Tivoli just opened its first Dutch hotel in a 16th century property

March 22, 2023 No Comments

Tivoli Hotels & Resorts recently opened its first property in the Netherlands.

The Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel is a 16th-century property in the classicist style overlooking the Amstel Canal; it is considered to be the oldest hotel in the Dutch capital. The property was the original home to Rembrandt Van Rijn’s famous painting The Night Watch (completed in 1642), which hung on a wall in what is now one of the hotel’s bedroom suites until it was relocated to the city’s famed Rijksmuseum.

Centrally located in Amsterdam’s historic city centre and walking distance from the city’s main tourist attractions, the heritage property has 81 guest rooms including seven suites, most of them overlooking the canal. It also boasts the elegant new Omber restaurant and bar, which is inspired by the art of Rembrandt, who lived very close to the hotel.

Old world elegance

Inspired by the Dutch Golden Age and the unique atmosphere of Amsterdam, Tivoli Doelen’s interiors blend an old-world elegance with contemporary service and special Tivoli touches.

The guest rooms and suites offer views over the canals or the city, with the interiors featuring pastel tones with splashes of red for a relaxing but vibrant atmosphere, combined with touches of natural wood.

New beds and bed linens provide the best night’s sleep, while marble bathrooms feature amenities from the French luxury brand Lalique.

For an ultimate Dutch experience, guests can book the 506-square-foot Rembrandt Suite, where they can view a perfect replica of The Night Watch, in the same room and on the exact wall where the masterpiece originally hung for 70 years. Another interesting room is the Empress Suite, which was once the boudoir of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, most well-known as Sisi.

With a unique C-shape design to maximize views of the canal, the suite has a king-sized bed with Dutch shields on the ceiling, which are a symbol of protection.

A touch of Rembrandt

On the ground floor and overlooking the canal, Omber restaurant and bar now offers a Mediterranean-Dutch fusion menu. The restaurant’s name was inspired by the craftsmanship of paint making and the limited colors Rembrandt used in his works of art– omber, or amber in English, being one of his signature colours).

Every dish on the menu contains an element inspired by his color palette. The menu also takes inspiration from the artist’s favorite dishes, such as herring and pickles, which has been recreated by the team and given Dutch name “Rembrandt Pauze”. The restaurant’s slow-cooked Dutch veal with parsnip, Carrots and Purslane is perfectly paired with Portuguese Cartuxa wine from Alentejo, a nod to the Tivoli brand’s Portuguese heritage.

Omber Bar, which opens daily at 4:30 pm, serves several signature cocktails have been created with Jenever, a typical Dutch gin that was also Rembrandt’s favorite drink. Most of the bar’s gin cocktails are made with a local Jenever producer, Wynand Fockink, which operates a similar distillery process to that used in the Dutch Golden Age.

The star cocktail, “Night Watch” is based on an old recipe found in the hotel archives dating back to the 17th century and is made with old Jenever, coffee liqueur, syrup and cherry bitters.

Suites at Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel start from $643.00 including breakfast for two people. For more information on Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam, visit https://www.tivolihotels.com/en/tivoli-doelen.

The ultimate hidden beach destinations to visit in 2023

March 20, 2023 No Comments

The tourism industry rebounded in 2022, reaching 70 per cent of its pre-pandemic levels globally. Airlines continue to add new international routes, hotel refurbishments and new builds are well underway, and now more than ever, travellers, especially affluent ones, are willing to pay more for a one-of-a-kind holiday. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up four of the best places to go for an unforgettable beach vacation.

While beach towns like Positano, Cinque Terre and Amalfi get plenty of attention during the summer months from tourists, on the island of Sicily lies a sleepy medieval town worthy of the same fanfare. Home to just under 15,000 people, Cefalù is a coastal town that hugs the Tyrrhenian Sea. Every summer, when blue and white-striped parasols dot the beaches and sun bathers turn golder by the hour, millions of tourists flock here.

The main draw is the town itself, which is home to architectural wonders that date back nearly 1,000 years. In Piazza del Duomo, visitors will come across the Cefalù Cathedral, a Norman structure built in 1131 characterized by two unmistakable bookended towers. A welcome escape from the sweltering sun, inside the church, visitors can marvel at an ancient mosaic depicting saints and prophets.

As the town itself is quite small, it’s easy to explore by foot. The Piazza del Duomo is an ideal spot to enjoy a glass of wine on a back terrace, or enjoy a gelato from one of the nearby cafes. There are several high-end hotels in the area, including Club Med Cefalù, which opened in 2018. Those up for a stroll can actually walk along the coast from the resort straight into town in roughly 45 minutes, either by following the seawall or sticking to the main road.

To reach Cefalù, Canadians can fly into Palermo, Italy. For travellers in Rome, non-stop flights to Palermo are available, at a duration of just one hour.

Geographically located directly across from Bari, Italy, at 2,500 years old, Budva, Montenegro, is one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic Sea. For travellers who have previously visited the medieval city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, Budva is surprisingly familiar—for starters, it’s a mere two-hour drive away.

Budva’s Old Town, characterized by its red clay rooftops, is enveloped by defensive, medieval stone walls and rests on a rocky peninsula. The rest of the city is characterized by multiple high-rise apartment buildings, plenty of public, sandy beaches and a backdrop of hilly green mountains found throughout Montenegro.

Budva’s Old Town is home to several beautiful, sandy beaches, but many are found outside of it. Jaz Beach, west of Budva’s centre, is home to many restaurants and is a popular spot for musical events, festivals and nightlife. Mogren Beach, perhaps the best-known one in the region, is less than a ten-minute stroll from the Old Town. If it’s architecture and history you’re after, all four medieval churches can be found in the Old Town’s public square, including Santa Maria in Punta Church which dates all the way back to 840 AD. There’s also a 15th century monastery roughly a 30-minute walk from the town square.

Part of a chain of 32 smaller islands, Canouan is a mere 5.6-by-2 kilometre destination that is part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. In fact, the destination is so tiny, it’s not visible on Google Maps without zooming out significantly! Though the island’s population is less than 2,000, it’s home to a multimillion dollar marina, a runway for private jets, and plenty of luxury hotels and villas for the affluent clientele who flock here.

The easiest and fastest way to reach Canouan is from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines directly—the flight time is just 15 minutes. Ferries to the island also operate daily, and the journey takes roughly three hours.

Not too long ago, there were no paved roads or running water on the island, meaning wildlife flourished and at one point, Canouan was home to more sea turtles than people!

Adventure-seekers can enjoy crystal clear waters and protected reefs that offer incredible snorkelling opportunities. Canouan’s most popular beach is located at Carenage Bay, within Mandarin Oriental Canouan, the island’s most famous hotel. Along with lavish villas and a breathtaking swim out pool, the resort is home to the Jim Fazio-designed 18 hole championship golf course.

Once a humble fishing village, Dar es Salaam is now one of the busiest commercial port cities in Tanzania. With a population of just over six million, it’s the largest East African city and is situated right on the shores of the Swahili Coast on the Indian Ocean.

Though Dar Es Salaam has plenty of sandy beaches in the northern Msasani district, some of the best ones can be reached by ferry. Bongoyo Island, accessible by boat from the luxurious Hotel Slipway, is an uninhabited island that is a popular day trip option for tourists and locals alike. The journey from the mainland takes approximately 30 minutes.

With a distinctive elongated white sandbar peninsula surrounded by dense forest, the ultimate draw here is swimming, snorkelling or sunbathing for hours on end, interrupted by crowds. A handful of small restaurants provide refreshments and dining options, but the majority of Bongoyo is deserted with limited facilities, so be sure to pack the essentials before heading back to Dar es Salaam for the evening.

Here are some of the best things I did on an eight-day trip to Israel

March 17, 2023 No Comments

Of all the things I envisioned doing in Israel – from floating in the Dead Sea to visiting the historic Western Wall – one thing I didn’t remotely anticipate was to wind up defacing public property.

Yet here I am, feeling like a rebel, with a can of light pink spray paint in my right hand in the back streets of Tel Aviv – in broad daylight to boot.

Let me rewind a bit. This wasn’t my idea. It all started innocently enough under the guise of a graffiti tour through the artsy Florentin neighbourhood. After seeing some impressive pieces and learning about different types of street art such as site-specific murals that incorporate structural elements of a building, like an exterior cable or a pipe into the design, our tour guide and Tel Aviv-based musician, Maor Abitbul, opened his backpack and proceeded to pass out cans of spray paint. “Now it’s your turn,” he says.

One by one, everyone on the tour quite literally started leaving their mark on Tel Aviv. Suddenly, our amateur creative process was interrupted by a family who had witnessed our mischief. But rather than stopping us, they asked to borrow a can of spray paint and we watched on as their young daughter stepped up to the wall to continue our masterpiece.

In all honesty, it was a practice wall for artists so no damage or vandalism was done, but looking back on it now, it’s one of the experiences that made my first visit to the country so memorable.

New charm in the Old City

In a destination where old meets new, iconic religious sites like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre —the site where Jesus was said to have been resurrected — are steps away from vibrant markets and lively restaurants.

The Machane Yehuda Market, also known as “The Shuk,” truly comes alive at night. During the day some 250 vendors sell fresh fruits and vegetables, spices and a variety of street food and desserts, but at night it’s a hotspot to hangout. Craft beer fans will want to visit the Beer Bazaar, which offers more than 100 types of Israeli beer.

Right next door is a trendy spot called Thinkers Distillery, which is known for its vodka.

Michael Ginosar, vice president of business development for Thinkers Distillery, says the idea behind Thinkers is to build on Israel’s reputation as a start-up nation and take advantage of advances in science, technology, chemistry and physics to take spirits to the next level. “We incorporate all that into the production process with the goal of making the best possible spirits,” he says. “The aim of this whole company is to make the best possible spirits and start exporting them all over the world.”

Today, Thinkers Distillery has a visitor’s centre that’s open for tasting sessions as well as distillery tours. Although they have big ambitions, he says there aren’t many others in their industry in Israel. “Israel has a lot of wineries — and it’s a good place to grow grapes. There are excellent wines coming out of Israel,” he adds. “There’s a brewing industry that’s really grown in the past 10-15 years, you’re seeing a lot of craft breweries, but for spirits, it’s still a really, really small industry.”

Wine tourism is another area that continues to expand in Israel.

Over the last two decades, Israel’s wine scene has grown tremendously from a handful of producers to more than “300 boutique wineries,” notes Nevo Winery’s general manager Lior Perl. The winery, which has indoor and outdoor tasting rooms, is located in the Judean Hills, about a half hour from Jerusalem.

Set on the premises of what was previously a kindergarten, she says Nevo Winery has the distinguishing feature of having a wine cellar that’s located in a former bomb shelter. “We produce about 20,000 bottles a year, on a regular year,” Perl explains ahead of a tasting.

Where to stay in Israel

Dan Tel Aviv Hotel

Want to follow in the footsteps of Justin Bieber, Anthony Kiedis, 50 Cent, and Keith Richards? The main entryway to Dan Tel Aviv Hotel is lined with autographs from the celebrities who have previously stayed at the five-star property.

The hotel is situated directly across from the main beach with unforgettable sea views to catch the sunset. One of the aspects that sets it apart is its lavish breakfast spread. We’re talking shakshuka, smoked salmon, fruit, freshly baked goods and even multiple kinds of cheesecake!

The Magdala Hotel

For a one-of-a-kind experience, The Magdala Hotel at the shores of the Sea of Galilee is built around an archeological site.

The boutique hotel actually has fewer rooms than were initially planned because ruins were discovered from the first century town of Magdala in the building process. Known as the crossroads of Jewish and Christian history and the birthplace of Mary Magdalene, Magdala Hotel is home to The Magdala Stone and a first century synagogue.

To make it even more unique, there’s an original first century fountain in the lobby of the hotel.

A $1 billion casino resort is opening in Canada this summer

March 8, 2023 No Comments

A $1 billion, brand-new entertainment resort, known as Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto will open its doors at the intersection of Highways 401 and 427 this summer.

With its transformative architecture and impressive 33-acre footprint, the destination adjacent to Woodbine Racetrack will feature a modern Vegas-style casino, integrated 400-room hotel, 5,000-seat live entertainment venue, and multiple on-site dining options, bringing to life a new, one-of-a-kind entertainment district in Toronto with best-in-class gaming, entertainment and hospitality experiences.

The existing Casino Woodbine will continue to operate with no interruption until Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto debuts its new, re-imagined destination.

“We see this as an unprecedented opportunity to introduce an entirely new, world-class experience in Canada that will bring together the best in casino gaming, exceptional live entertainment, dining, and accommodation in one very special place,” said Matthew Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer, Great Canadian Entertainment. “We are very excited to reveal more about what this landmark destination will feature and what our guests can expect in the coming weeks, including the announcement of an opening date. This project has been several years in the making, and we are thrilled that we are close to bringing it to life,” concluded Anfinson.

Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto is scheduled to open this summer, and an opening date will be announced in the coming weeks.

1 Hotels opens flagship property in Hawaii

March 3, 2023 No Comments

1 Hotels recently announced the opening of 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, its flagship nature-and-wellness-focused island oasis overlooking a storied stretch of Kauai’s North Shore.

Indigenous and endemic vines and plants weave through low-impact structures that blend softly and seamlessly into their surroundings, causing the hotel to virtually vanish into its cliffside site.

The lobby, reception, and open-air entranceway lead guests on a journey deep into Hawaiian history and mythology. Much of the original building was removed and replaced with streams and gardens. Reclaimed teak joists, puka lava stone walls and ceilings hand-woven from abacá, a natural leaf fiber harvested from a cousin of the banana tree, are locally sourced.

Rooms and suites

There are 252 airy and nature-inspired rooms, including 51 suites decorated with hand-woven floors fashioned from local black basalt, reclaimed teak and abaca furniture and traditional punai daybeds.

Three spacious signature suites – the two-story Puu Poa Ocean Loft Suite, Napali House Suite and Makana Penthouse — serve stunning ocean and majestic mountain views from private terraces.

Every interior detail lends texture framing panoramic vistas – visible through oversized openable windows – of the shimmering crescent-shaped Bay.

Other features

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is also home to:

an 18,000-square-foot Bamford Wellness Sp
a 10,000 square-foot Anatomy fitness centre with 24/7 cardio equipment and strength training, mind & movement group classes, a dedicated spin/all function room and personal athletic performance training and body sculpting
seven sustainable food venues that honour the rich local culture and centuries of Hawaiian tradition
a wide range of traditional athletic activities including an 18-hole Championship Mauka Disc Golf Course
three saline pools

For more information, visit 1hotels.com

Mexico is getting its first-ever Margaritaville resort

February 27, 2023 No Comments

The first ever adults-only Margaritaville Island Reserve by Karisma in Riviera Maya, Mexico is set to open its doors in early 2023.

With more 13 luxury suite types available, the accommodations are designed to create the ultimate travel experience to meet and exceed the most seasoned traveller’s needs and wants.

Guests can choose from spacious King Paradise Suite, exclusive Beachfront Honeymoon Suites, and sumptuous Coral Reefer Suites, complete with more than 1,400 sq. ft. of signature outdoor living space, including a fully furnished terrace, an oversized private infinity pool, a custom-built gaucho style grill, and an outdoor pool table.

New food & drink offerings

Guests will have the option to indulge in mouth watering creations at the five Margaritaville-inspired restaurants and a beachside grill offering carefully-curated cuisine, featuring a la carte menus and food displays to delight every palate.

In addition to brand staples like Frank and Lola’s, the resort will introduce two newcomers including:

Far Side Of The World – Pacific Rim Cuisine

Inspired by the lyrics of the Far Side of the World song, “Far side of the world” is about the pleasure of faraway places, unique culinary selections, surfing paradises, bamboo shacks, the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, and the bounty it provides.

Salted Rim – Margarita Bar & Lounge

Salted Rim is a celebration of the agave plant in Mexico. Guests can revel in Caribbean elegance with the finest lounge service, authentic and extensive selection of tequilas, mezcals, and bacanoras, to create an array of Margaritas and more adventurous creations.

For more information on Margaritaville Island Reserve, click here.

One of Costa Rica’s best boutique hotels just got a lavish upgrade

February 24, 2023 No Comments

Cala Luna Boutique Hotel, located in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, has undergone a series of renovations intended to elevate the guest experience.

Sparked by the pandemic, the property underwent several renovations to its facilities and experience offers. The remodeled rooms, villas, and restaurants have been elevated. The experience programming focuses on creating lasting feelings for guests and transformational experiences unique to Cala Luna’s location, including educational visits to its nearby farm, La Senda, which supplies the hotel with organic fruits, vegetables and spices. The dining has been revamped with a new apothecary cocktail menu as well as a new take on Costa Rican modern cuisine.

About Cala Luna

Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas is one of the only hotels in Guanacaste, Costa Rica that remains green all year round.

With few barriers between the hotel and nature, the 39-room boutique hotel is tucked within Costa Rica’s Playa Langosta and the Baulas National Park, the most exclusive, relaxing and private area of Tamarindo Beach. Cala Luna is a tropical, sustainable oasis just two-and-a-half-miles south of Liberia Airport.

Committed to its local community and environment, Cala Luna boasts the highest Sustainable Tourism certification (level 5) from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). Open-plan spaces and secluded accommodations meld into the lush jungle that attracts more wildlife than anywhere else in the area – monkeys, raccoons, iguanas, birds, insects, and humans.

Guests can nourish their senses daily through delicious home-grown ingredients, gastronomic farm-to-table dinners, holistic wellness, spa therapies, and deep connection to Mother Earth, all onsite. From dining at nearby farm La Senda and walking the world’s largest labyrinth, to sipping cocktails on the beach as the sun slips over the edge of the ocean, Cala Luna offers the ideal holistic retreat.

For more information about the property, visit www.calaluna.com.

Five of the best offshore islands to visit in Antigua and Barbuda

February 20, 2023 No Comments

Tropical beaches and blue skies invite you and your family to spend your winter in the welcoming destination of Antigua and Barbuda.

Rich in culture, music, and excitement, these sister islands offer a relaxing vibe and the promise of an amazing vacation for both adults and children.

Antigua and Barbuda is home to some of the most exquisite beaches, delectable cuisine, inspiring scenery and unique wildlife, as well as smaller islets that are packed with fun activities. Spend your day in the sun, experiencing thrilling adventures on the outlying islands of Antigua and Barbuda.

Not sure where to begin? Read on for a few of our favourite offshore excursions in Antigua and Barbuda and jumpstart your winter itinerary.

Prickly Pear Island

Just a short boat ride away from Antigua’s northern coast lies Prickly Pear Island. This is an ideal place to get away from the (comparative) hustle of Antigua. It is quiet and reserved yet boasts its own open bar! The bar serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, making it ideal for groups of any age. The island also has an exquisite West Indian Seafood menu. You can find fresh seafood lunch options that include lobster or the local fish of the day.

There is something for everyone on Prickly Pear. Guests can enjoy the snorkelling activity along its ivory shores. You’ll have to rent your own equipment, but the instruction is free! Soak in the experience of engaging with the abundant marine life of the islands: you might even bump into some sea turtles while you’re there! Picnics are an essential part of every vacation. There are many picnic spots along the beach where you can enjoy the island’s cuisine and sample the famous rum punch.

If you get tired from all the swimming, there are sunbeds and chairs thoughtfully laid out all over the island. Take a quick nap in the cool breeze before continuing your adventure on Prickly Pear.

Laviscount Island

Laviscount Island is a small, uninhabited island located off the coast of Antigua, which is part of the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean. A private island getaway, Laviscount Island, offers island stand-alone tours and combination tours with the Stingrays. Our refuge is home to more than 50 of these prehistoric animals, which have barely changed since the time of the dinosaurs. The island is surrounded by clear, turquoise waters that are popular with snorkelers and divers which is a spectacle to witness.

Home to the largest Aldabra Giant Tortoise sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere, Laviscount Island is where nature goes to relax. These pleasant and intelligent creatures, native to the Indian Ocean, may reach weights of over 600 pounds and have life expectancies of up to 200 years.

This island provides the first and only private Island Nature tour. This amazing new tour is like nothing that we have ever seen in Antigua and Barbuda with themes of ecology, history, and adventure all while maintaining a desire to be off the beaten track.

Whether you are interested in hiking, snorkelling, or just taking in the natural beauty of this remote island, a nature tour to Laviscount Island is sure to be a memorable experience.

Great Bird Island

As you may have guessed, this small 20-acre island is a bird watching paradise. This island was named by sailors who were amazed at the amount of birds that reside on its shores. Great Bird Island is also home to a number of endangered species of birds such as exotic, red-billed tropic birds and the brown pelican.

Critically endangered, the Antiguan Racer snake can be found here. EAG (Environmental Awareness Group) is working diligently to increase the population of this endangered species. Climb the new staircase for a panoramic view of the surrounding islands in the North Sound area.

There are large numbers of young coral reefs which are a natural habitat for various sponges, oysters, clams, and many species of colourful fish. Great Bird Island is regarded as a mini-paradise by both locals and tourists. Together with the attractiveness of swimming in the gorgeous blue ocean water, the white sand beaches are a standout draw to the area.

Green Island

This island located off the west coast of Antigua, is surrounded by coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular destination both sailing and mega-yachts to anchorage.

In addition, Green Island is perfect for snorkelling and diving. Kitesurfing enthusiasts love this offshore island because the area is protected by an outer reef that guarantees flat water – this experience as well as standup paddle-boarding and wing foiling can be arranged through 40Knots.

The snorkelling excursions typically include snorkelling gear, a guided tour of the coral reefs around Green Island, and time to relax and swim at the island’s beaches. Hikes are focused on exploring the natural beauty of Green Island, including its mangrove forests, and hiking trails. For those who prefer a more personalised experience, a private boat tour can be arranged. Enjoy a delicious dinner on the boat as the sun sets over the Caribbean Sea.

Hell's Gate Island

Located close to Bird Island, Hell’s Gate Island is only accessible by boat. This rocky island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and offers excellent opportunities for snorkelling. Like Devil’s Bridge on the east coast of Antigua, Hell’s Gate also has a natural limestone arch that was formed by the ocean waves crashing against the island’s rocky shores. Visitors are able to hike across this bridge.

Antigua and Barbuda’s islands offer visitors a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, rich history and culture, and a relaxed island lifestyle. The islands of Antigua and Barbuda offer a wide range of luxury resorts and accommodations, with world-class amenities and breath taking views. This sunny paradise offers smiles and memories that last a lifetime. Life is always better on a tropical island!

This city in Jordan is actually home to some of the best Roman ruins outside Europe

February 15, 2023 No Comments

Visiting the Jordanian capital of Amman can quickly turn into an open-air history class.

Tourism officials note that the Romans, Greeks, Byzantines and Muslims all left their mark on the city, with plenty of historical reminders found in both Amman itself and nearby as well.

Roman ruins — including an amphitheatre — can be found in some parts of Amman, with local guide Ahmad “Ace” Malhas saying there was a time when the Roman presence was even more visible.

“Wherever we’re stepping there was a ruin,” Malhas told a recent group.

“Roman ruins are not just in Italy,” adds local tourism official Tamer Nassar.

A hilltop museum also tells of the long past of Amman, known as Philadelphia during the Roman era.

Near Amman are the Greco-Roman ruins of Jerash, home to remarkably well preserved structures.

“Basically the Greeks came and then the Romans added their fingerprints,” Malhas says of Jerash. “I believe it is the most preserved Roman city outside Rome and signifies the history of the Middle East.”

Jerash attractions include the Hippodrome, which the Romans used for chariot races.

Many Jerash ruins have yet to be excavated, Malhas adds.

Malhas notes that Amman’s largest mosque faces a Coptic church, which he says underscores the “peaceful co-existence” found between Christians and Muslims in his homeland.

Meanwhile, Malhas says there’s a lot more to Jordan than a historical side underscored by the likes of Roman ruins and the famed archeological site of Petra.

“If they (tourists) come to Amman they will know this is an urban country too,” he said, citing the likes of stores, restaurants, upscale hotels and nightlife found in the city.

—STORY BY IAN STALKER

Why South Dakota’s Badlands are a haven for wildlife

February 13, 2023 No Comments

South Dakota’s Badlands National Park is in fact good lands for wildlife enthusiasts.

The 244,000-acre park — described as a “maze of buttes, canyons, pinnacles and spires” — is home to bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, eagles and other creatures, while scientific work has determined that the area long ago served once as a home for the likes of three-toed horses, sabre-tooth tigers and dog-sized camels, says Katlyn Svendsen of the South Dakota Department of Tourism.

Lodging is available in the park, and visitors also can camp in a region that Svendsen says appears somewhat outer-worldly.

“It’s like you landed on the moon,” she says of the unusual terrain.

Those visiting South Dakota will have other opportunities to see wildlife, with for instance, 71,000-ace Custer State Park home to 1,300 free-roaming bison and other wildlife, with its Wildlife Loop Scenic Byway among outdoor adventure opportunities. The Custer State Park Bison Center tells the story of the bison herd and educates people on the importance of the large mammals through “engaging and dynamic interactive displays.”

South Dakota has 6 U.S. National Park Service sites, while the South Dakota State Park system features 56 state parks and recreation areas that “showcase the state’s broad expanse of hiking trails, prairies, back-country mountains, pristine lakes, vast rivers and lush woods.”

Wide-open areas and a smallish population prompts Svendsen’s colleague Alexa Dorn to declare that visitors will find plenty of nature. “If you need room to roam you have room to roam.”

Svendsen also praises her state’s cultural and historic side, with South Dakota being home to 9 Native American tribes. Tourists can go on tours that will familiarize them with Native culture, including ones offered by Tatanka Tours, a Native-owned firm that takes visitors “on an odyssey into the realm of Lakota (Sioux) country. You will have a clearer and deeper understanding of rich Lakota culture and history.”

As well, the Crazy Horse Memorial — which depicts legendary Native leader Crazy Horse and is the largest in-progress mountain carving in the world — is also home to the Indian Museum of North America, a collection of artifacts reflecting “the diverse histories and cultures of over 300 Native nations.”

South Dakota’s prime attraction is Mount Rushmore National Monument, which features 60-foot faces of four famed American presidents carved from stone and offers a walking trail, museums, a gift shop and dining hall.

Another state highlight is the smallish town of Deadwood, which Dorn reports was a “rough and tough cowboy town” that dates back to the 1870s when gold was discovered in the region.

Deadwood today is the only municipality in South Dakota that allows gambling and has numerous casinos, prompting Svendsen to compare it to a “mini-Las Vegas.”

The money the casinos take in is reinvested in the community.

Such famed characters from Western U.S. history as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried in a Deadwood cemetery, which itself has become a tourist attraction.

Historical re-enactments await Deadwood visitors

Deadwood’s lively past is also reflected in a brothel museum, itself a one-time brothel and which tells the story of the brothels that once flourished in the community.

Meanwhile, Svendsen says South Dakota’s location should make it particularly attractive to Prairie residents, adding Winnipeg residents can reach the state in around six hours by car.

More information is available at travelsouthdakota.com.