Badlands National Park, South Dakota at sunrise with pretty wildflowers growing in the foreground, rocky terrain and looking down at the valley in the distance.

Road Trip from Minneapolis to Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore is one of the USA's most famous landmarks, and a bucket list item for many Americans and international tourists. You can make the remarkable journey to this amazing monument a whole adventure of its own by planning an exciting road trip!

The 660-mile road trip from Minneapolis to Mount Rushmore takes about 10 hours to drive. Highlights include Sioux Falls, Chamberlain, Minneopa State Park, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and the Akta Lakota Museum.

Read on to discover more about the best routes you can take, the best places to stop, and our top tips for things to do to create a memorable experience over the course of your journey.

How far is Mount Rushmore from Minneapolis and how long will the road trip take?

The road trip from Minneapolis to Mount Rushmore is approximately 600 miles and will take 9 hours to drive if you decide to follow the quickest and most direct route.

However, this is without taking any breaks or stopping to admire the many beautiful South Dakotan cities, landmarks, and landscapes on the way. After all, what's the point of a road trip if you don't stop to experience what your journey has to offer?

It is possible to drive this distance in one day, but this will mean having to set off early and enduring long hours of driving. A better plan may be to split the trip across several days to truly appreciate the iconic landmarks and admire the scenery along the way.

Instead of the direct route, we recommend taking the 660-mile scenic route which will take you about 10 hours and 30 minutes to drive.

This detour from Interstate 90 (I-90) will take you through the gorgeous sights of Badlands National Park, Custor State Park and the Crazy Horse Memorial.

The best part of the road trip is the journey itself! You will want to take a sufficient amount of time to see all the fantastic attractions on the way and truly experience what Minnesota and South Dakota have to offer.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA with golden yellow grass in the foreground and the rocky formations in red in the background as the sun is beginning to set on a cloudless day.

Best Road Trip Route from Minneapolis to Mount Rushmore

A road trip from Minneapolis to Mount Rushmore will take you through some amazing landscapes and history, and this is before you even reach your journey's impressive destination of Mount Rushmore.

The best road trip route from Minneapolis to Mount Rushmore is across I-90, with detours into the Badlands and across the landscape around Mount Rushmore.

Following the scenic route and taking the short sightseeing detour will be worth traveling the extra miles for as this route will take you through some of South Dakota's most beautiful landscapes, its famous prairies, grasslands, and historic museums.

If you're stuck on time, the more direct route will save you more than an hour of driving, but with less to see. From Minneapolis, it will follow I-90 until Rapid City and then head straight to Mount Rushmore, giving you fewer attractions to visit and explore.

Road trip route from Minneapolis to Mount Rushmore

To leave Minneapolis, follow I-35W and take Exit 9B to merge onto I-494. Take Exit 10A and use the right two lanes to merge onto US-169. This route will take you past Mankato and into the Minneopa State Park.

After seeing the bison at Minneopa, join MN-60 W, and follow this direction until you join I-90 near Worthington. Crossing from Minnesota to South Dakota, you will pass through Sioux Falls and Chamberlain.

Continue following I-90 until you reach Exit 110 for SD-240. This semi-circular highway will take you through the heart of the incredible Badlands National Park and then back up to the interstate.

Follow SD-240 after your visit and rejoin I-90 when Highway 240 ends at the town of Wall. Continue driving on the interstate until you reach Rapid City.

From Rapid City, it's possible to take Route 16 directly to Keystone and Mount Rushmore, where you'll pass through Bear Country. However, we suggest following the more scenic route to the south to take in some of South Dakota's best landscapes and attractions.

When you reach Rapid City, take SD-79 South, where you'll drive through rolling Dakotan prairies. Turn onto SD-36 and follow until you reach US-16A, which will take you through Custer State Park's rugged landscape and beautiful rivers.

When you reach the city of Custer, turn right onto US-385. Driving in this direction, you will pass by Crazy Horse Memorial and the Indian Museum of North America.

Follow US-385 until you reach SD-244, which will take you the last stretch to Mount Rushmore.

Custer State Park, Custer, USA with a view of Sylvan Lake, boulders in the distance and rock formations in the distance, on a sunny day.

Best places to stay between Minneapolis and Mount Rushmore

With so much to see on your road trip from Minneapolis to Mount Rushmore, we recommend breaking up your journey over at least four days, in which case you will need some places to stay the night. Luckily for you, there are plenty of great spots along the way to rest and relax.

You can combine these overnight stays with some local sightseeing – you'll find our favorite things to do further down in this article.

Marvel at nature in Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls is located about four hours from Minneapolis, and it's a great stop to rest and unwind during the first leg of your trip. When it comes to top-notch comfort and prime location, ClubHouse Hotel Sioux Falls is an excellent option to stay overnight .

Located right on the banks of the gorgeous Big Sioux River, this hotel boasts spectacular stone décor and wonderful views over the city's gorgeous country club beyond the river. The hotel is also perfectly located to explore the city of Sioux Falls.

Falls Park, Sioux Falls, South Dakota with the Big Sioux River and small waterfalls running down alongside the rocky terrain, trees and a bridge in the distance on a sunny day.

Sioux Falls is named after its beautiful waterfalls located in Falls Park, which is only about 10 minutes' drive from the hotel. You can enjoy different views of the falls from the many different viewing platforms and a five-story observation tower or take a stroll in this historic park.

If the beautiful views of the falls inspire you to go on a water adventure of your own, the hotel has a water park where you can enjoy a water drop and a dip, as well as a fabulous pool and a romantic hot tub.

Located nearby, you will find several parks to admire the flora and fauna of the area. Sertoma Park is one of the closest parks to the hotel and is the home to a beautiful Butterfly House & Aquarium. After your visit, you can grab an energizing meal at the hotel's chic restaurant.

Explore culture and history in Chamberlain

If you're looking for a way to break up the journey across I-90 and discover some hidden gems, stopping in Chamberlain is a great option. Located on the scenic Missouri River, this city has a lot to offer with its landmarks and museums.

Dignity Statue, Chamberlain, South Dakota in a Chamberlain rest area, a tribute to the Native American heritage taken on a sunny day.

Here, you can rest and unwind before the action-packed leg of your road trip. Baymont by Wyndham Oacoma in the nearby town of Oacoma is a great base for your adventure in this area and offers a more reasonable price than hotels in Rapid City.

With its location just off I-90, this hotel has easy access to all the major attractions in Chamberlain. The famous 50 feet tall Dignity Statue, depicts an Indigenous woman and is about a short drive away, offering majestic views of the Missouri River below.

Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center is another must-visit that is nearby, where you can interactively learn about the Native American way of life, both in the past and the present. You can also visit the South Dakota Hall of Fame if your energy levels allow.

After a day of excursions and museum-hopping, you can unwind in the welcoming indoor pool or the hot tub in the hotel before you head to bed. Don't forget to enjoy the delicious breakfast included in your stay before you set off for your trip!

Relax under a canopy of stars near Mount Rushmore

There are undoubtedly many accommodation options near Mount Rushmore but staying at K Bar S Lodge Ascend Hotel Collection is a terrific way to make this already memorable journey the road trip of a lifetime!

Located in the heart of the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, this hotel has rooms that reflect the comfortable lodge atmosphere and boasts beautiful views of Mount Rushmore. You can even enjoy the scenery sitting under a canopy of stars on the hotel's fantastic wooden deck.

One of the most famous landmarks in the world, you will find the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial only 5 minutes away from the hotel. Seeing the faces of four of America's greatest presidents carved in stone alone is worth taking this road trip for!

Custer State Park is about half an hour away from the hotel and this impressive park encompasses 71,000 acres in the Black Hills with opportunities for camping, hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing. You can also observe the abundant wildlife here and peaceful nature trails.

There is so much to see and do in the area, you could even consider adding an extra night or two to your stay. It is good to keep in mind that the famous Crazy Horse Memorial and The Indian Museum of North America are less than an hour away from the hotel.

Mount Rushmore, USA taken closely to the faces stoned in the mountain side on a sunny day with a blue sky above.

Things to see on a road trip from Minneapolis to Mount Rushmore

  • Minneopa State Park, Mankato - A wonderful park to drive through, home to the Minneopa Falls and the American bison.
  • Falls Park, Sioux Falls - Home to the Sioux River Falls, this park makes for a relaxing afternoon walk to escape the city.
  • Sertoma Park, Sioux Falls -This park features a large picnic pavilion and the Butterfly House & Aquarium.
  • Lake Herman State Park, Madison - A one hour detour from Sioux Falls, with beautiful trails and lakes for kayaking or swimming.
  • Dignity Statue, Chamberlain -Impressive 50 feet statue of an Indigenous woman, overlooking the Missouri River.
  • Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Centre, Chamberlain - A thought-provoking collection of cultural and artistic history from the Native American Lakota tribe.
  • Badlands National Park, South Dakota - Stunning buttes and pinnacles, endless prairies, and home to the Oglala Sioux tribe.
  • Wall Drug, Wall - Stop by this famous roadside attraction and tourist stop for kitschy attractions.
  • Custer State Park, Custer - 71,000 acres of grasslands and rugged mountains. 1,500 bison find their home here, as well as coyotes, elk, and cougars.
  • Crazy Horse Memorial, Crazy Horse - A contender to Mount Rushmore which depicts Crazy Horse, the former leader of the Oglala Lakota people.
  • The Indian Museum of North America, Crazy Horse - Sharing its site with the Crazy Horse Memorial, this museum is an interesting site to learn more about Indigenous and Lakota culture.
  • Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota - A slight detour from Custer State Park where you can see rolling prairies and experience cave tours.
  • Cosmos Mystery Area, Rapid City - Take a tour of this mystery house where the laws of nature seem to disappear, and you can stand on walls.
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Keystone - This legendary colossal sculpture carved into Mount Rushmore depicts the faces of four of America's greatest presidents.
  • Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota and Wyoming - Situated in two states, this forest covers 1,2 million acres of natural beauty and is the home to several stunning parks, including Custer State Park.
  • Rush Mountain Adventure Park, Keystone - This amusement park is the home to the famous Rushmore Cave and offers fun adventures for both adults and children.

Minneopa Falls, Minneopa State Park, Mankato, Minnesota with a waterfall central in the image and tall trees and greenery all around and a white wooden bridge in the distance.

Best time to go on a road trip from Minneapolis to Mount Rushmore

The best time of year for this road trip would be in the months of September, October, and May. These months will have milder weather, with temperatures fluctuating between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as better driving conditions and fewer crowds.

As expected, Mount Rushmore gets very busy during the summer months. If you don't mind the crowds, these months could be an option for you. However, local accommodation will be more expensive in summer and the temperature can reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are visiting in September or October, make sure to observe the Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival in Custer State Park as this might be your only chance to see a herd of approximately 1,300 buffalo.

This route is less suited to traveling in the winter months, as some roads and parks such as Custer State Park will have reduced facilities and access due to weather conditions, with the temperatures dropping to around 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Badlands National Park closes during periods of heavy rain or snow. Nonetheless, the winter months could be better for fans of skiing, as you could take a detour to Deadwood's terrific slopes.

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Fall rushes in to Colorado in the form of snow and frost at sunrise along Kebler Pass in Crested Butte as East Beckwith Mountain is covered in a fresh dusting.

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The Ultimate South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary: Where to Stop, What to Do, and More

Discover Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Sioux Falls, and more on a road trip through South Dakota.

Scott Bay is a magazine editor specializing in travel, architecture, and gear. He was previously an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure . His work has also appeared in Wired , Architectural Digest , Wallpaper , Robb Report , Saveur , Daily Beast , and more.

South Dakota was made for road trips : There are scenic, paved roads that lead to national treasures, natural anomalies , perfectly preserved Wild West towns, and plenty of quirky attractions. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, or nature lover, this Midwest state delivers. Read on for the ultimate South Dakota road trip itinerary, including where to stop, what to do, and more.

Sioux Falls

The state's largest city and likely the place where you'd fly into, Sioux Falls is the logical starting point for a South Dakota road trip. If you're driving west, follow this route, but if you're heading east or flying into Rapid City on the western side of the state, flip it. Sioux Falls is an ever-growing and extremely walkable city with lots of incredible food options. Stay at the Hotel on Phillips for an example of the posh direction the city is headed. After checking in and exploring the nearby falls the city is famously named after, grab a happy hour drink on the PAve rooftop. Phillips Avenue Diner or Crave are the best spots for dinner, and make sure to enjoy a cocktail at The Treasury , an upscale bar conveniently located back at the Hotel on Phillips.

Must-see Stop: About an hour outside Sioux Falls, stop by the world's only Corn Palace in Mitchell, established in 1892 as a premier roadside attraction, for a look at the famous murals and a photo-op with a giant smiling ear of corn.

Wall Drug Store

Located just outside Badlands National Park and about four hours from Sioux Falls, this massive, 76,000-square-foot roadside attraction started from humble beginnings, with just the promise of free ice water to entice passersby. Now, there are signs lining hundreds of miles of highway and displaying the many offerings of the beloved shop. Wall Drug Store now sports giant dinosaur and jackalope statues, ample souvenirs, a shopping mall, an art gallery, a restaurant serving delicious homemade doughnuts, and, of course, free ice water for the roughly 20,000 people who stop in every day.

Badlands National Park

The surreal landscapes of Badlands National Park alone are worth the drive to South Dakota. From the rolling hills of the prairie lands protrude jagged spires that quickly expand to the horizon. The formations look like they could crumble with the slightest touch, but fear not, as they are solid and very fun to climb for all ages. Check into a cabin at the Cedar Pass Lodge for a night or two, and watch the sunset. The next morning, continue driving along the Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway to glimpse wildlife such as bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs.

Deadwood and Rapid City

Make Rapid City your base for exploring Deadwood and the surrounding area, as the city provides hub-and-spoke-like accessibility to many of the places on this list. About a 45-minute drive from Rapid City, take a step back in time in historic Deadwood, with its Old West-style main street full of boutiques, restaurants, and charm — and yes, this is where the HBO series Deadwood was based and where you can visit the graves of Wild West heroes like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane at Mount Moriah Cemetery. After role-playing as Billy the Kid, head to the Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City for the night. The city is set among the Black Hills, and the downtown area is a treat to wander through. The hotel's rooftop restaurant and bar, Vertex Sky Bar , is a nice spot for dinner. Another delicious spot is Murphy's Pub & Grill .

Must-see Stop: If you'll be spending a day or two in Rapid City, swing by Main Street Square , a public space that's home to family-friendly festivals, live music, a splash park in summer, and a rocking ice skating rink in winter. The Journey Museum & Learning Center is also worth a look, with exhibits highlighting the area's Native American culture and history as well as the Black Hills' dinosaur days.

Custer State Park

Leave early in the morning to enjoy the fresh pine air of Custer State Park , where herds of roaming bison regularly cause traffic jams (if this happens to you, just keep your distance, stay in your car, and get those cameras ready). Head to Blue Bell Lodge for a perfect few hours of horseback riding through fields of flowers and trickling streams in the surrounding forests. Then, grab a bite at the lodge's restaurant before heading to picturesque Sylvan Lake. After an afternoon of water activities, drive to Custer for a pint and dinner at Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company and Pounding Fathers Restaurant (open seasonally). Finally, cap off the day with some much-deserved shut-eye at Rock Crest Lodge & Cabins .

Must-see Stop: If time allows and you're heading from Custer up toward Mount Rushmore, make time to visit the Crazy Horse Memorial , an impressive monument carved into the side of a mountain that's dedicated to the life and story of the famous Oglala Lakota chief. Stop by the on-site museum to learn more about the area's rich Indigenous American history and culture, then snap some photos of the massive (and still-under-construction) mountain sculpture.

Mount Rushmore

On day four, it's finally time to see the Founding Fathers' faces carved into the mountain — the enormity of the sculpture is truly a sight to see. Under Canvas has set up camp near Mount Rushmore National Memorial (seasonally from early May to late September), so you can enjoy luxury tented accommodations that evening, along with on-site dining and camping activities.

Needles Highway

The last day brings a scenic, 14-mile drive along giant granite spires. On this drive, there will be breakneck turns, hand-carved tunnels, and vistas that will instill the wonder of South Dakota and solidify the past five days of incredible adventure in your memory forever. Continue your road trip through Wyoming, Utah, and Montana, or stop here — the choice is up to you.

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Adventures of A+K

7 Day South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary: Black Hills to Badlands

Last updated on January 5th, 2024

Going on a South Dakota Road Trip? In this guide we’re sharing a 7 day South Dakota itinerary that takes you from the Black Hills to the Badlands, with some of the best stops along the way . This past summer we took an incredible 7 day South Dakota road trip in partnership with South Dakota Tourism . We drove across the entire state, from Spearfish Canyon to Sioux Falls. Stopping along the way at many of the popular sights. We weren’t totally sure what to expect beforehand, but it was an absolute BLAST! South Dakota has been one of the best surprises since hitting the road in our self-converted Sprinter van . Growing up, we didn’t know much about South Dakota. And to be honest, didn’t have much of a desire to visit. But as we planned our road trip route for 2020, we started to look into things to do in South Dakota. And were blown away by all of the options!

Cathedral Spires Custer State Park

Our original plan to spend 2 days in the state quickly turned into 7 days. And even then, we still have so much left to explore. We went on some of the most unique hikes we have ever been on, drove on some crazy scenic roads, slid down a natural waterslide, ate one of the best burgers of our lives, saw iconic sights that we grew up seeing photos of, visited quirky roadside attractions, learned Native American history, and checked a couple more National Parks off of our list. The state has incredibly diverse scenery and every day of our trip was full of gems and “holy cow!” moments. And we’re so excited to share a 7 day South Dakota road trip itinerary. Focusing solely on the Black Hills and Badlands, so you can recreate the trip for yourself! While we did partner with South Dakota tourism for our vlog series, this guide, as well as our vlogs, reflect our honest feelings about our experience in the state.

Check out more of our South Dakota guides!

  • The Best Things to do in Custer State Park
  • The Best Things to do in Badlands National Park 
  • The Best Things to do in the Black Hills
  • A Complete Guide to Hiking the Castle Trail in Badlands National Park

Before embarking on your adventure, please review the  Leave No Trace principles  to ensure you leave every place better than you found it, so that others can enjoy these beautiful places for many years to come! These seven principles include planning ahead and preparing, hiking and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly (pack out what you pack in!), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. 

South Dakota Road Trip Route

When to visit south dakota, getting to south dakota, getting around south dakota, where to stay in south dakota, tips for your south dakota road trip, 7 day south dakota road trip itinerary, continuing east.

During our South Dakota Road Trip we went from Spearfish, in the Black Hills, to Sioux Falls. But in this guide we’re focusing solely on the Black Hills and Badlands. So you can explore things at a slightly slower pace than we did. 

About the Black Hills

Hiking Black Elk Peak | Things to do at Custer State Park

The Black Hills are located in Western and Southwestern South Dakota. As well as Northeastern Wyoming, and encompass more than 8,426 square miles. This area is full of forests, canyons, cool rock formations, lakes, caves, and so much more! And similar to the rest of South Dakota, this area has deep Native American history. And the name “Black Hills” comes from the Lakota phrase “Paha Sapa,” which means “hills that are black.” This is because from a distance, the forest, against the valleys and prairies, appears black. And we can totally see what they mean! One of our favorite views in the Black Hills was seeing the dark forest contrasted against the light green valleys. It is so stunning! For more information about the Black Hills, including more about its Native American history, check out our Black Hills guide .

About Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park

As the name implies, Badlands National Park is home to a geologic formation called badlands. Which is a type of dry terrain with soft sedimentary rocks and clay-rich soils. They have been extensively eroded by wind and water. However, there is also another reason the park is named Badlands. The Lakota, who lived in this area and used it as a hunting ground for 11,000 years, called it “Mako Sica” which translates to “bad lands.”  And when the French fur trappers traveled through, they called it “les mauvaises terres a traveser,”. Which is the French equivalent of ‘bad lands to travel across,’ since it is difficult to travel in all seasons. When it rains it becomes slick and sticky, the winters are cold, and the summers are hot. But the scenery here is crazy and is unlike anywhere we have ever been. In fact, it felt like we had landed on another planet! For more information about the Badlands National Park, check out our Badlands National Park guide .

Destinations in this itinerary

This guide includes the following major destinations (plus a lot more!) in the Black Hills and Badlands National Park, which we have pinned on the map above:

  • Spearfish and Spearfish Canyon
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial
  • Crazy Horse Memorial
  • Custer State Park, including the 3 scenic drives
  • Wind Caves National Park

Badlands National Park

But we will also include some additional stops if you continue east like we did. Want to see our exact trip? Watch our road trip here . We’re also sharing information about where to stay, when to visit South Dakota, and more. Whether you have 7 days to explore South Dakota, or less, we hope this guide helps you plan an epic South Dakota road trip!

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

For this South Dakota road trip we’d suggest visiting in either April, May, September, or October to not only have the best weather, but to also avoid crowds. However, the summer is another doable alternative, but it may be hotter and busier. Here’s a little bit of insight into both the Black Hills and Badlands when it comes to weather and crowds.

Black Hills

In the Black Hills, most of the main attractions are open year round. But to be able to experience all that the Black Hills have to offer, you will want to visit in the warmer months, typically between May and early October . This is when all facilities will be open, trails will be more accessible, and any tours you want to go on will be operating. However, it’s also when the crowds will be a bit higher, especially in early August for the Sturgis Rally. If you plan to visit the park in the colder months, you may run into a light dusting or a blanket of snow (which sounds beautiful!), but you also may run into some closed roads and other attractions being closed. This list is super helpful to see when specific attractions close in the Black Hills!

The weather in Badlands National Park can be pretty extreme. The National Park website states that “weather in Badlands National Park is variable and unpredictable with temperature extremes ranging from 116° F to -40° F.” 😱 The summers are very hot and dry, with rainfall and sometimes a crazy thunderstorm. While the winters are very cold with typically 12-24” of snowfall. June is the wettest month in the park ( hiking on the Badlands when they’re wet will be very slick and you’ll get clay stuck to your shoes) and December and January are the driest. But even with crazy weather, Badlands National Park is typically open 365 days a year, except for weather closures.

Nomad View Badlands National Park

For this South Dakota road trip, your journey will start in Spearfish. Located in the Northwestern part of the Black Hills, close to the Wyoming border. If you’re visiting from out of state and flying to South Dakota, your best airport to fly into would probably be Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) .  Major airlines that fly into this airport include Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, and United. With direct flights from Atlanta, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, Dallas, Chicago, Phoenix, Denver, and Salt Lake City. With some additional seasonal flights. Southwestern South Dakota and Custer State Park are pretty isolated from any other major cities in the US. But depending on how much time you have, where you’re coming from, and going after South Dakota, you could start your road trip elsewhere. Here’s how far Spearfish, the starting point of this South Dakota road trip, is from some nearby destinations!

  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park : 3 hours 20 minutes, 204 miles
  • Sioux Falls, South Dakota : 5.5 hours, 391 miles
  • Denver, Colorado: 6 hours, 395 miles
  • Yellowstone National Park: 6.5 hours, 383 miles
  • Jackson, Wyoming : 7 hours 45 minutes, 494 miles
  • Minneapolis, Minnesota : 9 hours, 620 miles

Badlands National Park

Since this is a South Dakota road trip, you’ll definitely need a car! Not only is it really the only option to get around the state, but road trips are a lot more fun when you’re behind the wheel (vs. a tour bus). Driving in South Dakota, especially the stops on this South Dakota road trip itinerary, is super scenic! If you’re flying into South Dakota, you can rent a car at either the airport or from somewhere in Rapid City. Any type of car will work for this South Dakota road trip. Our RWD Sprinter van handled the roads just fine! However, keep in mind that some of the tunnels on these roads have height limits. So make sure to check the clearance requirements beforehand!

For this South Dakota road trip you have a few options of where to stay. You could either hop around every couple days to be close to whatever you’re doing next or you could stay in one spot the entire time and drive everyday. We’d suggest having one home base the entire time. So you can relax after a long day vs. worrying about packing up and moving. The nice thing is, the spots on this itinerary are between 30 minutes-1.5 hours of driving (one way). With some days being even less! Below are some of the best areas to stay for this South Dakota road trip if you want to be central to most activities. 

Vacation Rentals

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

We LOVE vacation rentals and it’s always our go-to if we want a bit more space, a kitchen to cook meals, and some modern amenities, like WiFi, laundry, etc. There are several cool towns in the Black Hills with a variety of rental options and close to other activities.

Cozy Cabin in the Woods: A gorgeous 1 bed, 1 bath cabin that sleeps 4. A Cute Cabin Tucked Away: Owned by the same folks as the Cozy Cabin, this cabin is equally as cute and also has 1 bed and 1 bath. Reed Street House: A large 2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom house that sleeps 6. Backroads Inn and Cabins: A 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom cabin with a wood burning stove and a large deck.

Moose Cabin: A 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom cabin apartment at Ponderosa place. Private Cabin: A 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom cute and simple cabin! Beautiful Black Hills Home: A nice 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhouse.

Historic Cottontail Cottage: A super cute 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom cottage in downtown. Modern Guest Suite : A beautiful 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom guest suite. Rapid City Two Bedroom : A super nice 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom house located next to the city park with lots to do! West Side Mid-Century Bungalow : A 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home with the cutest decor and sleeps 6.

Things to do in Rapid City | The Best Things to do in the Black Hills

Want something a little simpler than a full on Airbnb? There are a lot of different hotels in or near the Black Hills. Here are some options to look into!

K Bar S Lodge   Comfort Inn & Suites Mt Rushmore 

Comfort Inn & Suites   Bavarian Inn, Black Hills   Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn   Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Best Western Golden Spike Inn & Suites   Holiday Inn Express   Comfort Inn & Suites

Residence Inn (we stayed here one night due to very hot temperatures and it was really nice!) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Rapid City Holiday Inn Express & Suites Rushmore Plaza  Hilton Garden Inn Comfort Inn & Suites Hotel Alex Johnson

South Dakota Road Trip

Custer State Park is home to lodges that will give you the amenities of a hotel. But with more of a rustic feel. For convenience, Custer State Park would be the better choice. But the Spearfish Canyon’s lodge would be convenient for the first two days of your South Dakota road trip.

Blue Bell Lodge (Custer State Park)

These log cabins in the Blue Bell area are some of the nicest cabins in the park. All cabins are climate controlled, include a kitchen or kitchenette, are fully furnished, come with many modern amenities, and include daily housekeeping service. There are 29 cabins to choose from when you reserve , ranging from rustic to more luxurious with fireplaces with open-beamed ceilings.

State Game Lodge (Custer State Park)

The State Game Lodge is the largest resort in the park and offers a variety of unique stays including historical rooms, hotel rooms, cabins, and a creekside lodge. In the main lodge and the Creekside Lodge you’ll have hotel-like rooms available. But if you’re looking for something more luxurious, check out the Creekside Cabin & Bunkhouse, Gamekeeper’s Cabin, Custer Ranch House, or the Reunion Cabin. Adam would love to stay in the Coolidge room or the Eisenhower room. Which are rooms named after the former Presidents who stayed here during their time visiting the park…how cool!

Sylvan Lake Lodge (Custer State Park) 

Known as the Crown Jewel of Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake and the lodge are not only beautiful, but rich in history. Several popular trails leave from this area, as this has long been a popular spot for adventures and the lodge was suggested to be built here by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.  There are 31 cabins ranging from rooms in the lodge, to a honeymoon lodge and housekeeping lodges. Not only are there accommodations here, but there is also a restaurant and water sport rentals.

Legion Lake Lodge (Custer State Park)

This lodge was recently rebuilt and has a modern feel combined with a classic lakeside vibe. There is a restaurant, water sport rentals, and tours available, along with the 26 cabins to choose from.

Creekside Lodge (Custer State Park)

The Creekside Lodge is the newest resort lodge in the park built in 2008. These more spacious rooms have a modern and woodsy vibe to them.

Spearfish Canyon Lodge

Spearfish Canyon Lodge is located close to the waterfalls of Spearfish Canyon. Making it super convenient if you’re looking for a homebase when exploring the Spearfish and Deadwood areas!

South Dakota Road Trip

Want a unique, luxurious camping experience? Check out Under Canvas by Mount Rushmore! We have always wanted to stay at one of their locations. The glamping tents can either have shared or private bathrooms and they even have some with kids tents!

Campgrounds

Love to camp? There are tons of campgrounds to choose from when visiting the Black Hills! Here’s a handy map of all the campgrounds both in Custer State Park (green) and in the Black Hills National Forest (blue). These campgrounds are convenient to all of the activities on this guide!

You can reserve the following campgrounds, find need to know information, and see all the campgrounds in the Black Hills National Forest here . Something to keep in mind for all Black Hills National Forest campgrounds, there is a $2 fee per pet and they must be leashed and attended at all times.  During our visit, we stayed at these two campgrounds and would recommend them, especially Bismarck Lake!

Bismarck Lake Campground

We stayed here for one night and LOVED it! We had site #4 and it was incredible! We were on the lake (with some trees and a bit of a trek to get down to it), the spot was huge, and we had a lot of privacy with no one really next to us or behind us. Open: Mid-May-December 31 Price: $26/night # of sites: 21 RV spots: Yes, but no hookups Make reservations (it is first-come, first-served from the end of September until December 31)

Grizzly Creek Primitive

We stayed here one night and it was really nice! It’s more for tents vs. RVs, but we managed to squeeze our van in. Open: Mid-May-Mid-September Price: $20/night # of sites: 20 RV spots: Maximum vehicle length is 24 feet, no trailers allowed Make reservations

Wildlife Loop Custer State Park

Before embarking on your South Dakota road trip, here are a few of our top tips to ensure you have a fun and safe time:

  • Make sure to pack the 10 essentials. Although many of the trails are well trafficked and well marked, always have the 10 essentials with you just in case things do not go according to plan. 
  • Stay away from wildlife . Lots of wildlife call South Dakota home, including bison, whitetail and mule deer, antelope, mountain goats, elk, coyotes, burros, bighorn sheep, birds, wild turkeys, prairie dogs, and rarely seen mountain lions. Make sure to never approach wildlife or feed wildlife (minus the begging burros) when exploring.
  • Check the rules for dogs! Dogs are allowed on some of the trails on this itinerary, such as the trails in Spearfish Canyon, Custer State Park, and the Black Hills National Forest, but they are not allowed on trails in Badlands National Park. Make sure to check the rules beforehand if you’re traveling with your pup! 
  • Download maps beforehand. Some of the trails and parks on this itinerary do not have cell service. So we highly recommend downloading AllTrails maps before you go. You will need an AllTrails Pro membership to do so, which is $30 a year and so worth it! We also recommend downloading Google Maps so you can navigate around easier too.
  • Leave time for “traffic jams.” We got stuck in some bison jams for quite some time in Custer State Park. Which was honestly the best traffic jam EVER! Make sure you aren’t in a hurry when driving around and have extra time because rush hour in South Dakota is pretty wild. 😉

Pack lunches! We’re including places to eat for most meals on this itinerary. But we highly suggest bringing packed lunches on big hiking days. So you can enjoy food on the trail vs. spending time driving farther away to get food. If you need more food ideas, check out our Black Hills guide !

Want to get 30% off an AllTrails+ membership ? Use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)! We use AllTrails+ on every single hike and it is the most helpful hiking tool out there! Some of the features we love are offline maps (so we can navigate even without cell service), wrong-turn alerts, and its 3D maps feature, so we can get a feel for trails before we hike.

If you have less than 7 days, we hope this guide still gives you a good starting point as to what to see and how to structure your days when exploring the Black Hills and Badlands. We did most of these activities in just 5 days. So it is doable to do it quicker if you don’t mind earlier mornings and fitting a lot in one day. But this 7 day South Dakota road trip itinerary will help you see as much, if not more, than we saw on a more relaxed schedule. See our exact South Dakota itinerary in our YouTube series .

Day 1: Spearfish 

Devil's Bathtub, Spearfish Canyon, The Best Things to do in the Black Hills

Day 1 of your South Dakota road trip will kick off just like ours…in Spearfish Canyon! This area was a lot of fun to explore, with waterfalls, a natural slide, and more! Looking for a more detailed guide of the Black Hills, including Spearfish Canyon, Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, and more? Check out our Black Hills guide to learn about more things to do!

  • Begin your adventure with some coffee and breakfast at Blackbird Espresso ! This spot is located in downtown Spearfish and opens nice and early if you’re like us and want to start exploring at the crack of dawn.  
  • Start your drive along the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway , a 19 mile scenic drive that takes you through Spearfish Canyon. We have many suggested stops along the way and first up is Bridal Veil Falls . This 60 ft tall waterfall is located just off the Scenic Byway road. And is a very accessible stop, with an observation deck just across from it.  
  • After snapping some quick photos of Bridal Veil Falls, head to Devil’s Bathtub , which is a natural waterslide! After parking in this lot , you’ll go to the left (towards the way you drove in). Follow a trail and cross a bridge before reaching the official trailhead.   From there, it’s a 1.1 mile round trip hike through a canyon and across streams (you’ll cross the stream many times!) to get to the final destination, a smooth, but narrow passageway through rocks, acting as a slide, and a swimming hole at the bottom.   You’ll climb up to the top of the slide and then slide down into the ice cold water. It is a BLAST! We giggled SO much and couldn’t stop smiling, even though we were a bit frozen afterwards.   This was our favorite activity in Spearfish and we highly recommend going early so you can enjoy it without crowds. It gets very busy in the summer. We went at sunrise and had it all to ourselves!  
  • Continue down the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway to Spearfish Falls . Park at the Latchstring restaurant and take the lovely 0.8 mile round trip stroll to the bottom of the powerfall falls. There is a nice viewing deck that gets you pretty close to them!  
  • Hike the ‘76 Trail , which is only 1.2 miles round trip and has great views of Spearfish Canyon!  
  • Next up, Roughlock Falls ! You can either access the falls by hiking this trail for 2.2 miles round trip or you can park here and take a short walk along the boardwalks to the falls!   There are a few different viewpoints for the falls. So make sure to keep exploring the boardwalk to see them all!   Note: Want to visit Spearfish Falls, the ‘76 Trail, and Roughlock Falls all in one hike? The newly developed Savoy-Waterfalls Trail is about 7 miles long and incorporates all 3 attractions, making it a perfect hike if you want a mix of scenery and want to use your legs instead of a car to get around.   
  • If you’re not too tired, on your way back to Spearfish, check out the Community Caves Trail , a short (0.6 miles round trip), but steep hidden gem along the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.   This is an unmarked and unofficial trail and the hunt for the entrance to the trail is half the battle, but if you park here and use the AllTrails map you should be able to find your way.   But the effort will be worth it, as you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view of the road and canyon below, as well as caves and a waterfall. While the waterfall may just be a trickle in the summer, in the winter it can be iced over with massive ice columns descending from the top of the falls all the way below the caves!   Enjoy the caves and waterfall for a bit then climb up to the top of the caves on the right hand side to see the views of the road and canyon.  
  • Head back to Spearfish and grab dinner at Dough Trader Pizza (closed on Tuesdays) or Spearfish Brewing Company , which has lots of beer options and you can order food from the restaurant next door.  
  • End the day with ice cream at Leones’ Creamery ! This place makes amazing ice cream and the flavors change constantly, but every one we tried was delicious.

Day 2: Deadwood

Deadwood, South Dakota

For your second day in South Dakota, you’ll explore the historic town of Deadwood! This town was established after General Custer announced the discovery of gold in 1876, leading to the Black Hills Gold Rush. Tons of people flooded to Deadwood and it became known for its lawlessness where murders were common. But now it’s a fun place to explore with a cool, western vibe.

  • Grab coffee and breakfast at Pump House Coffee & Deli . This coffee shop is in an old gas station, which functions as a glass blowing studio, and serves some breakfast sandwiches and other light options!  
  • Walk around downtown Deadwood . There is so much to see here! With cool architecture, casinos, shops, and even Wild West shootout reenactments , there is something for everyone!  
  • Take a tour of the Broken Boot Gold Mine or visit one of the many museums (or do both)! You can see a list of the museums here , which mostly focus on the history of Deadwood and the surrounding area.  
  • Grab lunch downtown at the Saloon No. 10 . Fun fact: this is the saloon where Wild Bill was shot, so you can enjoy some history with your food!  
  • Visit the Mount Moriah Cemetery , which is the final home of some of Deadwood’s famous residents including Wild Bill Hickok, Seth Bullock, and Calamity Jane. It costs $2 to visit the cemetery, but it is worth it for the history, beautiful grounds, and nice views.  
  • Need a sweet treat? Visit Chubby Chipmunk , a local chocolate shop with delicious chocolate truffles in a variety of flavors, including the Chipmunk Treasure (with toffee, praline, and coconut) and the Hot Mama (with habanero, jalapeno, and chipotle peppers).  
  • Head a little bit out of town (about 15 minutes) to the Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower , a quick 0.8 mile hike that takes you to a tower that was built by Seth Bullock, Deadwood’s first sheriff, to commemorate his friendship with President Theodore Roosevelt and has amazing views of the Black Hills.  
  • Have dinner at Jacobs Brewhouse & Grocer (closed on Tuesdays). This spot has a variety of food options, from Texas Twinkies (bacon wrapped, smoked jalapenos filled with brisket and cream cheese…WOAH!), bbq, burgers, salads, and more!

Day 3: Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, & more

Visiting Mount Rushmore, The Best Things to do in the Black Hills | South Dakota Road Trip

During your 3rd day of your South Dakota road trip you’ll visit some iconic monuments in the park, drive a scenic road, and eat one of the BEST burgers ever!

  • Get up bright and early to visit Mount Rushmore !   If you’re not familiar with the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, it is a sculpture of 4 US presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, carved into Mount Rushmore.   The profiles of the presidents are 60 ft tall and it took 400 workers 14 years to complete. And despite the intense work to create it, including blasting the rock with dynamite and hanging from steel cables with jack hammers, there were no deaths during construction.   We highly recommend visiting early in the morning . We visited at sunrise and not only did we feel like we had the whole place to ourselves, it’s really cool to see Mount Rushmore in the partial dark and as the sun starts to rise.   After grabbing the iconic photo from the viewing deck, walk on the Presidential Trail Loop Trail , which is only 0.9 miles, although it does have 422 stairs! This trail gets you more up close and personal with the four Presidents enshrined in the rock face of the Black Hills.   Along the way, you also walk by the Sculptor’s Studio. Unfortunately when we visited, the Sculptor’s Studio was not open, but this studio has a smaller sculpture of other Presidents and information about the park. You can attend a ranger program here, as well as in other areas of the park.   Note: it does cost $10 to park at the memorial. The America the Beautiful Pass does not cover this.  
  • After visiting Mount Rushmore, head to another iconic monument in the area, the Crazy Horse Memorial . The Memorial’s mission is to “protect and preserve the culture, tradition and living heritage of the North American Indians.”   The mountain is a carving of Crazy Horse, who was an Oglala Lakota warrior and leader. We highly recommend listening to the History on Fire podcast before you go to learn more about Crazy Horse!   If you think Mount Rushmore is massive and remarkable, just wait until you see this place! Once it’s completed it’ll be the world’s largest mountain carving at 563 ft tall and 641ft long and will be absolutely incredible! They have been working on it since 1948, so it will very likely not be finished in our lifetime. We so wish we could see it completed! But even only partially done, it was incredible!   It costs $12 per person or $30 for a car with more than 2 people to visit Crazy Horse, but the cool thing is that this goes directly to help them continue to work on the memorial. They do not have any government assistance to complete this sculpture.   General admission gets you into the museum and to the viewing deck to view Crazy Horse from afar, but you can also pay $4 to take a bus to the base of the mountain. And for a $125 donation, you can go to the top!   There are also other events that take place here that are worth looking into!  
  • Drive down to Custer to grab a burger at Black Hills Burger and Bun Co (Open from 11 AM-2 PM and 5- 7:30 PM, Closed Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays). This spot was named TripAdvisor’s #1 burger in America in 2014 and we can totally see why! Their ground fresh daily homemade burgers with in-house baked and toasted buns are AMAZING!   We got the “Hot Granny” and “Black Hills Blues” and swapped for bison patties. They were so juicy and flavorful and you can tell the quality is top notch!  
  • While in Custer, visit the Custer Skywalk , which is a 0.5 mile hike with a bunch of stairs, but the views at the top are worth it!  
  • End the day driving Iron Mountain Road ! This highway goes through some of the most gorgeous scenery in the Black Hills and is also home to three tunnels, including the Doane Robinson Tunnel which frames Mount Rushmore in the distance. Make sure to drive this road south to north to see the famous view!   The road is also home to some “pigtail bridges,” which allow drivers to drop and gain altitude quickly. They look SO cool!   Make sure you check the clearance requirements before tackling this road, as the tunnels are not ideal for large RVs.

Day 4: Wildlife Loop + Wind Cave National Park 

South Dakota Road Trip

For day 4 of your South Dakota road trip, you’ll see lots of wildlife, like bison and possibly burros, as well as explore Wind Cave National Park. Note: as of writing this guide (December 2020), you cannot access the cave at Wind Cave due to elevator work. We are writing this itinerary based on the cave being open. Make sure to check the cave status before you go!

  • Start the morning by driving the Wildlife Loop ! This 18 mile road is one of the best spots to see wildlife in the park and we can attest that this is true! There are 1,400 bison (one of the nation’s largest free roaming herds!) in this area and we swear we saw 100-200!   Besides bison, you also have the chance to see white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and the famous begging burros. The burros are not native to the area. They used to be used to take visitors up to Black Elk Peak from Sylvan Lake and once they stopped that service, they were released into the wild.   While we’d normally say to not feed wildlife, it’s actually encouraged to feed the burros! These buddies are VERY friendly and are used to being fed. In fact, they’ll stick their head in your car to get food from you, hence the name “begging” burros. And we hear they will eat almost anything! We unfortunately didn’t see any during our drive (we were SO bummed!), but most people have better luck with them than us, so hopefully you will too!   We highly suggest starting this drive just after sunset for the best chance to see wildlife!  
  • Visit Wind Cave National Park ! This is the 7th US National Park, is the first cave system to be designated a National Park anywhere in the world, is one of the densest caves in the world, with four new miles of caves being discovered every year, and also has calcite formations called boxwork and is home to 95% of the world’s boxwork!   While in the park, we recommend going on a cave tour . These tours range from 1-1.5 hours and are between $10-$12. Make sure you buy tickets in advance, as spots are limited!   Besides the cave, there are also trails to explore in the park. We suggest hiking the Rankin Ridge Trail , which is 1 mile and takes you to a super cool fire lookout (currently closed) and amazing views of the Black Hills.   Looking for a longer trail? Check out the Lookout Point Trail and Centennial Loop . This trail is 5.2 miles and takes you on a portion of the Centennial Trail, which runs for 113 miles from Bear Butte to Wind Cave National Park. On this trail you’ll go through prairies and up rocky inclines, with a good chance to see bison!   PS: If the cave tours are still closed or you just want to visit more caves, visit Jewel Cave National Monument . They also have a variety of cave tours !   
  • Finish your 4th day of adventures by hiking the Lovers’ Leap Trail , which is a 4.2 mile trail that takes you through the forest and across some creeks to a pretty awesome view of the Black Hills! Reviewers on AllTrails recommend going left at the fork and doing the trail clockwise. Quite a few also reported seeing bison and other wildlife!  

Day 5: Custer State Park

Hiking Black Elk Peak | Things to do at Custer State Park | South Dakota Road Trip

Day 5 of your South Dakota road trip will take you through our favorite area of the Black Hills, Custer State Park! Prepare yourself to be in awe of the incredible views and unique hikes! This is a pretty jam packed day with lots of miles, so we suggest getting a very early start. Looking for a more detailed guide of Custer State Park? Check out our Custer State Park guide to learn more about the park and even more things to do!

  • Kick off your morning by driving the Needles Highway up to the Cathedral Spires .   The Needles Highway is a 14 mile stretch of road that is named after needlelike granite formations (like the Cathedral Spires) that seem to pierce the horizon along the highway. As you wind through this road, you have incredible views of these spires and go through some cool tunnels!   Make sure you check the clearance requirements before tackling the Needles Highway, especially if you’re in a van or RV! Our van ended up fitting fine, but we were worried beforehand and measured the van many times.  
  • Hike the Cathedral Spires Trail , which is 1.6 miles and takes you to this incredible open valley, surrounded by the cathedral spires, which are needle-like rock formations. It is INSANE and honestly one of the most unique and crazy views we have ever seen!   This open area full of spires isn’t the end of the trail, but it’s the best part in our opinion. The end of the trail is very anti-climatic. It just ends. There isn’t a viewpoint, but just a sign on a tree that says “end of trail.” However, we hear people love to scramble up in some of the spires. We didn’t try this, but if you’re feeling adventurous, it’s worth a shot!  
  • Continue driving the Needles Highway and go through the Needle’s Eye Tunnel on your way to Sylvan Lake.   The Needles Eye Tunnel is one of, if not the most, famous tunnels in the area. The tunnel is named after a rock that looks like a needle’s eye that is right after you exit the tunnel (going north) or right before you enter the tunnel (going south). Make sure to keep an eye out for it! (Get it?! 😜)  
  • Hike the Sunday Gulch Trail , which starts at Sylvan Lake, the “crown jewel” of the park. This 3.9 mile loop trail takes you up and down rock slabs, using handrails to assist you, up and down metal stairs, through a gulch, and across streams. It’s very different than any hike we have ever done!  
  • You can either hike clockwise or counterclockwise and the direction you choose determines if you go up the steep and slick rocks, or down them. We ended up doing the hike clockwise, which had us starting on the left side of the lake, and going up the rocks. We preferred this, as we saved the fun part for the end of the trail!  
  • End the day with a sunset hike up Black Elk Peak ! Sitting at 7,242 feet it is not only the highest peak in South Dakota, but it’s also the highest peak east of the Rocky Mountains and west of the Pyranese…which is CRAZY!   There are multiple ways to do this hike. We went up trail 9 and down trail 4 . Both trailheads start by Sylvan Lake, so your car will be close to whichever trail you start and end at. You can go up and down the same way, but we had read this was the best combo and gives you the chance to see different scenery each way!   But the best part about this hike is the stone lookout tower at the top! This tower, which is called the Harney Peak Lookout, was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1938 and the coolest thing about it is that you can explore the inside! In our experience with fire lookouts, you can never actually go inside, but not here! You’re able to explore three different levels of the tower.   We did this hike at sunset (HIGHLY recommend!) on a Saturday in August and had the entire lookout to ourselves ! We couldn’t believe it! We hung out at the top for about 45 minutes or so until the sun tucked behind some wildfire smoke.   But if you are nervous about hiking back in the dark, you could do this hike a little earlier in the day as well. The views will be amazing any time of the day!

Day 6: Rapid City

Things to do in Rapid City | The Best Things to do in the Black Hills

For day 6, explore the largest city in the Black Hills, Rapid City! This city is home to some very unique attractions, making it a fun place to spend a day! We’re sharing our top Rapid City picks in this itinerary, but if you want more ideas of things to do and places to eat, check out our Black Hills guide ! PS: While normally we suggest starting early, we suggest using this day to sleep in a bit after 5 busy days of adventuring. 

  • Kickoff the morning with coffee at Pure Bean , which has great coffee, including some more unique drinks.  
  • Have brunch at Tally’s Silver Spoon , which is a popular spot in the heart of downtown Rapid City. They have a great menu with a little something for everyone!  
  • Walk around downtown and complete The City of Presidents Walk . Rapid City is nicknamed the “City of Presidents” and they have life sized, bronze statues of every past US president all over downtown. It’s fun to walk around and see which ones you can recognize from afar. We got maybe 75% right! But if you’re looking for a specific president, they have a map to help you out!  
  • Wander through Art Alley , which is an alley downtown that has tons of murals to check out!  
  • Drive a little bit out of downtown to visit the Chapel in the Hills , which is an exact replica of the Borgund Stave church in Norway and the property is also home to an authentic grass roofed stabbur (or storehouse), which was built in Norway and then shipped to Rapid City and reassembled.   It’s free to visit, but they do take donations!  
  • Another unique, international thing to see in Rapid City is a part of the Berlin Wall ! When a traveling exhibit of the wall came to town, a local businessman thought it would be cool to have a couple pieces of the Berlin Wall here in Rapid City, so he purchased the pieces and 2 tank traps for a few thousand dollars. It’s pretty cool!  
  • For dinner , you have a few options depending on what you’re craving. Kathmandu Bistro has amazing Indian and Nepalese food, Jambonz Deux has great Cajun food, and Independent Ale House is known for pizza and beer!  
  • If you still have room for dessert , swing by The Silver Lining Creamery !

Day 7: Badlands National Park

Notch Trail Badlands National Park

On the final day of your South Dakota road trip you’ll leave the Black Hills to explore Badlands National Park. Looking for a more detailed guide of Badlands National Park? Check out our Badlands National Park guide to learn more about the park and even more things to do!  

  • Watch the sunrise from Big Badlands Overlook , which is one of the best spots to see the sunrise in the park, as it faces east.  
  • Hike the Notch Trail , which was our favorite trail in the park! This 1.3 mile trail takes you through the Badlands, but what makes it extra unique is that you get to climb up a super cool wooden ladder!   In pictures, this ladder looks pretty steep and a tad intimidating, but once you see it in person it is not nearly as daunting. However, it can be a bit wobbly, so be sure to use all of your limbs to stabilize yourself if need be. Climbing up this ladder was the highlight of our time at Badlands. It was so much fun and we have never experienced anything like it!   Once at the top of the ladder you will continue to the left on the trail and hike along some ledges and then back into a Badland “valley” before reaching a gorgeous viewpoint at the end. If you look to the far left at the viewpoint, you’ll see some crazy, jagged looking Badlands that took our breath away!   You hike back the same way you came, which means you will take the ladder back down. We recommend doing this trail first thing so you can avoid waiting in a line for the ladder (and can snap more photos climbing it!), as it’s safest for one person to go at a time.  
  • After hiking the Notch Trail, hike the Window and Door Trails , which start at the same parking lot as the Notch Trail. These are both super short trails, the Window Trail is 0.3 miles , while the Door Trail is 0.8 miles .   Both of these trails have wooden boardwalks and the Window Trail leads you to an overlook you can look out of, like a window, while the Door Trail boardwalk ends with an overlook, as well as an opening to walk into the badlands, kind of like a doorway.   After entering into the Badlands, there is no real “trail” to explore, but there are numbered poles along the way to help you know how much further you can go and to help you find your way back. The scenery out here is wild…you’ll feel like you’re on Mars!  
  • Drive the Badlands Loop Road and stop at the visitor center and different overlooks along the way. Our favorite overlooks were the White River Valley Overlook , Yellow Mounds Overlook , and the Pinnacles Overlook (we’d suggest saving this one for sunset though!).   
  • Take a midday break and grab a coffee and donut at Wall Drug , which is a famous roadside stop on I-90. Wall Drug became popular in the 1930s for offering free ice water to travelers and now attracts over 2 million people per year!   We highly recommend grabbing some donuts while you’re there, especially the maple donut. The donuts are of the cake variety (our favorite!) and we thought they would be just average, but they were incredible! They were so cakey, fluffy, and moist, with incredible flavor (it tasted like there was a hint of lemon).   We also got the famous 5 cent coffee, which was about what you’d expect for gas station coffee, but for 5 cents it’s worth grabbing for the novelty. We didn’t try any other food, but we hear their hot beef sandwiches are good!   It’s also fun to wander around the shops here and snap a photo with the giant jackrabbit in the backyard.  
  • Head back into the park and drive Sage Creek Rim Road , which is another scenic drive in the park, but it isn’t paved, so be prepared for a few bumps. While on the drive, make sure to see the prairie dogs at Robert’s Prairie Dog Town !   This is a pull off that is home to tons of prairie dogs (town = the habitat prairie dogs live in) and you can watch them wrestle and run around. They are friendly little buddies and will likely try to come up to you, but despite what you may see others do and what you may hear others say, do not feed or pet the prairie dogs! We know it’s tempting, but it’s against National Park rules.  
  • End the day with sunset at Pinnacles Overlook , which has a good sized parking lot and views from either the parking area, or you can walk down some stairs to a large area with multiple spots to watch the sunset. This would also be a great picnic spot!  
  • If you’re up for it, do some night photography or join the Night Sky Viewing program .

As we mentioned above, we continued our South Dakota road trip east by going all the way to Sioux Falls, which is about 4 hours from Badlands National Park. We had a blast road tripping and stopping at cool roadside stops along the way, as well as spending a day in Sioux Falls. Here are some of our top suggestions if you continue east!

Stops to make on your way to Sioux Falls

7 Day South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary: Black Hills to Badlands | The best things to do in South Dakota | Where to go in South Dakota | Things to do in the Black Hills | Things to do in Badlands National Park | Things to do in Spearfish Canyon | Things to do in Deadwood | Things to do in Rapid City | Where to stay in the Black Hills | Best Hikes in South Dakota | Where to eat in South Dakota

We had a blast road tripping from the Badlands to Sioux Falls and made a bunch of fun stops along the way! Want to break up the drive a bit? We suggest stopping at: Skeleton Man Walking Skeleton Dinosaur This is more of something to just be aware of as you drive down I-90. Located at the 1880 Town is this super cool statue of a skeleton walking a dinosaur. It’s hard to get a good photo from the road, but we flew up the drone from across the highway to snag a photo! See the sunflowers! South Dakota is one of the world’s top sunflower producers and if you visit in the month of August, sunflower fields pop up around South Dakota and it’s incredible to see endless rows of yellow as you drive around. We stopped here to see the sunflowers, but there were tons of other field options! You’ll have the best luck taking some back roads to find them. Dignity Statue This is a 50-foot-tall, stainless steel statue that honors and represents the courage, perseverance and wisdom of the Lakota and Dakota culture in South Dakota. The statue wears a dress patterned after a two-hide Native dress and she is holding a quilt with 128 stainless steel blue diamonds that flutter in the wind and glisten in the sun. And at night, there are LED lights that make the diamond shapes glow in the sky!  The World’s Only Corn Palace The name says it all! This is the world’s only corn palace! But really, it’s an elaborate, palatial building that is decorated every year with naturally colored corn and other grains and native grasses to make it “the agricultural show-place of the world.” The palace gets 500,000 visitors a year and inside there is a gift shop and concessions and it also holds events, like banquets, proms, and graduations. El Columpio Need a bite to eat in Mitchell? We stopped at El Columpio and had some great tacos! Elixir Roasterie We wanted to stop here for coffee, but it was closed. So we headed to Hot Shots Espresso instead, but we’d still recommend checking out Elixir! Porter Sculpture Park This sculpture park is home to over 50 sculptures, all designed by Wayne Porter, who builds them on instinct vs. diagrams and equations, which is wild! The sculptures vary in size, with the largest being a huge horse and a massive 60ft bull head that you can walk into. It costs between $0-$10 to visit depending on your age and is worth it to see the art and support the artist! And if you’re in a van like us or an rv, you can even sleep here through Harvest Hosts !

Want to get 15% off a Harvest Hosts membership? Click this link and then use the code HHFRIENDS15 ! Harvest Hosts is a network of destinations across the US and Canada that allow RVers (or Van Lifers like us!) to stay overnight for free with the membership! These destinations include wineries, breweries & distilleries, farms, golf courses and more! The annual membership gives you unlimited access to spend the night at any of the Host‘s locations for the year. There are 7,000+ super unique places to choose from and they are located all over the country. We even stayed at an alpaca farm once!

Things to do in Sioux Falls

7 Day South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary: Black Hills to Badlands | The best things to do in South Dakota | Where to go in South Dakota | Things to do in the Black Hills | Things to do in Badlands National Park | Things to do in Spearfish Canyon | Things to do in Deadwood | Things to do in Rapid City | Where to stay in the Black Hills | Best Hikes in South Dakota | Where to eat in South Dakota

We spent one day in Sioux Falls and had a great time exploring the largest city in South Dakota, which still has a smaller town feel. Here is what we got up to during our time in the city! The Source Roastery + Taproom This is a great spot for coffee (and beer)! They have super unique seasonal drinks and a really nice interior. Falls Park The “falls” of Sioux Falls! This park is right by downtown and is SO cool! It covers 123 acres and every second an average of 7,400 gallons of water drops 100 feet down the falls. Make sure to check out the remains of some of the first buildings in Sioux Falls and go to the top of the observation tower (opens at 10 AM). We hear they have a gorgeous light display in the winter too!  Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen This restaurant is a MUST for a killer meal! We loved the Vietnamese fried chicken sandwich and naughty fries! Downtown Sioux Falls We loved walking around S Phillips Ave! This part of downtown is super cute and has tons of shops. They also have something called SculptureWalk, which are 55 sculptures all over downtown, which change every year. CH Patisserie Sioux Falls is home to an award winning pastry chef and if you want to try some french pastries, like macarons, CH Patisserie will not disappoint! We LOVED their macarons! David Replica Statue Want to see Michelangelo’s David without going to Italy? There is a replica statue right by downtown! A local inventor named Thomas Fawick donated the statue to the city in the 1970s. It’s pretty random, but cool! Arc of Dreams This sculpture was designed by the same person who created the Dignity Statue and it represents the leap of faith dreamers take to see their dreams come true. It lights up at night, so we highly recommend visiting then!

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7 Day South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary: Black Hills to Badlands | The best things to do in South Dakota | Where to go in South Dakota | Things to do in the Black Hills | Things to do in Badlands National Park | Things to do in Spearfish Canyon | Things to do in Deadwood | Things to do in Rapid City | Where to stay in the Black Hills | Best Hikes in South Dakota | Where to eat in South Dakota

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8 thoughts on “ 7 day south dakota road trip itinerary: black hills to badlands ”.

We just got back from visiting most of these places on our family road trip. We went to ma y of the places you mentioned. Your Videos were extremely helpful and fun. Thank you for sharing it all. The CH Patisserie in Sioux Falls was a family favorite as was Custer State Park.

We are so happy you were able to visit these spots! Custer State Park was our favorite place in SD and those macarons are sooo tasty!

This is the best itinerary I’ve found!! Thank you so much for all the detailed info. If you wanted to stretch out to 10 days and include Sioux Falls, where would you suggest adding time?

Hi Hailey! We are so glad that you enjoyed this itinerary! Where will you be heading from? Sioux Falls is across the state from the rest of this guide, so you could go at the beginning or at the end, depending on where you’re starting and where you’re headed after!

We are making a trip in mid May. We are hoping not too crowded. We will be traveling w our Border/Aussie. Where did your pup stay when not hiking w you? Also, when your pup did hike did he wear boots to protect his paws. We were considering Rover.com for daycare when we can’t take her. Thank you for such great info. ~Jana~

Hi Jana! Since we travel in a climate controlled and insulated van, our pup stays in the van sometimes when we aren’t going to be gone for too long. I’m sorry that’s not more helpful! She doesn’t wear boots (she would never tolerate them hah), but we know some dogs do well with them!

Hello Adam and Kathryn! Recently I have stumbled upon your youtube channel. Because of my job assignment, I have a 4-year visa in the US so I thought why not make the best use of it? I wonder if it is actually feasible to bundle South and North Dakota together in a 2-week road trip, driving from Dallas, TX? While I am fully aware that my trip will only be barely scratching the surface of these states, seeing Mount Rushmore and hiking Theordore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP) have always been my bucket list. I know you guys stay in your fantastic van, but wonder if you know any lodging options near TRNP? Those in Medora are very limited, plus I plan to get up early on my last day in Rapid City and drive to TRNP, so I want to avoid the long drive to Bismarck after such a long day if possible. I appreciate any suggestions. Thank you! I am Ayami =)

Hi Ayami! I think 2 weeks would be doable, depending on how much you stop to see on the drive. For TRNP, it’s a pretty remote area and Medora is the most convenient, but Dickinson isn’t too far and from what we remember, is pretty developed and I think would have more options. Sounds like a really fun trip!!

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The Best 7-day South Dakota Road Trip

The best 7-day South Dakota road trip itinerary starts from Minnesota and includes Sioux Falls, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and more. This itinerary will go from east to west across the state of South Dakota and you can reverse it based on your starting location.

South Dakota Road Trip

South Dakota is an incredible place for families to visit filled with Native American history, great wildlife viewing, and diverse scenery. There is so much to see, but we’ll fit it all in this 7-day South Dakota road trip itinerary. So let’s get going for this road trip to the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore and so much more. Getting in two national parks, Badlands and Wind Cave, and a Corn Palace, what more could you ask for? Ready? Let’s go!

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South Dakota Road Trip Stops Near Sioux Falls

Table of Contents

Falls Park in Sioux Falls

(adds 30min, 15min off I-90 in each direction) 900 N. Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104. Park with waterfalls where the river flows over many tiers of Sioux quartzite. There are rocks to walk and climb on and a great spot for a picnic. Walk up to the observation tower (elevator & stairs) to see a great view of the town. There is also a playground and restrooms near an open pavilion. Close to a coffee shop and downtown shopping area. The Falls Overlook Cafe is a great option for lunch and ice cream.

Falls Park Sious Falls, SD

Butterfly House and Aquarium

The Butterfly House & Aquarium is located in Sertoma Park in Sioux Falls. The aquarium portion is small but has some beautiful clownfish, jellyfish, lionfish, stingray, starfish, and other exhibits. In the butterfly room, kids can spend time feeding the butterflies. Adjacent to the parking lot are five different playgrounds that are good for kids of all ages.

Sertoma Park in Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls Accommodations

Expedia is great for hotel bookings as it provides a lot of flexibility for changes. Check here for hotels available in Sioux Falls. If you want to make it a bit further than Sioux Falls, Chamberlain, SD is almost 6hr from Minneapolis and hotel options can be found here.

Day 2: Sioux Falls to Badlands National Park (4hr + stops)

Leave Sioux Falls to drive to the Badlands area where you’ll stay for one night or more to explore the national park. There are quite a few possible stops along the way so we recommend taking your time getting there and save exploring Badlands National Park for Day 3. If everyone is still happy after arriving you could go into the park for a night sky stargazing.

Note: You will cross into Mountain Time before Badlands, so you will gain an hour.

South Dakota road trip stops near Badlands

Porter sculpture park.

(right off I-90 adds no additional time) Interstate 90 Montrose, South Dakota 57048 USA

For us, sculpture parks have been an easy and safe stop during Covid and this one does not disappoint. Open seasonally, so check availability and pricing here . Easy stop just off I-90 about 25 miles west of Sioux Falls. Over 40 industrial art sculptures. The largest sculpture in the park is a 60-foot-tall (18m) bullhead and it took three years to build. It’s been named one of the 50 best American roadside attractions by TIME.

Porter Sculpture Park

The World’s Only Corn Palace

South Dakota is known for its over-the-top cheesy roadside attractions and this is one of them. Corn Palace is open year-round and is free to visit. A roadside attraction featuring ornate exterior design with corn-made murals with a new theme selected yearly. (Adds 10min, 5min off I-90 in each direction) 604 N Main Street Mitchell, SD 57301

The World's Only Corn Palace South Dakota Road trip

Dignity Statue near Chamberlain

(Adds no additional time) A magnificent 50-foot-tall statue by Dale Lamphere honors the culture of the Lakota and Dakota people. Located on a bluff between exits 263 and 265 on Interstate 90 near Chamberlain.

Dignity Statue Chamberlain SD road trip

Badlands Ranch Store

Prairie dogs! There is a large prairie dog colony that lives right by this store. Kids can view them up close and peanuts are available for feeding. This is a fun, easy stop that was a highlight of the trip. (adds 5min, it’s right off I-90)

Badlands Ranch Store in SD

Stargazing in Badlands National Park

With no major city lights to disrupt the view, visitors can see more than 7,500 stars on any given night. During the spring, summer, and fall months, Park Rangers offer a night sky program (complete with telescopes) and point out constellations, stars, and planets. Click here for more info.

Accommodations near Badlands National Park

If you are considering where to stay on your visit, consider that the Badlands has some of the best campsites anywhere in the US. If you’re not into camping, here are some lodging options as well. If you stay outside the park the closest towns to the park entrance are Wall or Interior.

Campgrounds inside Badlands National Park

Great for small campers/RV’s, tents, and van campers. Sleep with the bison, and see burrowing owls and spectacular views. Sage Creek Campground is a rare example of free camping found inside the park.

Nomad View Dispersed Camping This is a very popular campsite around Badlands, it’s large and can accommodate tents, campers, vans, and even big RV’s. 

Cedar Pass Lodge This is the only lodging located within Badlands National Park.

Frontier Cabins and Teepees

Day 3: Explore Badlands National Park then drive to Rapid City (1 hr drive + stops)

This South Dakota road trip would not be complete without homemade donuts and free ice water on your way in or out of Badlands National Park at this famous roadside attraction. You’ll see SO many signs no directions will be needed.

Badlands National Park

A vast landscape wonderland filled with buttes, pinnacles, and spires surrounded by a mixed-grass prairie that looks otherworldly. You can drive the Badlands Loop Road where you’ll find overlooks and signs explaining the landscape. 

Badlands is an “endless supernatural world more spiritual than earth, but created out of it”. -Frank Lloyd Wright

Badlands National Park Entrance Fees

Check here for the entrance fee option that meets your needs. There are three park entrances you can enter from the Pinnacles Entrance, Interior Entrance, or Northeast Entrance. For those traveling west on I-90, take exit 131 for the Interior entrance, and for those traveling east on I-90 take exit 110 for the Pinnacles Entrance.

The American the Beautiful Pass is a great option if you think you’ll be visiting a few parks throughout the year. We currently have it and love it! This pass is a single-time annual fee. It will give you access to all of the US National Parks for a year. At only $80 per vehicle, this is a great deal! Plus, it is a great incentive to get out and explore the beauty that the National Parks have to offer. The pass is not available for immediate download and isn’t always available at all entrance gates so check here for info in advance.

If you happen to have a 4th grader in your family make sure to check out the Every Kid Outdoors program as they get a free park pass for them and their family for a year.

Things to do in Badlands National Park

Badlands Loop Road: The Loop Road can be accessed by heading south from Interstate 90 via Exit 110 (Wall) or Exit 131.

Robert’s Prairie Dog Town (Wall, SD) Stop here to see the largest prairie dog colony in Badlands National Park. This is such a fun stop for kids.

Hikes with kids in Badlands National Park

The easiest hike with the most reward if you’re short on time is the Door Trail. To get to the trailhead: Take Badlands Loop Road (Route 240) two miles east of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center to a large turnout on the east side of the road for Door, Window, and Notch Trails. The Door Trail begins from the north end of the lot. Trailhead address: Badlands Loop Road (SD 240), Badlands National Park, Interior, SD 57750

Door Trail ( 0.75 miles/1.2 km (round trip) Rated as easy. An accessible ¼ mile boardwalk leads through a break in the Badlands Wall known as “the Door” and to a view of the Badlands. From there, the maintained trail ends. They note, that travel beyond this point is at your own risk and to watch for drop-offs.

Window Trail (0.3 mile/0.48km out and back trail) This trail is short and provides excellent views of layered badlands geology. The view at the end provides a premier vantage point of the Badlands wall, extending far beyond the park’s eastern boundary.

Notch Trail ( 1.5 miles/2.4 km, out and back) Rated as Moderate. If you want to bring your kids just make sure they can climb a ladder, but it’s not too steep or technically challenging. After meandering through a canyon, this trail climbs a log ladder and follows a ledge to “the Notch” for a dramatic view of the White River Valley. The trail begins at the south end of the Door and Window parking area if you want to add it on. Be careful of drop-offs with kids. This hike can get hot if the sun is out since the wind is blocked. Beware of the weather as it’s not advised after heavy rains.

If you’re looking for kid’s hiking gear, check out this Hiking Gear for Kids Guide

Badlands Notch Trail SD road trip

Open Hike Policy in Badlands National Park

One thing that makes Badlands National Park unique is its Open Hike Policy. This means that you can hike and explore almost any part of the park whether or not there is an established trail or not. It was so nice not to have to tell the kids ‘Stay on the trail!’ at every turn. An easy place to take advantage of this is off of Door Trail, as well as at any of the overlooks along the Badlands Loop Road.

For visitors with a stroller or wheelchair, there are accessible trail options in Badlands National Park

  • The first portion of Door Trail is a boardwalk with a spacious viewpoint at the end.
  • Window Trail is a full boardwalk leading out to a viewpoint with railings.
  • The first portion of Cliff Shelf Nature Trail is a boardwalk.
  • Fossil Exhibit Trail is a full boardwalk with wayside exhibits accessible to those at wheelchair heights.

Day 4-6 Rapid City Day Trips

Rapid City provides a great home base for this South Dakota road trip. There’s so much to see in the Black Hills and the surrounding area. You can get a feel for the history of the city and the US by walking downtown from Main to Joseph streets in a six-block area along the life-size bronze sculptures of the 44 US presidents (45th is underway). A stop in Prairie Edge Trading Co ., where visitors can learn about the Northern Plains Indian culture and see one of the country’s best collections of authentic Plains Indian art and crafts. Its mission is to help preserve these traditions and provide artists an outlet for their work. Just across from Prairie Edge is Main Street Square, a beautiful community gathering space. Rapid City provides a great South Dakota road trip home base for seeing the Black Hills and surrounding areas. The attraction options provided here can be broken across days 4-6 on this trip and you can see how we did that in the sidebar to the right.

Rapid City and Surrounding Area Accommodations and Eats

Where to stay near rapid city and the surrounding area.

We love staying in unique accommodations that bring an experience your family won’t soon forget. There are some great options here to suit all budget levels as well.

Staying in a vacation rental through VRBO or AirB&B can be a nice option. This is a great AirB&B we stayed at during our recent South Dakota road trip. The home is in the heart of Rapid City and is very kid-friendly with a backyard space with a great sitting area, swings, play space, and a basketball hoop my kids loved. Indoor desks are also available if you’re working from the road.

Great hotels in Rapid City

If hotels with a pool are more your thing (or your kid’s thing, let’s be honest) then If hotels with a pool are more your thing (or your kid’s thing, let’s be honest) then check out these great hotels in Rapid City.

Blackhills South Dakota Cabins and Resorts

Pleasant Valley Cabins & Farm

Yak Ridge Cabins and farm

Under Canvas – – 30 min from Rapid City. A great glamping experience you won’t soon forget close to Mount Rushmore.

If you prefer being closer to Custer State Park these are a few options

Sylvan Lake Lodge   Blue Bell Lodge Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort

There are a lot of other great hotel options in the Custer area that are kid-friendly here.

Where to eat?

Firehouse Brewery 610 Main St. – Rapid City, SD

Silverlining Creamery Score some great ice cream here.

Day 4 Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake, Needles Highway

Custer State Park (40min drive from Rapid City)

7-Day park pass was $20 per vehicle but check for current rates. This park has been named one of the top 10 wildlife destinations in the world and it’s for good reason Source . The park is a 110-square-mile preserve where wildlife abounds. Custer State Park is second in the US for the largest bison herd only behind Yellowstone. Be ready because bison will likely meander in front of your car and you can also see burros, bighorn sheep, pronghorn (also known as antelope), wild turkeys, elk, and mountain goats. The stress-free navigation, manageable crowds, and wildlife everywhere make this park a favorite for kids and adults alike.

There are two visitor centers in the park. One is at the East Entrance and the other is the Wildlife Station along the wildlife loop which runs around most of the park and offers a beautiful array of wildlife viewing opportunities.

“May you get caught in many buffalo jams.”

Things to do in Custer State Park

18-mile Wildlife Loop:   expected travel time is 1.5 hours but travel time is dependent on “wildlife jams”. Or if you feel more comfortable with a guide there is the Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours Needles Highway is one of three scenic routes along Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. It is not to be missed and goes through Custer State Park. Check this and other scenic drives out here. Sylvan Lake: parking can be difficult here. It’s a beautiful lake and the Sylvan Lake Shore Trail is a 1.1-mile loop and a great option with kids. It’s a mostly flat trail but provides enough interesting things to keep kids excited. You’ll see the Sylvan Lake Dam, boardwalks, and rock tunnels. There’s also a swimming beach and boat rentals (non-motorized only) where visitors can rent paddle boats, canoes, or other watercraft rentals. There’s a general store in Sylvan Lake Lodge. Guided horseback rides depart from Blue Bell Lodge Stables

Wild beggin’ Burros (small donkeys)

These burros have roamed the land of Custer State Park for nearly a century when they were first used as pack animals to get visitors from Sylvan Lake Lodge up the steep path to the summit of Black Elk Peak, the highest point in the US east of the Rockies. When the tourist trips ended, the working burros were released to the wild and this herd has since shared the park with whitetail and mule deer, wild turkeys, elk, antelope, bison, coyote, and park visitors. 

Tips for Custer State Park

If you plan to visit, it is acceptable to bring carrots or apples to feed the burros since this practice has been going on for generations. Although it is very uncommon to be able to feed animals in a national park the rangers acknowledge that in this case, it’s ok to feed the burros. What do burros eat? We brought a bag of full-size carrots and apples but they are not picky! If you don’t want to get up close and personal with a burro you might want to shut your car windows as they’ve been known to stick their heads right in.

If you happen to be there in Custer State Park at the end of September don’t miss the Buffalo Roundup and Arts festival. If you go, get there early, locals are usually in line by 5am, gates open at 6:15am and roundup begins 9am. Bring blankets or chairs, water, and a cooler with food. There is also food available. No pets allowed.

Buffalo Roundup Festival South Dakota road trip

Day 5 Mainstreet Square, Dinosaur Park, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse

We always like a day on vacation where we take it easy and often break off and do separate things. This is a great day to pick a couple of the low-key items below or just lay low. We love to see Mount Rushmore in the evening when it’s lit up and there are fewer crowds so this is an easy add-on.

Mainstreet Square 512 Main St., Rapid City, SD A community gathering spot with a splash pad, live music, food trucks, and drinks in the summer. It’s a great place for the kids to cool off if it’s a hot day and the adults can be well rewarded with a break on a hot summer day. Check the schedule here .

Dinosaur Park 940 Skyline Dr. Rapid City, SD 57701 There is a marked parking lot, but it does require walking up a set of 90 stairs to get to the top. This is a quick and easy stop that will allow your kids to burn off some energy playing and climbing on the dinosaurs. It’s free and has been open to the public since 1936. It has spectacular 100-mile views and if you look to the east you can see the Badlands. 

Dinosaur Park Rapid City

A note on the popular Bear Country Attraction

Almost There Adventures does not recommend any attraction where animals are bred solely for human entertainment and profit. This business has a  horrible past  of animal mistreatment and harvesting and selling animal parts. Although it’s under new management it’s still the same family and we do not recommend supporting it. There are so many great parks nearby to see animals in their natural habitat where they’re also protected. 

Mount Rushmore

A South Dakota road trip wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Mount Rushmore. Mount Rushmore is located in Western South Dakota, 23 miles South West of Rapid City on Highway 16. There is no fee to enter the monument, but there is a parking fee. When we went it was $10 but check here for current info.

Mount Rushmore lit up SD road trip

If you have one to two hours: Upon entering, you’ll walk along the impressive avenue of flags before spotting the grand statue. If you have more time to spend, look for the self-guided audio tour for Mount Rushmore near the bathrooms on the way in.

Presidential Trail (~1mile, includes 700 stairs) and Evening Lighting Ceremony We’re always looking for ways to steer clear of the crowds and taking the Presidential Trail will get you away from the crowds that gather at the main viewing area. We love going at dusk for the lighting ceremony , as it’s really impressive getting to view the sculpture from the trail up close up as well as all lit up. It’s open until 10pm.

The Presidential Trail is open via the Nature Trail or from the right side of the Grand View Terrace. The trail takes you to the base of the mountain and you must return the same way. When on the Presidential Trail you’ll see the Sculptor’s Studio. You can stop and listen to a 15-minute ranger-led talk about the sculptor Gutzon Borglum, the carving process, and the lives of the workers who helped complete the sculpture. 

You can stop in the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, located beneath the Grand View Terrace, to learn about how the sculpture was constructed. Learn about how kids can become a junior ranger and other fun activities here.

A final last stop in Carvers’ Café for a Monumental Ice Cream cone made with Thomas Jefferson’s original vanilla ice cream recipe from 1780. If you have more time check out another hike.

Crazy Horse Memorial

This can easily be done on the same day as Mount Rushmore as they’re fairly close or if you’re short on time it can also be seen from the road. This is 9 miles south of Hill City, SD, and 4 miles north of Custer, SD. This can be viewed from Highway 16 (which runs between Hill City and the town of Custer). There was a nice place to pull over on the east side of the road near the entrance. Click here for more info.

Day 6 Wind Cave National Park, Mammoth Site, or 1880 Train

What to do in wind cave national park.

Wind Cave National Park is one of the oldest national parks, established in 1903, and also is one of the smallest parks at over 33,000 acres. There is no cost for admission to the park, but there is a charge for the cave tours.

All cave access is by ranger-guided tour only and all tours leave from the visitor center. Half of the tickets available on any given day can now be reserved ahead of time through recreation.gov with the remainder still available in person. The in-person tickets sell out quickly so you must be in line before the visitor center opens. Due to high demand and limited space, tours often sell out from March – October and on holiday weekends. They open the visitor center at 8 am for ticketing and the first tour of the day at 9 am is the most popular and sells out first.

South Dakota road trip Wind Cave

Tips for Visiting Wind Cave National Park

  • If you don’t have advance tickets it is recommended to get in line by 7am (when visiting March-October) if you want to be sure to get tickets for the first tour at 9am. They open the door to the visitor center at 8am and it’s a fairly efficient ticketing process but only half the tickets are available in person.
  • You can connect to the free Wi-Fi while waiting in line outside the visitor center.
  • Nerd alert: They have an anti-fog spray for glasses in the visitor center. You’ll thank me after an hour in a cave not fogging up.
  • They recommend closed-toe footwear, it’s 54F/12C in the cave so bring a long sleeve shirt, and they don’t allow any bags/purses, camera gear like tripod, etc only allow keys, phone, or handheld cameras.
  • You’ll likely have some time to kill before the tour starts. If you drive just past the visitor center there will be an open field with prairie dogs and our kids had fun getting out and trying to spot where they would pop up next. 

Considerations for bringing kids to Wind Cave National Park

We did the Natural Entrance Tour which was about 1 hour 15 minutes and ⅔ mile walk with 300 stairs. Our kids were the only kids on the tour and were 7,7,12 years old. One of our 7-year-olds did tire of the guided discussion partway through, but he pulled through and enjoyed it overall. I don’t think I would bring kids much younger than 6 years old, but every child is different. There are a lot of stairs in a mostly dark space with low lighting and intermittent periods of time when they need to be quiet when the guide is talking. There’s no running or touching the sides of the caves allowed.

Wildlife viewing

You can often see bison roaming on the way in and there’s a great prairie dog field just past the visitor center. Click here to view other ideas on places to view wildlife in the park.

If you have 1 hour for a hike after or before a cave tour the Prairie Vista or Elk Mountain trails are good options. If you have 2 hours consider Wind Cave Canyon or Cold Brook Canyon Trails

Other activities nearby Wind Cave

Mammoth site in hot springs (20 minutes from wind cave).

This is an internationally renowned indoor working paleontological site and museum. It’s one of the top fossil interpretive sites in North America and there are more than 60 mammoths that have been unearthed. They have hands-on activities for kids and an educational experience for all. There’s a short film that explains how the site came to be, how it was discovered, and the techniques used for preserving what is found there. The self-guided tour (a guidebook is included) takes you around the dig site with signage and graphics to help explain what you are seeing. Current hours and rates on their website.

1880 Train in Hill City or Keystone SD

The Hill City Depot is the closest when coming from Wind Cave National Park (36min). The Keystone station is closest when coming from Rapid City (27min). This is a two-hour, historical narrated steam train ride that kids love and it runs between Hill City and Keystone. It’s a 20-miles round trip and goes back and forth between the Hill City station and the Keystone station and you can start your ride from either end. The train runs through the central Black Hills going through forests, meadows, and wooded canyons. The route follows Battle Creek, home to gold prospectors before and during the turn of the century. This is a great addition if you’re looking for something different to add to your trip. Choose an open-air car on a nice day and sit on the opposite side on the way back for a different view.

1880 Train South Dakota road trip

If you have more time:

Here are some other options if you have more time and want to fit in other stops on this South Dakota road trip.

Bear Butte State Park Devil’s Tower National Monument

Jewel Cave in 2021 Cave Tours were suspended due to an elevator repair but they have resumed again. Check the website for further details and reserve tickets at recreation.gov.

Accommodations Near Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave is about a 50-minute drive from Rapid City, South Dakota (see separate Rapid City accommodations above). If you’re wanting to stay closer to Custer or in the park here are a couple of other options.

Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort in Custer This place looked like so much fun when we were driving in. It’s on an 86-acre campground with modern mountain cabins, luxury canvas tents, glamping teepees, camping cabins, RV Hookups, and tent camping sites.

Elk Mountain Campground is in the park.

Day 7: the way home or onto the next adventure

Make stops at anything you missed on the way back or grab one last hike in Badlands National Park.

If you have more time for an extended trip, Rocky Mountain National Park is only a 6-hour drive from Rapid City.

Check out our guide to Rocky Mountain National Park with Kids or things to do in Estes Park with kids .

A reminder that much of the land in this area is sacred, to learn more about the native land you may be visiting check here . Also, consider contributing to the indigenous communities you visit, and remember to recreate responsibly.

South Dakota Road Trip Planning Essentials

When to visit.

South Dakota has four distinct seasons. The best months to visit are May-October. Spring is great when the weather is moderate, the baby animals are out and there are fewer crowds. Summer is typically the peak tourist season. Also, be aware in August there is the famous 10-day Sturgis Motorcycle Rally when crowds in the area will be significantly larger and accommodations will be difficult to find available. If you happen to be there in September don’t miss the Buffalo roundup and Arts festival in Custer State Park. Winter brings below-zero temperatures and substantial snow that can make travel difficult.

What to pack?

Temps can vary widely depending on what time of the year you visit South Dakota so packing in layers is important. Check out these other guides for hiking and outdoor gear best for this trip.

The Ultimate Hiking Gear for Kids Guide Top 5 Best Men’s Hiking Pants The best women’s hiking shirts for hot weather

How to get there?

Flying: The Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) and the Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) are the two airports in South Dakota that serve the most destinations and airlines in the US, as well as connections from abroad. You can fly into either, but if you fly into Rapid City you’ll just need to reverse the itinerary and do this itinerary west to east.

Driving: this guide assumes driving east to west from Minnesota, but can be used in reverse as well.

Bison vs Buffalo

Let’s get this straight, it’s easy to see why there is great confusion over which is which. But we’ll use the H’s: home, hump, and horns to determine which live in South Dakota. Contrary to the song “Home on the Range,” buffalo do not roam in the American West or South Dakota. Instead, buffalo are indigenous to South Asia (water buffalo) and Africa (Cape buffalo), while bison are found in North America and parts of Europe. Another major difference is the presence of a hump. Bison have one at the shoulders while buffalo don’t. The hump allows the bison’s head to function as a plow, sweeping away drifts of snow in the winter. Lastly, horns. Buffalos tend to have large horns, some reaching more than 6 feet (1.8 meters). The horns of bison, however, are much shorter and sharper. 

That solves it! What you’ll see in South Dakota and anywhere in North America for that matter are bison, but you’ll still see the name frequently interchanged.

That’s a wrap on this week-long South Dakota road trip! Hope you were able to find some unique adventure ideas in this itinerary that your family is sure to remember for a long time. If you go please share your thoughts below.

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18 comments.

I love the up close butterfly picture! Pinning this, would love to do a little bit of during my next cross country road trip.

This is such a fantastic itinerary. Very do-able and interesting. I would love hiking in the Badlands. The views look incredible. I would also enjoy the sculpture park and the caves.

This sounds like such a fun road trip to be on! Absolutely my kind – with plenty of outdoor spots to admire. I loved your photos as well, thanks so much for sharing this 🙂

Loved reading this because I’m doing pretty much this trip in a month for the first time. I pinned it to keep referencing!

this looks like such a fun road trip, driving from park to park and seeing all those wonderful sights!

I’ve never been to this part of the states before but it looks great for a road trip. You definitely saw a lot of interesting places along the way!

I had no idea there was so much in South Dakota! I’m gonna have to visit now 🙂

Looks like such a great place to visit! And stargazing in the national park sounds amazing!

This is such a great road trip itinerary. I’d love to visit Minnesota one day and didn’t realise this kind of trip was possible from there. While I don’t have kids the waterfalls, stargazing, cave tours and accommodation recommendations are awesome!

I’ve never been to South Dakota but seems like a great place to visit… even without kids. I would love to see the constellations and planets from the Badlands National Park. Hiking would be great too. Mount Rushmore lit up at night would be fabulous to see. I love your explanation contrasting Bison with Buffalo.

South Dakota looks like such a beautiful place to visit, I’d love to fly out once borders re-open and explore it!! I love the photos 🙂

This looks like such a great road trip! I have to admit that the only place I knew of in South Dakota was Mount Rushmore, but it looks like there are loads of fun things to do! I really hope I get to visit one day.

This is such a great post! We went to SD a couple years ago but we were only there a couple days, so we stayed in the Custer area. It looks like there is so much more to do, so we’ll have to go again and branch out a little!

Falls Park in Sioux City would be our first pick too! We love waterfalls. The second thing I would pick is the 1880 train. Love seeing old trains because it makes me feel like we’re going back to a simpler time!

Just finished a big road trip that passed through SD. Badlands NP was one of our favorite of all the NPs we visited. The black hills were also beautiful; great for camping.

Looks like a great road trip with kids! It has many things I enjoy such as aquarium, waterfalls, hikes, sculpture park and a steam train ride too! I want to do this trip with family sometime when I am in South Dakota. Thanks for the tips. 🙂

I’ve never wanted to visit South Dakota more than after reading your post. I don’t have children but am looking forward to one day booking this trip with my nephews. The Prarie dog field got me and the bison too since I’m a huge animal lover. Thank you for all the recommendatios including insight in getting into the cave tours.

I just finished a loop through the Midwest, and while I didn’t visit South Dakota, it was on my mind. It is so cool to read about all the amazing things to do there! Almost all of this is right up my alley. I must say, the open hiking policy gives me pause, since I work on public lands, but maybe it works out there. Hopefully you didn’t notice any wear and tear on spaces outside the trails.

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South Dakota Road Trip: Our 8-Day Itinerary

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Now, I’m going to tell you something and you have to promise not to judge me – I was born and raised in Wisconsin and have spent the majority of my adult life right here in Minnesota – and my deepest darkest secret is that I’ve never… been… to South Dakota or done the classic South Dakota road trip. I KNOW, RIGHT!? We’ve gone all over Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and done the Chicago thing , but I’m seconds away from turning 40 and just paid my first visit to the Mount Rushmore State! Ridiculous. Just ridiculous.

My husband, on the other hand, has been researching the best ways to experience a South Dakota road trip for our family since the birth of our first child, so I happily put all my trust in his planning. I jumped in last-minute only to help narrow down his massive must-do list before heading out. At the time of planning, seven days on a South Dakota road trip with three kids who travel like rabid caged hyenas sounded like a LOT. I wanted to have a say in the pace we took so the vacation wouldn’t stress me out or exhaust the hyenas – it was a difficult, but crucial, task to not overdo the planning but still be sure to hit a majority of the places we absolutely didn’t want to miss.

The benefit to not overbooking is that it allowed us room for spontaneity – SO important in providing a memorable and stress-free vacation with kids. We found that to be especially important on this South Dakota road trip.

Early on the morning of July 1, we buckled up for our first family South Dakota road trip (and my first visit EVER) to South Dakota to celebrate Independence Day in the presence of Abe, Thomas, Teddy and George. Below is our detailed itinerary of how we spent our eight wonderful (but not too jam-packed) days in South Dakota.

Mount Rushmore as part of the classic South Dakota road trip

Blue Line Truck Stop, Butterfly House & Aquarium, Hotel in Chamberlain

Badlands National Park, Window Trail, Notch Trail, Wall Drug, Fireman’s Brewery, Rapid City

Grapes & Grinds, Iron Mountain Road, Custer State Park Wildlife Loop, Rushmore Brewery, Purple Pie Shop, Sylvan Lake, Keystone for Dinner

Rabbit Bike Rental in Hill City, 14 miles on George Mickelson Trail, Main Street Hill City, Big Thunder Cave Mine

Main Street Custer, Calamity Janes Coffee, Needles Highway, Cathedral Spires Trail, Miners Brewing Company

Rush Mountain Adventure Park, Mount Rushmore, Hubcap Diner in Hill City, Naked Winery and Sick N Twisted Brewery

Reptile Gardens, Christmas Village, Main Street Rapid City, Splash Pad, Que Pasa Rooftop Mexican, Storybook Island, Dinosaur Park

Badlands National Park, Corn Palace, Taco Johns (yup, I said it), and HOME!

Road Trip Packing Cubes

Before we crammed into our Honda Pilot to take on the 9-hour trek for our South Dakota road trip, I got a little crazy with the planning. I’ve written about How to Road Trip like a Boss before but specifically for this one, here are my Top Five South Dakota Road Trip Prep Pointers:

  • Make Buckets. Like, literal buckets. For this trip, we had one Rubbermaid for swim gear, beach toys, life jackets and towels and another one for extra clothes, sweatshirts and rain gear (preventing us from needing to dig through all the suitcases in case of a spill or dropping temps). You never know when you’ll need a break at a splash pad or run into a hike that has a tempting waterfall.
  • Use a Shared Google Map. My husband and I both research our trips thoroughly, but rarely do we sit down and do it together (thanks, busy life). Instead, we make one saved map in Google Maps ( which you can see here ) and share it so we can both add location pins as we read and find cool stuff. Seeing all the pins on one map helps when planning how to group your activities to keep the drive time to a minimum from point A to point B. From main attractions to small breweries to pizza parlors with great reviews – better to have too many pins than not enough.
  • Over pack Snacks and Entertainment: You know what your kids enjoy more than anyone, right? If you have an artist, try markers and sketch pads. If you have a gamer, let them play their device for awhile. If you have a snacker, pack healthy snack options, pre-divided for easy handout among the children (and bring a bowl for each kid so they have their own snacks – no fighting). And don’t forget the neck pillows ($5 at Five Below and work like a charm). We kept a small cooler under the toddler’s feet too for easy drink-grabs while on the road. Fruit snacks, popcorn, goldfish, granola bars, chex mix, small PB sandwiches, pretzels…easy to pack and easy to eat items make life, well, easier.
  • Compartmentalize Clothing: I like to pack the bare minimum when it comes to attire. For a 7 day trip, each kid had 7 pair of underwear, 4 shorts, 4 tanks, 4 t-shirts, 4 socks, 1 pair of pants, a rain coat, 1 sweatshirt, 2 swimsuits and 3 pair of pajamas. Yup, we most definitely re-wore shorts and pants and those sweatshirts looked like hell by the time we got home, but each child’s gear fit into one sweet little packing cube. We use these nice packing cubes in different colors , making it easy to find a specific someone’s something when that someone needs something specific. Oh – and for shoes, we packed each kid tennis shoes as well as their waterproof Keens, but in hind site, we probably could’ve gotten away with the Keens alone.
  • Find a Way to Prevent “Are We There Yet’s”: Do your kids constantly ask “How much longer?” Ours do! So this trip, I printed off our Google map (see #2) and pinned it to the backs of our chairs so the big kids could follow along on our destination stops. We also synced our phone to our car’s Bluetooth so the kids could yell, “Siri, are we there yet?” and she would answer them over the speaker. For the sake of my sanity, better her than me.

Here’s the Google Map we created for our South Dakota road trip:

If you’ve researched your South Dakota road trip already and realize some popular spots didn’t make our list, well, welcome to reality! Can’t do it all. Here’s some places we wanted to visit but time simply didn’t allow: Crazy Horse Memorial, Bear Country , Mammoth Dig Site , Spearfish Canyon , Devil’s Bathtub , Deadwood , Evans Bath Hot Springs , Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave .

DAY ONE: Driving + Sioux Falls Butterfly House

Sunday morning around 10am, we finally pulled off our street and took off on our week long South Dakota road trip adventure. I was nervous for a road trip of this length, but the plan was to break it up quite nicely with fun pit-stops, ice cream and pizza and even an overnight hotel before arriving at our Black Hills destination. Sunday was a breeze. Everyone was pumped, snacks were aplenty, and entertainment was fresh and new. The driving part was cake this first day. We knocked out the first three hours from our St. Louis Park house easy peasy.

Blue Line Travel Center ice cream

Our first stop was the Blue Line Travel Center in Worthington, MN . The stop was based on everyone’s “staaaarrrvvaaation” and we were pleasantly surprised by the nummy sandwiches. They have a “real” restaurant but because we wanted to get back on the road, we grabbed hot food and ice cream from their mini sandwich shop – and they were delicious (reminded me of Nelsons in St. Paul, if you’re familiar)! This is also a travel center, so you can buy literally anything here.

After stomachs were filled, we quickly knocked out the next hour, bringing us to Sioux Falls, South Dakota (YAY! We made it to South Dakota!!). The plan here was to let the kids play and run and stretch their legs since they were 4 hours in already. We had planned to visit the Butterfly House & Aquarium in Sioux Falls to do just that.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

The Butterfly House & Aquarium The Butterfly House & Aquarium is located right inside Sertoma Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and after the drive, the price of admission was worth it to give the kiddos something to keep ’em busy for a couple house. Admission was $9/ages 3-12; $12/13+ (free for 2 and under) and they’re open 10-5 daily (11-5 Sundays).

This is a non-profit organization, which is cool, and my 3 and 7 year olds loved it, and my 10 year old thought the butterfly area was beautiful. The whole place overall felt quite tiny – there is a hands-on touch tank with starfish and sea urchins, then a some aquarium items like a stingray pool (you can touch them) and a fish tank you can stick your head into (cute photo opp). The gift shop was nice and big and the Discovery Den educational area had some baby seahorses and exhibits for the kids to learn and play a little bit. But the highlight was most def the butterfly dome.

The butterfly area was awesome – pretty and well-maintained with more than 800 butterflies swirling about and turtles cruising the grounds. Oh, and it was hot – so hot! The kids each bought a feeding flower filled with nectar so the butterflies would come right up and land in their hands. They also landed on our shoes, our heads and our shoulders. We spent a solid hour in here just slowly strolling through the gardens looking for different colors and types of these delicate creatures. PS. Strollers are not allowed inside the butterfly house for obvious reasons.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Need other Sioux Falls, South Dakota pit stop suggestions? Here you go:

  • Pioneer Spray Splash Pad (free, fun and not as big a commitment as a full-on pool)
  • Kuehn Pool (wading pool, diving board, concessions, open swim hours, $5/person)
  • Drake Springs Family Aquatic Center (lazy river, slides, zero depth area, $5/person)
  • Stop at one of their millions of playgrounds! A map of Sioux Falls playgrounds is here.
  • Visit the Battleship Memorial Park and Museum (free, educational)
  • Kirby Science Discovery Center (interactive exhibits kids will love, costs money)
  • Great Plains Zoo (good indoor/outdoor option, mid-sized zoo, costs money)

After the kiddos were exhausted from the Butterfly House (and a little playtime at the playground outside in Sertoma Park ), it was a quiet remaining 2 hours before arriving at our hotel destination in Chamberlain, South Dakota. We grabbed pizza for dinner in town and, of course, needed to swim in the hotel pool. Then, thanks to some comfy Howard Johnson beds, everyone zonked out by 8pm…parents included.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

DAY 2: The Badlands + Wall Drug

Well, the good news is when you go to bed super early, it’s easy to get everyone out of bed and on the road when the sun comes up. And that’s exactly what we did. We were excited to get to the Badlands and continue our South Dakota road trip. I personally had no clue what to expect from this National Park, so my curiosity made the two hour drive from Chamberlain speed by. The plan for our second day was to finish the traveling portion but make stops at two of South Dakota’s most famous claims to fame: Badlands National Park and Wall Drug. Oh, and let’s not forget the spontaneous stop to feed prairie dogs on our way in to the Badlands (my kid’s highlight!).

Ranch Store in the Badlands, South Dakota

Badlands Ranch Store Almost immediately before turning in to the national park, we got sidetracked (it doesn’t take much for our crew). We spotted the Badlands Ranch Store with a 10-foot prairie dog statue welcoming you into the parking lot. Unsure of what we were getting in to, we pulled in, headed in to the store, used the restrooms, bought some cold drinks for our Badlands hike, and then purchased far too many $1 bags of peanuts to feed the prairie dogs (or the “corn dogs,” as my toddler fondly referred to them).

Yup, you can FEED the prairie dogs! I love looking at those little guys in the zoo, so to be out walking amongst them in the small semi-contained acre of land next to the ranch store was super exciting for me. There were about 100 prairie dog holes everywhere you looked and you never knew where a head would pop out. They’re obviously super used to humans. And peanuts. We shelled ours for them and they seemed to like them better that way. Only advice is to move slowly, be quiet and gentle and patient. We got some amazing photos and the kids were in heaven!

Prairie Dogs in the Badlands, South Dakota

The Badlands National Park You really can’t explain The Badlands . The yellow and green color combination as far as the eye can see, the vast open sky, the lack of “stay on trail” requirements (but be sure your kids understand the “leave no trace” concept before heading in), the endless hills of solidified dirt. I have to say, of all the activities on this 7-day vacation, hiking and running free in The Badlands was MY personal favorite. I credit a lot of that to the impeccable weather we were handed (low 70s when we were there, which is abnormal for July) because climbing around these wide open hills and caverns in 90 degree heat with three kids and zero shade might’ve left a worse taste in my mouth.

Of course, it’s a National Park so you pay an entrance fee. For $25, our car could get a 7-day pass which was ideal for a weeklong vacation. However, we had a 4th grader sitting in our backseat and came prepared by printing off our “ Every Kid in a Park” free park pass before we came. If you have a 4th grader (going in or coming out), don’t forget to bring your printed paper you get from everykidoutdoors.gov . The ranger will convert your paper printout to a cute little National Park Card that your 4th grader has to sign, and that little piece of magic will get you into all National Parks free of charge until the hit 5th grade!

4th grade National Park Pass

Once we were in, we were jaws-down-excited to see how gorgeously odd this park was. The kids wanted to get out and climb immediately, so we drove straight to the two hikes my husband most wanted to do with them (that he knew they could handle):

  • The Window Trail : This can barely be considered a “trail” because it’s 1/4 mile long, round trip. Basically, for us it was an excuse to let the kids get out of the car and just run. Go – climb on everything – test out the surfaces – play King of the Mountain – have FUN! Window Trail is a short 5-minute walk from the parking lot but will lead you to a sweet little cutout in the eroded sandstone wall giving you a view of 100% Badlands! It’s a good starter hike to get the little ones excited for what’s to come.

Badlands National Park Notch Trail

  • The Notch Trail : THIS! This was the best part of my trip. While the trail is technically only 1.5 miles roundtrip, it’s got adventure around every corner (especially in the eyes of a young one). Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, pack water and plenty of snacks and wear sun protection. We packed a full lunch to enjoy at the top (the “notch) and it was a glorious reward. I liked not having to tell my kids to stay on the path the whole time and they loved the ladder climb. It’s a relatively steep rope-and-wood ladder in the middle of the hike and provides a confidence-building challenge for youngsters. There is one spot post-ladder that advises you to stay away from the cliff edge – you better believe I was attempting to hold 6 tiny hands at that point. But overall, great hike for children and definitely beautiful for adults as well.

We called the hiking done after the Notch (due to tired legs, nap time and an impending trip to Wall Drug) but I know Nate and I could’ve stayed and played all day if time allowed. A full list of hikes you can take listed by difficulty level can be found here .

Badlands National Park Notch Trail

We hopped back in the car after hitting up one of the port-a-potties (do this when you see them because bathrooms aren’t exactly National Park regulars) and drove through to the end of the park (GORGEOUS, as if it even needs to be said again). 20 short minutes and about 10 gazillion Wall Drug billboards later, we arrived at the kitschiest, most bizarre lil’ western Main Street I’ve ever seen.

Wall Drug What started out as a pitstop for travelers offering free ice water has become one of South Dakota’s most unusual tourist stops and regularly-seen Midwestern bumper sticker. I’m talkin’ about Wall Drug . Our family had zero idea what to expect when arriving here. It was certainly a Main Street, both sides of the road lined with unique shops and restaurants, laden with souvenirs and – yes – free ice water. Find a parking spot wherever you can and then just walk the legendary walk. We popped in and out of buildings, spending most of our time looking at souvenir pop guns and cowboy hats and lounging around the Wall Drug Backyard (home of the photo-oppable jackrabbit statue and cute little splash pad).

Wall Drug South Dakota

Come prepared to spend some money on (what many would call) “junk.” But it’s the best kind of junk – the kind of junk that your kids will remember forever. Do the shooting gallery, buy some fudge, have the ice cream or homemade donuts, watch the super robotic dinosaur roar (every 12 minutes), get wet in the splash pad, take photos in the horse carriage, mine for gems, plug quarters in those awful singing quarter machines and have fun! There’s also some less kitschy shops that sell nice boots and hats, gems and fossils, jewelry, toys and more.

But let’s be real – this is a photo opportunity haven, a fun western-themed memory for kiddos with a side of fresh burgers, cold malts or $.05 coffee. We spent 90 minutes here and that was just about enough. But would I go back? Yes. I can’t tell you why, but absolutely yes.

Time your visit appropriately because Wall Drug does close at 5:00 every day but Sunday (when they close at 3:30pm).

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Downtown Rapid City After Wall Drug, we embraced the toddler’s nap and finished our last one hour car stretch into Rapid City. This was our end destination and a victory celebration was definitely had with beer and potato skins at Firehouse Brewing Company on Main Street Rapid City. This brewery tends to get really busy so you’re better off going at off hours and not at peak meal times.

We parked in a free ramp right next to Main Street Square . If it’s hot and you have the time, bust out the kid’s swimsuits and let them run through the splash pad in the grassy Square. This was the highlight of our kids’ days…well, that and the ice cream we had from Silver Lining Creamery next to the Square. Nate and I settled in to the faux grass on our tiny blanket, played some football with our 10-year old and let the younger two run laps in the water spouts and wrestle on the field. It was an ideal way to spend an adult vacation hour.

After we changed them into dry clothes, we visited the toy and book store, walked Main Street and took photos with the president statues and listening to live music on the street corner. Downtown Rapid City is really quite adorable.

Cabin Sweet Cabin You know when you’re just ready to be settled in somewhere you can call home for a few days? How good that feels to finally arrive!? Unpack your bags, decide who’s sleeping where, and just crash? This was our end to Day 2.

Silver Mountain Resorts South Dakota

I loved the adorable cabin my husband found through Silver Mountain Resorts . While small, it had everything we needed to sleep, eat and survive the upcoming week. Coon Hollow was one of many cabins on the wooded property a little ways off the highway and about 20 minutes from downtown Rapid City. We liked it for its “wood cabin” feel and lack of television. I immediately unpacked our drinks and loaded the counter with our snacks and cereal boxes. There wasn’t room to run around inside – that’s for sure – but we’d just send them outside to play on the tire swing or swim in the small outdoor pool. Our lodging set us back about $200/night, but this was a central location between Rapid City and the other cities we wanted to check out (such as Custer and Keystone) so I thought it was perfect. Find info on Silver Mountain Resorts here .

There’s a million other options on sites like Airbnb and if you use this link , you can save $55 on your first Airbnb rental property. Cheaper than a hotel most times, and you get so much bang for your buck!

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

DAY 3: Custer State Park + Sylvan Lake

Our initial game plan for Day 3 was to head south to Wind Cave National Park and do one of the cave tours. but we saw a social post telling us their elevator was broken and no tours were taking place, so we decided to change our plans. If you decide the Wind Cave interests you though, check out their website . Tickets for a tour are around $10/adults and $5/kids (kids under 6 are free) – just be sure to bring a sweatshirt and closed-toe shoes.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Morning Coffee Stop Our Plan B was a Custer State Park Wildlife Loop and Sylvan Lake Day. To make our day the most successful, we rolled out early early. We heard the animals were most present early in the day before the heat hits, so we headed out around 8:30am for the day. Mama’s first stop is always coffee, so we found this adorable coffee/wine/gelato shop called Grapes & Grinds located in Keystone. Keystone was a prime location for lots of the activities we were planning on doing and was about halfway between Rapid City and Custer. The outside of Grapes & Grinds was awesome – a large concrete patio with yard games, sidewalk chalk and a small playground offered entertainment for the kiddos while we sipped our coffee and prepared for the day under one of their cute umbrella’d tables in the sunshine.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Don’t forget to GET GAS if you need it. There aren’t any gas stations once you start down Iron Mountain Road and the last thing you need is to run outta gas halfway through the wildlife loop in the middle of a herd of buffalo.

Iron Mountain Road The drive down Iron Mountain Road (winding and scenic) was super memorable, taking us from Keystone to Custer State Park’s Visitor Center in about 30 minutes. Well, it would’ve been 30 minutes if we wouldn’t have stopped so much – but I’m glad we did. We got out and took photos of the crazy narrow one-car-at-a-time rock tunnels that gave glimpses of Mount Rushmore and pulled over to climb rocks and get cool views of the landscape. The windows were rolled down and the kids thought some of those hairpin turns and switchbacks were amazing and death-defying (me too)!

Needles Highway South Dakota

We made the kids promise to go to the bathroom at the Visitor Center outside the State Park since that was their last shot for awhile. Other than the bathroom, it was a pretty unexciting Visitor Center (no drinks or snacks available for purchase – be sure to pack some) other than the large table that told us the whereabouts of that day’s buffalo herds. We grabbed some maps for the kids and headed on our way, freshly peed and excited. The entrance stations sell the park passes, which will cost you $20/vehicle – this is a temporary pass that gets you up to 7 days in all South Dakota State Parks and, my lord it’s SO worth the money! Beauty like I’ve never seen it.

Custer State Park South Dakota

Custer State Park This park’s Wildlife Loop was high on our South Dakota bucket list and it didn’t disappoint. I’m just going to say it – we got lucky. Seeing tons of buffalo and being able to pet and love on burros around every corner – apparently this isn’t always the case. In fact, I’ve heard from some folks that they see zero wildlife whatsoever. But we came on a cooler day and were there by 10am, so animals weren’t holed up in the shade yet.

We followed the loopy winding road through Custer, taking photos of the gorgeous plains and keeping our eyes peeled for bighorn sheep, pronghorn, deer, elk, coyote, prairie dogs, burros and buffalo. Eventually, about 5 miles into the 18 mile loop, we got stuck in our once-in-a-lifetime “buffalo jam.” At least a dozen cars stopped in their tracks and unable to drive forward due to at least 30 or 40 giant buffalo!

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

We got out of the car with the kids and watched them roam around from a safe distance – just keep far away and you’ll be fine. Then we slowly started moving again and so hopped back in the car, let the kids stay unbuckled while we drove through two rows of buffalo on either side of our car. We went about 1 mph with our windows down, staring, taking photos and oooing and aahhing at their massive size. One walked right past my window and stood taller than our Honda Pilot, leading her cute tiny baby right behind her. Keep quiet and all appendages should stay inside the vehicle. They’re a beautiful animal and the closer you can see them (from the safety of your car), the better.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

After the 20-minute buffalo jam, we drove another 10 minutes before running into a family of burros hanging out on the side of the road. We pulled over (along with many others) and got out to enjoy their peaceful presence. The kids were told to not run or chase them and only touch them from the front. Our 3-year old did get kicked slightly by one’s back legs so keep your eyes on little ones and avoid the back-ends.

The park has a strict “no feeding the wildlife” policy to keep them healthy and safe. But dang, are they fun to touch and pet. Super friendly animals and adorable. We wanted to pack them up and bring them home with us (we didn’t). We took a snack break in the car and decided we were 100% satisfied with our wildlife adventure and proceeded to finish the loop and head into the town of Custer for some lunch instead of taking on the Stockade Lake Trailhead for a short hike.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Custer, South Dakota The town of Custer, South Dakota was a very short drive from the end of the loop, which was good because we’re a very hangry family and it was setting in for all of us. Our restaurant of choice was Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company, where we sat on their back deck in the shade and enjoyed beers and pizza. We brought in our “restaurant bag” and the kids took this lunch break to do a little reading and coloring to chill from the wildlife excitement. The pizza was just ok, the beer was delish!

After lunch, we walked down the block to the Purple Pie Place . Yes, this stop was very much starred on our South Dakota Google Map because – I. LOVE. PIE. I cannot stress this enough. I LOVE PIE. So the Purple Pie Place was an absolute MUST for me. The adorable purple and pink building (aptly named) served “real” food too, such as paninis and sandwiches, but all I wanted was a $5 slice of heaven. My heart sank a little when I was told they were out of peanut butter pie, but we had chocolate cream and apple and I got over it pretty quickly. We ate our pies and ice cream on the outdoor patio (with kid tables!) with my only regret being that I didn’t buy the t-shirt.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Sylvan Lake The day was getting hot and the kids were begging to cool off so we decided on Sylvan Lake . This man-made lake in South Dakota was a short 10 minute drive from Custer and gets super busy in the summer months. Finding parking was difficult but once we did, the walk to the beach area was short and it wasn’t hard to find a spot to chill. This was a lovely (and free since we already had our park pass) way to spend two hours of a blazing July day – the kids and dad swam out to the jumping rock (littered with teenagers) and went on a number of climbs up the rocks surrounding the lake. I had the pleasure of vegging with the toddler, building sand castles and holding him under a towel while he napped and I people watched. The water was frigid, but the temps were hot so it worked out. And the background can’t be beat – absolutely majestic!

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

If you do Sylvan Lake in the summer, pack your patience, your sunscreen, head coverings, snacks/food and drink, towels, life jackets if needed, beach toys (if you’re that organized) and rock climbing shoes. There are a few changing areas, but we just got dressed in the car in a busy parking lot. #NoPride

Hikes are everywhere around Sylvan Lake. Us parents really wanted to do the Sunday Gulch Trail , an easy and gorgeous loop hike good for families on the north end of the lake, but alas, three tired kids and too much heat and swimming would’ve made for a rough “hike.” So to prevent irritation and rage, we nixed it. Probably a wise choice, but if you get the chance to do the hike, let us know how it is.

While it was only 5pm, we started the drive back to the cabin, stopping for groceries along the way to get us through the next 4 days. Our go-to snacks and meals included milk and cereal, bread and peanut butter, sandwich meat and cheese, bags of chips, trail mix, granola bars, strawberries, fruit snacks, animal crackers and some juice boxes.

At the cabin, we gave the kids showers and let them chill for awhile. Eventually we headed into Keystone again to get dinner at a little arcade/burger joint (food wasn’t worth remembering, but Keystone has tons of restaurant options). Dinner that night was like eating with a bunch of zombies. Everyone was asleep by 8:30pm, to no surprise. We had a big day coming up on Day 4 so rest was important!

DAY 4: Mickelson Bike Trail + Big Thunder Gold Mine

George S. Mickelson Bike Trail Our family loves a good bike ride, so everyone was pumped to rent our bikes early on the morning of Day 4 and head off to do 14 miles of the George Mickelson Trail of South Dakota. We scarfed cereal, packed two backpacks with water bottles, SO MANY SNACKS, entertainment for our trailer-riding-toddler, sunscreen, cash and our GoPro, and headed out on our 20 minute drive to Rabbit Cycle in Hill City to pick up our rented bikes.

Rabbit Cycle was great. Highly recommend. Bikes were $25-40/each and the trailer rental was $20. Shuttle ride was another $40 though (boo). Our family grand total for the experience was $180. Reservations can be made online and your rental is good for the entire day until close of business. Very chill employees, knowledgable, and good with kids. We all tested our bikes before hopping into the shuttle for our ride to Mystic Trailhead. While there were at least two other trailheads closer to Hill City, South Dakota Nate was confident our kids could handle the 14.8 mile stretch he signed us up for (plus I think he wanted to get our monies worth).

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Mystic Trailhead was awesome – but the most challenging adventure our kids have ever experienced. The guide told us the first 7 miles were uphill, and we were all like, “Yeah, so we do hills all the time. Big whoop.” You guys –– it was ALL UPHILL. The first 7 MILES were ALL UPHILL. The slope was small but absolutely gradual and just kept going and going and going. Tunnels and gorgeous scenery helped break up the exhaustion, but it was an accomplishment like nothing they’ve ever accomplished. Energy was high and they really wanted to do it, but our middle child specifically had a hard time staying positive. She and I did a lot of walking and talking, game playing (think road trip games like the alphabet game and Would You Rather), and a little trailside crying. I found the more I could take her mind off what she was doing, the stronger she was. After 5 miles, we stopped for a lunch break along the trail. We were in no hurry since the bike rental place didn’t close until 4pm, so we took our sweet time and understood how tired those little legs must be.

The path was crushed limestone, which I wasn’t expecting and took some getting used to. We really didn’t see too many other people on the trail and the weather cooperated beautifully. If it would’ve been too hot, it could’ve been a disaster.

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7 miles up finally ended. It was the best feeling ever! We celebrated under a pavilion and refilled our water bottles and went to the bathroom (there are only a few stops like this so take advantage of them when you see them). The last 7.8 miles went in the blink of an eye. Everyone’s moods were lifted and we could enjoy the scenery because we were no longer struggling. Those last 7.8 miles made for one of the best hours of the trip for me! It really was all downhill (not like “dangerous” downhill, but a gradual and peaceful downhill). I was so impressed by this gang and I thought their daddy’s head was going to pop with pride!

The whole ride from Mystic Trailhead back to Hill City took about 4 hours in total. It had moments of frustration and times we all wanted to quit, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. No regrets at all! Wear comfortable clothes, pack nourishment and take your time. Those are my words of advice if taking young kids on this route. Also, consider calling one of the bike rental shops and just asking about the different parts of the trail and the ages/skill levels of your kids. Their advice probably can’t be beat.

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After returning the bikes to Rabbit Cycle, we scoped out Main Street Hill City. A-dorable! Take some time to support these unique local businesses – from Teddy Bear Town to delicious burritos at Maria’s Mexican to pounds of fudge and coffee at Turtle Town Candy Shop . My 10-year old and I even spent 30 minutes taste testing in the Beef Jerky Outlet store.

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Big Thunder Gold Mine After Main Street, we hopped back in the car and drove 20 minutes back to Keystone to Big Thunder Gold Mine in Keystone. This tourist attraction is exactly what you’d expect, just kitschy enough for the kids to enjoy and educational enough for the adults to find interesting. The mine is open March-September, hours vary by month and the cost for the tour is $12/adult and $9/child. Kids 5 and under are free.

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On-site is an underground cave, a gift shop and a large wooden patio with tables for gem and gold panning. Gem and gold panning cost can be done separate from the mine tour for $12/pan. Otherwise, if you combine it with the tour, it’s $10/pan. We had our 7- and 10-year olds pan for tiny flecks of gold and our 3-year old searched for gems. In hindsight, I would’ve gotten them all gem bags, but they still enjoyed themselves. Panning for gold just feels like a “Black Hills Staple” and this was just as good a place as any. Staff was nice and the setup was authentic feeling.

The tour itself was much more interesting than I had anticipated. We had a young tour guide who talked really fast and had a great sense of humor. All the talk about explosions and how workers used to have to go to the bathroom held my kids’ attention. Plus, they really liked wearing the miners helmets. It’s cold down there so pack a sweatshirt and make everyone go to the bathroom before heading in.

The tour was about 45 minutes long and they run regularly. Reservations for the tours can be made online (but you need to be sure to select a specific date). It wasn’t too terribly busy when we went so I’m guessing you could potentially show up and pay as well.

Rain came on very quickly at the end of our time here so we grabbed some quick sub sandwiches from a Keystone deli and called it a night. Jammies and Captain Underpants on the iPad were enjoyed by all.

DAY 5: Needles Highway + Cathedral Spires Trail

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Happy 4th of July!! We finally took a day to sleep in knowing full well our plans for the day were not at all jam-packed. South Dakota has SO many Independence Day celebrations (I mean, it IS the home to 4 giant president heads), making it very hard to choose what to do. After a lot of research, we decided on something small, crowd-free and inexpensive. So we did a simple (very simple) parade in downtown Custer, grabbed a baked good and coffee from Calamity Janes and shopped at a rock shop.

Needles Highway Nate and I wanted to spend the rest of our holiday hiking with the kids. They wanted to go swimming at the cabin pool. We decided to do both, starting with Needles Highway – a 14-mile National Scenic Byway in South Dakota with the sharpest turns and narrowest tunnels ever, lined uniquely by tall granite rock formations and spires that will blow your mind (and is closed in the winter, for good reason). We had our snacks and entertainment bag in the car ready to go, but we didn’t even need them. The kids were so in awe of their surroundings, they couldn’t take their eyes off the drops, dips and spires.

The highlight was Needles Eye Tunnel, the 8-foot-wide claustrophobia trap which allows one car through at a time and requires a very attentive driver. Just outside the tunnel stands the tunnel’s namesake – a giant spire with a curled top that resembles a sewing needle. We missed it a couple times but eventually realized we were directly under it.

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The Needles Highway drive was an adventure for sure – and probably took a few years off my life.

The one hike we wanted to do off Needles Highway was Cathedral Spires , so we made our way to the trail head and thankfully were able to park in one of the limited spots. Cathedral Spires is a good family hike, 1.5 miles round trip, with lots of rocks and some tricky footing (and one snake, so help me GOD!). Our youngest is a real trooper and could hike a marathon if there was a cookie at the end, but other 3-year olds (and younger) might not be as energetic with the elevation climb. The overlook at the end was decent enough to make the ascent worth it for him (which is good, because I didn’t have a cookie handy).

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When taking on a hike in this environment, you want to make sure everyone has proper foot coverage (think rocks, mud and sticks), water and snacks, bug spray and sunscreen. We also did a lot of “put the sweatshirt on/take the sweatshirt off” during this hike (and all hikes, honestly), so wear strippable clothing. We bought the kids each a walking stick at the gold mine and those were kind of fun to use for them on the rocks and steps.

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Miner Brewing Company The hike took a lot out of everyone so we finished our Needles Highway drive and headed back through Hill City, South Dakota . We noticed there were wineries and breweries a-plenty along this route on Hwy 385 and US-16 and we thought, hey, after 5 days traveling with the little ones, it’s about time we reward ourselves at one of them. We were torn between Prairie Berry Winery and Miner Brewing Company and decided on the latter after recognizing Prairie Berry as a lot less conducive to young children. Miner Brewing it was – and you guys – BEST watermelon wheat beer I’ve ever had (we came home with a growler).

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The nice part about Miner Brewing was that it had a huge grassy yard. People brought yard games and were willing to share. There was bocce ball and a patio so we could sip our beer and eat our delicious cranberry grilled cheeses while keeping a close eye on our running children. It was another vacation win for mom and dad!

After we finished our drinks and the kids ran off their energy, we held true to our promise and headed the 20 minutes back to the cabin for a dip in their small but satisfactory pool. It felt pretty good on a warm July 4th day – we even got our freeze baby dad to hop in.

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If you are staying somewhere with a pool, consider packing some small water toys that don’t take up much room such as diving sticks or squirt guns (avoid the inflatables if you know what’s good for you). Of all the adventures we went on during this weeklong vacation, I promise you 1 out of 3 of our kids would say swimming in the pool was their favorite part.

Fireworks were canceled due to an epic storm, and everyone was tired so after swimming we did the thing we try to avoid the most on vacations: we were craving pasta so we went to the greatest of all chain restaurants. Thank you, Olive Garden, for a filling and rather tasty end to our holiday. We’re a normal family with normal needs – and that night, fettuccini alfredo was our greatest need.

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DAY 6: Rush Mountain Adventure Park + Mount Rushmore

After our relaxing 4th of July, we decided July 5 would be a BIG South Dakota day filled with tons of adventure and the tour attraction of all tour attractions – Mount Rushmore! The morning item on our list was something the kids wanted to do super badly (but the adults wound up liking just as much, if not more)…Rush Mountain Adventure Park!

Rush Mountain Adventure Park This adventure park sits just 5 miles east of Keystone, so was about a 30 minute drive from our cabin. The park consists of the following attractions: a zip line, big and small ropes courses, a mountain rollercoaster, a gunslinger 7D ride, a cave tour, gem mining, gift shop and snack station. The park is closed in the winter but opens on weekends only in the spring and then every day of the week in the summer. Check their online hours before planning your trip and be sure to gauge whether your kids are old enough, tall enough and interested enough before purchasing your wristbands. It’s not a cheap ordeal, but if your kids are interested in this kind of adventure and you have the time to go, it was worth the money!

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While you can purchase the attractions one by one, the wristband is definitely the best deal. There’s no way I could’ve talked my kids into just going on the mountain coaster once, plus it adds up so quickly if you do the ala carte option (gunslinger is $12, ropes course is $15, coaster is $10, etc). Wristband costs sound pricey, but we spent a solid 5 hours here and the kids didn’t even want to leave.

Wristbands are $52/adults, $47/kids 5-12 and $27/kids between 38-41″ tall. Kiddos smaller than 38″ won’t be able to do much here anyway so there’s probably no need to purchase them admission. The wristband includes a cave tour and then unlimited rides on the coaster, zip line, ropes course, and 7D ride. All height, age and weight requirements can be found on their website here .

The best tip we heard over and over when researching this place online was to GO EARLY. This absolutely paid off! We arrived when the gates opened at 9am (cuz that’s how we roll) and were so grateful we did. Around noon the lines got backed up to nearly a 30-minute wait, but from 9-11:30, we were able to practically walk right up to the front of all the rides. We were told to do the zip line and mountain coaster first since those lines get the longest…so we did. Over…and over…and over…and over again. The coaster was amazingly fast, but you can control the speed with a hand brake. You can go solo or have a smaller passenger if you’re of age. Our 3-year old was able to do everything and he was thrilled about that!

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Our favorite part was the 7D Gunslinger ride, an interactive theater ride where your seat vibrates, wind blows in your face and the competition is fierce as each theater seat competes for the highest score as the #1 gunslinger. There are 3 films to choose from (some more kid-friendly) and you select your film by standing in 1 of 3 lines. The fun part is watching the theater filled with people on the screens while waiting in line. Lines go fast here too because the theater holds a lot of people, but each movie is a few minutes long.

A couple items to note if you decide to do Rush Mountain Adventure Park:

  • Order your tickets online and then pick them up at the upper gift shop at the top of the hill. The hill is no joke. It’s steep and exhausting to climb. Wheelchairs and strollers, be warned.
  • Wear closed toe shoes for the ropes course.
  • Get there the minute it opens. You won’t regret it.
  • We packed a lunch in a cooler and took a break at the car for some R&R before heading back in for another coaster ride or two.

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We wrapped up the adventure park fun around 12:30, leaving us plenty of time to enjoy ACTUAL Mount Rushmore, which was our next stop.

MOUNT RUSHMORE INFO WORTH NOTING 2019/2020: Huge construction projects are happening in the main areas of Mount Rushmore. This kind of stinks if you plan on heading there in spring/summer 2020 because the Avenue of Flags and part of the Presidential Trail will be closed. You can still get to the presidents via the nature trail though, so not all is lost. Learn more by checking out the maintenance map or the construction update page .

Mount Rushmore National Monument A 22-minute drive from the park, Mount Rushmore National Monument is one of those “must-sees” when in South Dakota. Did I think the kids were going to jump out of their skin with excitement? No, not at all. Did they find it a little bit amazing once they were there and looking at it in person? The sure did! I’m so glad we went. It’s part of history and led to a lot of conversations about history and “who did whats” and “what does that means?,” which we were happy to answer. If you want to learn more about the presidents, the sculptor and the historical story, read up on it here before you sound like an idiot in front of your kids (like I did…thank you, Google, for your handy assistance).

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Getting in to Mount Rushmore is completely free, but they charge for parking. It’s $10 per vehicle and that’s good for up to one year from purchase (you know, in case you become a Mount Rushmore junkie). Parking was easy and then it’s as simple as following the crowds to the main entrance. You can’t miss the Avenue of Flags – lined with colorful flags and stone pillars, each flag and pillar representing one of the 50 states. The kids had a fun time trying to guess the flag and looking for Minnesota.

Pay a visit to the bathrooms before heading in and check out the map to see which direction you’d like to go. The entrance area hosts a gift shop, tour guide building where you can rent a self-guided tour kit for $8/person (we passed on this), and an ice cream parlor + food truck. Our first stop had to be the ice cream because we wanted to try Thomas Jefferson’s homemade vanilla ice cream recipe (it sort of tasted like Kemps, but don’t tell Thomas). They also served mint, cookies and cream, praline pecan and strawberry.

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We walked with our ice cream down the Presidential Trail. If you do this and want to avoid 422 steps (yes, I said 422), head left. To the right is the Sculpture Studio, which was cool but if you have a stroller or don’t enjoy stairs, choose wisely. The trail is one large circle so you can turn around at any point or go the full loop. It’s paved and easy for strolling. We headed left and walked the smooth part of the trail first. The kids played on some rocks and sat at some benches and got ice cream all over their shirts. The Presidential Trail is only 0.6 miles long and you get to stand close to directly under the faces of the presidents.

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Obviously, photo opportunities are aplenty and people are more than happy to trade family photo shoots with you. The second half of the loop (the one with the 422 steps) had better views than the first flat loop. We enjoyed being there in the daylight and seeing everything in the sunshine, but apparently every evening between May and September hosts a lighting ceremony at either 8 or 9pm. Looks kinda neat and is very patriotic.

Overall, we lasted about 90 minutes total here and spent under $30 when all was said and done. Our 10-year old thought it was super cool, our 7-year old got hot and tired (per usual) and our toddler enjoyed the open space to run and climb and had absolutely no idea there were presidential replicas carved into a hill directly above his head. Nate and I thought it was pretty incredible.

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If you have the chance and the time, right down the road is the Chief Crazy Horse Memorial. This would be worth seeing as well, but our kids were so over rock carvings at this point. Crazy Horse is between $30-40 per car to get in, but the history here is important and educational. I regret not going and wish we had saved some of their energy for it. Next time we will see this in person…

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We left Mount Rushmore and headed back into Hill City to do a little shopping and grab an early dinner since the storm was coming back. We found a little Hubcap Diner to eat at and wait out the rain and lightning. (Get the cheese curds if you know what’s good for you).

We had an hour or two to kill before fireworks so Nate and I played the “selfish card” and finally paid a visit to a couple of those little wineries/breweries we see along the drive every night. Yes, we busted out the iPad and set the kids up on a couple couches and let them watch a show while we tried some Sick-N-Twisted stouts and Naked Winery merlot. We gave ourselves time to be adults, to talk about the trip, to pat ourselves on the back for staying sane for 6 days nonstop with all the noise and chaos, to just be together without full exhaustion having set in yet. And we LOVED the beer and wine just as much as the conversation. Don’t be afraid to treat yourself on family vacations too! It’s important because you’re a person too and deserve a “turn to choose” just as much as those rugrats in the backseat.

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Fully refreshed, we headed back to the cabin to change into jammies, grab some nighttime snacks and drove to Rapid City, South Dakota to watch the fireworks. A beautifully patriotic way to end a beautifully patriotic day.

DAY 7: Reptile Gardens + Rapid City + Storybook Island

Our final full day in South Dakota had finally arrived and we had big plans to fill it.

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Reptile Gardens Our first stop was Reptile Gardens, the largest reptile zoo in the country. It’s open March-November various hours ( check the website for specifics), but during the summer I recommend getting their early in the day. We got there at the 9:00am open time and walked right in, but when we left at 1:00pm, the line to the entrance was well into the parking lot (and it was HOT by then too).

Admission fees to Reptile Gardens vary by time of year, but in the summer months, prices range from $13-19 and kids 3 and under are free. Spring and fall you will save about $5/ticket. I know it’s pricey but if you have kids who really dig stuff like this, it really is a cool place to visit for a few hours.

The zoo highlights three main shows: Gator Shows, Bird Shows and Snake Shows. They are performed five times throughout the day in the summer months so time your visits to each right when you arrive so you’re sure to not miss the one or two you absolutely want to see.

We started our day with the alligator show, which was my kid’s favorite part! Who wouldn’t like watching one crazy dude stand in the middle of 20 alligators? (Actually he made me incredibly nervous, but he was so chill and reminded me a little of Ian Somerhalder, so it was worth the watch). We got there about 15 minutes before the show after grabbing a latte at the window cafe, which I would definitely recommend (both the getting there 15 minutes early and the latte), and the kids were enthralled the entire time. The host-slash-crazy-dude taught them all about alligator behaviors, common misconceptions, interesting facts and had some “close call” moments that made the audience gasp and laugh simultaneously. Do NOT miss the gator show!

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We followed the gator show with the bird show right around the corner. It’d be unfortunate for anyone who had to follow the gator guy, but the bird show just did not hold the attention of my kids (or me, if I’m being honest). It was superbly educational, but there was very little action and zero interaction. We left halfway through and continued through the rest of the park.

There’s a spot outside the bird show called Rattlesnake Gulch where you can pay extra for a shooting gallery, gem mining or a 3D safari ride. We intentionally distracted our kids so they didn’t beg to spend more of our money and completely skipped that area. Instead, they were just as entertained by the tiny playground near the back of the gardens. It didn’t have a lot of structures or anything, but it was wide open and perfect for hide and seek or just running around for a bit. Drank some water, ate some snacks, reapplied some sunscreen and continued on after some hefty play.

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We sadly bypassed the Snake Show because the crowds were already so huge that we didn’t feel like fighting it to get a seat so we instead watched some prairie dogs run around for a bit and then headed to the giant tortoises – MY favorite part!

The giant tortoise area allows you to walk among three enormous jurassic-looking animals that move faster than one might think. You can touch them gently and observe them eye-to-eye. My oldest was fascinated by these creatures!

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We finally made our way into the Sky Dome, the huge Epcot-looking ball in the middle of the zoo. Inside holds a walkthrough forest with free-roaming lizards, exhibits with plenty of venomous snakes, a good collection of intriguing amphibians, and Maniac, the 16-foot crocodile, who just so happened to be the only thing my kids talked about for the next week!

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After a couple hours, we had seen what we came to see and left (after spending way too long in their massive gift shop, which is unavoidable). The rest of our day was going to be spent in Rapid City again – we went to Christmas Village (for mom to get an ornament), revisited the same parking ramp from day one (which is free after 5pm and on weekends) right off Main Street Square, and let the kids play in the splash pad again. We walked Main Street and took photos with the president statues, played in the book and toy shop and then dried off for a delicious “last meal” at Que Pasa on Main Street. I LOVED this experience for many reasons: A) we live for Mexican food, B) everyone was in a good mood, C) we got to sit on the rooftop, and D) the server was awesome.

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Storybook Island After stomachs were full, we had to hustle to Storybook Island since it closes at 7pm. What is Storybook Island, you ask? Well, I thought it was going to be cheesy and a waste of time, but I don’t know…with kids and just tons of fenced-in room for them to run and play and climb and recognize all the characters…it was pretty darn cool.

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Storybook Island in South Dakota is open Labor Day through Memorial Day from 9am to 7pm. This 7-acre park comes with no admission, free range play, a carousel ($2/person), a train ($2/person), and so many storybook character statues, it just makes you smile. Some of the figures are more than run-down, but the park is built and operated on sponsorships and donations, which is super cool, and it adds a fun element to the city and a cool memory for the kiddos.

The park has plush grass and some pathways, so strollers wouldn’t be a problem. There are bathrooms, a snack shop, a gift shop and ice cream. Some of our favorite characters included Cinderella’s carriage, Wizard of Oz, Rapunzel in the tower, Snow White’s house, the bridge with the troll, Cat in the Hat and the 3 Little Pigs. While there is a playground and a smaller kids area, our crew just enjoyed checking out the figures, climbing the bridges and running freely.

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Dinosaur Park After Storybook Island closed (we definitely could’ve stayed longer), we took our final adventure – Dinosaur Park. Standing atop the Rapid City, South Dakota skyline are 7 giant dinosaur replicas, dated and slowly falling apart. But kids don’t care, man. They didn’t care that the dinosaur’s paint was chipped off or that its eyes resembled those of a cartoon cat. They just cared that the view was awesome, the gift shop sold dinosaur fossils and the dinosaur replicas were bigger than they were.

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Dinosaur Park is closed November-April and is free to enter. Park in the lot by the gift shop (where you can get snacks, souvenirs or use the restroom) and then climb a ton of stairs to get up to the dinosaurs on the hill. We spent about 30 minutes here and that was plenty. But, hey, we can say we saw it. After you’re done with the dinos, consider finishing the rest of the Skyline Drive or even stop for a short hike on one of the trails. It feels like you’re on top of the world and the view is pretty sweet.

Back to the cabin for one last night of sleep (and packing) before heading back on the road for our final day – of mostly just travel.

DAY 8: Badlands, Corn Palace, Home!

The last morning, we packed the rest of our cabin, made one big bin of grabbable entertainment and snacks and set out to dominate the 9-hour drive back home from South Dakota . We broke up the drive by stopping in the Badlands again (it was MUCH hotter this time so we kept it short) and visiting the Corn Palace (something I will never understand, but people love it?).

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The Badlands of South Dakota are just a must whenever you drive past them. They aren’t that far from Rapid City, so it’s not the most timely pit stop, but it is a good way to wear out those little legs before piling into the car for an epic journey. Even something as simple as parking right by the visitor center and taking the winding trails up and down the sandy hills for 30 minutes will tire them out.

Corn Palace Corn Palace is about 4 hours from Rapid City, South Dakota so is a lovely stop to get out and stretch your legs. But what is the Corn Palace? I had absolutely no idea what we were getting in to, and as we were walking out, I still had no idea what we had gotten in to. But it’s a classic South Dakota road trip stop so ya gotta do it!

The Palace is right on Main Street in Mitchell and takes up a whole block of city. The building is lined with murals made of corn, both inside and out. It’s a free visit and holds industrial exhibits representing the agricultural culture of South Dakota. The main part is an auditorium space with a gift shop and more corn murals. You can buy some popcorn balls or concession snacks to keep you going on your drive. I got a lot of crap from my husband for not “getting” the Corn Palace, but we all have our own opinions. The artistic designs were undeniable, but the concept was odd. Whatever. Been there, done that.

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Even though there are more options along the route to stop at to break up the drive, our whole family was ready to be home, sleep in our own beds and snuggle our dog so we powered straight through – the whole drive in one day, home by 8pm. The drive home included a lot more electronics, a lot less organization and just a few gas station stops to pick up snacks and drinks. The kids were rockstars and the time flew!

It was nice to be home, but this was definitely a vacation we won’t soon forget. My first trip to South Dakota left me with millions of memories and great anticipation to do it again someday. Worth the drive, worth the planning, just so worth it. 8 days in South Dakota may sound like a lot, but the list of adventures we didn’t have time to do remains long. Guess it’s time to start planning our return…

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Lisa Quinlan

Great job with this blog post about all the wonderful things there are to do in South Dakota with the family!

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Heather Cooper

This is soooooo amazing! We also live in Minneapolis and wanted to do this road trip with our 3 children this summer. I’m a born and raised Minnesotan and I’ve been to South Dakota ONCE as a small child. You literally saved me so much time on having to plan! I’m so appreciative for all the time you took to write this up. I had no idea there were so many family-friendly, cool things to do in South Dakota!

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You’re welcome! Thanks so much for reading…let me know if you have any questions. 🙂

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This is a wonderful post as I am planning a summer trip with my family. Thank you!

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sarah copeland

Amazing blog post. I am following a lot of your suggestion for our trip from the twin cities next month!

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Amazing and detailed tips. Your kids are very cute. By the way, I really liked the way you showed your itinerary. What did you use?

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Best10Hiking

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Minneapolis to Mount Rushmore Summer Road Trip: 17 Things to see on the way

Side view of Mount Rushmore

Are you planning a road trip from Minneapolis to Mount Rushmore? The road through the cornfields is fun to drive but the awesome things to see on the way to Mount Rushmore are the real attractions here! Read our list of 15 great road stops to visit this summer. This guide is useful also for those planning a family vacation drive from Chicago to Mount Rushmore. You might also like our South Dakota Travel Guide .

Our South Dakota road trip ranks pretty high up among our favorite drives ever.

We started from Chicago on a Friday noon and drove through the night to reach Minneapolis just before sunset.

We enjoyed the city’s nightlife and then started for Mount Rushmore in the morning.

And that’s where our real road trip experience began, the stretch from Minneapolis to Mt Rushmore is beautiful and has many unique roadside attractions.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

The way we have structured this post, we have divided the trip into easily manageable sections so you can scroll down to the ones you are most interested in.

Chicago to Minneapolis

We covered this stretch in one go and didn’t stop at the attractions – the main reason being that we had done it twice before!

We had been to Minneapolis at the start of summer and then again as a part of our Midwestern Winter Road Trip.

If you don’t want to see Minneapolis, you can continue straight on the I-90 from Chicago however the little detour makes a great pitstop – to soak in the city that sprung up on the Mississippi and its brilliant cuisine and attractions.

The distance from Chicago to Minneapolis is about 7 hrs on the I90/I94.

You can easily drive it in a day and spend the night in Minneapolis, leaving aside the next day to see the city.

If you are starting from Chicago, then here are some of the stops along the road:

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

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If you are from Chicago then, of course, you don’t need an introduction – but just in case you aren’t, here goes!

Chicago has been our home for more than 4 years and we simply love the Windy City.

Well, not its winters – but apart from them, Chicago is just perfect.

Some of the must-see things in Chicago include the Bean at Millenium Park, Buckingham Fountain at Grant Park (if it’s open), the Museum Campus, shopping at Magnificent Mile, and taking a cruise from Navy Pier in the summer.

We also love going to the Lincoln Park Zoo and seeing the beautiful artwork at the Art Institute of Chicago.

And of course, no visit is complete without seeing the beautiful downtown from above, whether it is from one of the many rooftop bars or from the Willis Tower.

The city just comes alive in the summer and colorful tulips pop up everywhere while patios are filled with music and cheerful people.

Rock Cut State Park

Located adjacent to the Interstate 90, Rock Cut State Park is a great stopover on the way to Minneapolis from Chicago.

It is perfect to stop and stretch your legs for an hour or so, it is also great to stay longer, hike, and camp for the night.

The state park has mountain biking and horse riding trails; it also encompasses two lakes with beach areas for recreation.

Visitors can launch their watercrafts from the ramps and cool off in the lakes.

The park looks beautiful in fall when the trees are yellow-red and the hiking trails shine with dewy, orange leaves.

While we love the vibrant lakeside city of Milwaukee more than Madison, the state capital does have its own charms.

The Wisconsin State Capitol is one of Madison’s prominent attractions – a majestic building with murals and ornate interior.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens, located along the riverfront, are free to visit and look best in spring and summer.

Madison also has great art museums and a lively restaurant scene.

As admirers of Frank Lloyd Wright, we love visiting his winter house, Taliesin East, located in the Wisconsin countryside. It is just half an hour away from Madison and inspiring.

Visitors can see the property on guided tours and see the studio where Wright designed his masterpieces.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells makes a great stop on the Chicago to Mount Rushmore road trip or a fun weekend destination in itself.

Wisconsin Dells has everything from lots of water parks including indoor ones to outdoor activities like zip-lining and skiing in the winter.

Ziplining is one of the best ways to see Wisconsin Dells in fall, you will be soaring above the lake and orange-red trees.

The area is scenic with Lake Delton and its eroded sandstone shores, lots of trees, and wildlife.

One of our favorite ways to take in the beauty is by walking along the Wisconsin Riverwalk.

A must activity in Wisconsin Dells is the amphibian water/land Duck Tours on the lake.

For a cool wildlife experience, we recommend visiting the Wisconsin Deer Park. Here you can feed the white-tailed deer and see other animals including bison and elks.

St. Paul is the state capital of Minnesota.

We loved the spacious and classy old town with its Victorian mansions and unique character.

To see the Victorian homes at their stately best, visit the sprawling Summit Avenue.

The Cathedral of St Paul is located at one end of Summit Avenue and has panoramic views over downtown.

The Cathedral is a scaled replica of St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and is beautiful inside out.

Families will love visiting the Como Park Zoo and the adjacent Como Town amusement park.

The state capitol building is also very beautiful and a great tourist attraction.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Minneapolis

Minneapolis, along with St Paul, is known as the Twin Cities.

We love Minneapolis’s vibe – enough to make several hours detour on the Chicago to Badlands drive.

The Twin Cities are the largest cities on the origin of the Mississippi, with New Orleans being the largest city in its mouth.

We love both of these extreme cities with their unique culture and vibe which can be in large part attributed to the river.

Minneapolis is also where you can fly in to start the Great River Road trip, alongside small river towns, scenic sandstone buffs, and remote countryside.

Minnehaha Falls, along the Mississippi River, are must visit when in Minneapolis.

Culture and art lovers will enjoy a visit to the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Weisman Art Museum, and Guthrie Theatre.

We loved walking along the riverbank and looking at the remains of several big, abandoned flour mills at the Mill Ruins Park.

Another favorite when in Minneapolis is the Sculpture Garden.

This green urban oasis has many beautiful sculptures including the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

If you don’t want to visit Minneapolis, you can also directly drive from Chicago to Badlands National Park and then onwards to Mount Rushmore.

In that case, you will continue on the I 90 after Wisconsin Dells instead of turning north on the I 94.

You will cross the Mississippi River and intersect the Great River Road at La Crosse.

La Crosse, located on the banks of the Mississippi in Western Wisconsin, is a great summer road trip stop.

We stopped in La Crosse on our way back from the Chicago to mt Rushmore road trip and were excited to see so many family-friendly attractions.

If your family or kids love cars, then you will love the Dahl Auto Museum which had a great collection of classic cars.

We strolled through the Riverside Park and saw many cruises on the river.

The free Riverside International Friendship Garden is beautiful in spring and summer.

Visitors can also hike along the river and enjoy scenic picnics at the Grandad Bluff Park.  

Minneapolis to Mount Rushmore

This is where the trip gets really interesting: there are more than a dozen interesting things on the way to see Mount Rushmore.

After spending a day or two in Minneapolis, you can reconnect to the Interstate 90.

This stretch of I 90 cruises over rolling hills and is surrounded by cornfields, sunflower blooms (if you are traveling from summer to fall), cattle, and hay bales – total eye candy!

The road stretches straight ahead for miles and is perfect to put on some great music and take in the scenic views.

We have broken this stretch into two parts: one from Minneapolis to Badlands (about 8 hrs drive time) and the other from Badlands to Mount Rushmore.

The idea is to stop and spend a day or two in Badlands National Park before you visit Mount Rushmore.

You also have the option of driving directly to Mount Rushmore and visiting Badlands on the way back.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Minnesota to Badlands, South Dakota road trip stops

Sioux falls.

Sioux Falls is the first urban stop on the I 90 in South Dakota when traveling westwards from Minnesota.

Sioux Falls has beautiful scenery and lots of urban attractions.

We reached Sioux Falls early in the morning and first visited the popular Falls Park .

The falls are created by the water of the Big Sioux River as it tumbles down limestone rock formations.

The Falls Park comprises of the falls themselves and the surrounding area and has lots of walking and biking trails.

When we visited over the Labor Day Weekend, the foliage colors were just beginning to change and the park looked colorful.

The unique sculptures on the Sioux Falls Sculpture Walk by local artists were also nice to see.

We found Sioux Falls to be a great family destination with many activities targeted towards kids.

Some of the things to do in Sioux Falls with kids included the Butterfly House which is filled with fluttering butterflies from all around the world, Marine Cove – an aquarium with colorful fishes and corals, a memorial dedicated to the battleship USS South Dakota, and the Great Plains Zoo.

Terrace Park is another great urban park with lots of sports amenities, trails, and picnic areas.

The entire city seemed to be well connected by biking trails.

If you are visiting Sioux Falls in winter, the entire area is a frozen wonderland and skiing is a popular activity.

Mitchell Corn Palace

If you have any doubt that you are in the Corn Belt and forgotten the importance of corn in this part of the country, then your next stop at Mitchell will give you enough Corn 101 to last a lifetime.

The town of Mitchell is located an hour away from Sioux Falls on the I 90 and its main attraction is the World’s Only Corn Palace at Mitchell .

The Corn Palace is exactly what it sounds: a big palace complete with minarets and domes of corn!

It is also the only Corn Palace in the world.

While the Corn Palace is a regular building, every surface of it is covered with corn murals made from different colorful varieties of corn.

Inside you will find a small corn museum: exhibits about the contribution of corn to Midwest economy, the process of creating corn murals, and photos of past corn palaces.

The murals are made anew each year after the harvest. It is fascinating to see so much art made from corn of different colors, sizes, and shapes.

Other things to do in Mitchell include the Dakota Discovery Museum which has a lot of Native American history and the nearby Lake Mitchell, which is great to cool off on a hot summer day.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Long before you reach the Wall Drug, you will see signs on the interstate proclaiming it’s colorful existence along with an offer of free ice water.

Located in the town of Wall, the Wall Drug Store is a major roadside attraction along the freeway.

The Wall Drug has been in operation since the Great Depression Era and has a fascinating history.

The little family store didn’t do well with Mt. Rushmore’s initial tourists so the owners put up signs advertising free water and the rest is history.

Today the Wall Drug is a gimmicky, 6 figure business that sees up to 20k visitors every day in the summer.

They do still offer free ice water, 5c coffees, fresh donuts, homemade ice cream, and all the other things advertised on the billboards.

The Wall Drug also has other tourist attractions including an old-fashioned photo studio, a T-Rex, a soda fountain, a restaurant, souvenir shop, band a weird rabbit/deer sculpture, which apparently is the mythical animal, Jackalope!

The Wall Drug is just the sort of thing you expect to run into on a South Dakota road trip and it doesn’t disappoint!

Also Read: South Dakota’s 15 Most Underrated Tourist Attractions

Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park, along with Mount Rushmore, is what this trip is all about!

Badlands is a beautiful, otherworldly landscape filled with bizarre geological forms.

The Badlands were carved by the waters of the White River more than a million years ago.

Today the area comprised of Badlands National Park is a unique mix of flat prairies and eroded buttes, pinnacles, mounds, and other landforms.

The erosion carried out by the river has revealed long-buried soil layers and the Badlands today is one of the best places to find the fossils of ancient Great Plains animals.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

We suggest spending at least 2-3 days in Badlands before starting the Badlands to Custer State Park portion of this trip.

The best way to see the Badlands is by driving along Loop Road, a very scenic drive that goes around the national park.

The Loop Road has many viewpoints from which most of the geological landforms can be seen.

We also saw a lot of Badlands wildlife along Loop Road.

Another road to drive within the park is the unpaved Sage Rim Road.

We also recommend hiking inside Badlands to explore the park better.

Our favorite hike was the Notch Trail: the hike is short but adventurous and the views of the White River Valley from the trail summit are gorgeous.

Some of the other great hikes in Badlands include the Door and Window Trail and accessible Fossil Trail.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

For simple itinerary ideas,  we suggest visiting the Wall Drug, Visitor Center, and driving Badlands Loop Road on Day 1.

The next day you can hike in Badlands and take sunrise photos.

We camped in Badlands during our stay; the other option is to stay in the town of Wall.

Lots of inns and motels are located in the area near the Wall Drug.

Badlands is also a photographer’s delight, especially at dawn and dusk, and has many great photography spots (read our Badlands photography guide ) – so we suggest bringing along a great digital camera.

Also Read: 5 Reasons Badlands is Better than Grand Canyon

Badlands National Park to Mount Rushmore

While this drive is just under 2 hours, there are so many great things to do around Mount Rushmore in this area that you can easily spend a week here.

You need to see all of these attractions to truly complete the Minneapolis to Mt Rushmore road trip. Here are the must-visit stops in this region.

Rapid City is located about midway between the Black Hills National Forest and Mount Rushmore and makes the perfect base for exploring all the attractions in this region.

If you are flying in to see Mt Rushmore and the Badlands then Rapid City is where you will land.

There are many hotels, motels, and AirBnBs in Rapid City and it has lots of amenities for tourists including car, bike, and motorcycle rentals.

Mount Rushmore is just half an hour away from Rapid City whereas Badlands National Park is about an hour and a half.

Most of Rapid City’s attractions are geared toward families and children.

The highlight for kids is, without a doubt, the dinosaur park.

If you have kids who love dinosaurs then you will love our guide on the best dinosaur gifts for kids.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Custer State Park

Custer State Park near Custer in South Dakota is one of the largest state parks in the country.

This park is great for outdoor enthusiasts and family vacations.

While you can see Custer in one day and stay for the night in the town of Keystone which is the base for Mount Rushmore, we recommend camping in Custer as we did.

Custer has 9 campgrounds; the one that we stayed in was located close to Lake Sylvan.

A total of 4 mountain lakes are located inside Custer and a variety of paddleboards, kayaks, and other equipment is available for rental.

The lakes are great to cool off during summer.

There are lots of things to do in Custer State Park including scenic drives, beautiful hikes, and watersports and is the perfect outdoor summer getaway.

Custer also makes the perfect base for seeing Mount Rushmore in a day.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

The highlight of any visit to Custer is its buffalo (bison) herd.

The best place to see bison and other Custer wildlife is on the wildlife loop road.

We drove the wildlife loop road twice – once at dusk and then again the next day at dawn.

We slowly drove along the Wildlife Loop Road for about two hours each time and had memorable encounters with South Dakota and the Great Plains wildlife .

We saw deer walking alongside our car and pronghorns leaping into the distance.

We saw bighorn sheep, mountain goat, pheasants, turkeys, Chipmunks, wild horses, and burros.

The burros came to the car window in search of food and we had a great time feeding them.

Note: you should not feed any wildlife other than the begging burros.

We saw bison of all sizes.

The calves were very innocent and sweet while the elder bison we’re big enough to knock down a car.

Overall, the Wildlife Loop Road is incredibly scenic and part of the great Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway (see below).

Custer State Park also has historical sites including President Coolidge White House, Badger Trail, and a Native American Historical site.

Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway

The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway ranks among America’s best scenic drives.

The Byway has an interesting history: it comprises of 3 distinct scenic drives and the route was personally planned by South Dakota Senator Peter Norbeck on horseback.

The three scenic drives consisting of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway are the Wildlife Loop Road in Custer, Iron Mountain Road, and the Needles Highway.

While we have discussed the Wildlife Loop Road above, the other two roads are of equal importance.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

The fantastic Iron Mountain Road is the road that once seemed too difficult to be built.

However, Peter Norbeck clung to his vision and insisted on the exact location of the road and what you see today is one of the most beautiful drives you will ever take.

This road has it all: hairpin turns, curving pigtail bridges, and narrow tunnels carved through the mountains.

The surrounding landscape is filled with pine trees and wild animals.

When you exit the last tunnel on Iron Mountain Road, you directly face Mount Rushmore.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Equally spectacular is the Needles Highway.

This is drive passes through the Black Hills National Forest and its peculiar needles formations.

The needles are eroded granite formations that are jagged and point straight towards the sky (resembling a bunch of needles).

The views of the needles along the road are bizarre and dramatic but the highlight is the tunnel at the end and the Needle’s Eye.

The Needles Eye is a geological formation with a hole in the granite needle.

Just beyond the Needles Eye are two extremely narrow tunnels.

Bigger RVs and trucks cannot pass through these while bigger cars and vans require a lot of maneuvering.

This area is also great for rock climbing and you will often see families attempting to climb the needles before the tunnel.

If you are like us and enjoy driving along challenging and twisting roads, then you will fall in love with Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway.

An ideal itinerary is to see Custer and Wildlife Loop Road, then Crazy Horse Memorial, take the Iron Mountain Road to Mount Rushmore and see the Needles Highway on your way back to Custer if that’s your base for visiting Mt. Rushmore National Park.

Also Read: 38 Best Attractions in the Black Hills

Crazy Horse Memorial

Crazy Horse Memorial is dedicated to the famous Lakota leader Crazy Horse.

The scale of this sculpture is immense and when completed it will be the largest in the world.

The sculpture is being carved since many years; however, the foundation has refused to take money from the federal government to respect Crazy Horse and Lakota sentiments and the project is funded only through donation and visitor fees which are the major reason for slow progress.

Crazy Horse Visitor Center is a great place to learn more about the Lakota leader Crazy Horse and his bravery.

You will also learn about the Native American culture and have a chance to buy handicrafts made by local Native craftsmen and listen to Native music.

We also enjoyed tasting some of the Native American delicacies like Fry Bread at the Memorial Cafe.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Wind Cave National Park

As one of South Dakota’s less popular national parks, Wind Cave National Park is off the radar of most tourists.

Wind Cave is located just 10 miles from Hot Springs and is the first cave in the world to be established as a national park.

It is also the longest cave in the world.

The cave has beautiful box work and other formations which can be seen in a guided tour.

The park also comprises of hiking trails and is popular for wildlife sighting including pronghorns and deer.

Jewel Cave National Monument is also located near Wind Cave and can be seen on the way to Mount Rushmore.

Black Hills National Forest

The Black Hills of South Dakota loom over the prairies of the Great Plains.

The Black Hills are among the oldest mountains in the world and have long been worshipped by the Lakota Indians.

Black Hills’ history is full of myths and dramatic battles.

The area remained uninhabited for long but the discovery of gold changed that.

White settlements followed the Gold Rush and skirmishes with Native Indians became common.

The gold boom was followed by the tourism boom after the completion of Mount Rushmore, and the Black Hills remote, rugged landscape has changed forever.

Today there are established trails, mountain roads and scenic drives, campsites, and lodges in the Black Hills.

In summer, the roads are packed with curious road trippers and motorbike enthusiasts.

Large parts of the Black Hills are protected by the Black Hills National Forest; you can take scenic drives through the area to see spectacular scenery, towering trees, unique geological formations, lots of wildlife and hike popular trails.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Keystone, located in the Black Hills, originated as a mining town during the Gold Rush of the 19th century.

When the miners left the area, Keystone transformed into a tourist town and catered to the needs of millions of visitors visiting Mount Rushmore every day.

Today, Keystone is a little kitschy and run down: tourists vastly outnumber locals, every resort and motel in town advertises ‘view of Mount Rushmore’ from the rooms, all shop feel like Native American trading outposts and the National President Wax Museum has statues of every President ever standing happily along with those of local Lakota warriors.

However, in spite of its tourist trap like setting, Keystone has lots of little gems like the Black Hills Central Railroad and a look into the life of Carrie Ingalls (sister of Laura Ingalls, who wrote ‘Little House on the Prairie’ series) at the Keystone Historical Museum.

Other popular tourist activities include zip lining, panning for gold at the Big Thunder Gold Mine, and the Rush Mountain Amusement/Adventure Park.

Mount Rushmore

And finally, after seeing many interesting destinations on our way, we arrived at Mount Rushmore – the shrine of democracy.

Mount Rushmore is located in the Black Hills National Forest and its face is carved with the sculptures of 4 United States Presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.

The sculptures of their faces are immense, over 60 feet and took almost 14 years to complete.

The original plan was to carve full busts of the Presidents but due to lack of funds, only the heads were carved.

There are more things to do at Mt. Rushmore than we had imagined.

Visitors to the Memorial can admire the sculpture, visit the artist studio to understand the sculpting process and walk around the Memorial exhibits.

We also hiked the Presidential Trail to get a closer view of the sculptures, along the way we saw deer and mountain goats.

My favorite part though was eating George Washington’s ice-cream.

Mount Rushmore is lit up in the summer evening and the 4th July celebrations are not to be missed.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Bonus! Mount Rushmore to Devils Tower, Wyoming

Did you know that you can see Devil’s Tower National Monument easily from Mount Rushmore?

The drive is just two hours long but again with attractions, you can easily spend a day or two exploring this beautiful area.

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Drive

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway follows the course of the Little Spearfish Creek along a curving road surrounded by tall limestone walls and dense forests.

This area is said to be the most beautiful in the Black Hills, especially for its bright fall foliage colors and viewing opportunities.

Architect Frank L. Wright visited Spearfish Canyon during his South Dakota trip and called it “Unique and unparallled”.

Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls are an essential stop on the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Drive.

The falls can be seen cascading from the road and a viewing platform with lots of parking space provides ample opportunities to see the falls.

The falls look most beautiful in spring when the melting water feeds the creek while in winter, visitors love to climb it.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Roughlock Falls and Spearfish Falls

Roughlock Falls and Spearfish Falls are located inside Spearfish Canyon and accessed by driving the scenic byway and hiking inside the area.

The surrounding Roughlock Falls / Spearfish Falls Nature Area has trails, picnic tables, fishing, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and more.

The Roughlock Falls trail connects both the falls and has great views over the falls and of surrounding trees.

Along the trail, you will also find remains of the old Burlington Railroad Line which took visitors to the falls.

In winter this area is popular for snowshoeing.

Historic Deadwood is a ghost town on the way from Mt. Rushmore to Devils Tower.

Established as a mining town during the Gold Rush, the town is famous for its Victorian architecture and for attracting some of the most well-known American West heroes.

In the old days, lawlessness, murder, and theft were prevalent in Deadwood, today visitors can see this during enacted shootouts and slayings on Main Street.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Devils Tower

Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming is just a short drive across the border from Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.

Devils Tower is a fascinating geological structure that towers high into the sky.

It has the honor of being the country’s first national monument.

Devils Tower is sacred to Native Americans and is a great place to understand the indigenous heritage and customs.

The Monument has hiking trails, campsites, and ranger-led activities including night sky observation.

Visitors can also climb Devils Tower along established routes.

3 thoughts on “Minneapolis to Mount Rushmore Summer Road Trip: 17 Things to see on the way”

If you have answered the question about a four day trip, we would like that as well.

Can you please let me know how many days trip it will be from Minneapolis to Rushmore, badlands and these attractions and return back to Minneapolis?

Can you please suggest the places i can cover in a 4 day road trip. July 4th from MN to rushmore and on July 7th back to MN? Thank you.

I am also looking for the same ,please suggest the places which i can cover with 4 days road trip to Rushmore from MN

Comments are closed.

Where Are Those Morgans

South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary (4 + 7 Days)

By: Author Mark and Kristen Morgan

Posted on Published: June 4, 2020  - Last updated: February 16, 2024

Categories North America Travel Blog

South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary (4 + 7 Days)

A South Dakota road trip offers scenic byways, famous attractions and national parks. You can drive Needles Highway to Sylvan Lake and Black Elk Peak, and you can drive Iron Mountain Road from Custer State Park to Mount Rushmore. South Dakota’s Black Hills are beautiful and filled with family friendly activities.

In this guide, we’re going to show you exactly how to plan the perfect South Dakota road trip itinerary for 4 days or 7 days based entirely on our own experiences in the area.

Introducing South Dakota

South Dakota road trip infographic with places to visit fun facts and important information

South Dakota is undoubtably most famous for Mount Rushmore, but there’s so much more to see in the beautiful Black Hills region.

We’re confident you will be left stunned by the awesome hiking and scenic drives on offer. And if you’re the type of traveler who prefers to get away from the crowds , South Dakota’s Black Hills are definitely for you.

Our South Dakota Road Trip Experience

Mark and Kristen Morgan from Where Are Those Morgans sat together on rocks at the end of Notch trail hike in Badlands National Park when driving a road trip through South Dakota

We’ve explored far and wide throughout South Dakota’s Black Hills on two separate occasions, first in the fall of 2019 and again in the spring of 2021. We love the area and consider the Black Hills as one of the best road trips in the US .

We’ve personally visited every place, attraction, park and scenic road listed in this guide. Our itineraries are tried and tested , so you can rest assured they work. Read more about us .

Here’s a short YouTube video we put together with a GoPro from our first visit to South Dakota.

About This Guide

Planning the perfect South Dakota road trip itinerary begins with creating a priority list of attractions, hikes and scenic drives.

We’re going to start by showing you the 4 most unmissable places to visit in the Black Hills, followed by other places you should visit with more time . Later in the guide we will show you exactly how to plan South Dakota road trip itineraries for 4 days and 7 days .

Unmissable South Dakota Road Trip Stops

Couple standing in front of Mount Rushmore in winter clothes with snow on the ground

So what are the places you simply cannot miss on your visit to South Dakota?

Well, we’ve seen all there is to see in South Dakota’s Black Hills and here are the 4 stops we think all first time visitors should prioritize.

  • Badlands National Park
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial
  • Custer State Park
  • Black Elk Peak

Let’s take a closer look at each stop.

1. Badlands National Park

Awesome rocks formations at Badlands National Park stop on South Dakota road trip

Badlands National Park should be included in every South Dakota road trip itinerary. It’s unique landscape is incredibly photogenic , there’s loads of fun short hikes and it can be accessed in less than one hour from Rapid City.

We think Badlands is one of the best US national parks because it’s so easy to visit, there’s never any crowds and the topography is spectacular. You’ll only need around 4 or 5 hours to fully explore Badlands.

Read more in our Badlands travel guides :

  • Best things to do in Badlands National Park
  • The best hikes in Badlands National Park
  • How to hike Notch Trail in Badlands
  • Best hotels near Badlands National Park
  • Best Badlands National Park photo spots

2. Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore at golden hour before sunrise near Keystone South Dakota

How could you go to South Dakota and not see one of America’s most famous monuments ? It would be like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. Mount Rushmore is located just 5 minutes drive from Keystone , which is one of the most popular places to set up base for a South Dakota road trip.

The iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial is carved into a towering granite rock formation, which faces directly into the sun at dawn . We watched a stunning sunrise at Mt Rushmore when the former presidents faces turned from grey to pink and orange.

You can either look up at Mt Rushmore from a huge amphitheater or you can walk the Presidents Trail which is a boardwalk with over 200 steps taking you closer to the giant sculpture.

Read more in our Mount Rushmore travel guides :

  • How to visit Mount Rushmore for the first time
  • 10 best things to do near Mount Rushmore
  • Best hotels near Mount Rushmore

3. Custer State Park

South Dakota road trip needles highway narrow tunnel along road gorgeous greens and yellows trees

Custer State Park is one of the largest and best US state parks . We’ve been to dozens of amazing state parks and Custer is definitely up there as one of our favorites. If you’re planning a South Dakota road trip with your family, Custer State Park is one place you definitely can’t miss.

You can drive an 18-mile wildlife loop to see animals, hike several picturesque trails and take on 2 of the most scenic drives in America. Here’s a time-lapse for one of the two drives called Iron Mountain Road .

Read more in our Custer State Park travel guide:

  • 6 best things to do in Custer State Park

4. Black Elk Peak Hike

Black Elk Peak Summit incredible views over Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska and South Dakota

Black Elk Peak is our top hiking recommendation for your visit to South Dakota. If you love to hike in new places, don’t miss the chance to summit this amazing trail. It’s a moderately difficult 7-mile roundtrip hike with magical views from the top.

We hiked Black Elk Peak during our first South Dakota road trip and it blew us away. You’ll find it included in our popular list of the 50 best hikes in the US .

Read more in our Black Elk Peak hiking guide :

  • How to hike Black Elk Peak Trail in South Dakota

Places To Visit With More Time

Hiker stood on rocks looking up at a huge rock tower

We’ve covered the absolute must visits on your South Dakota road trip, but there’s loads more fantastic places you can also explore if you have more time or you like to create action packed itineraries .

We consider South Dakota’s Black Hills to be one of the best US vacation spots for a reason!

Here’s a list of the places you should visit with more time:

1. Crazy Horse Memorial

Crazy Horse Memorial is a partially carved mountain sculpture , which has been under construction since 1948 but is still a long way from completion.

If it’s completed, Crazy Horse will be much larger than nearby Mount Rushmore. Entry fees are surprisingly steep for Crazy Horse but all proceeds go directly into furthering construction efforts.

2. Deadwood

Deadwood is a popular Wild West gold rush town , which has retained elements of its old western appearance.

You can stop for a hot chocolate in a quaint cafe next to the site where Wild Bill Hickok was assassinated in 1876, walk the historic main street and soak up the unique western architecture .

Further Reading: Where to stay in Deadwood SD

Photo looking up the historic downtown of Deadwood SD on a sunny day

3. Devils Tower National Monument

Devils Tower is a remarkable and quite literally unmissable rock formation just across the border from South Dakota into Wyoming. The enormous igneous rock formation dominates the skyline and it’s even more impressive from close up.

You can hike an easy and relaxing loop trail around the base of Devils Tower but we also highly recommend the awesome view from Joyner Ridge .

Further Reading: How to visit Devils Tower National Monument

4. Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park is one of the longest and most complex cave systems on the planet. It features unique formations known as boxwork.

You must join a daily ranger-led tour in order to walk through the vast Wind Cave network. Here are tour times throughout the year. Some tours can be reserved in advance but others are first come first served only.

There’s also a handful of nearby hikes with excellent views and you might even see wildlife roaming freely on the surrounding prairie.

Mark and Kristen Morgan at the summit of Black Elk Peak in South Dakota on a sunny but cool day in October

5. Jewel Cave National Monument

Jewel Cave is the third longest cave in the world with 208 miles of mapped and surveyed passages. Similarly to Wind Cave, ranger led tours at 9:00am and 2:45pm are the only way to go inside the Jewel Cave network.

Jewel Cave features more common cave formations like stalagmites and stalactites, whereas Wind Cave features boxwork which is a rare honeycomb-like formation. We think Jewel Cave is the more attractive cave , but there’s more to see and do around Wind Cave.

6. Spearfish Canyon

The 20 mile drive through Spearfish Canyon scenic byway is one of the best hidden gem spots in the Black Hills. It’s a lovely drive within itself, but there’s also loads of great places to stop along the way including waterfalls and hikes.

We stopped to hike Devils Bathtub Trail which turned out to be a really fun unmarked trail running alongside a creek with plenty of crossings.

Now you know the best places to visit on your road trip through South Dakota, let’s get into the itineraries.

4 Days South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary

We’re beginning with a 4 days South Dakota road trip itinerary that assumes you are booking a hotel in Keystone for the duration of your trip. Use the map above to see the attractions we recommend for each day.

Days 1, 3 and 4 are full with what we consider the most unmissable attractions. Day 2 has room for you to include your other top priorities, but we’ll also show you how we would spend the second day which you can see in the map above.

Day 1 – Badlands

Bighorn Sheep close up shot at badlands national park

Start the day by visiting the fantastic Minuteman Missile National Historic Site where you will learn all about the Cold War , including decommissioned US Nuclear Missile locations in South Dakota.

Next, enter Badlands National Park and spend the day hiking, exploring, wildlife spotting and taking photos of the alien-like landscape.

Later, drive to Wall which is just outside the northwest Badlands entrance to check out Wall Drug Store . Finally, drive to Keystone , grab dinner at old-west themed  Red Garter Saloon and check into your hotel.

Day 2 – Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore illuminated by pink sunlight at sunrise Black Hills National Forest South Dakota

The major thing to see on day 2 is Mount Rushmore . You can do that any time of day and it really only takes a few hours at the most. Personally, we think sunrise is the best time of day to see the sculpture because it’s really quiet and the colors are amazing. But we know sunrise isn’t for everyone!

Remember, you can go to an evening lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore between June and September for a unique experience.

You’ll have action packed days 3 and 4 , so day 2 in this itinerary is the day to visit other places on your Black Hills wishlist like Deadwood, Wind Cave or even Devils Tower.

Personally we would do Mt Rushmore for sunrise, then drive to either Wind Cave or Jewel Cave (pre-booking a tour in advance), stop at Crazy Horse next on the way up to Deadwood , drive Spearfish Canyon and visit Devils Tower . It would be a long and busy day but it would mean seeing everything.

Day 3 – Custer State Park

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Start the day by driving the super-scenic Iron Mountain Highway from Keystone to Custer State Park. You’ll love driving Iron Mountain Road which is essentially non-stop curves, hairpins, narrow tunnels with Mount Rushmore views and even pigtail turns.

Go to the Custer State Park visitor center and watch the movie narrated by Kevin Costner. Next, pay the $20 entrance fee for Custer State Park (good for 7 days) and drive the one way wildlife loop for 18 miles, Hopefully you’ll be able to see plenty of animals roaming. They’re most active in the morning and late afternoon.

After the wildlife loop, enter the east entrance to the awesome Needles Highway and drive as far as Cathedral Spires Trail , which is a popular short but moderately difficult hike. Complete the scenic Needles Highway drive, leaving to the west and without stopping at Sylvan Lake .

Day 4 – Black Elk Peak

Kristen at Harney Peak summit Black Elk Peak

Start the final day by driving to Sylvan Lake and the trailhead for Black Elk Peak . This amazing hike is the perfect way to finish a short but sweet South Dakota road trip. You already have your 7 day pass for Custer State Park so you won’t have to pay again to enter the Sylvan Lake area.

Hiking the moderately challenging 7-mile roundtrip Black Elk Peak Trail will take up a huge chunk of your day . However, if you’re an experienced hiker you can also take on the tough Sunday Gulch Trail which is located on the opposite side of Sylvan Lake.

Not a hiker? No problem!

You can change day 4 on this itinerary to instead visit the northern parts of the Black Hills. Your day would include Deadwood, Lead, Spearfish Canyon and Devils Tower. In this case, change your day 2 to focus more on the southern areas of the Black Hills.

7 Days South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary

Let’s move onto our 7 days South Dakota road trip itinerary which covers all points of interest and takes things slowly . This itinerary assumes you are booking different hotels throughout your trip for the most efficiency.

Use the map above to see the most efficient one week South Dakota road trip. We’ve included hotel icons at the end of each day so you know where to stay every night.

Day 1 – Badlands National Park

Woman in Badlands National Park on a South Dakota Road Trip

Pick up your hire car at Rapid City airport and drive east on I-90.

Stop at Wall Drug and visit the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site before spending the afternoon soaking up extra-terrestrial views from scenic overlooks, hiking and spotting wildlife in Badlands National Park .

Our to hiking picks are Notch Trail and Door Trail . We highly recommend you stop at every overlook but definitely don’t miss Yellow Mounds for something a bit different. Stay in Badlands for sunset.

Either camp in Badlands, stay at Cedar Lodge inside the park or drive to Wall to stay in one of five hotels.

Day 2 – Badlands + Wind Cave

Wind Cave National Park steps lit up yellow

The beauty of having more time is that you can make the most of the best light . We highly recommend heading back into Badlands in the morning for sunrise .

This is also the time to hike any trails you missed yesterday like Castle Trail . If you didn’t arrive into Badlands until later on day 1, hike Notch Trail and Door Trail today. Once you’re done in Badlands, drive all the way down to Wind Cave National Park .

There’s a great little hike you can do near Wind Cave called Rankin Ridge Trail , which leads a wonderful viewpoint overlooking the park. Next, stop in at Wind Cave visitor center to get information about cave tours for the next morning if you haven’t already booked a tour online.

Check into a hotel in nearby Hot Springs .

Day 3 – Wind Cave, Needles Highway + Cathedral Spires

Stunning needle like granite rocks with ponderosa pine trees green and yellow on a south Dakota road trip itinerary

Get an early start and be at Wind Cave visitor center around 30 minutes before it opens for the day. Cave tours are split between advanced tickets and first come first served which sell out quickly after opening. And you can do more than one tour.

Grab lunch in Custer and then drive the famous Needles Highway scenic byway beginning on the east side. You’ll pay $20 entrance fee for Custer State Park at Needles Highway south entrance and it’s good for 7 days.

Stop at Cathedral Spires trailhead and park on the tight U-bend. The Cathedral Spires trail really showcases the natural beauty of the famous granite rock formations in the Black Hills.

Drive back to a Custer hotel for the night.

Day 4 – Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake + Black Elk Peak

Sylvan Lake reflecting on still water with blowers and snow and ice

Arrive at Custer wildlife loop as early as you can to stand the best chance of seeing animals when they’re most active. Drive slowly through the one way park and maybe even get out of your car to walk up a hill for a better view.

Drive Needles Highway again or take SD-89 for a more direct route to Sylvan Lake . There’s loads to do around Sylvan Lake, especially when the weather is warmer. Families can relax and have a picnic, the kids can swim or hike around the lake in a loop, and the adults can even take on Sunday Gulch .

However, our top recommendation for day 4 is to hike Black Elk Peak . You can see into 4 US states from the summit and even the trail itself is picturesque.

Once you are down, drive back to Custer again for the night.

Day 5 – Jewel Cave, Crazy Horse, Iron Mountain + Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore grey on a cloudy day

Arrive to Jewel Cave early to ensure you get onto a cave tour before they sell out. Jewel Cave is just 15 minutes drive from the town of Custer. After your cave tour you could hike the 5.5 mile roundtrip Hell Canyon Trail or you can drive straight to Crazy Horse .

You can actually see Crazy Horse from the main road without having to pay entry, which is helpful to know if you’re trying to balance the budget or you’re short on time .

Next, grab lunch in Custer before driving to the southern entrance for Iron Mountain scenic byway near Custer State Park visitor center. At the other end of the awesome Iron Mountain Road it’s finally time for you to visit Mount Rushmore !

By now it will be getting to the later part of the afternoon or early evening. You might be able to see the sun disappear behind the presidents heads and you also might want to stay for the evening light show .

Check into a Keystone hotel.

Day 6 – Deadwood + Spearfish Canyon

Spearfish Canyon hike devils bathtub SD

If you’re interested in photography, we highly recommend you wake up early and see Mt Rushmore at sunrise . It is just a few minutes drive from Keystone so you are perfectly located.

Later in the morning you can take US-385 north for 1 hour until you reach the small town of Deadwood . Once you arrive, walk down the historic main street, learn about famous Wild West characters and stop in somewhere for a coffee or a beer.

Spearfish Canyon is one of our favorite parts of the Black Hills. From Deadwood, take US-14 southwest as far as Cheyenne Crossing and Savoy. Stop first at Savoy to see Roughlock Falls . You can also hike Iron Creek or Devils Bathtub , before stopping at Bridal Veil Falls on the roadside.

Check into a hotel in Spearfish .

Day 7 – Devils Tower + Rapid City

Devils Tower National Monument from Joyner Ridge an amazing way to end a south dakota road trip

Take either I-90 and US-14, or WY-24 to Devils Tower . We took the latter and it was a very peaceful drive. Spend the late morning walking around the base of Devils Tower and enjoying the views over this unique geological feature.

Before leaving, don’t forget to drive up to Joyner Ridge which has the best views of Devils Tower across the meadows.

Finally, you’ll drive I-90 to Rapid City to spend the afternoon relaxing around town. Rapid City is filled with excellent restaurants and it’s the best place to spend the night before flying out of Rapid City airport the next morning.

South Dakota Road Trip Packing

Couple crouched down on rocks pointing to a sign

Packing for your South Dakota road trip will depend entirely on what time of year you decide to visit.

We first visited South Dakota in October when the weather was perfect for hiking in shorts and t-shirts but it was cold in the morning and at night.

The second time we visited the Black Hills in April and there was a lot of snow on the ground , which of course meant it was much colder.

If you visit in summer you can expect hot days so your packing list will look very different to a spring or fall trip.

Here’s a quick packing list of items to remember no matter when you visit the area:

  • America the Beautiful Pass – REI
  • Car emergency kit – First Secure
  • In case of snow – Snow Brush
  • Hiking shoes – Men | Women
  • Day hiking backpack – Best day bags
  • Down Jacket – Men | Women

Further Reading: Essential road trip packing list

Where To Stay

Close up of a polystyrene coffee cup at Wall Drug Store in South Dakota

You won’t have any issues finding places to stay on your South Dakota road trip.

We’ve written a comprehensive guide to the best hotels near Mount Rushmore , which goes into far greater detail on choosing the perfect places to stay in the entire region.

You might also want to read our ultimate guide on how to book the cheapest hotels  to learn about ways you can save money.

Below you will find our recommended lodging options for each stop along this South Dakota road trip itinerary.

1. Badlands Lodging

Campgrounds

There are 2 campgrounds inside the National Park: Cedar Pass RV Park and Campground has facilities but Sage Creek Campground is primitive (without facilities).

Cedar Pass Lodge is the only accommodation located within the park.

There are five hotels in Wall near Badlands National Park:

  • Badlands Frontier Cabins
  • Best Western Plains Motel
  • Americas Best Value Inn Wall
  • Days Inn by Wyndham Wall
  • Travelodge by Wyndham Wall

Further Reading: Where to stay near Badlands National Park

2. Mount Rushmore Lodging

Camping is very popular around the Mount Rushmore area. Black Hills National Forest has around 30 campgrounds to choose between.

Keystone is the most convenient place to stay near Mt Rushmore. It has a very central location among the best things to do in the area.

Here are some of the top rated hotels in Keystone:

  • Rockerville Lodge + Cabins
  • Comfort Inn + Suites
  • Powder House Lodge
  • Roosevelt Inn
  • Rushmore Express + Suites

Further Reading: The best hotels in Keystone SD

3. Custer State Park Lodging

Custer State Park has 10 campground options available, including in the foothills of Black Elk Peak near Sylvan Lake.

If you’d prefer to set up a base closer to Custer State Park’s wildlife loop and Black Elk Peak, stay in the town of Custer which is in between the two attractions.

Here are the best value hotels in Custer to consider:

  • Chalet Motel
  • Chief Motel
  • Rocket Motel
  • Comfort Inn
  • Holiday Inn Express

Further Reading: The best hotels in Custer SD

Camping Special

Open grassy field with benches for camping in Badlands National Park

Are you planning to camp during your road trip through South Dakota?

We’ve teamed up with The Dyrt to offer our readers an exclusive no strings attached 30 day free trial with The Dyrt PRO .

This is our favorite camping app because it finds the best campgrounds along any driving route and there are no additional booking fees. You can also use Dyrt Alerts to receive notifications when sold out campgrounds have cancellations.

In Conclusion

South Dakota’s Black Hills region has a wide range of attractions and activities to suit travelers of all ages and preferences. If it’s your first time in South Dakota, you shouldn’t miss Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park and Black Elk Peak.

We’ve enjoyed two fantastic road trips through South Dakota. We think 4 days is easily enough time to see the highlights of South Dakota’s Black Hills but 7 days would allow you to slow down, see fewer attractions each day and have a more relaxing experience.

More From South Dakota

  • Exactly how to hike Black Elk Peak Trail
  • The best things to do in Custer State Park
  • Complete Mount Rushmore vacation planner

More US Road Trips

  • Best stops on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip
  • Best places to visit on a New England fall road trip
  • How to plan a Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone road trip
  • How to plan a Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip
  • Complete guide to the best Utah road trips
  • The perfect 3 day Zion to Bryce Canyon road trip itinerary

Want more South Dakota content? Head over to our South Dakota Travel Guides to explore Mount Rushmore, Badlands, the Black Hills and beyond.

We hope this South Dakota road trip itinerary guide helps with planning your Black Hills vacation!

Please let us know if you have any questions or need help planning your trip in the comments section below.

Happy road tripping,

Mark and Kristen

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South Dakota Road Trip 4 Day Itinerary 5 Unmissable Stops

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south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

Share this article!

Jim Johnson

Monday 19th of December 2022

6 Seniors going on a South Dakota trip in May, Not many hikers in our group. What would be the best location to stay so we only have 1 location to drive out from each day. Moving each day is not real practical for us. Also, any ideas replacing the hiking parts of the tour. Great info, thanks so much.

Mark and Kristen Morgan

Friday 23rd of December 2022

Hi Jim, great to hear you have a trip to SD planned. Rapid City could be the best place for you to stay - it has a greater hotel selection, more places to eat and drink, and it has easy access to I-90 so you can easily reach Badlands, Devils Tower and all other spots in the Black Hills. If you'd rather be right in the Black Hills, you can stay in Keystone near Mt Rushmore, or in Custer which is close to Sylvan Lake and Wind Cave. It depends on how many days you are going for and what you would prefer to see, but there's plenty to keep you occupied even without the hikes. Have a great trip!

Graham Bedford

Thursday 4th of June 2020

Really enjoying your national park posts, keep them coming.

Mark & Kristen Morgan

Glad you're enjoying the US National Park posts Graham, we're enjoying writing them!

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Off the Beaten Path: South Dakota Road Trip to Mount Rushmore

To see a true piece of American beauty and some iconic landmarks, go north on a road trip through South Dakota. This state lies right in the middle of the country and its lack of major cities, major sports teams, and people, means many tourists never even think about going there. That is a pity, because South Dakota is full of natural beauty, nice people, hearty food, and an ingrained Native American culture.

This road trip covers a route from Minneapolis all the way west to the Black Hills of South Dakota, where Mount Rushmore is located. All in all, this is about 10 hours of driving over 600 miles but there are plenty of places to stop along the way for breaks, to stay overnight, or to take some photos. If you fly into the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport you can easily pick up your rental car from the SIXT branch at the car rental center. After that, it is easy to drive into the city or start your road trip. Here are some of the interesting things to see and do on your drive from Minneapolis to Mount Rushmore.

Minneapolis to South Dakota Road Trip Route

Stop 1: Minneapolis

This small city is home to a thriving music scene, great restaurants and craft beer and plenty of places to enjoy outdoor activities. If you go in the summer you can ride a bike around one of the many lakes in and near the city, or along the Mississippi River. If you are a fan of Prince, you can visit his Paisley Park estate and studio, which has been turned into a museum of sorts. If the weather is nice, the Walker Art Center in the Lowry Hill neighborhood has both indoor galleries of contemporary art and a well-known sculpture garden.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

An aerial view of downtown Minneapolis and the Mississippi River

Stop 2: Minneapolis to Mitchell, SD

This part of the drive takes roughly 4 hours, depending on which route you take. There are slower highway routes available, although it is faster and more straightforward to take Interstate 35 South to I-90 West. You will see a lot of small towns and farmland on this section of the drive, and stopping at a small town restaurant is a good way to eat some regional food and interact with the locals. Whichever way you go, you will pass through Sioux Falls, the largest city in South Dakota. This is a good place to stop for any shopping needs, and be sure to take a side trip to the actual waterfalls from which the city gets its name.

Tip: You will find surprisingly authentic Mexican food here, and in many cities in the region, due to the people who have come here from Mexico to work in factories and farming.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Farmland outside of Sioux Falls

Stop 3: The Corn Palace

Mitchell is about an hour west of Sioux Falls on I-90 and is one of the last places to stop for a place to sleep or to get something to eat before continuing to Mount Rushmore. And as you will see from the billboards dotting the interstate, it is also home of the “World’s Only Corn Palace”. First things first: No, this is not a real palace in the European sense. It’s more like a city arena where basketball games and concerts take place. You can go inside for free and look at some historic photos or visit the gift shop across the street. The outside is covered in artist-designed murals made from different colors of corn cobs and other grains, with the theme changing each year. Elsewhere in Mitchell is the Prehistoric Indian Village, on the edge of Lake Mitchell, where you can view an active archaeological dig of a former Native American settlement.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

The changing of the murals is underway at the World’s Only Corn Palace

Stop 4: The Missouri River

A stop at the rest area overlooking the Missouri River, outside the town of Chamberlain, is highly recommended before you continue on your journey. Places to eat or fill your car with gas are not so plentiful in the two hours between here and Highway 240, where you can drive south to Badlands National Park. Plus, the view over the river valley is great and the bathrooms are free. At the rest stop you can see the sculpture of a Native American woman named Dignity, unfurling her star quilt. The sculpture is a nod to the culture of the Lakota and Dakota tribes of the region.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

A sculpture called Dignity overlooks the Missouri River

Stop 5: The Badlands

The formations that make up Badlands National Park are some of the most-unexpected sights to see in South Dakota. After driving for hours through the flat eastern part of the state, the western half is a different animal. In order to get here, follow the signs on I-90 and take the Highway 240 loop road that goes through the park. You will need to buy a park pass, but after that you are free to drive through, pull off and take photos, and even go hiking in certain areas. This is also a great spot to see some wildlife, with bighorn sheep, buffalo, and prairie dogs making their homes within the park. When the weather is hot, look out for rattlesnakes, which also live here and try their best to blend in with the surroundings.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Some of the unique rock formations seen in Badlands National Park

Stop 6: Wall Drug

On the drive through South Dakota you will see approximately 1 million signs for this tourist attraction advertising free ice water. You will find Wall Drug in the town of Wall, just after the end of the Highway 240 Badlands loop road. The sprawling complex started off as an actual pharmacy in 1931 but now is a place to stop for some cheesy photos or to buy some moccasins. It’s highly recommended to stop for a bite to eat in the sprawling cafeteria-style dining room where you can buy homemade pie, freshly made donuts and hearty meals.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

The exterior of Wall Drug 

Stop 7: Custer State Park

After Wall Drug, it is about a 1.5-hour drive to the Black Hills National Forest and Mount Rushmore. You will go through the outskirts of Rapid City, the second-largest city in South Dakota, no matter where you are are staying in the Black Hills. This is a good jumping-off point for all that the area has to offer, including hiking in the summer, skiing in the winter, and more tourist attractions than can be listed here. For a rustic experience, rent a cabin in Custer State Park, located just south of Mount Rushmore. There are several lakes within the park that can be fully enjoyed during warmer months, like Legion Lake below.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Legion Lake in Custer State Park

Stop 8: Mount Rushmore

If you get lost trying to find Mount Rushmore, just follow the tour buses. The immensely popular Mount Rushmore National Monument is located outside of the small town of Keystone in the Black Hills National Forest. It is free to visit, although you do have to pay for parking. The monument depicting the U.S. Presidents Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt was a project by the artist Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln. It was “carved” using dynamite and by hand and finished in 1941. Nearby is another rock carving of a famous Native American chief, Crazy Horse, that is only partially completed. Both Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse have theaters that show videos of how the carvings were done, and it is a good chance to either sit in air conditioning or get out of the cold.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

 Mount Rushmore on a snowy day

Bonus Stop: Wildlife Safari

If you have the time and the weather is good, go on an open-air Jeep wildlife safari through Custer State Park. The 2-hour drive allows you to look for all of the animals that live in the park. You can see (among many other creatures) antelope, prairie dogs, buffalo, and the very friendly burros that all roam freely. It’s also possible to drive the wildlife loop of the park yourself, but the park rangers who act as safari guides are able to go places on and off road that the public cannot access. And they know where the herds of buffalo like to hang out.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

One of the friendly burros in Custer State Park 

If you plan to visit South Dakota for the first time, go in late spring or in September. The summer weather can be very hot and humid, although in the Black Hills there are plenty of lakes and streams to cool off in. There will also be fewer crowds in the Badlands and Mount Rushmore, as well as in the Black Hills in general, at this time. And don’t be surprised if people are very talkative. That is just the South Dakota friendliness in action.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

A buffalo herd in Custer State Park

Written by Andrea Heisinger, Senior Online Editor for the US website. She actually had her high school graduation ceremony in the World’s Only Corn Palace.

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Black Hills Road Trip Itinerary: South Dakota Here You Come

Badlands and Black Hills Road Trip – 7 Day Itinerary If you are looking for a classic All-American vacation, you are heading to the right place. A Black Hills road trip in South Dakota encompasses everything a trip should be: endless opportunities for scenic drives, unforgettable scenery, must-experience historic sites, and exhilarating outdoor adventures. Pick your favorite travel companion and get planning!

How Many Days to Spend in South Dakota

Whether you are planning to stop in South Dakota on a cross-country road trip (click here to see our full itinerary) like we did or it is the main destination, you will only be disappointed if you do not plan enough days.

This seven-day, fun-filled itinerary will help you create a memorable trip that you will be talking about for years to come.

A fun-filled seven day Black Hills road trip itinerary that will take you through unforgettable scenery and exhilarating outdoor adventures in South Dakota.

How to Get to the Black Hills

The Black Hills of South Dakota is in the southwest region of the state. Flying is the quickest form of transportation to the area. Flights are anywhere between one to four hours from many major U.S. cities. Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is the closest airport. It houses Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Connection, Frontier, Northwest, and United. Rental cars are then available to get you around on your trip.

The Black Hills also provides a PERFECT opportunity to hop in your vehicle to see what you can find on the road. We drove the 850-miles or so from Chicago on a mega road starting with Badlands National Park.

READ NEXT: OUR TOP PICKS FOR A MIDWEST SPRING BREAK TRIP

If you are interested in renting an RV from your home state, check out RVShare, one of the largest RV rental marketplaces.

Where to Stay

Take your pick of lodging choices in the area, anywhere from romantic B&B’s to basic tent sites. There are options for any type of traveler. I would recommend one location for the first six days. Near Mount Rushmore, in Custer State Park or Rapid City and one overnight near Badlands National Park. We camped in Custer State Park and loved the location for a base.

Lodging Options near Mount Rushmore

  • Cabin with Black Hills Views ($$)
  • Holy Smoke Resort ($$)
  • K Bar S Lodge ($)
  • Powder House Lodge ($)

Lodging Options near Custer State Park

  • Rocket Motel ($$)
  • Custer State Park Lodges ($$)
  • Bavarian Inn ($)
  • Custer State Park Campgrounds ($)

Lodging Options near Rapid City

  • Emerald Hills Bed & Breakfast ($$)
  • Comfort Inn & Suites ($$)
  • Grand Gateway Hotel ($)
  • Country Inn & Suites ($)

Lodging near Badlands National Park

  • Travelodge Wall ($)
  • America’s Best Value Inn – Wall ($)
  • America’s Best Value Inn – Kadoka ($)
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, if you book through our link we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the blog.

A fun-filled seven day Black Hills road trip itinerary that will take you through unforgettable scenery and exhilarating outdoor adventures in South Dakota.la

Here’s your South Dakota road trip planner:

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Begin the day exploring the largest state park in South Dakota, Custer State Park . If you need convincing to start here read our post about 10 Reasons to Visit Custer State Park .

Start with an early morning drive on the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road . Begin at the Visitor Center on the east side of the park. Pick up maps, use the restroom and fill up water bottles. It should take about an hour to drive through slowly and take pictures.

Be on the lookout for bison, elk, burros, prairie dogs, eagles, hawks, deer and coyotes. If you like to check out lodges like us, stop at the Blue Bell Lodge for breakfast (or just a coffee if you’ve already eaten) toward the end of the loop. The log cabin has a cozy indoor dining room or a patio overlooking the French Creek.

After your break, head north on SD Highway 87 to the Mount Coolidge Fire Tower . Drive up a 1.2-mile gravel road to the summit where you can soak up views of the Black Hills. You’ll be 6,023 feet above the forest.

On a clear day, you can see the major sites in the area including Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and the Needles.

DETAILS: 1 – 7 day admission is available at Custer State Park per car. Only people traveling non-stop on US Highway 16A are exempt.

*TIP: Oversized vehicles & campers are not allowed on the road up to the fire tower.*

Take in a breather at Legion Lake for a picnic and/or Legion Lodge for lunch.

Then start the afternoon with an awesome ride on Iron Mountain Road , a winding two-lane road with stunning scenery to Mount Rushmore National Memorial .

Not only does Highway 16A have tree-lined roads and pigtail bridges, but the 18-mile drive also has three tunnels with framed views of the iconic Mount Rushmore to get you excited about your visit.

*TIP: Be prepared if you have any travelers that are prone to car sickness

Thus arrive at one of the most recognizable monuments in the world, Mount Rushmore National Memorial . The massive heads of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln welcome you to South Dakota.

First, watch the short orientation film then walk the Presidential Trail for better views. Plan to spend about two hours here and don’t forget to try Thomas Jefferson’s original ice cream recipe.

DETAILS: Admission to the park is free but there is a charge for parking.

Take a drive to Keystone for dinner and choose the Old Western-style Ruby House Restaurant , get local wild game at the Powder House Restaurant or if you are traveling with children check out the Chuck Wagon Dinner Show .

CHECK OUT OUR BEST FREE APPS FOR A U.S. ROAD TRIP

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Today is the day to get out in nature. Hike to not only the highest peak in South Dakota but east of the Rockies too, Black Elk Peak which was formerly known as Harney Peak.

Take Trail #9 near Sylvan Lake which is forested most of the way but opens to a few expansive views of the rock spires and Black Hills. It is 3.3 miles one way and is considered moderate difficulty. There are gradual inclines and some flat surfaces in the beginning that led us to steep inclines and stairs close to the tower.

Once you reach the 7,242-foot peak topped by a stone fire tower, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Black Hills National Forest. Without delay, take a break to have lunch at the top and to enjoy the scenery. The fire lookout, dam and pumphouse were built in 1939 and are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Making the trail a loop, connect to Trail #3 then to #4 (it is well-marked) on the way down with a detour to Little Devil’s Tower . It is a 3-mile strenuous scramble that climbs 600 feet to spectacular views of Cathedral Spires and South Dakota’s highest peak. It was one of my favorite spots of the trip.

It’s been a long day. If you feel like getting off your feet and taking a ride, hop back in the car. Hill City is about 35 minutes north of the trailhead. It is the second oldest town in the Black Hills and is lined with restaurants, art galleries, shops, wineries and breweries.

It is also home to the 1880 Train, a steam locomotive that takes visitors on a scenic round-trip ride to the town of Keystone.

DETAILS: Don’t forget to pack a lunch and bring your Custer State Park pass.

This is fun-filled seven day Black Hills road trip itinerary will take you through unforgettable scenery and exhilarating outdoor adventures.in South Dakota.

Wind Cave National Park , the first cave to be designated as a national park in the world, is the first stop on your agenda. It is known for its unusual boxwork formations, mineral cave formations that resemble honeycomb patterns.

Take your pick from three regular walking tours: Garden of Eden (easy), Natural Entrance (moderate), and Fairgrounds (strenuous). For the most popular tour, join the Natural Entrance Tour, walking in the main entrance discovered long ago and lasting a little over an hour.

DETAILS: Go early and plan to wait if visiting during summer hours.

After the cave, let’s go back to the Ice Age at The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs . It is home to the largest concentration of mammoth remains in the world with currently sixty-one: 58 Columbian and 3 woolly mammoths. Enclosed is a prehistoric sinkhole that is still being excavated today.

Depending on the weather, you can stop at Evans Plunge , the world’s largest natural warm water indoor swimming pool. Natural spring-fed waters maintain an average pool temperature of 87 degrees Fahrenheit so certainly not something you want to do on a hot summer day. But with waterslides, a sauna and steam room it would make for a relaxing end of day activity.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Start the morning with a wonderful drive along Highway 87, otherwise known as Needles Highway ; it is 14 miles of hairpin turns, impressive rock creations, and one-lane tunnels. Immediately the drive will have you in awe of the natural beauty surrounding the area.

Along the drive, stop off to hike Cathedral Spires , a 3-mile moderate out and back. Shortly after the Needles Highway Scenic Overlook (you can find both on Google Maps), you’ll come to the trailhead. Do not let the “moderate” description frighten you, if you’re not an avid hiker. It’s achievable for most people and is a beautiful hike. It starts out easy taking you through open flatlands of a pine forest dotted with mammoth granite spires then gains some elevation towards the end. Take in the views of the hills at the end and don’t forget to look for mountain goats!

After the hike stop at Sylvan Lake Lodge to check out what the park considers its crown jewel. Picnic on the grounds or have lunch at the restaurant.

This afternoon visit the future world’s largest mountain carving at Crazy Horse Memorial . Begin your visit at the Orientation Center. The short film, “Dynamite and Dreams,” will help you gain an introduction to the memorial and its history. It’s entertaining and informative and will give you a better understanding of the sculpture.

Then walk through the Indian Museum of North American and Native American Cultural Center to learn about the American Indian heritage before heading out to the observation deck for views of the massive monument. For an additional fee, you can take a bus to the bottom of the monument for better views.

Don’t forget to stop at the information desk to get a return ticket for the “Legends in Light” laser light show they perform in the evening from the end of May to the end of September.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Drive through an outstanding landscape with soaring limestone bluffs, a glistening creek, wildflowers and three flowing waterfalls on Spearfish Canyon National Byway . The 20-mile byway is north of Custer State Park along Highway 14A and is an incredible road. Several scenes from the movie, “Dances With Wolves” were filmed in the canyon.

Coming from the south, pull over at Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Gushing waters greet you after a short trek along boardwalks. If you are feeling really adventurous and you like swimming holes, look for Devil’s Bathtub , a favorite with the locals.

The town of Spearfish has many restaurants to choose from: Steerfish Steak and Smoke or Philly Ted’s are popular. If you enjoy breweries, Crow Peak Brewery was named the best in all of South Dakota by Thrillist.

Or you could wait until you head around to historic Deadwood, a throwback to the Wild West. Follow the footsteps of legendary characters like Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane, gamble in one of the many casinos, stroll down Main Street, stop in the charming Celebrity Hotel, hit a gold mine, or learn a few things about the history of the Black Hills at the Adams Museum.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Start your day with a tour of the third-longest cave in the world at Jewel Cave National Monument . Arrive at least 30 minutes before opening as tours book up early. The Scenic Tour is one hour and twenty minutes bringing you 380 feet below the visitor center. Get the nitty-gritty on the history and current research of the cave tunnels, where the jewels are, and the full stalagmites – stalactite circuit. There are various other tours including a shorter Discovery Tour, strenuous Historic Lantern Tour and a Special Wild Caving Tour.

DETAILS: Annual National Park Pass does not include any tour. Discounts available for youth 6 -16 and children under the age of 5 are free.

Take a break at Baker’s Bakery Café in downtown Custer for breakfast/lunch. Not only is the food good – homemade bread and big portions – but they have pastries to die for. The cookies are the size of my head and the caramel rolls are mouth-watering.

Take the afternoon to get back to Custer State Park for a short hike like Badger Clark Historic Trail or for a water activity on one of their many pristine lakes.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Spend the day exploring the 244,000 acres of other-worldly landscape at Badlands National Park and the fun roadside attractions in the area. Do not miss the 31-mile scenic Badlands Loop Road taking advantage of every pull-off and overlook. Get on your feet and take our favorite hike in the park: Notch Trail. Also don’t miss the Window and Door Trails.

If you have time get off the beaten path on Sage Creek Rim Road to look for buffalo and bighorn sheep. Make sure to check with a ranger on road conditions before taking the drive.

Just northwest of Badlands National Park on I-90 is Wall Drug , a kitschy family-owned drug store opened since 1931. Roadside attractions are synonymous with American road trips so make sure to visit and experience this world-famous wacky place.

RELATED: Top 6 Things to Do in Badlands National Park

What would you add to our Black Hills Road Trip?

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A fun-filled seven day Black Hills road trip itinerary that will take you through unforgettable scenery and exhilarating outdoor adventures in South Dakota.

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The top things to do on a Black Hills, South Dakota vacation from scenic drives, animal encounters, hikes, and the must-see attractions. #southdakota #travel

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Angela E. is a travel writer from the Chicagoland area who has visited all 50 states in the US and has traveled extensively around the world. She is passionate about exploring the great outdoors and hiking in particular. Her love for nature has taken her to some of the most beautiful locations on the planet. She has written extensively about her travels on her own website, Dang Travelers, and has been published in collaboration with other travel websites and multiple visitor bureaus around the country.

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13 Responses

Vedante | the lavish nomad.

Thanks for creating such a detailed itinerary with so many tips and the maps definitely come in handy. Also, I’m sure the lodging options are going to be of so much help to people who are actually planning to take a similar trip. As for me, I am nowhere close to the US at the moment but when I get there, I will probably do a similar road trip in South Dakota 🙂

Dang Travelers

You are welcome! Definitely add South Dakota to your list when you make it over.

knycx.journeying

Thanks for sharing the maps and it’s a detailed itineraries for traveling in South Dakota! I think the Mount Rushmore is defiintely the highlight of the entire trip but I had no idea that there are so many places to explore in the area, including hills, national park, scenic drive, cathedral, and monuments~ I will make it down in case I am visiting the state in the future 🙂 @ knycx.journeying

Yep, there’s tons to do in the Black Hills!

aimee horgan

I love how detailed this post is, it goes through absolutely everything you need to know for a road-trip to South Dakota – I love the detail in the maps too. I haven’t been to this part of the U.S yet but I especially like Badlands National Park, all those rolling green hills remind me a little of New Zealand.

Thanks Aimee! Hopefully you get a chance to visit soon!

Sounds like a pretty epic trip. I would love to see this. Getting a camper sounds like a fun idea too. I would really like to visit and this is really detailed. Mount Rushmore is also on my list so its good to see options of where to stay.

Epic indeed. The Black Hills was surprisingly beautiful.

Tamara Wilcox

Sure enjoyed your detailed journey through Black Hills! I love how you added short hikes, stops for refreshment, and even the idea of checking out kitschy places like Wall Drug. Great idea to add ideas for lodging for all budgets. Great photos, by the way. This is a road trip my husband and I would love to make. Maybe even this fall!

Sounds like a plan

Thank you for this amazing Itinerary! We are heading there next week! We are in a 28′ RV. Other than renting a car to drive the Needles Hwy, are there any other roads we should be concerned by? Thanks!

Oh yay! That’ll be an amazing trip!! Iron Mountain Road was a bit windy and narrow with tunnels so that one might be an issue as well, but that’s all I can think of.

Kendall Cavender

This was super helpful for planning our trip – thank you for the detailed itinerary!

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Minneapolis to Yellowstone National Park via South Dakota

Minneapolis to yellowstone national park road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Minneapolis to Yellowstone National Park. If you're planning a road trip to Yellowstone National Park, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

11:00 am  start in Minneapolis drive for about 2 hours

1:01 pm   Blue Earth stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:01 pm drive for about 2 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 4 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Sioux Falls drive for about 3 hours

1:00 pm   South Dakota stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:00 pm drive for about 4 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 7 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Mt Rushmore drive for about 3.5 hours

1:29 pm   Buffalo (Wyoming) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:29 pm drive for about 5.5 hours

7:46 pm  arrive at Yellowstone National Park

day 3 driving ≈ 9 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Blue Earth Sioux Falls   (19 answers)     questions about Sioux Falls:         First timer to Sioux Falls- what are the best outdoor things to do/explore? South Dakota   (12 mentions) Mt Rushmore   (63 answers)     questions about Mt Rushmore:         Family activities         What should we add to the visit?         Best campground for big rigs Buffalo (Wyoming)   (5 answers)

What are some things to do in Yellowstone National Park?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Yellowstone National Park. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

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Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Yellowstone National Park to Minneapolis drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Minneapolis to Yellowstone National Park . Or get a full Minneapolis to Yellowstone National Park flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

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south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Minnesota-Dakotas Road Trip Itinerary

Bloomington is a perfect home base for a road trip through Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota’s historic and cultural landmarks. Start and end your trip at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, which offers direct flights to 130+ destinations. Day 1 | Bloomington, Minnesota Arrive at the award-winning Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), then pick up your rental car and proceed to your hotel. Bloomington is located adjacent to MSP and is home to over 45 hotels , most of which offer free parking and shuttle to your first destination: Mall of America . Mall of America is one of the largest retail and entertainment complexes in the U.S. and features 520+ stores, along with Nickelodeon Universe® , SEA LIFE at Mall of America , M&M’s Mall of America , and many more attractions. Be sure to check out some of the mall’s popular restaurants, such as Cantina Laredo , Shake Shack , and Twin City Grill . After you’ve had a full day at the mall, unwind at your Bloomington hotel!

FireLake breakfast

Day 3 | Duluth, Minnesota Begin your day with the 2.5-hour drive to Duluth, one of the most beautiful cities in the Upper Midwest. Upon arriving, enjoy lunch at one of the many options along the shoreline of Lake Superior. Spend your afternoon exploring some of Duluth’s first-rate museums, including the Lake Superior Railroad Museum , the Lake Superior Marine Museum , and the Old Firehouse & Police Museum . Then, spend the evening with Vista Fleet enjoying a dinner cruise on Lake Superior.

Duluth lift bridge v2

Day 6 | Fargo, North Dakota Time for the next stop on your road trip: North Dakota! First, visit the Fargo-Moorhead Visitor Center to learn more about the city and its offerings, but most importantly, to get your picture taken with the woodchipper made famous by the 1996 film Fargo. Then, make your way to the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead, where you’ll see a locally built Viking ship that sailed to Norway in 1982 before being permanently housed at the Center. Explore and shop downtown before taking your pick from dozens of dining options on Broadway , such as 46 North Pints & Provisions, Blackbird Wood Fire Pizza, Mezzaluna, NoBull Smokehouse, Pounds, The Boiler Room, and Wurst Bier Hall, to name just a few! Be sure to end the evening with a photo in front of the iconic Fargo Theatre . Day 7 | Fargo, North Dakota Kick off your day with a local favorite : The Shack on Broadway, BernBaum’s, Black Coffee and Waffle Bar, or Fryn’ Pan. Then, head out to Bonanzaville , where you’ll take a step back in time with more than 36 buildings that explore the history of the region and the pioneers who shaped the West.

Medora Musical

Day 9 | Medora, North Dakota Today you’ll make your way to Medora, home to North Dakota’s only national park: Theodore Roosevelt National Park . On the way, take the time to drive the Enchanted Highway and explore the many massive metal sculptures along the route. You’ll get back onto the interstate in Dickinson, where you’ll want to visit the Badlands Dinosaur Museum and grab a coffee at The Brew Coffee House , located inside the church that Theodore Roosevelt attended when in town. Once you’ve arrived in Medora, begin with a visit to the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame , then make your way around the loop in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Spend the evening enjoying the Pitchfork Steak Fondue and Medora Musical , local musts. Day 10 | Rapid City, South Dakota Your South Dakota adventure begins with a 3.5-hour drive to Rapid City, centrally located for Black Hills attractions. After you arrive in Rapid, visit Bear Country USA , a drive-thru exotic animal park with black bears, elk, bighorn sheep, and more. Next up is the highlight of any trip to western South Dakota: Mount Rushmore ! While observing the statue, you can take a self-guided audio tour to learn about the history that surrounds the memorial. There are several dining options to end the day with, including Mount Rushmore’s on-site Carvers’ Café and the unique Powder House Lodge restaurant.

Badlands

Upon arriving in Sioux Falls, go straight to Falls Park, a 123-acre urban oasis with historic points of interest and a waterfall. Take an elevator up to the lookout tower, which allows you to view the whole park at once. At the end of the day, grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants, such as JL Beers and Johnny Carino’s . Day 13 | Sioux Falls, South Dakota Start off your second morning in Sioux Falls by heading to the Original Pancake House to grab some pancakes and crepes. Once breakfast is finished, take a walk through the SculptureWalk . This is an exciting exhibit of over 65 sculptures displayed year-round in downtown Sioux Falls. The cornerstone of the SculptureWalk is the Arc of Dreams, which is a stainless-steel arc that spans over the Big Sioux River. Next, head over to a battleship used in World War II. The USS Battleship South Dakota Memorial draws visitors from all over the world to view artifacts from the ship and its crew members. With its combination of Navy Unit Citation and 13 battle stars, it was the most decorated battleship of World War II.

Paisley Park Dakotas itinerary

Day 15 | Bloomington, Minnesota Before returning your rental car and flying home, take a quick trip to Prince’s former home, event venue, and recording studio in nearby Chanhassen. Paisley Park is now open to the public for immersive tours that take you behind-the-scenes of how Minnesota’s favorite hometown musician lived and created his iconic music. If you still need a souvenir to take home, make one last stop at Mall of America before your flight! All clothing and shoes are tax-free here, and with hundreds of options, you’re sure to find something to commemorate your time in the Upper Midwest.

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Courtyard Bloomington by Mall of America

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Courtyard offers a complimentary shuttle to MSP Airport and Mall of America. Unwind in a spacious room, enjoy our indoor pool, dine at Jake's Kitchen & Bar and more! Book Now

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DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis Airport

Across the street from IKEA and Mall of America®, this hotel is perfectly situated for Bloomington adventures. Enjoy complimentary shuttle service to MOA. At the end of the day, relax in our lush courtyard featuring a gazebo and more! Book Now

Radisson Blu Mall of America

Radisson Blu Mall of America

Connected directly to the Mall of America®, indulge in a luxurious room, dine at the world-class FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar and all that the Mall of America has to offer at your doorstep. Book Now

Great Wolf Lodge Minnesota

Great Wolf Lodge & Water Park

A stay at Great Wolf Lodge in Minnesota includes passes to the indoor water park that offers multiple attractions to swim, splash and slide! Your weatherproof family vacation starts here. Learn More

Hyatt Regency Bloomington

Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis

Unwind in one of the 303 stylish guestrooms with panoramic views. This Central Station hotel offers stunning accommodations and exceptional amenities.

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She Saves She Travels

16 Best Midwest Road Trips – Scenic Routes You Can’t Miss

Posted on Published: May 25, 2020  - Last updated: February 9, 2024

Ahhh, the Midwest. Vast landscapes with beautiful scenery, the ability to connect with nature and fun attractions. One of the best ways to explore the middle of the USA is with a Midwest road trip!

midwest road trip photo of lake with tan sand trees and reflection of cloudy sky

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

For those of us who live here, we know there’s so much to offer. Our waving grasses with rolling hills make for beautiful, peaceful sunsets. Gorgeous lakes simply begged to be explored.

Our cities each have something unique to offer, and mix that with Midwest charm, it makes for a great place for a road trip!

Midwest road trip ideas

I’ve explored many places across the Midwest, but I haven’t covered it all. So I turned to other experts to help me out to create this list of best Midwest road trips!

Here’s a bunch of Midwest road trip ideas, ranging from 2 days to 10. From outdoorsy to artsy, there’s truly something for everyone in the Midwest!

minneapolis to omaha road trip

List of Midwestern States

But before we dive in, let’s clarify the states that cover the Midwest to help you plan your trip:

  • Indiana (IN)
  • Illinois (IL)
  • Missouri (MO)
  • Kansas (KS)
  • Nebraska (NE)
  • South Dakota (SD)
  • North Dakota (ND)
  • Minnesota (MN)
  • Wisconsin (WI)
  • Michigan (MI)

Looking for more Midwest adventures? Check out these 16 trails – the best hiking in the Midwest !

Ready to hit the road? Here’s the best Midwest road trips

Black hills, south dakota (a classic).

Roadtrip to Mount Rushmore

Recommended trip: 7-10 days

The Black Hills in South Dakota is one of the best places for a road trip in the Midwest.  There is so much to see and do, you could easily spend months here, but for a shorter trip, 7-10 days would be great.

Rapid City is probably the best place to fly in and out of for a Black Hills trip. I would start with a couple of days in Badlands National Park .  Spend the night in Wall, visit Wall Drug and the Badlands from here, then head over to Wind Cave National Park.

Spend a night or 2 in Hot Springs to easily access the park where you can do some hiking, look for bison, and do a cave tour. Make a stop at the Mammoth site while you’re here, too.

Finally, head to Keystone for a few days. This is the perfect base for exploring the Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park area. 

Some of the must-do activities here are visiting Mount Rushmore (of course), driving Iron Mountain Road , driving the Needles Highway, driving the Custer Wildlife Loop Road, hiking Cathedral Spires Trail, and relaxing at Sylvan Lake. If you want a little side trip, you can easily visit Devils Tower in Wyoming, too.  

Recommended by Megan of Red Around the World

Chicago to St. Louis road trip

Bean in Chicago

Recommended trip: 4-6 days

Driving from Chicago, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri should be on any midwest road trip. This journey is part of Route 66, one of the original highways in the United States. Route 66 was the primary route for people wishing to move west. Opt to spend one day driving this four and a half-hour drive, or break it up and spend the night in Springfield, Illinois.  

For this journey, start in Chicago. Make sure to spend at least 3 days in Chicago. Stay in the centrally located Downtown/River North area. Do not miss the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum.

Grab some pictures at “The Bean” in Millenium Park. Daredevils can opt for “The Edge” experience at the Skydeck or the Tilt Experience at the John Hancock Building. 

In the morning depart Chicago to drive south towards Springfield, the capital of Illinois . Stop by the capitol building and take a free tour of the building.

Visit Abraham Lincoln’s grave at Oak Ridge Cemetery and then visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Grab a custard at Krekel’s before heading onward to St. Louis, Missouri. 

Plan to spend at least 2 days in St. Louis to explore the main sites. Plan to stay in the Downtown area. Ride to the top of the St. Louis Arch at Gateway Arch National Park.

Take a peek into history at the Old Courthouse, where the Dread Scott decision was made. Make sure to eat some delicious BBQ before departing St. Louis.

Recommended by Francesca of Home Room Travel

You might also like: 101 Road Trip Food Ideas: Best Fun and Healthy Snacks You’ll Love

Indianapolis, IN to Boyne City, MI

skiing on Boyne Mountain

Recommended trip: 2-3 days

Ready for a fantastic Midwest road trip? Regardless of the time of year, driving from Indianapolis, Indiana to Boyne City, MI is a perfect way to enjoy a long weekend.

Day one, you’ll want to get up early and head to Lansing, MI. It’s about 3.5 hours from Indy, so if you time it right, be sure to stop for lunch at Soup Spoon Cafe – a flight of soup is a fun way to start your mini-vacation. Next, if you have younger kids, head over to the Impression 5 Science Center – they’ll love the full sensory experiences. 

After the museum, finish your drive north and check-in at Boyne Mountain for the night. Enjoy a full day of exploring Boyne Mountain and nearby Boyne City the next day. If it’s winter, hit the slopes for a little skiing or even tubing.

If it’s summertime, enjoy hiking, ziplining, or swimming. Downtown Boyne City is situated right on Lake Charlevoix and the town is full of delicious restaurants such as Cafe Sante and Red Mesa as well as unique local boutiques.

Leave Boyne Mountain, and head over to Petoskey for your final day. Start it off right with amazing bagels and donuts at Johann’s Bakery and then hurry over to the main Kilwins location for a factory tour. Kilwin’s offers free tours Monday – Friday every half-hour from 10 – 4:30, and each one ends with a decadent chocolate treat.

After the tour, spend a little time poking around downtown Petoskey for lunch and to pick up a few Michigan souvenirs before heading back to Indianapolis.

Recommended by Pam of Our Adventure is Everywhere

You might also like: Road Trip with Kids: 15 Essentials to Pack

Central Iowa road trip

Iowa state capitol building

We highly recommend taking a road trip through Central Iowa. You’ll pass through  Des Moines , Iowa’s capital and other smaller towns that have some fun and interesting attractions.

Heading east along I-80, your first stop should be the town of Winterset. It’s famous for having the  actual  bridges of Madison County. Six of the original 19 covered bridges in Madison County have been preserved just outside of town. Winterset is also the birthplace of John Wayne. There is a museum dedicated to him, with lots of personal and movie memorabilia.

Continuing east, you reach Des Moines. We love this artsy city! It’s easy to find street art there and downtown has a 4.4-acre sculpture park that is free to the public. There’s also a really lovely botanical garden in Des Moines.

Of course, visiting the Capitol Building is a must. You can do a free self-guided tour and marvel at the building’s incredible architecture.

The next stop on your road trip should be the town of Grinnell. Home to Grinnell College, they have a small but impressive art museum on campus.

Grinnell is also the home of one of eight “jewel-box” banks built by legendary architect Louis Sullivan. He is considered the father of modern American architecture and mentored Frank Lloyd Wright. The bank is beautiful, with large stained-glass windows and pink Tennessee marble floors.

Recommended by Vicky of Buddy The Traveling Monkey

More road trip destinations in the Midwest

St. louis to kansas city.

St Louis arch

Recommended trip: 3-5 days

While many people think of Missouri as a fly-over state, it’s full of not-to-be-missed gems, from St. Louis to Kansas City. So why not see some of them in one fell swoop with a 5-day road trip?

Start in St. Louis, a city bursting with historic architecture and a thriving food and cocktail scene. Spend 2 days here, exploring the City Museum, an adult playground/art installation of interactive salvaged architectural objects. Visit Forest Park, one of the country’s largest urban parks and its world-class museums, all boasting free admission. And, of course, the Missouri Botanical Gardens, consistently ranked one of the best in the nation.

At night, eat your way through the exploding culinary landscape, with one of the many restaurants helmed by James Beard nominated chefs, like Vicia or Lona’s Lil’ Eats.

Once you’ve gotten your fill, drive west to Hermann, a tiny town that has several wineries, breweries, and distilleries nestled in its idyllic grassy hills. For just $20, the Hermann Trolley will shuttle you between these establishments all day, so you can responsibly imbibe in as many craft beverages as you please.

After a day here, finish your trip with 2 days in Kansas City, famous for its jazz scene. To get a taste of it yourself, head to the American Jazz Museum during the day and the Green Lady Lounge at night to see some of the world’s best musicians in action. By the end of the trip, you’ll be ecstatic to have discovered some of the Show Me State’s abundant treasures! 

Recommended by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler

Oh, and if you’re planning to rent a car for one of these Midwest road trip routes, be sure to check out the cheap rates on Discover Cars . I usually save 10-30%, which can really add up! Discover Cars searches the top carriers to find the best deal, at no extra cost to you. It’s a win-win! Search cheap rental cars now .

Milwaukee to Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells

One of the best Midwest road trips you can take is exploring the highlights of Wisconsin. The ideal road trip itinerary takes you from Milwaukee to Green Bay and ends in Wisconsin Dells.

Start your road trip in Milwaukee , but you can’t leave without spending at least 2 days in this vibrant city. As a matter of fact, people flood from all over the United States to visit Milwaukee for its food, attractions and history.

Must do’s are the Harley Davidson Museum and the historic Third Ward.  Stay in the iconic Pfister Hotel in downtown.

From here you finally head out to the beautiful North of Wisconsin. Along the Michigan river you’ll cross scenic towns such as Port Washington. When you arrive in Green Bay, get ready to explore this vibrant town located in Door County. 

Some of the best things to do here are visiting the Heritage Hill State Park and watch a game by the legendary Green Bay Packers. Plan at least 1 day to visit the city and all the best things to do in Door County .

From Green Bay you’ll drive to Wisconsin Dells which is famous for its waterparks. However, there is so much more to do here. From shopping to hiking in the Dells or staying overnight in one of the  most romantic cabins in Wisconsin , there will be plenty of options to spend at least 2 days in Wisconsin Dells.

Recommended by Paulina of Paulina on the Road

Southern Minnesota road trip

Southern Minnesota - Fairmont

Eat, relax and have fun in Southern Minnesota! Enjoy a food lovers paradise in Austin, Minnesota. Known for having some of the best Mexican food in the state of Minnesota, Austin is also known for award-winning BBQ sauces, french onion soup and stuffed raspberry french toast.

Want to have a food challenge, then be sure to stop by the Tendermaid. Also, don’t forget to visit the one and only SPAM Museum ! Yes – it’s real and there are nearly 20 restaurants with SPAM on the menu.

Then sit back, relax and enjoy the view in Fairmont, Minnesota . Home to a chain of 5 lakes and 29 parks in city limits, Fairmont provides you that opportunity to become one with nature. Explore lakeside dining, outdoor recreation and an arts and culture scene that is sure to impress .

Next discover how  Germans Have More Fun  in New Ulm! Enjoy a road trip through the MN River Valley National Scenic Byway to the most German city in America.

In New Ulm you can climb 102’ to the top of the ‘Herman the German’ monument. Enjoy a tour/tasting at Schell’s Brewery, MN’s oldest brewery. Shop the unique boutiques in the historic downtown. Hear bells chime at our Glockenspiel. See the 1873 murals in the rathskeller at Turner Hall. 

With so much to do in Southern Minnesota, there’s something for everyone!

Read next: How to Save Money for Travel: Your Vacation Savings Plan

Richmond, IN to Butler County, OH

Lake Erie Islands - aerial view

If you’re looking for a cool trip, head to Indiana and Ohio! Starting off in Richmond, Indiana, visit the Wayne County Historical Museum and the Levi Coffin House. Be sure to hear their amazing story of the Underground Railroad!

Stay at the Starr Loft in Richmond before heading to Ohio. On your way to Ohio’s Lake Erie Islands, take a diversion into Bremen at the Bicycle Museum of America. Then onto the Marblehead Lighthouse in Marblehead, Ohio where this historic lighthouse guided sailors safely since 1822.

That night stay at Port Clinton’s Fairfield Inn & Suites. The next morning, head over to Ohio’s Lake Erie Islands. Take Miller Boat Line’s Ferry to Put-in-Bay where you can ferry your car over to the island.

Visit Perry’s Peace Memorial which honors the War of 1812. Check out the view up the 352-foot tower! The memorial honors those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie. The next day, on Kellys Island, take a tour in a golf cart to check out natural phenomenons like the Glacial Grooves.

Be sure to hang out for an afternoon in Downtown Sandusky, Ohio . Take a Segway tour, visit Cedar Point Amusement Park, visit the Merry-Go-Round Museum or go parasailing.

Last stop on this road trip is Butler County, Ohio! Enjoy the Donut Trail and tour outdoor art at the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.

Recommended by Cindy of Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl

Related read: Best Midwest Camping Spots

Loess Hills Scenic Byway (Missouri to Iowa)

Loess Hills road trip overlook

The Loess Hills Scenic Byway takes its travelers through the most extensive loess (essentially, ancient wind-blown silt deposits) outside a remote region of China! While the byway officially starts at the Iowa state border, the hills themselves run north-south a bit east of the Missouri River, from St. Joseph, Missouri to the Sioux City, Iowa area, passing near Omaha, Nebraska in the middle of the journey.

Each of these cities are destinations in their own right, and combined, they make a road trip full of scenic views and ample entertaining places to stop along the way.  

In St. Joe, Missouri, local museums provide fascinating looks at the history of the Pony Express, the art of Thomas Hart Benton (often depicting loess hills!) and the life of the nefarious Jesse James. Near Mound City, Missouri, visit the Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge to see waterfowl and bald eagles.

The Hitchcock Nature Center near Omaha and the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center in Sioux City provide more information about the unique geology, flora, and fauna of the Loess Hills along with opportunities for hiking, boating, and more!

For ideal cruising food, try Billy Boy Drive-through just a few miles from the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center in Soiux City for a burger and a shake! 

Recommended by Lindsay of Siouxland Families

More ideas: Midwest road trips

Minneapolis to omaha.

midwest road trip ideas

Recommended trip: 4-5 days

Get a nice mix of cities and wide open spaces on a Midwest road trip from Minneapolis to Omaha. Starting in Minneapolis, you’ll want to spend 1-2 days visiting the lakes, restaurants and of course, checking out the Mall of America .

Visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden in downtown and grab an ice cream cone at Izzy’s Ice Cream . The largest mall in North America (Mall of America) is a whole lot more than shopping, too. With an indoor amusement park, it’s the perfect activity for any weather.

Then hit the road! Next stop: Northwestern Iowa. Stop in Estherville, Iowa for a rustic winery , experience an 80-year old swinging bridge or to visit the site of the largest known meteorite seen crashing into North America.

You could stay in Esterville for the night, or head about half an hour west to Lake Okoboji. In Okoboji, Iowa you’ll find shopping, dining and a bunch of water activities , of course! Try the Arnold’s Park Amusement Park or live music after a day on the water.

Next on this Midwest road trip is Sioux City, Iowa. Grab lunch or dinner at the Fourth Street Historic District in downtown Sioux City , catch a show at the Orpheum Theatre or visit Palmer’s Old Tyme Candy Shoppe for a sweet treat before leaving town.

Omaha, Nebraska is the final destination on this Midwest road trip itinerary. You’ll want to spend 1-2 days visiting this fun city. Omaha is known as the silicone prarie, a tech hub that’s family-friendly, yet trendy enough to support a vibrant art scene and plenty of outdoor space.

One of the best things to do in Omaha is to visit the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium , It’s the largest tourist attraction in the state, and regularly competes with the San Diego Zoo as the #1 zoo in the country! It really is that fantastic!

Check out North America’s largest indoor rain forest, feed the giraffes, walk under sharks in the aquarium and watch the animals in the world’s largest indoor desert dome. Tip: be sure to buy your tickets in advance online and arrive early to avoid the crowds as best as you can.

Get a good tour of the city while taking fun photos at the most Instagrammable places in Omaha . Spend some time wandering the Lauritzen Gardens or check out the Fun-Plex Waterpark.

For some mystery check out the Joslyn Castle , and for some history visit the Lewis and Clark Landing. The Old Market in downtown is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat after a long day touring the city.

Recommended by me! Nikki of She Saves She Travels

Duluth to Grand Marais, Minnesota

lake superior road trip

Recommended trip: 1-2 days

A Minnesota road trip on Highway 61 between Duluth and Grand Marais will offer you amazing views of Lake Superior, numerous options for a delicious bite to eat, and some can’t miss attractions .

As you leave Duluth, choose the 24-mile scenic route to Two Harbors, and take in the view of Lake Superior along the way. In Two Harbors you can walk along the breakwater to the lighthouse, and watch the ore ships coming and going. Enjoy a local brew at Castle Danger Brewery after doing some shopping in Agate Bay.

Just north of Two Harbors is Betty’s Pies and you don’t want to miss stopping here ! This is a full service restaurant, but they also have a walk up counter where you can order their famous pie. The pie flavors change every day, but you definitely want to try the Great Lakes Fruit Pie . This pie is filled with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apples, and rhubarb and it is one of a kind.

It is 11 miles to the next stop, in Castle Danger, but get your camera ready because you’ll be driving through 2 large tunnels, and the exits of both perfectly frame Lake Superior. 

Castle Danger is home to Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse State Parks. You can learn a little history of the area while touring the lighthouse and take a hike down the hillside to dip your toes in the cool Lake Superior water.

Gooseberry Falls State Park has 5 waterfalls that you can hike to, and a very nice visitor center to buy some souvenirs at.

Along the remaining 72 miles to Grand Marais, take the time to stop at a beach or two to hunt for agates. The beaches along the North Shore are loaded with agates and it’s fun to find a few to bring home.  

The city of Grand Marais has a main street full of local shops that ends on the shore of Lake Superior.  The beach is a popular spot to watch the water, and to eat a delicious donut from World’s Best Donuts or maybe you’ll want a slice of thin crust pizza from Sven and Ole’s.  

Grand Marais is also the start of the Gunflint Trail. This is a 57-mile paved roadway that ends in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area near the border of Ontario.

This 110 mile road trip between Duluth and Grand Marais can be made in one day, but why not take your time and really discover the beauty of Lake Superior and the North Shore.

Recommended by Vicki of That Was a First

I-70 Kansas road trip: Abilene to Kansas City

Brown V Board of Education National Historic Site

Recommended trip: 2-4 days

Enjoy a wealth of historic, cultural, and recreational activities along Interstate 70 in northern Kansas. Start in Abilene, Kansas with visiting the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home. Head over to pet Ginger, the greeter at the Greyhound Hall of Fame. Enjoy award-winning fried chicken at the Brookville Hotel.

Next stop along I-70 in Kansas is Junction City, home to Milford Lake and the Fishing Capital of Kansas. Tour Fort Riley’s museums, but prepare for security. Eat Munson-raised, dry-aged beef at Munson’s Prime restaurant, a local favorite. A perfect spot to call it a night is by the lake at Acorns Resort.

Then you’ll hit Manhattan, Kansas. For high adventure, fly zip lines at Wildwood Adventure Park. Afterwards, relax and eat and drink at Liquid Art Winery & Estate!

Slide into Topeka, Kansas where you can dive into history and visit the state capitol and the national historic site where the Supreme Court reversed segregation in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka . A great way to end the day is with elegance at the Cyrus Hotel.

As you head east on I-70, you’ll get to Lecompton, Kansas. Learn more about where slavery began to die at Constitution Hall State Historic Site and the Territorial Capitol. Then lighten things back up by grabbing a slice of gourmet pie at Aunt Netter’s Cafe. Delicious!

Next up is Lawrence, Kansas and downtown is the place to be! Experience downtown Lawrence during the day or night. See basketball’s original rules at The Cradle of Basketball. And if you’re looking for a brewery, Free State Brewing Co. is Kansas’ first post-prohibition brewery. Stay at in the heart of Lawrence at The Oread.

The final stop on this Northern Kansas road trip before arriving at Kansas City is Leavenworth, Kansas. Visit Fort Leavenworth, or ride antique carousels at C.W. Parker Carousel Museum. A must-try in Leavenworth is the steak house tenderloin at Metropolitan Steakhouse.

Wrapping up the I-70 Kansas road trip is of course, Kansas City! Enjoy the major leagues: sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park and NASCAR at Kansas Speedway. Eat top-notch barbecue at SLAP’s BBQ. After a great road trip in Kansas, stay in the Chateau Avalon.    

Recommended by Roxie of Roxie on the Road

Midwest road trip: Missouri Route 66

Missouri Route 66 road trip

While most people think of a  Route 66  Road Trip as starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica, you don’t need to take two weeks and traverse half the country to get in a taste of the Mother Road. Instead, you can pick a portion and explore it in-depth.

Missouri has a great stretch of Route 66 right here in the Midwest. It starts in the northeast crossing over from Illinois into St. Louis and ends at the Oklahoma border after passing through Joplin.

Obviously the most iconic site on Missouri’s portion of Route 66 is the Gateway Arch, which practically welcomes you onto the road. Make sure to tour Meramec Caverns , see the one-room jail in Cuba, and explore the interesting history of Carthage. 

Take advantage of the fun roadside kitsch of the route and get out at as many stops as you can. A real Route 66 road trip means you need to spend a few nights in the state’s retro motels and enjoy some diners and dive bars.

Recommended by Stephanie of Oklahoma Wonders

Driftless Area Scenic Byway (Iowa)

Driftless scenic byway and visitor center

Recommended trip: 1-3 days

Allamakee County is the home to the most scenic byway in the state of Iowa, Driftless Area Scenic Byway. This beautiful scenic byway zigzags its way on hard-surfaced and gravel roads through the high relief, pre-glacial landscape in extreme northeastern Iowa in Allamakee County. 

This byway has been voted most scenic byway in the state of Iowa . It’s 100 miles of amazing! Along the Driftless Area Scenic Byway you will find…

Effigy Mounds National Monument , the 2,526-acre park by the Yellow River has walking trails with modest to extended routes, allowing you to select your route and view a variety of mounds. An accessible boardwalk trail into the wetlands near the visitor center is available for persons of all walking abilities.

Yellow River State Forest was first acquired as a state forest in 1935, the Yellow River State Forest has grown to encompass nearly 9,000 acres of natural beauty.

Great River Road , where you can enjoy 36.2 miles of the Great River Road in Allamakee County. You will discover the best of the Great River Road right here!

Driftless Area Education & Visitor Center , where you’ll see live animals, interpretative displays, 2 viewing decks of the Mississippi River, and a great group educational experience.  Located just south of Lansing.

This Midwest road trip takes your scenic adventure to another level with:

  • Wine Tasting – Madigan Winery, Lansing & Empty Nest Winery, Waukon
  • Bird Watching
  • Beer Tasting – Safe House Saloon in Lansing
  • Trout Fishing
  • Cheese Curd Tour – WW Homestead Dairy in Waukon
  • Shopping – Horsfall’s in Lansing, Paint Creek Gifts in Waterville and City Meat Market inNew Albin

Recommended by Val of Allamakee County

Take these tips with you! Download the free road trip checklist!

Grab your packing essentials for every road trip with kids. Includes the 15 things you don’t want to forget!

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

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Triple Nickel Byway (Ohio)

midwest road trip attractions ohio

Winding through the southern part of Ohio is the  Triple Nickel  which encompasses parts of State Route 555. If you’ve never been on this scenic, twisting by-way through the hills of Ohio, you need to put it on your bucket list! This is a perfect day trip that takes you from the picturesque town of Zanesville to the history-rich city of Marrietta.  

The Triple Nickel is one of the more challenging roads in Ohio, but you can take in some of the amazing historical sites when you’re in the area. While touring through Morgan County you can see the Big Muskie bucket part of the world’s largest earth-moving machine in Miner’s Memorial Park and Barkhurst Mill Covered Bridge.  

No trip on the Triple Nickel is complete without stopping to eat at the Triple Nickel Diner in Chesterhill. Pro-tip: Make sure to check their website for the hours of operation because they vary with the seasons.  

If you’re looking for a great place to stay while on the route, take a small detour to the  Stockport Mill Inn located in Stockport, Ohio . You’ll be treated to stunning views of the Muskingum River and the operating locks. Dotty, the owner, will treat you like family and feed you amazing comfort foods only found at the Inn.

The Triple Nickel doesn’t disappoint the road tripper looking for a challenge in the Midwest.

Recommended by Brandy of Gleason Family Adventure

Madison to Spring Green, Wisconsin

Madison WI road trip Midwest

One of the most exciting small cities in the Midwest is  Madison, Wisconsin . It has a wonderful dining scene and miles of shoreline and bike trails.

A culmination of a college-town and a bustling city, Madison is also home one of America’s most beloved architects: Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright used Madison and its neighborhoods as a canvas, where visitors can see his many designs come to life. Although several of Madison’s Wright-designed houses are private residences, designs like the First Unitarian Meeting Houses and Monona Terrace are must-see spots for any architectural buffs! Both buildings are just a short 10-minute drive away.

If you want to see more of the city’s art scene , visit either the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art or the Chazen Museum of Art! Both museums boast both Wisconsin-based artists, as well as international artists too. Furthermore, admission is free for adults, making this the perfect stop for anyone that loves to travel on a budget. 

While you’re in Madison we also highly recommend grabbing tacos from Matthew Danky and his exciting outpost El Grito Tacqueria.  

From Madison, drive about 40 minutes to the quaint town of New Glarus , Wisconsin. The main attraction here is New Glarus Brewing, one of the most highly regarded breweries by beer snobs across the country so make sure to spend a few hours there. 

New Glarus also has rich Swiss heritage. Explore and find an authentic Swiss bakery or locally made raclette and cheese fondue.

Our last stop is very enjoyable Spring Green, an hour away down winding country roads.  Frank Lloyd Wright spent the better part of his life living and working in Spring Green and maintained a school at Taliesin. Wright’s students designed many unique buildings in and around Spring Green.

Recommended by Nick of Road Goat

16 best Midwest road trips

Well there you have it! I hope you’ve found some inspiration on which route you’ll take on your upcoming Midwest road trip! Midwest states have a lot to offer for any type of road trip you’re looking for!

Comment below on which you’re considering – or which route surprised you most!

You might also like: Best Hiking in the Midwest – 16 Cool Hikes You’ll Love Denver to Moab Road Trip: 16 Scenic Stops You Gotta See to Believe 27 Awesome Things to Do in Sandusky, Ohio You Can’t Miss Perfect Colorado Itinerary: 22 Road Trip Stops You Need to See Miami to Key West Road Trip: 22 Stops Along the Way 26 Best Places to Visit in October in the US

Planning to rent a car for one of these scenic routes? Check out the cheap rental car rates on my favorite site. I save up to 30%, which is awesome!

Find this article helpful? Save it for later or share it on social media!

16 USA road trip routes you need to add to your list

Saturday 25th of September 2021

Awesome. I'm wanting to take a scenic drive from Kansas to Ohio, off the beaten path. What are your recommendations?

Sunday 26th of September 2021

Where in Kansas and Ohio? I've spent time in Kansas City and St. Louis which may be along the way, but aren't necessarily off the beaten path. Perhaps a bit more southern, I've heard the Mark Twain National Forest and Shawnee National Forest are both gorgeous! Otherwise I've recently spent time in Sandusky Ohio, Put-in-Bay Ohio and the Lake Erie area. I'm sorry, I'm not sure I have a whole lot of suggestions for that specific route since I haven't personally done it. Best of luck on your road trip!

Alice Peace

Wednesday 27th of January 2021

Thank you for this! A road-trip in the States is definitely on the cards in the future.

Yay! How fun, Alice. I'm crossing my fingers it's soon!

Pamela Foester

Tuesday 12th of January 2021

I love exploring the Midwest, thanks for sharing.

You're so welcome, Pamela!

Tuesday 25th of August 2020

You missed a Gem of the Midwest. Part of the Driftless region on NE Iowa you need to check out the town of Decorah and the area around it. River bluffs, water falls, bike trails, 3 award winning breweries, big Scandinavian culture and museum.

Wednesday 26th of August 2020

Great suggestion! I've heard of Decorah but have never been!

Christa Ellis

Tuesday 9th of June 2020

I love that you included the Levi Coffin House. I have a post about it on my blog. Levi Coffin was a distant cousin to me through his grandmother Prudence Beals/Bales.

Friday 12th of June 2020

Oh very cool! What a small world, Christa! My pleasure to feature it. :)

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

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The Best Road Trips in America

The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure Begins With This Road Trip to the Dakotas

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Collectively known as “The Dakotas,” North and South Dakota truly have something for everyone.

Make sure to check the status of the states, regions, and establishments in which you’re planning to visit prior to travel. Many regions continue to see high infection rates and deaths, while many states and counties remain under varying stay-at-home orders. Those traveling from areas with high rates of Covid-19 should consider avoiding travel for now in order to reduce spread.

At A Glance

Rolling hills, underground cave systems, Wild West history, rich Native American culture, and National and State parks brimming with hiking, biking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. From rustic cabins and campgrounds to chic glamping sites and upscale hotels, The Dakotas have accommodations for every budget and every type of traveler. ... Read More

Though this road trip itinerary visits seven cities in seven days, know that both North and South Dakota are overflowing with parks, museums, public art installations, historic sites, and incredible eateries, so if possible, consider extending your trip. Read Less

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Explore All Road Trips

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Sioux Falls to Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park to Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

Badlands National Park to Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore to Deadwood, South Dakota

Mount Rushmore to Deadwood

Deadwood to Medora, North Dakota

Deadwood to Medora

Medora to Bismarck, North Dakota

Medora to Bismarck

Bismarck to Fargo, North Dakota

Bismarck to Fargo

Fargo to Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Fargo to Sioux Falls

The itinerary.

Sioux Falls to the Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Sioux Falls to the Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Roadside Attraction : Stop at the World’s Only Corn Palace in Mitchell at the beginning of your route (70 miles from Sioux Falls) and at the six-ton Giant Prairie Dog at the end (20 miles before Wall).

Photo Op : The town of Chamberlain is the home of the impressive Dignity of Earth and Sky sculpture, a statue dedicated to the Native American population of South Dakota. The sculpture depicts a 50-foot Lakota woman with a traditional star quilt.  

Detour: Just north of the town of Wall (the gateway town to Badlands National Park) is Wounded Knee The Museum , a memorial to the Indigenous people killed at the infamous Wounded Knee Massacre.

Do : You can drive the 39-mile Scenic Byway in the Badlands National Park in about an hour but you’ll want to spend the most time along Sage Creek Rim Road (on the western edge of the loop), as it’s one of the best places to see bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorns, and prairie dogs. The remoteness of the park makes it perfect for backcountry hikers and campers who want to escape the crowds and explore wilderness far from trails and roads. Badlands bike tours can also be arranged. There’s also almost no light pollution here so the astronomy and night viewing are also incredible. If you’re a fan of astronomy, plan your visit for July, when the area hosts the annual Badlands Astronomy Festival .

Eat & Drink : Fewer than 800 people live in the town of Wall, but 2 million people stop at its famous Wall Drug each year for food, photos, and shopping. It’s about 10 minutes from the Badlands so the town is a popular place for affordable food and accommodations. Don’t miss the donuts!

Stay : Cedar Park Lodge is located within Badlands National Park but it books up fast so plan ahead. Staying within the park may be a bit more expensive but it’s worth the splurge, as it allows you to enjoy sunrises and sunsets right from your window. If you prefer to stay outside the park, check out Frontier Cabins in Wall.

Breakfast: Head to Cedar Pass Lodge Restaurant and try the fry bread topped with wojapi , a Native American berry sauce.

03_RoadTrip_Dakotas__MtRushmore_shutterstock_1302462784

Badlands National Park to Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

Shop : Native West Trading Co. , near Interior, South Dakota, is a great place to purchase authentic, handcrafted items made by local Native artists.

Detour : Visit the rolling hills of Custer State Park , where roaming bison and towering granite spires line the route. The park is famous for its herd of 1,300 bison, which you can spot along the Wildlife Loop Road. It’s the largest publicly-owned bison herd in the country and the experience is similar to what you’d encounter in Yellowstone. Each September, the park hosts its annual Buffalo Roundup , where wranglers on horseback round up the park’s herd to be sorted and vaccinated. The park offers mountain biking, fishing, paddle boating, mountain climbing, and some of the best hiking in the Black Hills. You could spend anywhere from a few hours to a few days hiking in the park.

Do: Hike the half-mile Presidential Trail to take in views of the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial . The Nature Trail also connects to the Presidential Trail and takes you to the Carver’s Studio, where you can find tools and models used in the construction of Mount Rushmore. During May through September, Mount Rushmore puts on evening light and music ceremonies that go through the history of the site.

Eat & Drink : While at Mount Rushmore, swing by the Memorial Team Ice Cream station and treat yourself to Thomas Jefferson’s ice cream, made with the original recipe used in 1780 by the nation’s third President. Jefferson is credited with bringing the first recipe for ice cream to what would become the United States

Skogen Kitchen is a Nordic-themed restaurant offering gourmet food that’s typically hard to find in this area. Despite the high-end fare, the food is affordable and the restaurant has a casual outdoor patio that is pet-friendly.

Stay : Under Canvas Glamping is just a few miles from Mount Rushmore and has on-site programming like yoga, nature walks, and bike tours.

Breakfast: Grapes & Grinds offers the best of both worlds: coffee and wine! Start your day with a bagel and brew and grab a bottle of wine for later.

04_RoadTrip_Dakotas__CrazyHorseMonument_shutterstock_1753959674

Mount Rushmore to Deadwood, South Dakota

Detour : Wind Cave National Park is home to one of the longest and most complex cave systems in the world. Aboveground, there’s hiking trails and an abundance of wildlife while belowground, candlelit tours explore the cave, its maze of passages, and its unique honeycomb-like boxwork formations. You could spend a couple of hours here before or after visiting Mount Rushmore (it’s about an hour’s drive each way).

Detour : Explore the living history and culture of South Dakota’s Native American tribes at the Crazy Horse Memorial . It’s worth spending a few bucks to take the bus to the base of the memorial. Also, don’t miss the Native American Museum on site, which is included with the admission to Crazy Horse.

Eat & Drink : For lunch, head to Black Hills Burger and Bun Co . which serves up homemade burgers, salads, and fun sides (think cheese curds and fried green tomatoes) using minimally-processed ingredients.

Do : Explore the wild west town of Deadwood , where real-life (and HBO ) legends Wild Bill Hickcock and Calamity Jane called home. Wander the old streets where actors perform shoot-outs, tour the town in an old stagecoach, and try your hand at gold panning at the old Broken Boot mines . This Wild West town is known for rodeos, music jams, and all sorts of festivals so check out special programming at Outlaw Square to know what’s going on.

Eat & Drink : For dinner, order a local craft beer and burger at Deadwood’s Saloon #10 , where Wild Bill was famously shot during a poker game. You can even pay your respects at his grave, found in the town’s Mount Moriah cemetery. Upstairs at the Saloon, you’ll find the Deadwood Social Club, offering a finer dining experience.

Stay : Deadwood has loads of accommodations at different price points and offering different amenities. If you want to stay in town, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Deadwood is a good bet (recently renovated, connected to the Cadillac Jack casino, and within walking distance to museums) but if you want to stay in nature, book a lodge (two-to-seven bedrooms) at the Black Hills Executive Lodging .

Breakfast: While you’re picking up coffee, pastries, and sandwiches at the Pump House , check out glass blown art being made next door at Mind Blown Studio.

05_RoadTrip_Dakotas__Sturgis_shutterstock_1742837033

Deadwood to Medora, North Dakota

Town : Stop by Sturgis, a sleepy town that livens up for three weeks of rallies during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rallies each August. If you’re not there for the rally, pop into the Motorcycle Museum to learn a bit about the town’s motorcycle culture.

Detour: The 144-mile Maah Daah Hey trail is an epic single-track trail carved through the North Dakota badlands, showcasing some of our country’s most unique and breathtaking terrain. Majestic plateaus, large expanses of rolling prairie, and rivers intertwine to offer the adventurous outdoors lover a taste of pure, unadulterated badlands.

Do: Medora is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, offering road biking, hiking, and camping, while the downtown area is full of shops and restaurants. Be sure to get to town by 7 p.m. so you can attend the live Medora Musical show.

Eat & Drink: Dinner at the Pitchfork Steak Fondue is a must. Here, chefs load steaks onto a pitchfork and “fondue” them western style—basically, they’re deep-fried in a vat of hot oil. Steaks are served with various sides, desserts, and drinks, and vegetarians can order a “Just the Fixin’s” plate.

Stay: Luxury meets western charm at the Historic Rough Riders Hotel in downtown Medora, but if you’re looking for something more economical or pet-friendly, check out the “tiny-house style” lodges at Elkhorn Quarters .

Breakfast: Start your day with a cup-o-joe and fresh bakery at the Hidden Springs Java or grab a proper breakfast at the Cowboy Café (note that they only accept cash but there’s an ATM nearby).

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Medora to Bismarck, North Dakota

Nature: Bison, deer, prairie dogs, wild horses, and eagles are plentiful in Theodore Roosevelt National Park , and a loop ride in the South Unit gets you up close with the wildlife. The park’s 70,400 acres of breathtaking Badlands is full of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic spots, and campsites.

Photo Op: The best places for great photo ops in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park are Buck Hill and Wind Canyon. Also, stop at the Painted Canyon for one last look (and a quick pic!) as you leave the park and head to Bismarck.

Detour: Beginning at Exit 72 on 1-94, near Gladstone, is the Enchanted Highway , a 32-mile stretch that ends in the small town of Regent. Beginning with the “Geese in Flight” sculpture at Exit 72, large metal sculptures are placed along the county highway, each with a parking area and kiosk. Some of the sculptures include “World’s Largest Tin Family,” “Teddy Rides Again,” “Pheasants on the Prairie,” and “Grasshoppers in the Field.”

Photo Op: About 30 miles before Bismarck, you’ll pass Salem Sue, the “World’s Largest Holstein Cow.”

Detour: Forty minutes north of Bismarck is Fort Mandan, where Lewis and Clark met up with Sakakawea on their expedition. Here, you can tour this historic site and walk in the footsteps of these legendary explorers.

Do: Explore art in downtown Bismarck, including several art galleries and colorful alley art in between Broadway and Main Avenue. Next, check out some of the outdoor attractions along the Missouri River walking path, include: Eagle Sculpture, Steamboat Park, and Chief Looking’s Village Historic Site. The grounds at the State Capitol building also has an arboretum trail with 75 species of trees, shrubs, and flowers. To learn about the state’s geological, agricultural, industrial, and Native American history, visit the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum .

Eat & Drink: Bismarck is packed with great food and drink options. Grab a burger and brew at Peacock Alley or the bison medallions at the Pirogue Grille . The brewery scene is also hoppin’ and Laughing Sun Brewing has plenty of options to tempt your pallet and can also provide a tour.

Stay: Many standard and upscale hotels exist in the city but for a unique lodging experience, head to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park , where you can overnight in a cabin or a tipi and wake up next to hiking trails.

Breakfast: Stop in at the Terra Nomad , a unique café in downtown Bismarck offering a holistic experience (and Instagrammable meals) to guests.

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Bismarck to Fargo, North Dakota

Town: Visit Frontier Village in the town of Jamestown to take a picture with the “World’s Largest Buffalo” and to visit the  National Buffalo Museum , where you can learn about the history and preservation of buffalo and see an albino bison.

Photo Op: Stop by the Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau to take a picture with the original “Woodchipper” from the movie Fargo . Also, if North Dakota is your last state to check off your bucket list, you can join the “ Saved the Best for Last ” club!

Do: Art lovers will enjoy the unconventional Plains Art Museum and the interactive and mural art spread across the city. Catch a live show at the Fargo Theater (home to the “Mighty Wurlitzer,” a restored pipe organ), then head over to Unglued , an Etsy-style market with 300 local artists.

Eat & Drink: Start with appetizers at Toasted Frog (definitely get the fried pickles), then enjoy upscale dining at Mezzaluna (try the bacon-wrapped bison meatloaf) in downtown Fargo.

Stay: The Hotel Donaldson is definitely the most unique place to stay, as the rooms are designed around the work of regional artists and the hotel includes art galleries and hosts literary, artistic, and musical performances. A more budget-friendly option (which is also great for families) would be the Holiday Inn .

Breakfast : Jump-start your day at the Twenty Below Coffee Co . in downtown Fargo, where you can get poached eggs, homemade bread, and killer coffee.

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Fargo to Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Detour: Explore Fort Abercrombie , which was the first permanent U.S. military fort and was once known as “The Gateway to the Dakotas.”

Do : Summer is the best time to catch free concerts and festivals in the city, but public art installations, including the Sculpture Walk and Arc of Dreams , can be enjoyed year-round. On the first Friday of each month in summer (known as First Fridays), downtown streets come alive with live music, discounts, and drink specials at restaurants, bars, and shops.

Eat & Drink : Named after the shish kebob-like grilled meat that is popular across southeastern South Dakota, Urban Chislic is a fun, casual restaurant and bar. They specialize in chislic but have a full menu of burgers, sandwiches, and fun appetizers. For a sweet treat, head to CH Patisserie or Parlour Ice Cream , both of which are owned by World Champion Pastry Chef, Chris Hanmer.

Stay : Hotel On Phillips , housed within a restored bank from 1918, is Sioux Falls’ first boutique hotel, maintaining classic charm combined with modern and elegant guest rooms.

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13 Best Road Trips from Minneapolis

Posted by Guest Blogger | Updated on Dec 14, 2023 | Published on Apr 27, 2023 | Minnesota | 0

13 Best Road Trips from  Minneapolis

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Guest post by Kassidy of Kassidy’s Journey

Minneapolis, the largest city in Minnesota, is surrounded by scenic routes that make for an unforgettable road trip. Taking some of these great road trips from Minneapolis can provide you with some of the best views, things to do, and fun times, right from the Twin Cities.

While some are further away and others are just an hour or so away, you can experience a whole new world from Minneapolis. 

From winding country roads to awe-inspiring waterfalls and charming small towns, there is so much more to see outside of the Twin Cities!

No matter which of these routes you choose, all of them are sure to provide plenty of adventure and beautiful scenery to explore.

Best Road Trips from Minneapolis

Below you’ll find the very best road trips that can be done from Minneapolis. They are all under 9 hours away and can be done in a long weekend, or in just a day or two!

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

1. The North Shore – Minnesota

Distance from Minneapolis: 160 miles; 2.5 hours

Time Recommended: 5+ days

One of the very best places to visit in the state of Minnesota is the North Shore, which runs along the shore of Lake Superior.

The North Shore starts in Duluth, where you can wander around Canal Park, shop in local boutiques, eat at great restaurants, stay in beautiful hotels , and enjoy the views of Lake Superior and the Aerial Lift Bridge.

As you start to make your way further up the shore, you’ll come across a few small towns, starting with Two Harbors. Here you’ll find Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. Both are worth a stop!

Next is Silver Bay, which is home to Tettegouche State Park. Within this park is the state’s tallest waterfall and several hiking trails.

Soon you’ll come to Lutsen and Grand Marais, both popular for their fall foliage and the hiking, skiing, and great food to eat.

Lastly, you’ll come into Grand Portage, which also has a great waterfall and provides access to Isle Royale National Park.

Other must-see stops along the North Shore include Palisade Head, Black Beach, Iona’s Beach, and Caribou Falls.

The North Shore is packed with opportunities for hiking, exploring the outdoors, and escaping the big city.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

2. Red Wing – Minnesota

Distance from Minneapolis: 60 miles; 1 hour

Time Recommended: 2+ days

Red Wing is a small town located along the banks of the Mississippi River in southern Minnesota.

It’s well known for being the birthplace of the classic Red Wing Shoes and having some pretty fantastic views of the river.

Within the city, you can hike along the river bluffs, which put you up and over the river to take in the amazing views.

You can also spend some time kayaking or canoeing down the mighty Mississippi.

Of course during your time in Red Wing, you’ll want to visit the Red Wing Shoe Store and Museum, where you can find a massive hiking boot.

Another great stop to make in Red Wing is at the Red Wing Brewery, where you can find local brews and good times.

Although Red Wing is a smaller town, it still provides you with great, fun activities to do on a road trip, and is a must-see on the Mississippi River.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

3. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore – Wisconsin

Distance from Minneapolis: 230 miles; 4 hours

Time Recommended: 3+ days

Situated just off of the rugged shores of Lake Superior are the Apostle Islands. There are 22 of them, and they can only be reached by sea kayak or boat.

There are tours that will take you out to the islands to explore, or you can take your own sea kayak.

But you can also explore the lakeshore near Bayfield if you don’t want to go into the choppy waters of Lake Superior. Along the shore, you’ll find miles of hiking trails that follow the shoreline and provide amazing views of the steep cliffs that drop into the lake.

In the winter months, if the conditions are just right, you can actually walk onto the lake and explore the sea caves that form underneath the cliffs.

Inside the small town of Bayfield, you can visit the Bayfield Maritime Museum to learn even more about these beautiful islands and cliffside. 

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

4. Taylors Falls – Minnesota

Distance from Minneapolis: 55 miles; 1 hour

Time Recommended: 1+ days

A visit to Taylors Falls is great year-round, as there are so many amazing things to do for the entire family!

For outdoors lovers, head into Interstate State Park and check out the historical glacial potholes and learned how they formed, thousands of years ago. Many hiking trails line the St. Croix River, and you can enjoy the overlooks of the river. You can also take a ride on the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat, which gives even more great views and a relaxing ride.

For families, head to Wild Mountain, where in the summer, you’ll find an amazing outdoor waterpark , an alpine slide, and go-karts. During the winter months, the destination turns into a ski resort.

You can also head into town and explore the small shops and great restaurants. One of the most popular places to eat is the Taylors Falls Drive-In, which can’t be missed by the giant root beer barrel outside.

And being so close to Minneapolis, Taylors Falls makes the perfect day trip!

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

5. Wisconsin Dells – Wisconsin

Distance from Minneapolis: 220 miles; 3.5 hours

If you’re taking a road trip from Minneapolis and are bringing kids along, then a visit to Wisconsin Dells is the perfect place to go!

Known as the Waterpark Capital of the World, there are so many great indoor and outdoor waterparks to splash around in.

The most popular are Noah’s Ark, Mt. Olympus, Wild West, and Kalahari Waterparks. All of which have tons of waterslides, splash pools, wave pools, lazy rivers, and more to enjoy during your visit!

Aside from all of the waterpark fun, Wisconsin Dells has so much more to explore. From a trip to Ripley’s Believe it or Not to ziplining at Bigfoot Zipline Tours and racing at Big Chief Go-Karts, there’s something for everyone.

You can also explore the nature of the area at Witches Gulch, which can only be reached on an Upper Dells boat tour. This is one of the most unique places in Wisconsin!

For kids and adults, Wisconsin Dells is a great place to visit!

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

6. Chicago, Illinois

Distance from Minneapolis: 400 miles; 6.5 hours

While a bit further of a drive than some of the other locations, a trip to Chicago is a worthwhile visit for anyone and one of the most perfect weekend road trips from Minneapolis! The Windy City is packed with things to do, places to eat, and stores to shop in.

Once you’ve arrived in Chicago, one of the very things to do is visit Millenium Park and see The Bean. You’ve probably seen it in movies before, but now go check it out in person!

Take a stroll along the famous Magnificent Mile, where you can shop, dine, and soak up the sights and sounds of the city. And be sure to stop at Navy Pier, the waterfront destination on Lake Michigan. And when it comes to food, Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza, so be sure to grab a slice or two.

Another popular attraction is the Willis Tower, where you can step out onto the glass sky deck and The Ledge and see the city over 100 floors below you.

If you’re interested in sports or theater, you can catch a game at Wrigley Field or watch a Broadway production at one of the five theaters. 

No matter what you like to do, Chicago will leave you with unforgettable memories from your trip from Minneapolis!

7. Brainerd – Minnesota

Distance from Minneapolis: 130 miles; 2.5 hours

Being well known for its thousands of lakes, a trip to Brainerd will really allow you to explore Minnesota’s most famous natural features.

The Brainerd Lakes Area has over 400 lakes to explore, including some of the best lakes for fishing like Mille Lacs, Gull Lake, and Leech Lake.

Spending a weekend at one of the many fantastic resorts in the area will allow you to fully experience the beauty of Minnesota’s nature. Most resorts allow access to things like boats, kayaks, paddleboards, a sandy beach, and campfire pits.

Or, you can just head up for the day and spend time boating, swimming, and wandering around the area. This is the perfect place for a relaxing vacation or day trip.

A few other fun activities in the area include visiting Paul Bunyan and Babe, golfing at the world class courses, biking on the Paul Bunyan State Trail, and visiting one of the few local waterparks.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

8. Stillwater – Minnesota

Distance from Minneapolis: 25 miles; 35 minutes

The adorable small town of Stillwater makes for a perfect getaway and offers plenty to do, whether you’re visiting for just a few hours or an entire weekend.

Start off by viewing the beautiful St. Croix River from along the river banks or by going up to the Stillwater Overlook. You can also walk across the historic lift bridge into Wisconsin and enjoy the views right on the water.

With Stillwater River Boats, you can take a dinner cruise along the river and enjoy a relaxing or romantic evening out. Stillwater makes for one of the best places for a romantic getaway in Minnesota!

Lining the river are plenty of restaurants, from a tiki-themed bar to a rooftop bar and hole-in-the-wall diners, you’ll find somewhere great to eat. There are also several small local shops to stop into and see what souvenirs you can find. A unique ice cream store, MN Nice Cream is also found along the river.

From romantic getaways to family day trips, Stillwater is a great choice.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

9. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness – Michigan

Distance from Minneapolis: 270 miles; 5.5 hours

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is one of the most beautiful places in the Midwest and makes for the perfect weekend road trip from Minneapolis, especially to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness.

There are so many great places in the UP to travel to, but the closest and one of the best is the Porcupine Mountains, where you’ll find hiking trails, waterfalls, lake views, and rolling hills.

One of the most popular hikes is to the Lake of the Clouds, which is phenomenal year-round, and even better during the fall months. Other hikes include to waterfalls like Manabezho Falls and Nawadaha Falls.

Even just wandering around the shores of Lake Superior make this trip worthwhile. During the winter months, snowmobilers love to visit the UP for their “lake effect” snow, which is powdery and deep.

Overall, the Porkies, as they’re nicknamed, are a beautiful destination just a short drive from Minneapolis.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

10. Door County – Wisconsin

Distance from Minneapolis: 350 miles; 6 hours

Time Recommended: 4+ days

If you’re looking for a charming and picturesque getaway, Door County, Wisconsin is a must-visit destination. Located on a peninsula jutting out into Lake Michigan, Door County is known for its stunning natural beauty, quaint small towns, and abundant outdoor activities.

A visit to Cave Point County Park allows you to take in the beautiful views of Lake Michigan and watch as the waves crash into the shore. Whitefish Dunes State Park is another beautiful area to get outside and explore. At the state parks, you can get out and hike or kayak on the water.

The small shops in Door County are perfect for wandering into and finding souvenirs to take home. Door County is also famous for its cherry orchards, and you can indulge in fresh cherry pie and other delicious treats while you’re there.

With its friendly locals, beautiful scenery, and endless opportunities for adventure, Door County is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life from Minneapolis.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

11. Badlands National Park – South Dakota

Distance from Minneapolis: 570 miles ;8.5 hours

A visit to Badlands National Park will take you the furthest away from Minneapolis, but provide you with some of the most beautiful views around! It’s best done on a long weekend when you have an extra day to drive and explore to account for the drive time.

Once you’ve arrived in the national park, you’ll immediately see why this is so popular. The amazing Badlands are rock formations that roll through the land, creating incredible views. Staring out into the distance, you can see for miles!

Watch for wildlife roaming in the park, as the Badlands are home to bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and more. You can see all of these creatures by getting out on the trails and hiking. You can also take the scenic road through the park and enjoy the amazing views from your car!

If you have some extra time, consider adding on Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park, which are just about another hour west of Badlands National Park. You can also visit Wall Drug in the town of Wall, which was made famous for its free ice water.

Hitting all of these destinations is one of the best ways to see all that beautiful South Dakota has to offer.

12. Great River Road – Wisconsin

Distance from Minneapolis: 30 miles; 35 minutes

This road trip destination isn’t just to one town but instead follows a nearly 250 mile stretch of road along the Mississippi River in Wisconsin.

From Prescott in the north (just 30 minutes from Minneapolis!) and down to Kieler in the south, this road provides phenomenal views of the Mississippi River Valley and gives plenty of opportunities for you to pull off and enjoy the scenic views.

There are scenic overlooks in towns like La Crosse and Bagley that are right off the road and make for the perfect spots to stretch your legs. Along with the overlooks, the many small towns offer places to try something new to eat or stop into a local store.

You can continue along this route for as long or little as you like, depending on how much time you have!

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

13. Winona – Minnesota

Distance from Minneapolis: 120 miles; 2.5 hours

Winona is a small town along the Mississippi River that provides similar views to that of Stillwater and Taylors Falls, just a bit further south.

In this small town, you’ll find hiking trails galore that bring you to the top of the river bluffs, where you can overlook the beautiful Mississippi River Valley. Among the most popular is the Sugar Loaf Bluff trail.

While in town, stop at a few of the breweries that add to the great brewery scene that you’ll find in the Twin Cities. You can also check out Garvin Heights City Park, which offers more beautiful views of the river.

For art lovers, stop into the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, and for those who love food, grab a bite to eat at the Winona Sandwich Company or the Winona Family Restaurant.

Wrap-Up: Road Trips from Minneapolis

While the city of Minneapolis is a great place to be, sometimes it’s nice to escape and visit somewhere new for a change. 

So whether you’re a local looking to get away, or are a visitor looking for places to go for the day or weekend, these great road trips from Minneapolis will be perfect for you.

It’s an excellent way to explore the beauty and diversity of the Midwest, whether you stick in the state or you travel to the surrounding areas.

From scenic drives along the shores of Lake Superior to traversing the rugged Badlands of South Dakota, there is no shortage of adventure and excitement to be found on the open road!

About the Author: Kassidy is a Minnesota native who enjoys spending her time exploring her home state and the surrounding areas. Her favorite part of Minnesota is the North Shore, and she loves sharing her adventures on her blog, Kassidy’s Journey.

Check out more Midwest content:

  • Best Things to Do in Kansas City, MO
  • Lake Michigan Itinerary
  • Best Weekend Getaways in the US

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south dakota road trip from minneapolis

32 Best Stops Between Minneapolis and Rapid City

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How long is the drive from Minneapolis to Rapid City?

The direct drive from Minneapolis to Rapid City is 609 mi (980 km) , and should have a drive time of 8 hrs 21 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Minneapolis to Rapid City, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Bloomington and Sioux Falls , as well as top places to visit like Quarry Hill Nature Center and Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial, or the ever-popular Maiden Rock Apples Winery & Cidery.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Top cities between Minneapolis and Rapid City

Bloomington, sioux falls, best stops along minneapolis to rapid city drive, maiden rock apples winery & cidery.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Quarry Hill Nature Center

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial

Red wing - red wing, mn, four daughters vineyard & winery, loon juice hard cider, and the traditionalist bourbon distillery.

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Minneopa state park, green giant statue park, august schell brewing co, the hermann monument society, top searches in rapid city, other popular road trips from minneapolis, explore nearby places.

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Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Rapid City?

Get inspired for your trip to Rapid City with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from minneapolis to rapid city.

Yes! You can drive from Minneapolis to Rapid City.

How far is Rapid City from Minneapolis by car?

The drive from Minneapolis to Rapid City is 609 miles (980 km).

How long does it take to drive from Minneapolis to Rapid City?

Driving from Minneapolis to Rapid City should take you 8 hrs 21 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Minneapolis to Rapid City?

Gas from Minneapolis to Rapid City would cost around $53 to $125 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Minneapolis to Rapid City?

You could check out Quarry Hill Nature Center and Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial, or the always popular Maiden Rock Apples Winery & Cidery!

What are the best cities to visit between Minneapolis and Rapid City?

People love visiting Bloomington and Sioux Falls, among others.

What's the weather like in Minneapolis?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

  • Weather in Minneapolis in January
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What are some other road trips from Minneapolis?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Minneapolis.

  • Minneapolis to New York City drive
  • Minneapolis to Chicago drive
  • Minneapolis to Orlando drive
  • Minneapolis to Las Vegas drive
  • Minneapolis to Washington DC drive
  • Minneapolis to Toronto drive
  • Minneapolis to New Orleans drive
  • Minneapolis to Nashville drive
  • Minneapolis to Niagara Falls drive
  • Minneapolis to Branson drive
  • Minneapolis to Boston drive
  • Minneapolis to Saint Louis drive
  • Minneapolis to Montreal drive
  • Minneapolis to Duluth drive
  • Minneapolis to Seattle drive
  • Minneapolis to Wisconsin Dells drive
  • Minneapolis to Milwaukee drive
  • Minneapolis to San Antonio drive
  • Minneapolis to Kansas City drive
  • Minneapolis to Atlanta drive
  • Minneapolis to Gatlinburg drive
  • Minneapolis to Philadelphia drive
  • Minneapolis to Memphis drive
  • Minneapolis to Vancouver drive
  • Minneapolis to Cleveland drive
  • Minneapolis to Louisville drive
  • Minneapolis to Baltimore drive
  • Minneapolis to Denver drive
  • Minneapolis to Savannah drive
  • Minneapolis to Dallas drive

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The 12 Best Road Trips from Minneapolis (Our Mega Guide)

Lily

  • Updated March 16, 2022

People like to stereotype us Midwesterns as landlocked prisoners, living among the cornfields.

In fact, if you’re looking to take a road trip from Minneapolis, you’ve got all sorts of awesome options!

Whether you’re looking for a short drive that can be finished in a day or a week-long, cross-country excursion, this guide compiles the 12 best road trips from Minneapolis. 

We’ve been on most of these road trips ourselves, which is why you’ll also find maps plotting out our favorite stops along the way.

Happy driving!

1. The Quick North Shore Trip to Duluth, MN (with a stop at Banning State Park)

2. the weekend lake retreat to brainerd / nisswa, mn, 3. the short scenic drive to lake pepin, 1. the best road trip for families: wisconsin dells, wi, 2. drive to two unique small towns: lanesboro, mn & decorah, ia, 3. the closest, most underrated city: des moines, ia, 1. the full north shore experience, 2. the big city experience: minneapolis to chicago (and milwaukee), 3. wisconin’s premier getaway: door county, wi, 4. minneapolis to the upper peninsula, mi, 5. the nearby national park: badlands national park, sd, 1. the bucketlist roadtrip from minneapolis: the great river road, short 1 day road trips from minneapolis (about 2 hours).

Personally, I think it’s a stretch to call less than 3 hours of car-time a “road trip.” As a fan of multi-day treks across the country, I’d consider these short jaunts to be more like day-trips. (We’ve got an article all about the best day trips from Minneapolis , too!)

But in any case, sometimes you’re just looking for a quick getaway from hustle and bustle of Minneapolis. If that’s you, here are a few of the best short drives from the Twin Cities.

They’re all about two hours one way, and we’ve done our best to include multiple stops along the way… you know, for maximum adventuring.

As they say, Duluth is “The Gateway to Lake Superior.”

I actually have no idea if people say that, but they should!

Duluth is idyllic old shipping town that sits at the southernmost tip of Minnesota’s one and only Great Lake. Duluth’s rich history means you’ll find plenty of historic charm and irreplaceable character. Watch ships pass under the 120 year old Aerial Lift bridge, climb the 80 foot tall Enger Tower , tour the historic Glensheen Mansion , or step aboard the 610 foot long SS William A Irvin .

Despite all the history, Duluth has seen a revitalization in recent years, and the town is now packed-full of trendy shops and new craft breweries and distilleries. Many of which can be enjoyed while looking over the beautiful shores of Lake Superior! 

The drive: 

To get to Duluth, you’re looking at just over 2 hours one way. It’s an easy, if not uneventful, drive up 35E North.

For a good-halfway point on your road trip, consider stopping at Banning State Park . It’s right around 1.5 hours from Minneapolis and famous for its beautiful rock formations, waterfalls, and white water rapids.

  • Distance from Minneapolis: 154 miles
  • One-way driving time without stops: 2 hours, 20 minutes
  • Banning State Park (1 hour, 30 minutes)

When it comes to the best vacation lakes in Minnesota , the Brainerd Lakes area , which comprises the neighboring towns of Brainerd and Nisswa, MN, is probably the most popular weekend retreat for city-dwellers.

If you’re looking a road trip to “the lake” this drive has your name all over it.

This area is teeming with dozens of beautiful Minnesota lakes, each one with plenty of lodging options that range from full-out resort to secluded cabin in the woods. If it’s not enough to just unplug at the lake, check out the nearby small towns of Brainerd and Nisswa.

Brainerd is one of the largest “cities” in Northern Minnesota, which still makes it a small town by any definition. And Nisswa is especially charming, with a quint main-street that’s stocked full plenty of craft breweries, bars, and shops.

The drive to Brainerd is a quick 2 hours and 15 minutes. Obviously, you can easily do this in one shot, but if you’d like to take a more leisurely pace, you have a couple options for stops along the way: 

  • Taking 169 North will have you hugging the coast of Mille Lacs Lake, one of the biggest lakes in Minnesota. Not surprisingly, Mille Lacs has plenty of attractions all on its own, including one of the closest casinos to the Twin Cities .
  • Or you can veer off to US-10 W and head through the interesting college town of St. Cloud, MN.

Both routes are basically the same distance with similar drive times.

  • Distance from Minneapolis: 127 miles
  • One-way driving time without stops: 2 hours, 15 minutes
  • Grand Casino Mill Lacs (1 hour 45 mins)
  • St. Cloud, MN (1 hour 15 mins)

For the most scenic short roadtrip, head down to Lake Pepin, just a little over 1 hour south of Minneapolis.

The road trip will take you down the Great River Road Scenic Drive , so you know it’s gotta be pretty!

The name comes from the road’s tendency to weave along the shore of the Mississippi River. Along the way, you’ll find cute small towns and plenty of gorgeous river bluff views.

This is also one of the best road trips in Minnesota to take in the fall, thanks to amazing fall colors along the river.

This route is a road trip classic, and the short version highlighted here is just the beginning. The truly dedicated could continue this trip all the way down to New Orleans! (Seriously! More on that later…)

In this shorter itinerary, you’ll start in the Twin Cities and head down the river road to Wabasha, MN. Cross the river to Nelson, WI, and then head back up the cities on the opposite side of the river. (There’s river roads on both sides of the Mississippi, and both are equally scenic, so make sure you check them both out!)

This route is packed full of interesting small towns, including:

  • Hastings, MN: A cute historic town that’s only 30 minutes south of St. Paul. You can relax along the river in Levee Park or wander the historic 2nd Street, which is filled with quaint antique shops and the always-popular Spiral Brewing.
  • Red Wing, MN: A small town filled with restored historic buildings. Home to the legendary Red Wing Shoes and Red Wing Pottery / Stoneware companies.
  • Frontenac, MN: Worthy of a stop for Frontenac State Park or Mount Frontenac Golf Course, both of which have fantastic views of the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin
  • Lake City, MN: A very small harbor town known for it’s sailboat-filled Marina.
  • Wabasha, MN: Another small town worthy of a stop. Wabasha is known for its beautiful riverfront walking trails as well as the National Eagle Center , where you can learn about the many Bald Eagles native to the area.

More details on the drive:

  • Distance from Minneapolis: 90 miles
  • One-way driving time without stops: 1 hour, 45 minutes
  • Hastings, MN (35 mins)
  • Red Wing, MN (1 hour, 10 mins)
  • Frontenac, MN (1 hour, 20 mins)
  • Lake City, MN (1 hour, 30 mins)
  • Wabasha, MN (1 hour, 45 mins)

Medium weekend road trips from Minneapolis (about 3 hours)

If you’re looking to get a little further from home or want a little more road time, the next few road trips will take you to fantastic destinations about 3 hours from the Twin Cities.

These trips are perfect for a long weekend, since each one is packed with tons of great things to see and do.

Wisconsin Dells is known as the water park capital of the world, so you can bet this is the perfect family destination for a family road trip.

This popular tourist town features tons of water park resorts, including the biggest in the world, no matter how you measure it. Seriously, looking for the largest outdoor water park in the world? The Dells has it. ( Noah’s Ark ) The largest indoor waterpark? Yep. ( Kalahari Resort ) How about the largest combined indoor/outdoor waterpark? Yes and yes. ( Wilderness Resort )

Of course, that’s just one part of The Dells story. There’s also theme parks, mini golf courses, real golf courses, spas, ziplines, live shows, boat tours, trolley tours, and don’t forget, the legendary “Duck Tours.”

Wisconsin Dells sits in southern Wisconsin, about 3.5 hours from the Twin Cities.

To get there, you’ll take I-94 East, which to be honest, isn’t exactly the most scenic or eventful road trip option from the cities.

Your obvious half-way point would be Eau Claire or Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, which for beer fans, may be worth a stop to visit or tour the Leinenkugel’s Brewery .

Another option would be to drive through La Crosse, WI. This would take you down the previously mentioned Scenic River Road and only add about an hour to your drive.

Otherwise, this is one road trip that you may want to tackle in one shot, assuming the little ones are up for it. 

  • Distance from Minneapolis: 216 miles
  • One-way driving time without stops: 3 hours, 20 mins
  • Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin (1 hour, 45 mins)

When most locals think about cute small towns in our state, Lanesboro is always one of the first to mind. 

This picturesque small town just looks like the type of place to jump out of a Hallmark movie. It has a lively main street of historic brick buildings, all of which are surrounded by the area’s tall river bluffs, almost making this place the closest thing Minnesota has to a mountain town.

Add in plenty of fun activities, like the 60-mile Root River Bike Trails system or the state’s largest cave , and it’s obvious why Lanesboro is always one of the state’s most popular small-town getaways.

But there’s a second fantastic small town just across the border. Decorah , Iowa sits just 45 minutes away. There you’ll find an underrated collection of parks that celebrate the region’s endless hills, rivers, and limestone bluffs. Surprisingly, Decorah has also become one America’s brewery hot spots; it’s now home to two critic’s favorits – Toppling Goliath and Pulpit Rock breweries.

Lanesboro sits in southeast Minnesota, about 2 hours from the Twin Cities. To get there, you’ll take 52 South, cut directly through Rochester, MN, and then veer off towards the cute small town.

To get from Lanesboro to Decorah, you’ll head another 45 minutes south through peaceful Minnesota and Iowa farmland.

  • Distance from Minneapolis: 157 miles (Minneapolis to Decorah, IA)
  • One-way driving time without stops: 2 hours, 50 mins (Minneapolis to Decorah, IA)
  • Lanesboro, MN (2 hours, 15 mins)

Look out, stereotypes about corn fields. Des Moines, Iowa is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States.

As the capital of Iowa, Des Moines has a surprisingly impressive city vibe that features lively arts, top notch food, plenty of shopping, trendy neigbhorhoods, and a rich history.

It’s a sneakily impressive city. We know plenty of Minnesotans, who after finishing cracking their inevitable jokes about Iowa, will secretly admit that Des Moines is one of the cooler cities they’ve ever visited.

Des Moines is 3.5 hours south of Minneapolis.

You’ll take 35E South, which isn’t the most exciting drive in the world. The best advice we can give you is that if you really need a stop, Owatonna, MN, located 1 hour south of Minneapolis, is a somewhat interesting small town with quite a bit of history. Otherwise, your best bet may be the SPAM Museum in Austin, MN. 

Otherwise, just keep on trucking, and you’ll find yourself in one of America’s most underrated cities in no time.

  • Distance from Minneapolis: 244 miles
  • One-way driving time without stops: 3 hours 30 mins
  • Owatonna, MN (1 hour)

Longer 5-7 Day Road Trips from Minneapolis (5+ hours)

Now we’re entering some real road trip territory!

These road trips will all take you to amazing destinations that are about 5 hours or longer from the Twin Cities.

For these destinations, you’ll definitely want to give yourself several days to take everything in. Most would be best with five to seven days of vacation, so if you’ve got a little more time on your hands, these are certainly some of the best drives inside (and out of!) the state! 

Making the full drive through Minnesota’s stunning North Shore is something every Minnesotan should do at least once. Even most out of town visitors will be surprised that our humble Midwestern state has such amazing scenery!

This road trip will take you from Minneapolis, through the previously-highlighted town of Duluth, and all the way along the Lake Superior shoreline to the Canadian border!

The first two hours of this drive will take you to Duluth. From there, you head to the true “Minnesota North Woods” as you follow Minnesota’s Scenic Highway 61 through Two Harbors, past Lutsen, into Grand Marias, and eventually, right to the Canadian border.

There’s so many amazing stops along this route that we wrote an entire guide to our 19 favorite things to do on Minnesota’s North Shore .

  • Distance from Minneapolis: 299 miles
  • One-way driving time without stops: 4 hours, 55 mins
  • Recommended stops: We list all our favorite stops in our article about the best things to do on Minnesota’s North Shore .

MSP airport has tons of cheap, quick flights to The Windy City, so it’s easy to forget that you can almost drive there in the same amount of time!

Chicago is the third most populated city in the U.S. So if our own city’s collection of amenities isn’t doing it for ya, you can always hop in a car to experience deep dish pizza, world-class museums, iconic skyscrapers, and the great Lake Michigan all for yourself.

By car, Chicago is just over 6 hours of highway driving from Minneapolis.

At the four hour mark, you’ll enter Madison, Wisconsin, which is worth a stop. As the capital city of Wisconsin and home to the University of Wisconsin, Madison is a city with a unique character all its own. While there, you can grab a delicious meal or four, lounge at the Student Union’s beautiful lakefront terrace, and experience masterpiece architecture from the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright.

But to really ramp this road trip to the next level, consider this –  adding a stop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin adds just 30 minutes of driving to the route.

For our money, Milwaukee is one of the most underrated cities in the country. It’s filled with more amazing breweries than we can count, carries a unique tradition of German food all-of-it’s own, sits in a beautiful lakefront location right on the water, and even has casinos within city limits!

  • Distance from Minneapolis: 408 miles to Chicago
  • One-way driving time without stops: 6 hours, 15 minutes
  • Madison, Wisconsin (4 hours, 15 mins)
  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin (5 hours, 5 minutes)

If you’re looking for the ultimate in idyllic Midwest trips, Door County it is.

Does your idea of a good vacation include a landscape lined with blue lakewater, picturesque countryside, and endless wineries, lighthouses, and state parks? Then you might want to make the drive to this beautiful part of Northeastern Wiconsin.

Door county is almost exactly five hours east of Minneapolis. Along the way, you’ll drive through hours of north Wisconsin’s rural countryside, before eventually reaching Green Bay.

Depending on your football affiliations, entering Green Bay is either akin to going behind enemy lines or reaching The Promiseland. Either way, it’s a unique town with more than just football, and certainly worth a stop one hour before (or after) reaching the final Door County destination.

  • Distance from Minneapolis: 321 miles to Door County
  • One-way driving time without stops: 4 hours, 50 minutes
  • Green Bay, Wisconsin (4 hours, 15 minutes)

It’s easy to overlook the Upper Peninsula, that odd part of Michigan that hooks over to the same land mass as Wisconsin but oddly, is still technically part of Michigan.

But anyone who’s ever made the drive to this difficult to reach part of the country knows that “The U.P.” is home to endless miles of beautiful Lake Superior coastline, acres upon acres of pristine wilderness, and all sorts of natural attractions. (The most popular being the photogenic and colorful cliffsides known as Pictured Rocks .)

Sure, it doesn’t get the press (or amenities) of more popular nature destinations, but Michigan’s Upper Peninsula absolutely carries a certain tranquility that’s hard to find these days.

Our recommended road trip from Minneapolis to the Upper Peninsula features the final desination of Munising, MI. Munising is a small town that marks the beginning of the popular Pictured Rocks, and a great spot to start your kayak tour of these beauties.

The most direct route to Munising clocks in at 6 hours and 55 minutes, but we actually recommend you take the more scenic route through Northern Wisconsin. This will allow you to break up your drive with stops in Hayward , Wisconsin (yet another one of our best vacation lakes from Minneapolis ) and Marquette , MI (the charming college town).

Note: This is the exact route we took when the pandemic halted our summer air-travel plans, and we had to adjust plans to somewhere drive-able and a little more remote. This section of Michigan did not disappoint!)

For those with extra time, this path also allows you to spend even more time exploring the region with a quick jaunt up to Copper Harbor , yet another interesting part of the U.P. which sits on a peninsula of its own.

  • Distance from Minneapolis: 425 miles to Munising
  • One-way driving time without stops: 7 hours, 30 minutes
  • Hayward, Wisconsin (2 hours, 30 mins)
  • Marquette, Michigan (6 hours, 30 mins)

For the nearest national park outside of Minnesota, consider the lengthy drive to Badlands National Park in southwestern South Dakota.

Badlands is a park famous for its unique rock formations that are an odd mix between canyons and mountains. These strange rock features were created by years of erosion, exposing the dramatic, colorful, and frankly… bizarre landscape that’s unlike anywhere else in the country.

Badlands is 7 hours and 20 minutes west of Minneapolis on Interstate 90. Near the beginning of the drive, you’ll pass through Mankato, MN and Siox Falls, SD before spending hours driving through southern South Dakota prairie and grassland.

  • Distance from Minneapolis: 502 miles to Badlands National Park

Massively Huge Road Minnesota Road Trips

In case you have a couple weeks (or months!) to burn, check out this wild road trip!

I’d say only two types of people can pull off this monster road trip: those who just can’t get enough driving, and people who already are retired.

The Great River Road is considered by hardcore roadtrippers to be one of America’s most scenic drives. This massive road trip follows the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles, all the way from Red Wing Minnesota to, wait for it… New Orleans, Louisiana!

We talked about the first part of this drive when we outlined the trip from Minneapolis to Lake Pepin earlier in this article, but that’s only the beginning of the Great River Road.

Safe to say, there’s far more to cover on this road trip than we could ever fit on this page. And unfortunately, yours truly hasn’t been able to devote the vacation time needed for this monster road trip just yet.

But for those lucky enough to be planning this trip, we’d recommend checking out something like the Mississippi River Parkway Commission or Road Trip USA’s guide .

  • Distance from Minneapolis: 2,000 miles
  • One-way driving time without stops: 34 hours!!!
  • Red Wing, MN
  • La Crosse, WI
  • St. Louis, MO
  • Memphis, TN
  • New Orleans, LA

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A great American road trip through Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming

Clint Henderson

Talk about a great American road trip. I've been living at my father's ranch in rural Montana ever since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down our New York City offices in March 2020. While I miss my colleagues and New York City, being in the West has given me great opportunities to see parts of the country I'd never explored before. That includes some national parks and more of Montana and states I hadn't even been to, like the Dakotas and Wyoming.

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Today, I'll take you on a road trip from Bozeman, Montana, to Bismarck, North Dakota, to Rapid City, South Dakota, and then on to Cody, Wyoming, before heading for a stop in Yellowstone National Park back in Montana. Along the way, you get to see places like Mount Rushmore, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Devils Tower and, finally, Old Faithful.

Start your trip in Bozeman, Montana

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Bozeman was once a sleepy cow town, but that's history. It's a veritable boomtown -- one of the fastest-growing cities in the West. The town's charming Main Street offers tons of shopping, bars and restaurants.

The Museum of the Rockies is a must-visit. It's got the largest collection of dinosaur remains in the world, including a very impressive Tyrannosaurus rex.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

And there's been insane growth at the airport : Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) bills itself as the "Gateway to Yellowstone." It's the busiest airport in Montana, with nonstop service to 19 U.S. cities.

American Airlines has been betting big on Montana and added four seasonal flights in 2020 and several more in 2021 . American flies to Bozeman from Los Angeles (LAX), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Philadelphia (PHL), Phoenix (PHX) and Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW) nonstop.

I found tickets for between $239 and $425 in the main cabin. Award prices started at 12,000 AAdvantage miles in coach or 50,000 miles for first class, plus $11.20 in taxes and fees.

United Airlines flies to Bozeman from six of its hubs, and Delta Air Lines also flies from six hubs, including Salt Lake City (SLC). Alaska Airlines has flights from Portland, Oregon (PDX), San Francisco (SFO), San Diego (SAN), and Seattle (SEA), and Allegiant flies from four cities, including Nashville, Tennessee (BNA). Frontier flies from Denver (DEN) and Sun Country now flies from its Minneapolis hub. JetBlue flies from New York-JFK and Boston (BOS) and from Los Angeles (LAX).

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

There are several brand-new hotels, including one of my favorites, the four-star Kimpton Armory hotel that opened in 2020. Rates range from $207 to $299 a night during August and September. If Marriott is more your speed, there's a nice newish Element Hotel as well.

Related: The new Kimpton Armory in Bozeman, Montana

A day in Billings, Montana

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Once you're done exploring Bozeman, your road trip begins in earnest with a just over two-hour drive to Billings in I-90 East. Billings is the largest city in Montana and is also experiencing rapid growth. This is really where the Great Plains begin. I'm not a huge fan of the town, but there are some things to see.

There are several walking trails you can do in the city and the surrounding areas, including ones that will get you some nice views of the cliffs surrounding the town or even on the cliffs.

There's also a park called the Shiloh Conservation Area that has turned an undeveloped 66 acres in West Billings into a wetland area to help control flooding and pollution in the Yellowstone River that flows through town.

If you want to spend the night, there are a ton of cheap hotels and motels in Billings. I stayed at Hampton Inn, which was fine. Rates for summer start at $136/night or 30,000 Hilton Honors points.

A side trip to Little Bighorn Battlefield National Park

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

It's just over a one-hour drive from Billings to Little Bighorn Battlefield National Park and well worth going a little out of your way. You take Interstate 90 in a nearly straight shot all the way there.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

This national monument is a memorial to one of the last of the major battles between Native Americans and the U.S. military. It pitted the U.S. Army's 7th Cavalry against warriors from the Arapaho, Lakota and Northern Cheyenne tribes. This place is popularly known as Custer's Last Stand and the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876. More than 265 were killed and it was a major defeat for the U.S. Army. Now the site is preserved as a compelling tribute to those killed on both sides of the battle.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Plan on a pit stop in the charming little cowboy town of Miles City, Montana. I got gas here last summer and stopped into the famous Montana Bar on Main Street. It opened in 1908 and is considered one of the best-preserved Western bars in the state.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

It's a four-hour drive to Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota on Interstate 94. You should probably plan on spending the night in nearby Medora, North Dakota, or even Dickinson, North Dakota, unless you don't mind a six-hour drive direct to Bismarck. That wouldn't get you much time in Little Bighorn or in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Medora's Badlands Motel has basic rooms for between $119–$172 a night.

Related: State-by-state guide to coronavirus reopenings

The park is 70,400 acres in the badlands with a ton of hiking trails. You don't need more than a day here, in my opinion, though it's worth a visit. I spent about two hours on a small hike from the parking lot at the Painted Canyon Visitors Center. You could probably spend a few days at the park on various hikes if you are so inclined.

Bismarck, North Dakota

It's another two-hour drive to Bismarck, North Dakota, the state capital and where you can stay the night at one of many moderately priced hotels.

I enjoyed walking around the state capital building and exploring the historic downtown, including Camp Hancock State Historic Site built in 1872. There's a cool old train station nearby, and you can do the whole town in just a few hours.

Lots of mid-tier hotels to choose from, including a Radisson, Holiday Inn, a Courtyard by Marriott or a Home2Suites by Hilton. Prices range from $84-$127. That's not too bad for peak summer travel.

Rapid City, South Dakota

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

It's a long five-hour drive from Bismarck to Rapid City, so you'll be in the car for much of the day. Your reward is the charming town known as the City of Presidents.

There are also five national parks within drives of Rapid City: Badlands National Park, Devils Tower National Monument, Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, Minuteman Missile Silo National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Also within reach? Crazy Horse Memorial, the Native American version of Mount Rushmore with the giant face of Oglala Lakota leader Crazy Horse carved into a mountain in the Black Hills.

You could spend a week based in Rapid City and do day trips to all these national parks and memorials if you have the time. There's also a thriving restaurant scene in the town.

I found midrange hotels for this summer from $85 all the way up to $250 a night. The Hilton Curio Collection Alex Johnson hotel in Downtown Rapid City looked charming, though it is already sold out on many dates this summer.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

You're less than a half-hour from Mount Rushmore in Rapid City, so plan on making the town your base.

Mount Rushmore

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

No trip to the Dakotas would be complete without a stop at Mount Rushmore. It blew me away and was so much more impressive than I expected when I first went a few years ago. It should be on every American's bucket list.

Related: 11 of the best destinations in the United States

It's a short drive from Rapid City. Keep your eyes open for mountain goats on your drive to the park.

There's no entrance fee to visit, but there is a parking fee of $10 per vehicle or RV. It's just $5 for senior citizens. It's a bit of a hike from the parking area to walk around the base of the mountain, so keep that in mind. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are free.

Be sure to do the short hike around the monument to really get a sense of the scale and grandeur of the monument.

Deadwood, South Dakota and a drive through Sturgis

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

On your way from Mount Rushmore, it's worth a stop or even a day or two in nearby Deadwood, South Dakota. It's about an hour and a half from Mount Rushmore on a beautiful drive.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

This charming little "Old West" town has lots of little shops and curiosities. It was established as a town in the 1870s during the Black Hills Gold Rush. The whole town is a National Historic Landmark. It's now more famous for another type of gold rush -- gambling has been legal here since 1989.

Related: Voyage to Mt. Rushmore

And if you don't mind absolutely zero social distancing, you can make a stop in Sturgis, South Dakota. If you really want to roll the dice, time your visit to coincide with the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. There's not much to Sturgis aside from lots and lots and lots of bars, but that's the idea of a good time for lots of folks.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

It's a 90-minute drive from Deadwood to Devils Tower. This was probably my favorite thing to see in all my Western road trips last summer -- what a spectacular natural wonder. You can spend a few hours on hikes around the massive rock formation. Many people go for either sunrise or sunset here. You can even do rock climbing on the steep face of the butte.

It was the first United States national monument in the country and it was dedicated by Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. It was also where they filmed a famous scene in the 1977 movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Indeed, it feels other-worldly here.

Cody, Wyoming

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

It's a five-hour drive from Devils Tower to Cody, Wyoming, where you should probably spend the night before heading to Yellowstone. It's just an hour and 15 minutes from Cody to the east entrance of Yellowstone.

There is plenty to do in this rugged Wyoming town of fewer than 10,000 people. I highly recommend the Buffalo Bill Center of the West , which includes five museums. Colonel William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody helped found the town in 1896. He was one of the most famous men in the Old West, legendary for his buffalo hunting, cowboy skills and showmanship.

There is a Holiday Inn at Buffalo Bill Village with rates in June around $181/night, or you could use 47,000 IHG Rewards points.

There is also a Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton that looks pretty basic for about $185/night or 56,000 Hilton Honors points.

Yellowstone National Park

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

If you stay the night in Cody, it will give you a full day to explore the park. You'll enter via U.S. Highway 14/20 and it's about 53 miles to Yellowstone's East Entrance. The route will take you through the eastern entrance of Yellowstone and around the beautiful Yellowstone Lake.

Related: Complete guide to Yellowstone National Park

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

You'll have the opportunity to stop at the museum and visitors center near Lake Village and there are plenty of hikes or scene overlooks on the way. Once you're done exploring the Yellowstone Lake area, head on over to Old Faithful. It's a massive geyser that erupts reliably every 60 to 110 minutes. It's a cone geyser in the Upper Geyser Basin and easily accessible by road, and park rangers can tell you when the next eruption is during the day. Don't worry if you missed an eruption. It happens 20 times a day, and the plume of water and steam can be as high as 180 feet!

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

Watch for buffalo that are frequently loitering around the area.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

If you want to stay the night, you can actually stay right at Old Faithful. I wrote a complete guide to where to stay in Yellowstone . Check it out for ideas, but try one of the very intimate little cabins if your party is not too large.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

The road from Old Faithful to West Yellowstone is filled with sites to see and a ton of spectacular geysers and hot springs too. There are hikes and lots of wild animals roaming around to boot.

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

West Yellowstone, Montana

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

The final stop on your road trip is West Yellowstone, Montana. You should plan on staying the night here before your long drive back to Bozeman (give yourself two and a half hours).

There's a decent Holiday Inn in West Yellowstone where last-minute rooms in August start at $370 a night. That's steep, but if you book early, you can certainly find better rates. A long weekend in September will set you back $306 a night, or you can use 33,000 IHG Rewards Club points per night. I stayed here in 2020, and it was very basic but clean. I'm not sure it's worth $300 a night. I wouldn't pay that much.

Related: Where to stay in and around Yellowstone National Park

south dakota road trip from minneapolis

There's also the Days Inn by Wyndham West Yellowstone , staring at 15,000 Wyndham points per night. If you have Best Western Rewards points, you could try the Best Western Desert Inn or the Best Western Weston Inn , both from 28,000 points per night.

There's plenty to do in West Yellowstone too without even going back inside the park. The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center comes highly recommended, where you can see live bears and wolves up close. There's also zip-lining and river rafting nearby.

And, check out the visitor information center in the town itself, explore the fun tourist-trap shops lining the streets and be sure to grab some huckleberry ice cream. It will be just one of the many memories you make on your road trip.

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IMAGES

  1. South Dakota Road Trip Map

    south dakota road trip from minneapolis

  2. A road trip through South Dakota: the 3-day guide

    south dakota road trip from minneapolis

  3. A 12-Day Road Trip Itinerary for Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas

    south dakota road trip from minneapolis

  4. Planning a Legendary North Dakota Road Trip

    south dakota road trip from minneapolis

  5. The Ultimate South Dakota Road Trip

    south dakota road trip from minneapolis

  6. Road Trip Stops in South Dakota Along I-90

    south dakota road trip from minneapolis

VIDEO

  1. Traveling in North Dakota

  2. Interstate 90 Shut Down After Several Crashes and Blizzard Conditions in South Dakota

  3. South Dakota tourism numbers continue to grow for 10th straight year

  4. South Dakota View #travel #americancity

  5. 2023 road trip, south dakota

  6. Trip from South Dakota to North Dakota

COMMENTS

  1. Road Trip from Minneapolis to Mount Rushmore

    Scenic Route. 660 miles. 10 hours 30 minutes. The road trip from Minneapolis to Mount Rushmore is approximately 600 miles and will take 9 hours to drive if you decide to follow the quickest and most direct route. However, this is without taking any breaks or stopping to admire the many beautiful South Dakotan cities, landmarks, and landscapes ...

  2. The Ultimate South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary: Where to Stop ...

    Courtesy of South Dakota Department of Tourism. Located just outside Badlands National Park and about four hours from Sioux Falls, this massive, 76,000-square-foot roadside attraction started from ...

  3. 7 Day South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary: Black Hills to Badlands

    This past summer we took an incredible 7 day South Dakota road trip in partnership with South Dakota Tourism. We drove across the entire state, from Spearfish Canyon to Sioux Falls. Stopping along the way at many of the popular sights. We weren't totally sure what to expect beforehand, but it was an absolute BLAST!

  4. The Best 7-day South Dakota Road Trip

    The best 7-day South Dakota road trip itinerary starts from Minnesota and includes Sioux Falls, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and more. This itinerary will go from east to west across the state of South Dakota and you can reverse it based on your starting location. South Dakota is an incredible place for ...

  5. South Dakota Road Trip: Our 8-Day Itinerary

    The Butterfly House & Aquarium is located right inside Sertoma Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and after the drive, the price of admission was worth it to give the kiddos something to keep 'em busy for a couple house. Admission was $9/ages 3-12; $12/13+ (free for 2 and under) and they're open 10-5 daily (11-5 Sundays).

  6. Ultimate 2024 South Dakota Road Trip Planner: Attractions + Itineraries

    Here you will find recommendations for a variety of South Dakota trip itineraries as well as get more information on South Dakota road trip must-see attractions including Mt. Rushmore, Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, Badlands and surrounding area, Custer State Park, Deadwood, Spearfish Canyon, and Rapid City.

  7. Minneapolis to Mount Rushmore Summer Road Trip: 17 Things to see on the way

    Minnesota to Badlands, South Dakota road trip stops Sioux Falls. Sioux Falls is the first urban stop on the I 90 in South Dakota when traveling westwards from Minnesota. Sioux Falls has beautiful scenery and lots of urban attractions. We reached Sioux Falls early in the morning and first visited the popular Falls Park.

  8. South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary (4 + 7 Days)

    Day 4 - Black Elk Peak. Start the final day by driving to Sylvan Lake and the trailhead for Black Elk Peak. This amazing hike is the perfect way to finish a short but sweet South Dakota road trip. You already have your 7 day pass for Custer State Park so you won't have to pay again to enter the Sylvan Lake area.

  9. Off the Beaten Path: South Dakota Road Trip to Mount Rushmore

    That is a pity, because South Dakota is full of natural beauty, nice people, hearty food, and an ingrained Native American culture. This road trip covers a route from Minneapolis all the way west to the Black Hills of South Dakota, where Mount Rushmore is located. All in all, this is about 10 hours of driving over 600 miles but there are plenty ...

  10. Minnesota and South Dakota: Road Trip to See Mount Rushmore

    Road trippers should leave Minneapolis heading southbound on Interstate Highway 35 West, then head southwest on U.S. Highway 169 before connecting with Interstate 90. It's a straight shot west for about 635 kilometers through the farmland and rolling prairies of southwest Minnesota and nearly the length of South Dakota to Mount Rushmore.

  11. 32 Best Stops Between Minneapolis and Badlands National Park

    How long is the drive from Minneapolis to Badlands National Park? The direct drive from Minneapolis to Badlands National Park is 572 mi (921 km), and should have a drive time of 8 hrs 21 mins in normal traffic.. If you're going on a road trip from Minneapolis to Badlands National Park, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Bloomington and Sioux ...

  12. Minneapolis to South Dakota drive

    drive for about 60 minutes. 4:33 pm Worthington (Minnesota) stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am. day 1 driving ≈ 3.5 hours. find more stops. Day 2. 10:00 am leave from Worthington (Minnesota) drive for about 1 hour. 11:00 am Sioux Falls.

  13. Black Hills Road Trip Itinerary: South Dakota Here You Come

    Hit Ctrl when clicking the map to open an interactive Google Map in another window. Begin the day exploring the largest state park in South Dakota, Custer State Park.If you need convincing to start here read our post about 10 Reasons to Visit Custer State Park.. Start with an early morning drive on the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road.Begin at the Visitor Center on the east side of the park.

  14. Minneapolis to Yellowstone National Park via South Dakota

    Day 3. 10:00 am leave from Mt Rushmore. drive for about 3.5 hours. 1:29 pm Buffalo (Wyoming) stay for about 1 hour. and leave at 2:29 pm. drive for about 5.5 hours. 7:46 pm arrive at Yellowstone National Park. day 3 driving ≈ 9 hours.

  15. Minnesota-North Dakota-South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary

    Bloomington is a perfect home base for a road trip through Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota's historic and cultural landmarks. Start and end your trip at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, which offers direct flights to 130+ destinations. Arrive at the award-winning Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), then ...

  16. 16 Best Midwest Road Trips

    Here's the best Midwest road trips Black Hills, South Dakota (a classic!) Mount Rushmore, Black Hills, South Dakota. Recommended trip: 7-10 days. ... More ideas: Midwest road trips Minneapolis to Omaha. Lied Jungle, Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. Recommended trip: 4-5 days.

  17. Road Trip Itinerary: The Best of North and South Dakota

    Badlands National Park to Mount Rushmore, South Dakota. Badlands National Park. 1 h 30 m. 75 mi. Mount Rushmore. Route: Today is a quick drive but if you're a photographer and want to get the ...

  18. 13 Best Road Trips from Minneapolis

    No matter which of these routes you choose, all of them are sure to provide plenty of adventure and beautiful scenery to explore. Contents hide. 1 Best Road Trips from Minneapolis. 1.1 1. The North Shore - Minnesota. 1.2 2. Red Wing - Minnesota. 1.3 3. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore - Wisconsin.

  19. Road Trip Route Planner, Map and Trip Guides

    The ultimate road trip planner to help you discover extraordinary places, book hotels, and share itineraries all from the map. ... Improve this map; Remove Ads. Start New Trip. Share Map. Start New Trip. Trip Guides. About; Membership; Magazine; Contact; Help; Did you know: If you use the Roadtrippers mobile app, your trips will instantly auto ...

  20. Stops and things to do on Minneapolis to Rapid City drive or road trip

    If you're going on a road trip from Minneapolis to Rapid City, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Bloomington and Sioux Falls, ... Sioux Falls is a municipality located in the state of South Dakota. The area is home to Falls Park, where the Big Sioux River cascades over a series of rock formations ...

  21. The 12 Best Road Trips from Minneapolis (Our Mega Guide)

    1. The Quick North Shore Trip to Duluth, MN (with a stop at Banning State Park) 2. The Weekend Lake Retreat to Brainerd / Nisswa, MN. 3. The Short Scenic Drive to Lake Pepin. Medium weekend road trips from Minneapolis (about 3 hours) 1. The Best Road Trip for Families: Wisconsin Dells, WI.

  22. Young Kids and the Open Road

    Day 1. We have two young boys - Arlo, 4, and Cy, 8 - so, even though Google Maps said it was a seven-hour drive from Minneapolis to the Badlands, we knew that it would take us longer than that. However, it was very smooth sailing and didn't take us too much longer than seven hours.

  23. A great American road trip through Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota

    JetBlue flies from New York-JFK and Boston (BOS) and from Los Angeles (LAX). (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy) There are several brand-new hotels, including one of my favorites, the four-star Kimpton Armory hotel that opened in 2020. Rates range from $207 to $299 a night during August and September.

  24. University of Minnesota Athletics

    MINNEAPOLIS - The Minnesota Gophers (2-4) begin a 10-day west coast road trip this weekend as they travel to California to take on the University of the Pacific (2-6) and Sacramento State (3-5). There will be no stream for Friday's neutral site game versus Pacific. Saturday and Sunday's games ...