South Dakota Badlands 8 22 14

These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient mammals such as the rhino, horse, and saber-toothed cat once roamed here. The park’s 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today.

I took lots of pictures but....What can I say but you have to see it to see the real beauty.

South Datoka Mitchell Corn Palace

The Corn Palace serves as a multi-use center for the community and region. The facility hosts stage shows, as well as sports events in its arena. The World's Only Corn Palace is an outstanding structure which stands as a tribute to the agricultural heritage of South Dakota.
The original Corn Palace, called "The Corn Belt Exposition" was established in 1892. Early settlers displayed the fruits of their harvest on the building exterior in order to prove the fertility of South Dakota soil. The third and present building was completed for it first festival at the present location in 1921.
The exterior decorations are completely stripped down and new murals are created each year. The theme is selected by the Corn Palace Festival Committee and murals are designed by a local artist.

 

I believe I was lucky with all the junk food present it was a little bonus:-)

There was also a display of old farm equipment...

 

Not worth a trip to SD but if you are close to Mitchell you have to visit the Corn Palace

 

Detroit East Side Bike Tour

Met up with 20 plus Adventure Quest Meetup members Sunday morning 8/3/14.  We took a 20 mile tour starting at Rivard Plaza riding through the follow city areas Dequindre Cut, Rivard Plaza, Belle Isle, Indian Village, Heidelberg Project.

The ride was a easy pace with plenty of time for site seeing and just enjoying the ride.

Formerly a Grand Trunk Railroad line, the Dequindre Cut is a below-street level path that runs parallel to St. Aubin Street, between Mack Avenue and Woodbridge Street just north of the Riverfront. Well-known for its urban artwork and graffiti, the first completed section of the Dequindre Cut is between Woodbridge Street and Gratiot Avenue.

 

Belle Isle

Detroit's city fathers purchased the 983-acre island in 1879 for $200,000, against the opposition of those who thought the price was too high.  They elected to retain the name Belle Isle (beautiful island) by which the property was popularly known.

In 1883, the designer of New York City's Central park, Frederick Law Olmstead, created the master plan for Belle Isle's transformation

 

 

 

 

 

The Heidelberg Project is art, energy, and community.

It’s an open-air art environment in the heart of an urban community on Detroit’s East Side. Tyree Guyton, founder and artistic director, uses everyday, discarded objects to create a two block area full of color, symbolism, and intrigue. Now in its 28th year, the Heidelberg Project is recognized around the world as a demonstration of the power of creativity to transform lives.