Mid‑West & Great Plains Junk Jaunt Itinerary (Sept 26 – Oct 1, 2025)

Day 1: Arrival & Junk Jaunt – Grand Island, NE (Sept 26)

Morning: You’ll arrive in Grand Island in the early afternoon, check‑in at the Springhill Marriott and unwind with a quick refresh.

Afternoon: Head to Lake McConaughy for a scenic drive along the shoreline and a short walk on the beach; the lake’s turquoise waters are perfect for photo ops. Then swing by the Historic Haymarket District to browse boutique shops and sample local coffee.

Evening: Dine at The Brickhouse Grill, known for its hearty steaks and farm‑to‑table sides, then enjoy a relaxed night back at the hotel.

Day 2: Broken Bow, NE – Exploration (Sept 27)

Morning: After breakfast, depart for Broken Bow (≈ 1 hr 30 min). Stop at the Broken Bow State Recreation Area for a brief lakeside walk and optional paddle‑board rental.

Afternoon: Visit the nearby Cave Lake State Park to explore its limestone bluffs and take a short hike to the viewpoint overlooking the lake.

Evening: Check into the Broken Arrow Hotel, then enjoy dinner at Riverside Café, offering fresh fish dishes and regional specialties.

Day 3: Rapid City, SD – Arrival (Sept 28)

Morning: Early departure for Rapid City (≈ 7 hr drive). Take the scenic I‑90 route, pausing at the Badlands National Park overlook for a quick stretch and photo opportunity.

Afternoon: Continue through Wall, SD, and stop at the iconic Wall Drug Store for a snack and quirky souvenir shopping before arriving in Rapid City.

Evening: Check into the Alex Hotel, then savor dinner at Firehouse Brewing Co., a lively spot with craft beers and a menu of comfort foods.

Day 4: Rapid City Attractions (Sept 29)

Morning: Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial; take the guided ranger tour and walk the Presidential Trail for close‑up views.

Afternoon: Head to the Crazy Horse Memorial to explore the visitor center and watch the ongoing carving work, then swing by the Reynolds Creek Trail for a short hike with mountain vistas.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at The Firehouse Brewing Co. (return visit) or try Al’s Steakhouse for a classic American steak experience.

Day 5: Drive to Bismarck, ND (Sept 30)

Morning: Depart Rapid City via I‑90 W and US‑281 N, crossing the scenic plains of western South Dakota.

Afternoon: Stop at the Badlands Loop in North Dakota for a short viewpoint hike, then continue to Bismarck.

Evening: Check into the Holiday Inn Bismarck – Downtown. Dinner at Hickory Bar & Grill, featuring local game meats and a lively atmosphere.

Day 6: Departure – Bismarck (Oct 1)

Morning: Quick visit to the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum to explore the state’s history before heading to the airport.

Afternoon: Return rental car and board your flight home, reflecting on a road‑trip packed with natural wonders and small‑town charm.

Evening: Safe travels!

Time and Cost Estimates

• Lake McConaughy – 1.5 hrs, $0 entry
• Historic Haymarket District – 1 hr, $0
• The Brickhouse Grill (Dinner) – 1.5 hrs, $30 per person
• Broken Bow State Recreation Area – 2 hrs, $5 parking
• Cave Lake State Park – 2 hrs, $7 entry
• Riverside Café (Dinner) – 1.5 hrs, $25 per person
• Badlands National Park (Overlook) – 1 hr, $30 vehicle fee (7‑day pass)
• Wall Drug Store – 30 min, $0
• Mount Rushmore – 2 hrs, $10 per vehicle
• Crazy Horse Memorial – 2 hrs, $10 entry
• Reynolds Creek Trail – 1.5 hrs, $0
• Firehouse Brewing Co. (Dinner) – 1.5 hrs, $35 per person
• Badlands Loop (ND) – 1 hr, $0
• North Dakota Heritage Center – 1 hr, $5 donation
• Hickory Bar & Grill (Dinner) – 1.5 hrs, $30 per person

Total Estimated Cost (excluding fuel & accommodations): $212 per person

Tips

If you’d like to extend the trip, consider adding a full day in the Badlands to hike the Notch Trail and a night in Dead Wood, SD for a ghost‑town experience. To shorten the itinerary, you could skip the Badlands Loop on the way to Bismarck and replace the Reynolds Creek hike with a quick drive‑through of the Black Hills, saving a few hours while still seeing the main attractions.