Three States in One Day - Taking the Tri-state Challenge

We are camped along the Missouri River in Sioux City. But we came to find out that there are three different towns known as Sioux City--and they are in three different states. We started our day early where we are camped in South Sioux City, Nebraska. There is a walking/biking trail that goes through the campground, so we decided to ride it to see where it would take us. We found ourselves riding along fields of soy beans and corn . . .

on our way to Freedom Park. So close to the 4th of July, this seemed to be a fitting park to visit. They have a one-half-scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial, which includes all of the names of the fallen soldiers inscribed in the same black granite as the memorial in Washington DC.

We had already checked google maps, which showed a two-mile trail in our area. But as evidence that google doesn't know everything, we found ourselves on a trail that we didn't know existed. We biked through the less-picturesque parts of South Sioux Falls on a wide paved trail.

Our four-mile before-breakfast trail has turned into twelve miles, so we stopped for breakfast at a Burger King that we passed. We continued on to the end of the trail at Crystal Cove Park, for a photographic end to our longer-than-expected bike ride here in South Sioux City, Nebraska.

After we pedaled back to the campground, it was time to head across the Missouri River to the second state of the day--Sioux City, Iowa. When the visitor center recommends a stop at a historic candy store, we're not going to argue.  The sign above the door proclaims, "Making Life Sweeter Since 1878."

We had been told that this company is most famous for the candy they invented. We had never heard of the Twin Bing, but of course we had to buy one.

Inside the package was two pieces of chocolate candy with a cherry center. We have to say that this sounds very similar to the Cherry Mash. It's crazy, but we happened to have a cherry mash on board the motor home, because it was invented in a recent town we explored--St. Joseph, Missouri.

But we have to say that the Twin Bing wins in our unbiased taste competition, since it has more nuts in a thicker chocolate layer. It's this tasty research that makes us big fans of eating our way across this country.

Speaking of which, we just happened to stop in at another Sioux City favorite--the Jolly Time Popcorn store. We can tell you that the caramel sea salt popcorn is addictive. Another stop by the local bread bakery outlet store, and we finished our sweets and carb shopping for the day.

Our next recommended stop was the County courthouse. Denisa likes these old buildings, and this one has made its way onto the list of National Historic Places. The outside views are pretty cool, but it is most known for its interior decorations. The center of the courthouse is covered with a nice stained glass dome.

But the lower levels have some of the most ornate detailing that we have ever seen in a county building.

The welcome center also sent us to the high point of Sioux City at Trinity Heights. This peaceful Catholic retreat is best known for a life-size carving of Jesus and the 12 disciples at the Last Supper. What da Vinci painted on a flat canvas, this artist brought to life in 3D.

If it wasn't so hot, we would have enjoyed the stroll around the grounds at Trinity Heights more. Even though we were sweating, we had to stroll to see the 30-foot-tall statue of Mary. We can report that the stainless steel metal is searing hot on this sunny day.  She has her arms outstretched across the grounds towards . . .

the 33-foot-tall statue of Jesus. Some times the wonders we find as we wander are man-made, but are still heaven-inspired.

We have another statue to find, but this one is not nearly as peaceful and heavenly. We headed north to find the Chief War Eagle memorial. We can say that this native American was neither war-like or a chief, so he didn't seem to grow into his name. He was a friend to the white men, as evidenced by the fact that two of his daughters actually married one of the first white settlers. That family went on to be some of the founding members of Sioux City.

We are going to have to pick up the pace, because we still have one more state to visit on this Tri-state challenge. So we're heading to North Sioux City, South Dakota.  Its best tourist stop is the Adam's Homestead and Nature Preserve. A century-old farm has become a state historic site, and includes a one-room school house built in 1908, 

and the Stavenger Lutheran Church, built in 1902. Named after their homeland in Stavenger, Norway, only Norwegian was spoken inside this church during its early history.

The original old cabin is open to the public, as well as the animals that call it home.

Right now it is home to a nest of baby swallows. Our wildlife picture of the day is the four little birds, waiting patiently for their parents to return with more snacks.

Whoo! We biked around South Sioux City, Nebraska, toured Sioux City, Iowa, and finished up on the farm at North Sioux City, South Dakota. We enjoyed our quick stop in this tri-state area, but now it's time to head down the road to our next wonders.