The Dakotas Off the Beaten Path®: A Guide to Unique Places, Ninth Edition (Off the Beaten Path Series)

This is a very useful guide, chock-full of the latest (2015) information about the Dakotas, written in an engaging and friendly style. This is fortunate because it's just about the only travel guide out there to these two underappreciated states, that have many interesting historical and natural features, several national parks, dozens of national wildlife refuges, and friendly small towns with inexpensive prices. The Dakotas may be a culture shock to many of us city folk, who may want more of the same in good shopping and ethnic restaurants, rather than home-style cooking, but, hey, step a bit out of your comfort zone. South Dakota was ranked as the third happiest state in the nation in 2015. They do not all want to move to California, and their employment and educational rates are way higher than most states. And that sense of community is still very alive in the delightful small towns where most people live. Bookstores are surprisingly abundant, because Borders and Barnes & Noble never came in the first place to drive them out!The book is divided into six regional sections, with hundreds of suggestions for fun, food, and lodging. As they USED to say, don't leave home without it if you're going there. Avoid winter, but the Dakotas being so northerly, summers tend to be often quite pleasant, and the days are sunshiney for many hours.

I referenced this book countless times during our road trip to South Dakota; it covers enough of the basics to ensure you won't miss the big stuff (like Mount Rushmore, Badlands, etc.) and includes many hidden gems. We stopped at the US Geological Survey, where we were welcomed by staff who were somewhat surprised we came to visit but warmly encouraged us to explore the interactive displays of satellite images of our planet. We chatted with a contractor who patiently and enthusiastically answered our many questions and encouraged our kids to consider a career working for the USGS! On to Rapid City, where we explored the above-mentioned big sites with what felt like an insider's perspective thanks to McClintick's recommendations and tips. Restaurant recommendations were helpful in finding a place that fit our taste and budget.Although I read through other sections, I mainly used the Southeastern South Dakota and the Western South Dakota sections; they are dog-eared with use! Loved this book and loved our vacation even more! Highly recommended!

I mean, what else can I say? This is really the only travel guide to the Dakotas that exists. All the others are specialized, usually around Mount Rushmore or the Badlands. This one has a much more comprehensive scope, but for those looking for a REALLY detailed guide to this under-appreciated area, you're left wanting.

I just returned from an absolutely wonderful vacation through South Dakota (focusing on the Black Hills, but with a day reserved for the Badlands). I am very glad I got this book while in the planning stages -- I got to see some really interesting and beautiful things I otherwise would have missed. I have since passed it along to friends who are on their way to South Dakota now. While many of the attractions mentioned in the book are not "off the beaten path," they do provide a starting point for further research, giving initial descriptions and pricing to help you sift through what things may or may not be worth your time.

I wouldn't say the author reveals many truly unique or secret type spots. I have read publications from the Dakota tourism bureau, and much of what is in the book is already in there.

I love this series of books. It gives interesting tidbits about the destinations and is portable so you can take it on vacation. Learn more aboutwhere you are going and find lots of cool places to stop aolng the way.

Exactly the info I need. Presents the 2 states area by area , giving attractions , towns with features including sights , restaurants and places to spend the night. The info detail on every attraction is exactly what I want - all I need but not too much detail. Presents a map of each area , again with the correct amount of detail for me.

This is the only complete guide of ND I could find. She gives detailed guides to each region of each state.