salute to the cowboy tradition is held each July with the Boss Cowman Rodeo and Celebration.

A 100-mile shoreline at Shadehill State Recreation Area invites camping, fishing and boating enthusiasts all year. It’s located 12 miles south of Lemmon on Highway 73.

Lemmon is home of the world’s largest Petrified Wood Park and museum where visitors may stroll among pyramid and castles made of ancient material. The Grand River Museum reveals the history of the area, from dinosaurs to American Indians.

Lemmon is a sportsman’s paradise with the best pheasant, grouse, deer and antelope hunting in South Dakota.

Faith
Just a short drive southeast of Lemmon, Faith is the hometown of the most complete fossil ever discovered, the 42 foot-long Tyrannosaurus Rex, “Sue.”

Faith is the home of "real cowboys!" There's plenty of action in the area with ridin', ropin' and rodeos. The annual Faith Stock Show and Rodeo draws crowds from all over during the second week of August.