1880 Town

Several years ago (6, to be exact) we were family road tripping for a friend's wedding in Michigan.  (Another long story, but that is not the point of today's blog.)  On our way through South Dakota we kept passing billboard after billboard about this "1880 Town."  If you've ever driven through the Midwest states, you will remember that the highways are loaded with site-seeing advertisements.  Although it is funny to see advertisements for miles and miles before the destination, my family is proof that this strategy works.  After long hours of driving, the repetitive billboards for 1880 Town convinced Dad to make a stop.  

Tirzah and me in 2011.  (We were just babies back then!)

Getting cold Sarsaparillas at the Saloon is tradition after we did it the first time!

Dad, Mom, Tirzah, and I had so much fun exploring this old fashioned town that it became one of our Midwest highlights.  After visiting in 2011, we have talked about going again sometime to enjoy this place again.  So on our way home from a friend's wedding last month, we finally got our 2nd opportunity to make a stop!

Getting out of the air conditioned car into the 108 degree weather wasn't too exciting, but it was fun to be back at 1880 Town!

Well, it was obviously windy.

I just want to live in this adorable town!

Tirzah has shockingly become a hobbit.  Beware of the effects of 1880 Town.

Trying to do a re-do of our picture in this same wagon 6 years ago.

Us trying to imagine riding the rest of our trip in this wagon.  I still think that would be fun...if there was air conditioning.

This church reminds me of my childhood home church, which is probably why I love it so much.

My 2nd time to see a real camel in real life!  But this one wasn't quite as cute as Humphrey.

Getting our portraits done by the 1880 photographer.  This is how Tirzah and Johannah feel about getting their pictures taken.

I distinctly remembered seeing my name on the metal of one of the train cars in 1880 Town in 2011.  I found it again--it was still there!

If you ever find yourself driving through South Dakota, make a stop at this town!  I would love to go again...but maybe not in the middle of the summer.  1880 Town always makes me wish we could return to the "good ole days."