International Information Discover America

Newsroom

Get a Free Vacation Guide
Start your Vacation - Book Online Now
Sign up for the Travelsmart e-Newsletter
Request a Free Vacation Guide Download Free Vacation Guides

Home > Newsroom

Newsroom

Marks of History: Stratosphere Bowl

9/30/2009
Print button Share

PIERRE, S.D. – In the 1930’s, the Stratosphere Bowl was selected as a launching location for two helium-filled balloons. The first balloon launch, known as Explorer I, was in 1934. The second and more successful launch with Explorer II occurred in 1935. 

Explorer II launched from the Stratosphere Bowl on Nov. 11, 1935. It set a world record after traveling to an altitude of 72,395 feet – the highest elevation ever reached by man at that time. The balloon remained in the air for 8 hours and 13 minutes collecting data. Upon its landing near White Lake, S.D., Explorer II had gathered valuable information regarding high-altitude photography, cosmic ray and atmospheric conditions. 

The Stratosphere Bowl was chosen as a launch location because of its natural terrain, favorable weather, altitude and depth. These factors combined to make it the perfect, protected launch spot. The Bowl is located 1.5 miles east of Rockerville, S.D., just off Highway 16.

The Marks of History series is a project of the South Dakota Office of Tourism, designed to highlight historical markers all across South Dakota. Click on the special "Marks of History" link at

www.MediaSD.com to access the complete list of articles. 
The Marks of History series is part of Goal 1 of the 2010 Initiative to double visitor spending in South Dakota from 2003-2010 and Goal 4 to enhance history and arts as a tool for economic development and cultural tourism in South Dakota. The Office of Tourism serves under the direction of Richard Benda, Secretary of the Department of Tourism and State Development.
 
-30-
 
Media Notes:
 
  • Information for this release was obtained from “Brevet’s South Dakota Historical Markers”.
  • The South Dakota Office of Tourism is not responsible for the text included on these markers. Some of the language used at the time of production may not be appropriate by today’s standards. Please view the markers at your own discretion.