10 Fun Free Places To Go Near Le Mars (Part 2)

Note: All driving times are approximate, I got the information from Yahoo! Maps.

6. Sioux Falls, SD - 1 1/2 hrs away. As a family you can't go to Sioux Falls without checking out { http://www.siouxfallsparks.org/ContactUs... Sertoma Park}. This is a great place to have a picnic and to play! There is a ton of playground equipment for all ages and sizes. The park is close to the biking trail and has some fun science experiments like Whisper Dishes and being a human sundial. Also nearby (for a fee) is the Sertoma Butterfly House. Also fun is Falls Park. Walk along the trail and find the history of Sioux Falls and Lewis and Clark. Check out the beauty of the falls, climb the tower for a "Heightened" view and on certain nights in the summer check out the laser light show with more history of South Dakota! Also on the grounds is the Falls Park Overlook Cafe and the Horse Barn Arts Center which is fun to go through. See the remains of a burnt mill and once again be close to the biking trail!

7. Garretson, SD - 1 hr. 49 minutes away. Garretson is a wonderful SMALL town with three beautiful parks. If you like rock climbing this is definetly the place to be. Even if you don't, you should walk the trails and hear the local history of how Jesse James rode through town and is believed to have hidden money from the Northtown raid in Garretson. Devil's Gulch and Splitrock Park are free admission and offer camping. While Palisades State Park is just out of town and is absolutely breathtaking with its quartzite rock, location near the river. It does cost to get into the state park, but if you get an annual pass you can go in any South Dakota state park which opens lots of fun opportunities.

8. Desoto Bend- 1 hr. 43 minutes away. Desoto National Wildlife Refuge is the one place that does cost, but is very minimal. For $3 a car you can have the experience of a lifetime. Similar to the Dorothy Pecaut Center it has trails and nature hikes. But the part I always remember is looking at the artifacts that were dug up from the steamboat Bertrand which was discovered on the refuge in 1968.

9. West Bend, IA - 2 hrs. 23 minutes away - { http://www.westbendgrotto.com/ The Grotto of the Redemption} is a beautiful portrayal of the life of Christ. It includes the largest collection of precious stones and gems found anywhere in one location and has a wonderful story behind it for its existince. The gift shop offers information on the rocks and the church next door is a wonderful extension to the Grotto of the Redemption. Completely worth the drive and you can also check out the ducks at the pond nearby.

10. I honestly had a little trouble with 10. I have tried to list places I have been but know there are so many more things out there. I know Okoboji is full of things to do, such as Kettelson Hogsback Wildlife Area, State preserves, Gull Point State Park, Pikes Point and the Abbie Gardner Cabin. Omaha also offers a lot of fun taking in the old district, trails and many parks. If you are in for a little bit more of a drive go to Brookings,SD and check out the gardens that are part of a project of the students of SDSU. If you have any other suggestions, please let me know becuase I enjoy new places and free is always nice!