Art
Porter Sculpture Park
Wayne Porter’s ginormous metal sculptures are crafted from a variety of recycled items, such as scrap metal, old farming equipment, and railroad tie plates.
If you find yourself driving along Interstate 90 through Montrose, South Dakota, you’ll eventually come across an insanely large, 60-foot-tall bull’s head, which is visible from the road. Take exit 374 off I-90, head farther south, and take the first left onto a gravel road to find an entire art park. Spanning 10 acres and home to over 50 sculptures of all sorts, the Porter Sculpture Park is a place to explore quirky pieces of art in the beauty of the outdoors.
This hidden gem in the Sioux Falls area provides visitors a unique experience, as these art pieces are made from old scrap metal and agricultural and railroad equipment. And unlike a museum, you are allowed (and encouraged!) to touch the sculptures. There are larger-than-life butterflies, flowers, monstrous skeletons, towering dragons, fish, and many other fun structures to see. Some sculptures are very whimsical and lighthearted, while others are much darker in tone and somewhat macabre. The handwritten poetry and storyboards that accompany the pieces of art provide a thoughtful and deeper insight into the meaning behind them.
You’ll find a fun variety of creatures and creations throughout Porter Sculpture Park.
Wayne Porter, the mastermind behind these massive sculptures, is a former sheep farmer and a self-taught artist. He has never taken an art class in his life, but he was taught blacksmithing and welding by his father and uses his talents to craft giant, surreal metal creations. When he had more sculptures than space, he purchased land in Montrose, transported his work, and opened the park. He spends his time at the park with his dog, Bambino, and is always happy to meet new people and answer questions about his work from visitors.
The park is open from May 15 to October 15. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 13 to 17, and free for children 12 and under. As this is far from your average art experience, you can even bring your dog (or other pets) to the park with you. Golf carts are available for those who can’t walk long distances. If you are a member of Harvest Hosts, a network of attractions that welcome RVers for overnight stays, you can pay the admission fee and boondock at the park.
Details
Porter Sculpture Park
45160 257th St.
Montrose, SD 57048
(605) 204-0370
portersculpturepark.com
Snack Time
Popcorn
You don’t have to go to the movie theater or curl up on the couch to enjoy a bowl of popcorn. Eat it anytime. According to Mayo Clinic, this inexpensive snack is surprisingly healthful — depending on what toppings you put on it — and can be dressed up nicely with a variety of oils and seasonings. You don’t have to use store-bought microwave popcorn bags, either. If you want to up your popcorn game, cook some corn kernels on the stovetop (or in the microwave with a silicone popper) and add homemade flavor.
To keep it healthful, avoid drenching your popcorn in oils and sugar. Coconut oil and extra-virgin olive oil are good options. Go light on the oil, use a spritzer, and add some fun seasonings. For a kick, try chili powder and lime zest, or mix buffalo sauce with a little oil. To turn it into a light dessert, sprinkle on cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and brown sugar. If you want to make a barbecue-flavored popcorn snack, add ranch seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Fun And Games
I Spy With My Little Eye. . .
I Spy, the classic road trip game, is a great way to pass the time while traveling for long periods, especially if you have bored kids in the vehicle. It can be played anywhere, and no equipment is needed. There are endless variations of this game, but you need at least two people to play.
The first player will say something along the lines of, “I spy with my little eye. . . ” and then briefly describe an object both players can see. This description can be anything — the object’s color, its first letter, how many wheels it has, what the object does, or anything particularly distinctive.
I Spy is suitable for all ages, especially small children. It helps improve their cognitive skills, familiarizes them with their environments, and stimulates their minds. At the campsite or on the road, you can use this game as a great opportunity to point out certain landmarks and improve their working memory. Plus, it’s fun!
If you want to spice up the rules a bit, try combining I Spy with a scavenger hunt for more fun. Make a list of items you want your child (or grandchild) to find, such as a flashlight, a table, a first-aid kit, or a backpack, and turn it into a “planned” I Spy game.