How a Week in South Dakota Made Me the Cool Nana

As a chaser of the “I’ve been to all 50 states” status, South Dakota has long been on my bucket list. When the chance to visit Rapid City popped up, I was thrilled to check off another state—number 43—and finally see Mount Rushmore, that classic slice of Americana.

I typically road-trip with my teenagers during their summer break, so I dove into planning mode: spreadsheets, snacks, playlists. Then came the bombshell: one kid’s tennis camp overlapped, and the other declared my idea “lame.” (Teenagers, right?)

Enter Plan B

I decided to ask my daughter if my seven-year-old grandson wanted to travel with me instead. Not only did she say yes, but Logan was jumping up and down excited—no eye rolls, no protests — just pure enthusiasm.

Nana and Lucas Photo: Jill Robbins

Travel: A Unique Opportunity for Connection

One reason I was so excited to travel with Logan was the chance to really get to know him. I live in Texas; he’s in Florida. Most of our relationship happens through FaceTime and short visits. This trip would give us real, unhurried time together — and a chance to share a brand-new destination.

We looked up photos of Mount Rushmore online, and I gave him a crash course on why Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt earned their spots in stone. This was going to be the trip that crowned me “Cool Nana,” the best grandparent in grandparent history.

“Cool Nana” in Action

“I’m not like a regular mom, I’m a cool mom.”

Amy Poehler’s line from her cameo as the try-hard pink velour tracksuit-wearing parent in Mean Girls that always makes me laugh. I would be the cool nana, a bottomless source of energy (no velour tracksuit thankyouverymuch) and fun ideas.

I also knew my daughter was trusting me with something huge —taking her child halfway across the country. So yes, I put pressure on myself to make every detail go right. I hoped this would be epic to the point where people would grow weary of hearing sentences that began with, “When Nana and I were in Rapid City.”

The Thrills of Travel

From the moment we checked into Rapid City’s new Clubhouse Hotel, I realized how much I take for granted. “I can’t believe I’m staying in such an amazing hotel,” Logan whispered.
It wasn’t a luxury resort, but his awe made me see it differently. Suddenly, our “very own mini-fridge” and the thrill of pressing elevator buttons became magic. At Rapid City’s Reptile Gardens, Logan held a baby alligator with fearless delight. Watching him throw himself into new experiences with zero hesitation reminded me what travel is supposed to be about: curiosity, wonder, and saying yes.

Handling the reptiles! Photo: Jill Robbins

The Good, the Bad and the Macaroni with Breadcrumbs

“This restaurant probably has waffles”

Despite my confidence, I forgot how exhausting it is to keep up with a seven-year-old. Physically, I was (mostly) up for the task, but the endless questions and random bursts of energy left me more mentally tired than I expected.

Logan’s also in his picky-eater era. At one local BBQ spot, we had tears when his macaroni and cheese arrived, topped with seasoned breadcrumbs (how dare they?). Trying to persuade him that it would taste fine if we scraped the topping off bombed, so I ordered a second meal with what I’m sure was a very uncool Nana face.

Also, seven-year-olds are literal. It’s part of what makes them endearing, but I learned never to promise waffles unless I’ve confirmed they exist. This very solid piece of advice also applies to chicken fingers.

“I can carry my bag,” doesn’t mean what you think it means

One adjustment was deciding to fly versus drive. When packing, everything fit neatly into one roller bag, a backpack, and a soft duffel for Logan. We practiced at home. He insisted, “I can carry my bag!”

Spoiler: that meant “I can carry it for about 12 seconds.” Halfway through security, I had the duffel strapped across my chest. Still, every adjustment felt worth it. This trip wasn’t just about showing him new things — it was about learning how to travel together. And if I could rewind any one thing, I’d have checked our bags instead of insisting on carry-on, because that’s how I always do it.

Mount Rushmore Photo: Visit Rapid City

Mount Rushmore: A Do-Over

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is easily the most popular tourist attraction in Rapid City and what I’d talked up most to Logan. I wish I’d have put more time in our schedule to explore at a relaxed pace. There’s a 20-minute film, an interpretive center, a gift shop, and concessions where you can sample what is supposedly Thomas Jefferson’s personal ice cream recipe. I’ll admit to being skeptical, but I’m willing to concede Jefferson had talents that weren’t well known.

Logan also earned his first Junior Ranger badge — though I suspect I cared more than he did. He was laser-focused on the ice cream.

Nana, Where are We Going Next? I Got a Few Things Right

Because it was Logan’s first big trip without his parents, we did nightly FaceTime sessions to share the day’s adventures, which I think also kept homesickness at bay. Four nights turned out to be just the right length for the trip.

I also leaned into full Nana mode: daily desserts, extended screen time, pizza-and-video-game night. I’ve decided those indulgences aren’t spoiling, they’re memories in the making. Okay, maybe not the screen time, but when your grandson asks you to extend five minutes to 10, it’s hard not to say yes.

My highlight wasn’t Mount Rushmore or spotting bison in Custer State Park. It was a spontaneous hug; the kind of enthusiastic little kid embrace that can knock you off balance if you’re not prepared. He barreled into me, clutching my legs. “You’re the best, Nana. When is our next trip?”

Suddenly, that too-heavy duffel felt light as air.

Bison Jam in Custer State Park Photo: Shutterstock

Things To Do In Rapid City

Besides the famous granite gallery of American icons gazing out over the Black Hills, here’s what else is worth seeing:

• City of Presidents: Life-size bronze statues of every U.S. president line downtown Rapid City. Stop at the Visitor Center on Main Street for a map and take selfies with your favorites.
• Custer State Park: See bison and wild donkeys up close on a self-drive tour or guided Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours. Guides share real-time wildlife updates over the radio.
• City View Trolley Tour: This old-fashioned trolley stops at the picturesque Chapel of the Hills, where kids can do a scavenger hunt and earn a prize—Logan’s highlight: ringing the trolley bell.
• Bear Country USA: A 200-acre drive-through park filled with rescued bears, elk, and wolves. There’s also a walk-through cub exhibit that kids (and grown-ups) will love. Most of the bears come from compassionate rescues via wildlife agencies or are born in the park.
• Reptile Gardens: Reptile Gardens is way cooler than the name suggests — part botanical garden, part reptile zoo, with the world’s largest collection of reptiles and a 100+ year-old Aldabra tortoise.
• Dinosaur Park: A Depression-era Works Progress Administration project, these seven bright-green dinosaurs overlook Rapid City. Great if you like roadside-stop nostalgia, and after all, what kid doesn’t love dinosaurs?

The writer was hosted by Visit Rapid City.

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