Dell Rapids has some cool cliffs and a wonderful spot to trip, but in the spring recomend a hat... do you agree with that...Set The Hook?

Nice post, reminds me I'm in need of some time wandering in the woods.
I grew up in Sioux Falls and did many of those things you speak of.

The woods for me, by all means is my favorite and a spiritual place. But I've found much solitude in local haunts that help me get through the everyday. Although now it's winter and the water is frozen over, It's time to put on my boots and go for a hike. There are many places close by to get away if a guy just looks.  We have the Sioux River, the Missouri, and several local lakes. The Big Sioux seems to be my favorite, as the big boats can't take advantage and it offers much solitude. Along its way you will find mink, fox, geese, ducks, great herons, deer, cows, sheep, farms, horse, northerns, walleye, and catfish that will scare the poo out of your when you get in shallow water and they jump and dart with a mighty force. I take my dog along as he sits in front of me in my kayak. He's a small little guy and fits right in enjoying the journey.  I took hime with me to the woods this year and got several strange looks. Who would take a Schi Tzu deep in the wilderness? Most expect a lab or a bigger dog. But my little guy is a little lion. So off to the woods and wilderness he goes too.
We have a couple of cool woodsie parks for hiking that are local as well. My favorite is a place called Newton Hills.  In January the Sioux River will be frozen over and make for a great palce to hike as well.  It offers so much solitude.  And here I am stuck in the northern middle of the Great plains. Like Nike says, just do it.
And as for the rest of you...Where do you like to roam?  Something local, something close to home. Don't wait for spring and your trip to the BWCA or Q to get out doors. Make it apart of your weekly living, let the spirit of the wilderness stay alive in your heart all year round.