Spend the Night in This South Dakota Fire Lookout

I think the South Dakota plains are as dramatic (and as iconic) as any landscape in the United States. It's a topography that evokes everything from movie westerns and pioneer novels to landscape paintings and photographs of the frontier. Stretching westward from the Missouri and Red Rivers to to the Badlands and Black Hills, the South Dakota plains are a dreamscape tapestry spun from the imaginations of its dwellers - along with anyone who has ever dreamed of the American West - over centuries. If you've ever had visions of the Great Plans dancing through your dreams, you'll find the stay of your dreams at this dreamy vacation rental near Valley Springs, South Dakota.

Lookout Loft is a tower perched on a wooded rise - like a cliff above the sea - that offers commanding views of the surrounding plains from its multiple levels. The main living level rests on the tower's upper platform. Walls of windows offer 360-degree views of the landscape, while a sliding glass door to the wraparound deck allows you to enjoy the panorama in the open air. Designed as an intimate nest for two guests - or a citadel for the solo traveler - the living level is amply appointed with comfortable seating and a full kitchen with a refrigerator, sink, and electric cooktop. On cooler evenings, fire up the pellet stove to make your aerie extra cozy. The sleeping quarters are in the upper loft and take the tower's views to the next level.

Enjoy the dark, star-blanketed skies from the open-air lower deck, with its comfortable seating area and propane fire pit. It's a covered space where you can enjoy the outdoors even in rainy weather. Curl up with a cup of coffee or glass of wine and listen to the rain dancing on the trees.

If you can tear yourself away from your tower, set out for a day of hiking at Big Sioux State Recreation Area, which is just a few minutes west of the Lookout Loft. I think Valley of the Giants Trail is one of the most scenic in eastern South Dakota, and at 1.6 miles of relatively level terrain, it's just enough to get your blood pumping. After you've had your fill of activity, head on back to Lookout Loft for a relaxing soak in the ground-level hot tub.

Leaving the hot tub may prove difficult, but you won't want to miss the sunset from one of the higher levels - you can always head back down once the stars come out.

I can't think of a dreamier vacation rental in South Dakota. Head over to Airbnb to book your stay at Lookout Loft. Warning: You may not want to leave. And if you know of some other amazing rental properties in South Dakota, be sure to tell us all about them. Then, find out about some of our fave South Dakota adventures using our Travel Planner.