History Road Trip to feature three routes

The South Dakota Road Trip: Teachers Discovering History is a four-day traveling professional development opportunity for those who teach social studies. It will feature three routes when it kicks off in July of 2024.

“We are excited to offer this hands-on learning experience again this year,” said Shannon Malone, DOE’s director of learning and instruction. “K-12 educators who participate will come away with new-found knowledge and resources to teach their students about South Dakota’s rich and complex history.”

While the 2023 road trip featured East River and West River routes, this year’s adventure will include a Central Route, where participants will explore the South Dakota State Capitol, visit the Farr House, and spend time in the town of Chamberlain. The East River route will feature visits to Spirit Mound near Vermillion, Prairie Village in Madison, and the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village. Educators who choose the West River route will experience the Wind Cave, the Minuteman Missile Site, and the High Plains Western Heritage Center. (Sites are TENTATIVE at this time and may be subject to change.)

The Western, Central, and Eastern routes will lead teachers to locations and attractions that play a significant role in the state’s history. At each stop, educators will delve deep into the lives of those who shaped South Dakota’s past and continue to impact its present.

The road trip will run July 14-18. South Dakota teachers who are responsible for implementing the South Dakota social studies standards are eligible to participate. Those who attend will receive free access to all attractions on the trip, complimentary lodging, and transportation to and from all attractions. Those who attend the full road trip, from beginning to end, will receive a $500 stipend and either 45 continuing education contact hours or three graduate credits at a reduced rate.

To learn more about the South Dakota Road Trip and to register, visit southdakotaroadtrip.com.