When I received my driving instructions to get to the Dream Center, I nearly lost it when the instructions included, “Turn left at the Ghost Town of Scenic!”
There were a few structures on the side of I-90 that had always fascinated me as I drove past, but I was always nervous about the idea of pulling over to investigate. Some are a fair ways off the interstate, and my luck would have a state trooper waiting for me when I returned. So there was no doubt in my mind that I would be spending some time to investigate.
Upon driving into down, among the abandoned homes, the church/Tatanka Outpost caught my attention. This little church had been refurbished into a small museum/gift shop for bikers and tourists on their way through Badlands National Park or headed out to Wounded knee. It wasn’t open at the time I arrived, so I moved on to continue my exploration.
Most of the buildings were locked up nice and tight, but there was a home with an open door I could peer in. Call me a chicken, but the floor didn’t look too solid, and with no one around for miles, I wasn’t going to take the chance that this home had a basement I could fall into.
Much like the rest of this half of SD, Tourism appeared to be Scenic’s primary attraction, with various abandoned museums and restaurants.
I really wish I could have learned more about these jail cells. Were they ever used? Was it just a tourism gimmick? So many questions.
What really caught my attention was the view heading out of town. This is exactly why I will always love my home state with my whole heart. I may prefer to live in the city, but this is where I what I will always consider to be my home.
Hi! I'm Alyce. 
