The Ultimate South Dakota Road Trip

The Ultimate RV South Dakota Road Trip

This five-day fun-filled experience will offer you a rare opportunity to view and uncover almost everything about the Black Hills and the Badlands – and why so many people call it home!

The Badlands National Park can be found in southwestern South Dakota – and is made up of almost 244,000 acres of greatly eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires. Badlands Loop is among the most popular scenic byways in the county, and always makes it on  the “Top Ten” lists of several of the media outlets.

Don’t miss the visitor’s centers for anything. Don’t forget to check out the Prairie Homestead which happens to be one out of the small number of sod dwellings still in good condition. As you set out to head towards Rapid City, don’t lose out on the renowned Wall Drug. Get a maple-glazed donut, have a look at the awesome selection of western art, and take a chance to explore the store in downtown Wall.

Rapid City

As soon as you’ve made your way to Rapid City, go over to the vibrant downtown and the Journey Museum to get a classical and traditional summation of the Black Hills. The information you get there will help prepare you for the days ahead!

DAY 2

Just a few minutes up the road from Rapid City, your very first stop is going to be at Reptile Gardens. This site features the most impressive selection of reptiles globally. Stroll through to see everything, and attend some of the instructive demonstrations!

Your next stop is not far from Reptile Gardens. Here you could drive-through the park that features North American wildlife roaming free.

Keystone

Keep moving south straight into Keystone – and discover the Rushmore Borglum Story! Learn everything about Gutzon Borglum in the museum and gallery that displays his art works of paintings, sculpture and artifacts.

DAY 3

The Black Hills features a wide selection of stunning scenery, hop into the 1880 train, which usually takes off from Hill City to Keystone and back to Hill City. This gives you the freedom to have fun in the Hills from a unique view. The ride can last around 4 hours and you will need to show up about 15 minutes early. The classic steam train is well known for the scenic route it offers.

DAY 4

Pay a visit to The Mammoth Site, which allows you to understand more about the Ice Age and the animals that came with it. Additionally you can take a guided tour and the kids can take part in the Junior Paleontology Dig.

Don’t forget to stop by Evans Plunge, the world’s largest natural warm water indoor pool. Check out the waterslides and enjoy in the purely warm mineral water.

DAY 5

Move straight into Belle Fourche. Here, you can find the Center of the Nation Monument along with the Tri State Museum. Take Highway 34 out of Belle Fourche and you will head for Devil’s Tower.

Wyoming

Devil’s Tower is the nation’s very first National Monument and you will see it rise surprisingly out of the prairie and grasslands of eastern Wyoming.