Senator John Thune

August is here and that means many things to people in South Dakota. For me, August is a time when Congress is out of session and I have the opportunity to travel around the state and visit with South Dakotans about the issues that are important to them. It also gives me the opportunity to get out and enjoy all of the great places that make our state so special.

People from all over the world come to South Dakota to experience its natural wonder and enjoy meeting its friendly people. This week marks the conclusion of the Sturgis motorcycle rally, which brings hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts to our state. Still, there is so much more to discover about what makes South Dakota great and why people fall in love with it when they visit.

The Black Hills are an internationally famous destination for people who want to get out and enjoy the beauty of nature and the unspoiled beauty of the West. All South Dakotans know the beauty of seeing the marriage of art and nature that is found in Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse memorial, but the Black Hills have so much to offer beyond these sights. Hot Springs, Hill City, Deadwood, Spearfish and many towns in between all offer many different attractions for visitors from South Dakota and beyond.

There are so many fascinating places to visit in South Dakota beyond the Black Hills. It is a well-known fact to South Dakotans that Mitchell is home to the one and only Corn Palace, a structure that blends the majesty of architecture with the natural beauty of corn. The Missouri River is an important resource for our state, but it also offers many excellent recreational opportunities. South Dakotans and visitors alike can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming on the river.

DeSmet is the site of the famous Laura Ingalls Wilder home and served as the inspiration for some of Wilder's celebrated books. South Dakotans and visitors alike can explore what life was like on the prairie and experience first-hand the literary history of America.

South Dakota is a wonderful place to visit, and as we all know, an even better place to call home. It's great for South Dakotans to take the time and explore all of the fascinating things that are right in our own back yard, but it's also important to remember that tourism is the livelihood of many South Dakotans. Going out and exploring South Dakota is a rewarding way for people to enjoy the last days of summer, and it is a great way for South Dakotans to experience each other's lives and help make South Dakota a better place for everyone who calls it home.