6 Nights and 6 Days of Fun!

This itinerary represents a whirlwind tour of the Black Hills and focuses on peak season activities. Our national parks & monuments, Custer State Park and Crazy Horse Memorial are open year- round. Our local travel specialists recommend that the average traveler plan on choosing approximately 2 to 3 planned activities a day. Also think about a few additional activities you might like to visit while you’re in the area if you find you have extra time. Give yourself some time to explore the local communities and its varied shops, eateries and more.

What better way to explore the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota than an inclusive, pre-planned vacation? Designed specifically to highlight the National Parks and Monuments located the Black Hills of South Dakota, as well as the Badlands National Park, just 50 miles east.

Traveling west on I-90, go to exit 110 – the city of Wall, SD.  Here you will spend your first night.  Check into your hotel and get yourself situated for your two-night stay.  Once you’re ready, check out Wall Drug.  The Wall Drug Store got its start during the Depression years by offering “Free Ice Water” to thirsty travelers.  From their beginning in 1931 to today, the family-owned and run business continues what their reputation was and is built on — giving friendly service to the public.  Today visitors may explore not only the Drug Store, but a wide variety of gift shops and eateries.  Most notably is the Western Art Gallery Restaurant where you’ll be able to enjoy a meal from a complete menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner items.  Save room for the Sofa Fountain Ice Cream Shop and some of their handmade donuts!

Traveling East on I-90 go to exit 116 for the entrance of the Delta-09 Missile Silo.  The Delta-09 Silo can be viewed from the topside.  Visitors look through a viewing enclosure to the simulated missile inside.  In addition to the missile and silo, visitors will see support structures such as antennas and motion sensors.  After viewing the Delta-09 continue traveling East on I-90 to Exit 131.  Stop in at the Minuteman Missile NHS Visitor Center.  It’s a great place to learn all about the thousands of Air Force personnel who worked and lived in the area during the Cold War and the nuclear weapons these facilities commanded.  Exhibits, films, and a bookstore allow visitors to explore the story of the Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missile System and its role in the larger context of the Cold War.

After visiting the Minuteman Missile Welcome center, depart for Badlands National Park.  Enter into the park via the East entrance – also located at I-90 exit 131.  Today’s change of scenery will leave you breathless.  Located in southwestern South Dakota, Badlands National Park consists of nearly 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires.  When the Lakota first encountered the striking, moon-like landscape, they aptly called the area “Mako Sica” or  bad land. Exploration options are endless on this day, from a great variety of scenic overlooks to impressive and educational Visitor’s Centers. Don’t miss the Ben Reifel Visitor Center and the teepee village which is located between the visitor’s center and the Cedar Pass Lodge.  After your stop at the visitor center, drive the Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240).  Along the way you’ll encounter a dozen overlooks and pull-offs to park safely and enjoy the view.  You’ll also encounter various trailheads to explore.  If you’re interested in hiking or walking the trails visit with a park ranger at the visitor center first for more detailed information.  Your scenic drive on the Badlands Loop Road will end at I-90 Exit 110 and the city of Wall, SD.  (You’ll be back where you started the day.)

Your family will experience a great day filled with sights previously unseen!

Stay the night in Wall, SD.

Get back on I-90 and continue traveling West to Sturgis, SD.  Take Exit 30 and go west on 14A about 14 miles through the beautiful Boulder Canyon on your way to Historic Deadwood, SD.  Once you arrive in Deadwood – the Deadwood Visitors and Information Center is a great place to start.  Stop in, see exhibits and pick up your map of Deadwood.

If you haven’t pre-scheduled your tour to the Broken Boot Gold Mine, head there next to purchase your tour for the day.  The intriguing story of one of America’s last great gold rushes comes to life at Deadwood’s Broken Boot Gold Mine, established in 1878. Experienced guides will help you discover the mysteries and magic of old-time gold mining techniques. Then try your luck at gold panning the same way countless prospectors did here more than 100 years ago.

At noon, patrol the streets of Historic Deadwood with some of the first law dogs.  Your guide, in full reenactment gear, will transport you back in time on this multi-stop walking tour of downtown Deadwood.  Learn about the discovery of gold, brothels and saloons, the town’s architecture, legendary characters who walked the streets and the massive destruction caused by numerous fires and floods.

After lunch, stop at the Adams Museum.  Deadwood’s Adams Museum is the oldest history museum in the Black Hills and ranks #3 among True West magazine’s 2009 Top 10 Western Museums. Artifacts and displays from Deadwood’s historic past reflect the powerful legends of infamous characters like Wild Bill and Calamity Jane. See many other original artifacts from Deadwood’s colorful history.

Shootouts on Main Street are still regular occurrences in Deadwood.  You will find the reenactment shootouts in the middle of the street at 2 PM in front of the Franklin Hotel, at 4 PM in front of the Big Dipper/Berg Jewelry and at 6 PM in front of the Wild Bill Bar/Celebrity Hotel.  At 7:30 don’t be startled if you hear gunfire, it is just poor Wild Bill once again becoming Jack’s victim.  In his hand are Aces and Eights, the “Dead Man’s” hand. Experience Wild Bill’s unfortunate death, as well as the capture and Trial of Jack McCall.  This popular event starts in front of Saloon # 10 and Jack McCall is captured by the troup and drug down Main Street for the mock trial.  The trial will take place at 8 PM every night but Monday at the Masonic Temple Theater.  This trial is loads of fun and gives you some historical perspective regarding the man who shot Bill Hickok on the night of August 2, 1876.

Stay the night in Deadwood, SD.

Next?  An adventure will get you started in the right direction…west to Wyoming and Devil’s Tower National Monument! The Monument rises unexpectedly over the vast prairie and grasslands of eastern Wyoming.

Drive US Hwy 85 North towards I-90.  Take the onramp West towards the city of Spearfish.  Follow I-90 into Wyoming and take exit 185 past Sundance towards Devil’s Tower Junction.  Take US Hwy 14 north all the way to Devil’s Tower Junction and then go north on State Hwy 24 to Devil’s Tower National Monument.

President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Devils Tower the first national monument in 1906.  Devils Tower National Monument rises 1267 feet above the Belle Fourche River. Once hidden, erosion revealed Devils Tower. This 1347-acre park is covered with pine forests, woodlands, and grasslands. Deer, prairie dogs, and other wildlife are seen daily.  Also known as Bears Lodge, it is a sacred site for many Native Americans.   The interactive visitor center will pique your imagination with the folklore and legends surrounding the landmark, not to mention the scenery and ride – it’s stunning!

After departing Devil’s Tower, you’ll back track back your route back to I-90 and go east towards Spearfish.  You’ll take exit 14 off I-90 and drive through scenic Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway on US Hwy 14A.  Along the way you’ll be able to see 3 waterfalls:  Bridal Veil Falls, Roughlock Falls and Spearfish Falls.  Have no fear, there will be places for you to stop along the way for pictures and to explore the beauty around you.

Continue to follow US Hwy 14A through the town of Lead, SD and back into Deadwood, SD where you will stay the night again.

Depart Deadwood and head towards the Mount Rushmore area.  Follow I-90 east to Rapid City.  Take exit 57 and go south on Mount Rushmore Road/US Hwy 16 towards Mount Rushmore.  About 10 miles south you’ll come to your next destination – Bear Country USA.

Ready to take a walk on the ‘wild’side?  Your next stop, Bear Country USA, is truly fun for all ages.  Located in the rolling foothills of the Black Hills, this drive-through park features North American wildlife roaming free in their natural habitats.  Shop, dine, and learn at the visitor’s center.  The baby bears at Babyland will have you ‘wrapped around their little paws’ as you enjoy staff-led demonstrations and informative programs.

Just up the road you’ll encounter Reptile Gardens, a site that maintains the finest collections of reptiles in the world.  Featuring an impressive walk-through terrarium and 3 shows that rotate throughout the day, Reptile Gardens is sure to please.

After departing Reptile Gardens and Bear Country USA continue south on US Hwy 16 towards Hill City.  You’ll pass through Hill City and go east on State Hwy 244 towards Mount Rushmore.

Take in the beautiful and majestic sight of Mt Rushmore where the four presidents are carved out of solid granite.  Your pride will soar as you explore the extensive grounds, interactive learning centers, guided and self-guided tours, restaurants and gift shops.  The majestic 60 foot faces of four US presidents gaze out over South Dakota’s Black Hills as a symbol of American democracy.  This national treasure tells the story of the United States’ rich history, rugged determination and lasting achievement.  From the Grand View Terrace, visitors get spectacular views of Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson and Roosevelt.  For a closer view, visitors can walk the half-mile Presidential Trail, which loops along the base of the mountain.  The Lincoln Borglum Museum contains interactive interpretive exhibits.

To complete your Mt. Rushmore experience, view the evening lighting ceremony (available Memorial Day through Labor Day).  The highlight of the evening is the 20 minute informational program in the ideally located amphitheater while the monument is slowly exposed to light until it is fully illuminated.  It’s a good idea to go early and bring a jacket.

Stay the night in the Mount Rushmore Area.

Travel the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway and the scenic drives in Custer State Park.

Follow US Highway 16A south, out of Keystone, SD towards the Iron Mountain Road.  The Iron Mountain road is 18 miles along US Highway 16A and forms the eastern edge of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway.  Expect a travel time of about 45 min to an hour as you take in the spiraling bridges, hair pin curves, granite tunnels and awe inspiring scenic beauty.

Your drive along the Iron Mountain road will end at the State Game Lodge.  There you will find Custer State Park Visitor Center.  Located at the junction of Wildlife Loop Road and Highway 16A, this will be a great place to stop and stretch your legs, see the exhibits and pick up additional park literature.  After your stop at the visitor center, continue south to Wildlife Loop Road.

As you travel through this 18 mile long loop you’ll see a wide variety of local wildlife.  Watch for bison, pronghorn, whitetail and mule deer, elk, burros, prairie dogs and more! Along your drive you’ll encounter at least some of the 1,300-head herd of bison.  Remember – the animals are all wild and free roaming, stay in your car when driving thru the bison herd.  Varied hiking trails are however available via the Wildlife Loop – check with a park ranger or park map for more details.  Expect to spend anywhere from 1 ½ to 2 hours to complete the scenic loop drive.

At the north west end of the Wildlife Loop Road, follow State Highway 87 north towards the Needles Highway.  Needles Highway is a 14-mile stretch of road that features some of the most spectacular scenery in the Black Hills. This slow speed drive features narrow tunnels, hairpin curves and the Needle’s Eye, which is a popular photograph site. Frequent picnic areas, climbing rocks and alpine brooks add to the family fun.  You’ll be starting by Legion Lake Lodge where you’ll be able to stop for a bite to eat or to grab a snack.  Traveling north through the Needles Highway will save the scenic tunnels for the last half of the 45 min to hour long drive, saving Sylvan Lake for the finale.

After departing Sylvan Lake and Custer State Park, go south on State Hwy 16/385 towards Custer, SD.   You’ll drive about 6 miles to get to the entrance of Crazy Horse Memorial.  Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski began the project in 1948 at the request of Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear and other Native American elders. Korczak died in 1982. Some members of their family continue the project, working with the nonprofit Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation.

The Memorial’s visitor complex includes the 40,000 square foot Welcome Center and theaters, the Indian Museum of North America, the Native American Educational & Cultural Center, the sculptor’s log home studio and workshop, indoor and outdoor galleries, museum gift shop, restaurant and snack bar areas and expansive viewing veranda.

Stay the Night in the Mount Rushmore Area.

Depart for home.

Stop in and see any activity you might have missed along your way.

Thank you for visiting us!!