We knew FamilyFun readers were a loyal bunch, but when we asked them to reveal their favorite vacation spots, we wondered if we'd gone too far. After all, who'd want to share their special island hideaway, mountain retreat or seaside camping spot? We shouldn't have worried. "This place is so good, I almost don't want to tell you about it," began many of the letters, "but I will." In fact, more than 250 of you responded, praising destinations that, in some cases, have been family secrets for years.

How on earth did we choose the 20 winners? We looked for travel ideas with a spark, the kind that made us want to pack up the car and hit the open road. We looked for letters that described new ways to enjoy classic spots or those that tipped us off to places rarely celebrated in guidebooks, such as the old-fashioned resort that hosts family reunions, or the little-known state park where the river and natural pools are just right for floating. In the process, we discovered the Black Hills of South Dakota, home to four of America's most famous historical figures.

SOUTH DAKOTA

THE BLACK HILLS
When it comes to taking a summer vacation, the Happe-vonArb family of Des Moines heads for the hills--the Black Hills of South Dakota. Besides spotting that quartet of famous heads at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the family of five have walked on craggy ridges at Badlands National Park, stopped at Wall Drug (billed as the World's Largest Drug Store) and traveled to Storybook Island, a free public playground inspired by nursery rhymes. They also got to camp, swim and fish at Mount Rushmore/Hill City KOA, "the best family campground I've seen in nine years of camping," according to mom Deb. Campsites at Mount Rushmore KOA started at $25 per night; call 800-562-8503. For more information about South Dakota's Black Hills, call 605-355-3600.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.