Are you a Highway 18 fan? Lots of "backroaders" like the southern route to the Black Hills because it passes through some good little small towns, open ranch country and the two biggest Indian reservations. Also known as the Oyate Trail, the communities along 18 have been working hard to serve travelers.

Nowhere do they try harder and have more fun, however, than in tiny Herrick –– a town that even Highway 18 fans probably miss because it sits a quarter-mile off the highway. Now there's a good reminder: the century-old elevator,which stopped taking grain in 1998, has been opened as a visitor's center, hotel and gift shop. Herrick is not many miles west (maybe 15?) of Fort Randall on the Missouri.

On the last weekend of July every year, the community hosts the Herrick Squeal Meal. This year's event begins with an art exhibit at the elevator and also includes a bike/hike, WWII exhibit, wine tasting, parade, squealing contest and pork potluck, among other things. Call 775-2903 if you're interested.

At the least, if you're driving down 18, stop and take a look.