There are a few reasons to head to Montana via Lemmon, South Dakota. Taking US Highway 12 that meanders along the Missouri River for a bit, then goes past Sitting Bull’s grave is one of them. This is stellar scenery and important history. Plus, Lemmon itself is worth the drive. This is a perfect small-town road trip stop that’s like no other. The Dakota Lodge is a hotel hub within walking distance to all of Lemmon’s offerings.
If The Dakota Lodge didn’t offer the promise of a restful night, we probably would have done our usual routes from Ohio to Montana, either along I-90 or further north on I-94. But the hotel popped up when I searched out route alternatives. There aren’t many lodging options in this part of the U.S. Fortunately, The Dakota Lodge and Lemmon did not disappoint. I was so impressed that I recommended the hotel and town to a friend of mine on a solo motorcycle trip passing through South Dakota on his way to Canada.
Lemmon, population 1,160 is among my favorite unexpected travel finds. The Dakota Lodge, opened in 2008, is one of the town’s welcome additions.
This two-floor hotel offers comfortable, clean rooms, a friendly staff and a place to relax. In the winter, I imagine the lobby with its leather furniture and fireplace is a cozy place to hang out. Head down the hall from the lobby for the small game room with video lottery machines, and list of beers available to purchase from the hotel receptionist. I didn’t see that list before I headed to a gas station convenience store next door.
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The Dakota Lodge’s pool is larger than many hotel pools, and the whirlpool is another bonus. There’s also a small exercise room with a treadmill and an elliptical machine. Another hotel amenity is the laundry room with its washer and dryer.
Our king room had the requisite refrigerator for our road trip food, a flat screen TV, cable, a microwave, and a coffee maker. The Western-themed artwork on the wall above the headboard added a bit of local flavor. There was an armchair for relaxing, a work desk, a chair, a wardrobe and a mix of lighting. Here, the Wi-Fi is free and speedy.
In the morning, before we headed to the breakfast room for the continental breakfast, a robust assortment of fruit, yogurt, cereal and a variety of baked goods, I took a stroll to scope out one of Lemmon’s must-sees.
The Petrified Wood Park, created from 1930-1932 during The Great Depression is a city block of funky, creative towers and structures of petrified wood and fossils. This park is made for wandering. Take some time for a stop in the Petrified Wood Park Museum.
John Lopez’s sculture of cattleman George Edward Lemmon, town founder outside of Kokomo Gallery
If you go, another must-see is Kokomo Gallery where the genius of welded metal sculptor, John Lopez is on display. Lopez’s larger than life sculptures are a splendid mix of found metal pieces like an old airplane gas tank, gears, chains and more, that capture images of life in the west. If the gallery is closed, you can see his sculptures outside as well.
The Grand River Museum is also stop worthy. This museum is a robust mix of dinosaur fossils, Native American history, ranch life and a tribute the Hugh Glass, the true story of the man who lived through a bear attack, depicted in the movie The Revenant. This is the film that landed Leonardo DiCaprio an Oscar.
Here’s another Lemmon fun fact. If you cross the railroad tracks at one end of town, you are in North Dakota. Lemmon is right at the border.
Other Dakota Lodge rooms are two queen bed, and king whirlpool suites. Some rooms are handicapped accessible. This is a dog-friendly hotel for a charge. Parking is free and ample.
Room rates are $95.75 – $139.77. I booked our room through The Dakota Lodge website. You can also make reservations through Expedia.
Photos and post by Jamie Rhein
