The Dakotas Off the Beaten Path: A Guide to Unique Places

Great source for additional possibilities when visiting the magical Dakotas. However, restaurants and lodging lean heavily to those who have plenty of money in their purse/wallet. For most of us, I would research these areas further. But it is outstanding for many possibilities to make a wonderful trip even better. Just don't expect it to cover much roadfood, wacky attractions or budget motels. VERY worthwhile still.

I used this guidebook for a visit to the Black Hills of South Dakota. If there's a more interesting place to visit than the Black Hills I haven't found it. The scenery is great, the wildlife abundant, and the history is fascinating. For example, the guidebook led me to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and the Red Cloud Heritage Center and Red Cloud's grave. (Red Cloud was a Dakota chief who defeated the U.S. army in 1868 and forced a withdrawal from Indian lands.) On a different level, the book also led me to Kevin Costner's casino and restaurant in Deadwood, as well as Will Bill Hickok's grave in the same town. The guidebook divides the Dakotas into six regions and lists interesting places to stay, old-time restaurants, museums and art galleries, annual events, and assorted trivia. Sidebars recount tidbits of Dakota history, especially tales of its cowboys and Indians. This guidebook is light and small and well-organized and all you need to find your way to interesting spots, especially if you're the sort of person who's allergic to shopping malls and cooker-cutter hotels and restaurants Smallchief

My family was recently transferred to North Dakota with the Air Force. Before we moved we wanted to learn more about it, since we had never been here. It was very difficult to find ANYTHING in print about North Dakota. I finally found an older copy of this book in a book store in Anchorage, AK, and then went on-line and ordered the new edition.While I think this book is pretty decent, I wish I could find a book with more pictures. While North Dakota is hardly considered a popular tourist destination, there IS some pretty scenery. I think this book would be better if they added some sections with pictures. Otherwise, the book is pretty good. I would recommend it to anyone considering travel in North Dakota (or South Dakota, it also has a section on that state), but then again I have not come across a single other book that focuses on North Dakota as much.

I really enjoyed reading all about the Dakotas. I plan on traveling to learn more about my roots. This book will really help me plan my travels.