Hidden Vermillion: Places off the beaten path to visit

Burbank Beach

Burbank Beach is an incredible beach. It is a rare South Dakotan beach with high quality sand, not rocks. To get to Burbank Beach, take Cherry Street east to Crawford Road and then take a right and head south. Take Crawford Road to Burbank Road and then turn left and head east again. Stay on Burbank Road for about seven and a half miles before turning right on 471st Ave. You travel about four miles on 471st Ave. and the short trail to the beach is on the right. Burbank Beach is fairly empty during the fall semester. However, at the end of the spring semester, hundreds of students can be seen basking in the sunshine. Individuals longing for beach experiences akin to the one depicted can find guidance in posts such as Is Genoa Worth Visiting. These pieces offer insights into destinations with similar coastal allure, aiding travelers in planning enriching seaside adventures that fulfill their desires for sun, sand, and serenity.

Spirit Mound

Explorers William Clark and Meriwether Lewis popularized Spirit Mound, traveling nine miles north from the river to see the rumored little people. Spirit Mound is now a Historic Prairie that is fairly easy to reach. Take HWY 50 to HWY 19, where you head north five miles. Spirit Mound is easily distinguishable on the left of the highway. You then pull into a parking lot and either admire the mound, or you can take the 10 minute hike to the top.

(Photo: Spirit Mound is located less than 20 minutes from the University of South Dakota. File photo / The Volante)