Ready for a road trip? These 6 stops are waiting in northeast S.D.

This paid piece is sponsored by Travel South Dakota.

A classic drive-in, an under-the-radar sandwich counter and memorable museums are waiting with a quick trip north.

You’ll find them all in northeast South Dakota, where a road trip will deliver plenty of small-town charm and “605” moments.

Along the way, stamp your digital “Great Finds” passport from Travel South Dakota, a perfect way to discover the hidden gems of South Dakota with the free, mobile-exclusive digital passport. Click here to get started.

Here’s a closer look at some of the great destinations awaiting you in northeast South Dakota.

Pheasant City Drive-In Theatre

17230 US 281, Redfield

If you’re of a certain age, you definitely have a memory of a family trip to the drive-in.

If you don’t, it’s OK – there’s still time to create that special time by visiting the Pheasant City Drive-In Theatre in Redfield.

“Everybody says it’s an experience,” owner Stacey Marlow said. “The ticket booth opens at 7 p.m., so people can come, and they sit outside, and their kids can play in the grass up front. People bring balls and frisbees to play with. We like to give people the best experience possible.”

And, if you travel from a long way, it’s OK to camp in the back row, she said. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, and there are concessions available for purchase.

The drive-in celebrated its 70th year last year. Marlow has owned it for 10 years and said it’s one of only five surviving drive-ins in the state.

It shows a little bit of everything but generally steers clear of R-rated movies. There are special events during the week, including a classic car night and a night for semi-trucks. Last year, “Smokey and the Bandit” was that movie for that event.

“People are happy to be out here,” Marlow said. She said it’s a great family destination, and children age 11 and younger are admitted free. “We want everybody to be able to come out.”

The International Vinegar Museum

500 Main St., Roslyn

Beer and wine tastings continue to be popular, but have you tried a flight of vinegar?

The International Vinegar Museum in Roslyn has almost 200 kinds of vinegar on display. If you didn’t even know that many kinds of vinegar exist, you aren’t alone. Mary Wagner, office manager and long-time volunteer at the museum, said there’s a little something for everyone.

“It’s just such a unique experience,” Wagner said. Visitors can learn about the different types and how it’s made. And then they can enjoy a tasting. “All of that ends up being a really good time at the museum.”

The vinegar bar offers different types for tasting.

“It’s similar to wine tasting,” Wagner said. “You look at the consistency, and you do a little smell test. We use swizzle sticks and dip it in, and you put it in the center of your tongue, so all your senses are involved.”

Wagner said most people know about white, apple cider and balsamic vinegar, but there are many varieties. She loves the balsamic that is bottled at the museum and the tequila lime. “That’s just a really fresh and fun vinegar too.”

There are about a dozen flavors for sale at the museum, and the staff members are happy to ship it.

“We’re always willing to give a tour,” Wagner said. “We are a fun place to visit.”

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Gus Manolis Grocery

47 Third St. SW, Huron

The Manolis Grocery Store in Huron has been open since 1925 – and owned by the same family the entire time.

Todd Manolis, third-generation owner, said he grew up in the store, where he would come after school and shadow his dad.

“I would come over from school and stock shelves for him, and then my mom would pick me up and take me home,” Manolis said. “This is all I’ve ever known. I went to college, but I knew this was what I wanted.”

He has been running the store for more than 35 years.

The store sells a little bit of everything, though the grocery part isn’t what it used to be. “Years ago, every neighborhood had its own grocery store,” Manolis said. Now, it mostly serves people who live downtown and in the surrounding apartment buildings.

But anyone who comes through is treated like family, especially at lunch.

“It gets so busy that people started getting their own beer,” Manolis said. Guests go into the cooler and grab a beer while they wait for their sandwich. They save their caps and bring them to the register when they pay, to keep track. “My customers are wonderful. I don’t worry.”

The deli is popular.

“I’m probably more known for my sandwiches, “Manolis said. “We sell tons and tons of sandwiches, and they are all named after our customers.”

The two most popular sandwiches are The Mike and The Cordts.

The Cordts was the first named sandwich and is Manolis’ favorite. It’s rye bread with garlic hard salami, ham, pepper jack cheese, horseradish sauce and mustard. It’s served open-faced and toasted.

The Mike is named after one of Manolis’ sons. It’s an onion bagel with cream cheese, garlic salami, and pepper jack cheese. It’s also served open-faced and toasted.

“We’ve got the greatest customers in the world,” he said.

The store is open from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Museum of Wildlife, Science and Industry

760 U.S. 12, Webster

The Museum of Wildlife, Science and Industry shows the history of Day County and South Dakota through exhibits ranging from military to agriculture to pioneer life.

The museum has 23 buildings and accepts freewill donations for admission.

It was opened with a philosophy to “preserve the items that best illustrate the life and culture of northeastern South Dakota for future generations to learn from and enjoy.”

The first building was opened in 1986.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

With the Wind Vineyard + Winery

10722 Lake Road, Rosholt

Take a true taste of South Dakota at this lovely vineyard and winery tucked away just a few miles off Interstate 29 in Rosholt.

With the Wind Vineyard + Winery is the largest vineyard and winery in the state, with a new addition last year that brought 1,800 new vines to its south vineyard, leading to a grand total of nearly 5,000 vines across more than 6 acres.

Owners Jeremiah and Lisa Klein are both originally from South Dakota and returned nine years ago to raise their children here after living in Colorado.

They purchased a bygone farm site in 2012 as a home for their family and then were inspired by an article on “Midwest viticulture” to try starting a vineyard as a hobby.

It soon developed into a full-time dream job growing grapes, producing wine and welcoming guests. Custom Italian-made stainless steel tanks and Minnesota oak barrels house all of the wines, which are handcrafted and bottled on-site.

Guests, of course, can do their share of wine sampling, in addition to beer and nonalcoholic options. They’ve got the pairings covered here too, with a tasty assortment of cheeses and chocolates to complete the experience.

With the Wind also is a great place to escape for a special event and regularly hosts corporate groups, family reunions, bus tours, bachelorette parties and other social occasions.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m.  Sunday.

Crystal Springs Rodeo

17803 479th Ave., Clear Lake

Mark your calendar for June 26-29 as America’s “most natural rodeo bowl” marks 78 years in the community of Clear Lake.

 Crystal Springs Rodeo is held on ranch land with a natural bowl formed by glaciers. Property owner E.W. Weisel and his family had a vision of thousands of people enjoying a rodeo from the base of the hills, and the annual event was born.

They kept the dream alive for 25 years, and over time it has evolved through new owners and now a committed group of supporters and volunteers.

Enjoy nightly concerts, fireworks and plenty of rodeo at this year’s event.

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