If you’re looking for some quiet time, away from technology of today’s world, then I recommend Timber Lake, South Dakota.To me, entering Timber Lake felt as though I had gone back in time. As soon as I crossed the Missouri River, I hit a dead zone and lost communication from the outside.
One local from a town over said to me, “There ain’t much to do there. The sidewalks fold over after six o’clock.”
How true that statement sounded. Miles of open, blue skies spread wide across fields of golden sunflowers and the raspy buzz of cigar-shaped cicadas welcomed strangers from the sagebrush and scrubby trees. Crickets competed with the cicadas for attention and hopped around the feet of the people. Dust balls formed and whirled atop rolling hills of ranch land. The only creatures within sight were horses and cattle and the occasional jackrabbit. Don’t let this harmony fool you into thinking there isn’t a thing to do here.
This town of 450 people serves up history, heritage, and down-home hospitality. The area is home to the Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Sioux as well as farmers and ranchers. Visitors can take a tour of the local museum. Not only does the museum hold memories of 1910-1920 from the reservations to homesteading, it includes fossilized remains of dinosaurs and ammonites.
Timber Lake has strong faithful people, but that doesn’t mean mischief doesn’t happen here like any other town. Small towns such as Timber Lake love to tell a good story. One tale, which I found amusing, told of a young sheriff’s daughter that borrowed her father’s car and drove along the path where couples were known for “parking” and upon finding such a pair would turn on the siren, frightening them.
Gatherings and dances besides church services also keep the people entertained. I had the chance to visit this town as my husband’s family was from these parts and had a whomping family reunion. The local paper had featured them. I must say it felt good to get away from the hum drum of the city life and kick back with the locals. Everyone knows everybody and they wouldn’t think twice about helping someone out in need. Lend a hand and some elbow grease, and you’ll have a friend for life. So, if you need to take some stress off your shoulders, mosey on down to Timber Lake, South Dakota.
clawingmywayin 