Depart Du Quoin around 5:30 AM for the roughly 12-hour drive to Rapid City, following I-64, I-70, I-29, and I-90. This is a long opening day, so plan fuel and meal stops rather than trying to push straight through; good break points are around St. Louis, Kansas City, and Sioux Falls, with the final stretch across western South Dakota being especially open and scenic. Keep snacks and water in the car, and expect construction, summer storms, and time-zone changes as you head west. On arrival, use your hotel’s parking in Rapid City and avoid adding extra driving downtown.
After checking in and taking a short break, drive to Dinosaur Park in west Rapid City. The hillside’s brightly painted concrete dinosaurs are a wonderfully old-school roadside attraction, and the visit takes about 45 minutes. It is free and generally open from early morning until evening, though hours can vary seasonally. The climb and pavement can be hot in August, so bring water and wear shoes with decent grip; from the ridge, you get a broad view over the city and surrounding prairie.
Continue to The Journey Museum & Learning Center downtown for about 1½ hours. It is a smart first introduction to the region, covering Black Hills geology, archaeology, and Lakota history; allow roughly $12–20 per adult depending on current admission and exhibits. Check the closing time before heading over, since summer hours are typically more limited than daytime attractions. Afterwards, stroll along Main Street through the City of Presidents, where bronze presidential statues line the sidewalks. It is an easy, free walk and works well as a gentle way to shake off the long drive.
Finish at Murphy’s Pub & Grill, a relaxed downtown choice for burgers, sandwiches, and pub fare, usually about $18–30 per person before drinks and tip. A short walk from the City of Presidents makes it convenient, but call ahead or expect a wait during the dinner rush. Keep the evening low-key—tomorrow’s Badlands and Mount Rushmore day is much better started early.
Leave Rapid City before dawn—around 5:00 AM is ideal—so you reach Badlands National Park as the light comes up. Enter near the northeast side and start at Big Badlands Overlook, where the early light brings out the pink, ocher, and gray bands in the formations. Allow about 30 minutes, then continue along Badlands Loop Road for roughly 2½ hours. Stop at Yellow Mounds Overlook and Pinnacles Overlook, taking short walks where time and heat allow; there are few shaded areas, so carry water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes. The park has a fee—typically around $30 per private vehicle, valid for seven days—while summer hours are continuous, making an early start especially worthwhile.
Drive west to Wall Drug Store in Wall, about 45 minutes from the loop’s northeast end. Its café is a practical, inexpensive lunch stop—budget roughly $12–25 per person—and the sprawling complex is fun for a quick browse, even if you skip some of the kitsch. After lunch, allow about 1½ hours to reach Custer State Park via I-90 and US-16, then spend approximately two hours on Needles Highway. The road is narrow, winding, and includes tight tunnels, so check your vehicle dimensions before setting out; larger SUVs and RVs can have difficulty. Pull over only at signed turnouts, and watch for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and bison. A park entrance fee or state park pass applies, and traffic can slow considerably in August.
Continue toward Mount Rushmore National Memorial, about 40 minutes from the Needles Highway area, aiming to arrive by roughly 5:30 PM. The memorial grounds and Avenue of Flags are generally open until 10:00 PM in summer, though parking is paid—currently commonly around $10 per private vehicle, with annual passes sometimes available—and the parking structure fills during peak hours. Spend about two hours viewing the sculpture, visiting the terrace, and walking the short Presidential Trail if you still have energy. Then drive 10 minutes into Keystone for dinner near Main Street; casual choices such as Ruby House Restaurant or Black Hills Bistro suit a late meal, with approximately $20–35 per person. Reserve or arrive early, since small-town kitchens may close earlier than expected in the evening.
Leave Keystone around 7:00 AM with a full tank and breakfast packed; even without stops, the drive to Gardiner takes roughly 8–9 hours via US-14A/US-14, I-90, and US-89. Your first break is Devils Tower National Monument, about 1½ hours from the main route. Allow roughly 1½ hours here for the Tower Trail, a mostly level 1.3-mile loop with excellent views of the monolith. The monument is generally open year-round, though the visitor center hours vary seasonally; the entrance fee is usually about $25 per private vehicle unless covered by an America the Beautiful pass. Parking can fill during midday, so keep the stop focused and carry water.
Continue west toward Bighorn National Forest—Shell Falls, near Shell, Wyoming, allowing several hours for fuel and a simple lunch along the way. The short paved walk to Shell Falls takes about 45 minutes and is a welcome chance to stretch after the long highway section. The overlook is typically accessible during the summer season, but mountain weather can change quickly, so bring a light layer. From there, settle in for the remaining drive through Wyoming and Montana; do not count on reliable food options late in the route, so make your grocery stop before reaching Gardiner and pick up breakfast items, drinks, and picnic supplies for Yellowstone.
After checking in, drive a few minutes north of town to Yellowstone Hot Springs for a deserved soak. Plan on 1½–2 hours, and check the current reservation and closing time before leaving—summer evening hours and admission prices can change, with adult entry commonly around $30–40. Bring sandals and a towel if rentals are limited, and keep the evening unhurried after the long drive. Finish at The Yellowstone Grill in Gardiner, a convenient walk or very short drive from most lodging; expect about $20–35 per person for a hearty dinner. It is a popular small-town stop, so arriving before the late dinner rush is wise, and an early bedtime will serve you well for Yellowstone tomorrow.
Start early in Gardiner, ideally around 7:00 AM, and drive the few minutes south into Yellowstone National Park to Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces. The entrance station and parking areas are busiest later in the morning, and the lower terraces can become hot and crowded by midday. Allow about two hours for the boardwalks; bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes, since some sections involve stairs and uneven grades. The terraces are always changing, so take your time comparing the active white, orange, and tan formations rather than rushing from viewpoint to viewpoint.
From the terraces, walk over to Fort Yellowstone, the historic former U.S. Army post beside the Mammoth Hot Springs area. Give yourself roughly 45 minutes to see the old officers’ homes, parade-ground buildings, and visitor facilities; some buildings may have limited seasonal access, so treat this as an easy outdoor history walk. Afterward, continue east on the Grand Loop Road toward Undine Falls. The waterfall is a quick roadside stop—about 30 minutes including parking and the short walk to the viewpoint—but parking can be tight, so pull completely off the road and watch for wildlife or sudden traffic.
Continue northeast into Lamar Valley, one of Yellowstone’s best places for bison, pronghorn, coyotes, and—if luck is on your side—wolves and bears. Plan around two hours, but keep the pace flexible: the drive itself is scenic, and wildlife jams can appear without warning. Bring binoculars and a packed snack or lunch, since services are sparse in this part of the park; never approach animals or stop in the roadway. After exploring, retrace the route to Gardiner—allow extra time for construction, photo stops, and the slow-moving herds that commonly use the road.
Finish at Wonderland Cafe in downtown Gardiner, a convenient walk or short drive from most lodging. It is a popular dinner spot, so arriving before the peak evening rush or joining the waitlist early is wise; expect about $20–35 per person. Hours can vary seasonally, so verify the closing time that morning. After dinner, keep the evening quiet—tomorrow’s park drive will be much more enjoyable with a full tank, snacks, and an early start.
Set out from Gardiner around 7:00 AM for Norris Geyser Basin, roughly a 45-minute drive via US-89 and Grand Loop Road. The parking lot fills quickly, so an early start makes the boardwalks far more pleasant. Allow about two hours for Porcelain Basin and Back Basin; stay strictly on the marked paths, since this is one of Yellowstone’s hottest and most changeable geothermal areas. Afterward, continue south toward Gibbon Falls, where the roadside overlook makes an easy 30-minute stop—there is no need to hunt for a longer trail or complicated parking.
Backtrack north toward Artist Paint Pots, near Norris, for the roughly one-hour loop trail through bubbling mud pots and vividly colored ground. Wear shoes with good grip—the path can be uneven or muddy, and the geothermal fumes are strongest on still days. For lunch, continue toward Gardiner and settle beside the Gardiner River for a relaxed picnic; pick up sandwiches, fruit, and drinks beforehand at Gardiner Market on Scott Street, since riverside food options are limited. Keep food secured and clean up completely, as Yellowstone wildlife can pass surprisingly close to picnic areas.
Return into town for Roosevelt Arch, just beyond Gardiner’s north entrance. Visit in the late afternoon or early evening, when the stone arch photographs warmly and traffic is lighter; allow about 30 minutes, with parking available nearby along US-89. For dinner, try The Corral on Scott Street for Montana-style burgers and trout in a casual setting—expect approximately $20–40 per person, and check the current hours because summer closing times can vary. Gardiner is compact enough to walk between downtown restaurants and the arch area, but keep a flashlight handy after dark and watch for wildlife along the river.
Leave Gardiner around 6:30–7:00 AM with breakfast and water in the car. After entering Yellowstone National Park, follow the Grand Loop Road toward Midway Geyser Basin; the drive is scenic but can take longer than the map suggests because of wildlife, road work, and traffic. Park in the Midway lot and allow about 1½ hours for the boardwalk. The colors of Grand Prismatic Spring are strongest in the morning, while cooler air usually means less steam obscuring the view. Stay on the boardwalk—thermal ground is dangerously thin—and bring a light layer even in August.
Continue south to Upper Geyser Basin, roughly 15–20 minutes by car, and check the posted prediction for Old Faithful Geyser when you arrive. Eruptions are generally predictable within a window of about 10 minutes, so use the waiting time to walk the nearby paved paths rather than crowding the viewing benches. Plan around two hours here, including the geyser and a few of the surrounding geothermal features. For lunch, step into Old Faithful Inn, one of Yellowstone’s most atmospheric buildings; the casual dining options typically run about $15–30 per person, though service can be slow at peak midday. Parking fills quickly, so use the lot near the visitor facilities and expect a short walk.
After lunch, drive about 10 minutes north to Biscuit Basin. Its boardwalk is a quieter, roughly one-hour stroll through vividly colored pools, steaming vents, and small geysers. Check current alerts before going: thermal-area closures can change, and boardwalks may be restricted for wildlife or maintenance. Keep bear spray accessible if you carry it, never approach animals, and allow extra time for the slow Yellowstone roads.
Continue west through the park and enter West Yellowstone through the West Entrance, allowing roughly 45–60 minutes from Biscuit Basin depending on traffic. Settle into your lodging, refuel, and have a relaxed dinner at Wild West Pizzeria & Salon, a casual local favorite with pizzas and hearty plates generally around $20–35 per person. The town is compact and easy to explore on foot around Canyon Street, but reserve or arrive early in August, when restaurants fill quickly. Check NPS road conditions before tomorrow’s departure, as construction and wildlife-related delays can significantly affect the route toward Grand Teton National Park.
Leave West Yellowstone around 7:00 AM with coffee, water, and snacks already in the car. Follow US-191 south through Yellowstone National Park, then continue via US-89 toward Grand Teton National Park; the full drive to Victor takes about 4–5 hours before sightseeing, but wildlife and construction can easily add time. Check NPS road conditions that morning, keep your park pass handy, and treat pullouts as brief stops so you stay on schedule. Your first planned break is Lewis Falls, a roadside viewpoint south of Yellowstone; allow about 30 minutes for the short walk, photographs, and a chance to stretch.
Continue south into Grand Teton National Park and stop at Jackson Lake Lodge for lunch, roughly an hour from the falls depending on traffic. The lodge’s dining options are convenient and the broad windows and terrace provide one of the best easy-access views of the Teton Range; budget approximately $20–35 per person. Parking is straightforward, but midday lots can fill, so avoid leaving valuables visible in the car. After lunch, drive a short distance to Oxbow Bend, one of the park’s most rewarding wildlife overlooks. Spend about 45 minutes scanning the water and shoreline for elk, moose, and waterfowl, especially if the wind is calm enough to produce the famous mountain reflections.
Continue south to Snake River Overlook, where a 30-minute stop gives you the classic Ansel Adams view across the braided river toward the Tetons. From there, follow US-89 and US-26 toward Victor; allow roughly 1½ hours, with possible slowdowns around Jackson and the park exits. Once checked in, finish at Victor City Park, a relaxed place to walk off the drive and watch the valley light soften toward sunset. Bring a jacket—even August evenings can cool quickly—and pick up groceries or a casual dinner in Victor afterward rather than making the drive back into Jackson.
Leave Victor around 6:00 AM with coffee, water, and a packed picnic breakfast. Drive east on Idaho Highway 33 through Tetonia, then north into Grand Teton National Park via US-89; allow roughly 1¼–1½ hours to Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, depending on traffic and stops. This is one of the best times to approach the park: the Teton Range catches the first light, wildlife is active, and parking is far easier than after 9:00 AM. The park entrance fee is generally covered by an America the Beautiful pass or otherwise charged per vehicle; confirm 2026 rates and road conditions with the National Park Service. At Jenny Lake, take the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle across the water—boats typically operate seasonally from morning through late afternoon, weather permitting, and tickets are usually around $20–30 round trip per adult. Use the shuttle to reach the trail toward Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point; allow about 2½ hours, including waiting time, and wear shoes with good grip.
After returning to the Jenny Lake shore, drive a few minutes to String Lake for a slower hour beside the water. This is an excellent place for the picnic you brought from Victor—there are spectacular views toward the peaks, though shade and formal seating are limited. Keep food secured and give moose and other wildlife plenty of space. From there, continue north to Signal Mountain Summit Road, a winding drive of roughly 30–40 minutes; the summit road is narrow and may be closed to trailers or larger vehicles. Allow about an hour for the overlooks, where you can see Jackson Lake, the Snake River plain, and the broad valley stretching toward Jackson. Check the posted closing time before driving up, since seasonal hours can change.
Continue south to Jackson, roughly 45–60 minutes from Signal Mountain depending on traffic, and park in one of the public lots near Jackson Town Square rather than circling the busy center. Have dinner at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, where the saddle-style bar stools, Western décor, and live music deliver the full Jackson experience. Expect about $25–45 per person before drinks and consider arriving around 5:30–6:00 PM; summer evenings can mean a wait. After dinner, take a relaxed walk around Jackson Town Square and its elk-antler arches before driving back to Victor, usually about 40 minutes via WY-22. Watch for deer and elk on the return, especially after sunset.
Take Idaho Highway 33 west from Victor toward Wilson, then climb Teton Pass for a short, spectacular mountain outing. Allow about an hour of driving and overlooks, with extra time if you stop for photographs; the road rises quickly, so check weather and pass conditions before leaving, particularly if thunderstorms are building. Pull over only at signed viewpoints—shoulders are narrow—and remember that the pass reaches more than 8,000 feet, with cooler, windier conditions than in the valley.
Return toward the Caribou-Targhee National Forest around Victor for an easy forest walk or a quiet scenic-pullout break. Choose a signed trail suitable for your energy level, carry water, and watch for uneven ground and afternoon heat; there is generally no fee for a simple roadside stop, while developed recreation areas may charge a modest day-use fee. Plan to reach Bar J Chuckwagon near Wilson well before the evening program begins—confirm the 2026 schedule and reservation time directly, since performances are seasonal and typically run about three hours. The chuckwagon dinner, Western music, and ranch setting usually cost roughly $45–70 per person; bring a light jacket because evenings can cool quickly.
After the show, stop at Victor Emporium if its hours line up with your schedule for the celebrated huckleberry milkshake and a browse through this old-fashioned local shop. It is best treated as an afternoon or early-evening stop—hours can be seasonal—so call ahead rather than relying on a late arrival; budget about $8–15 per person. Finish with a relaxed dinner downtown in Victor, where casual local restaurants generally run about $20–35 per person. Make a reservation if you have a particular favorite, but otherwise keep the evening unhurried: this is a good night to fuel the car, pack for tomorrow’s long drive, and be ready for an early departure.
Leave Victor around 6:00 AM with coffee, breakfast, and plenty of water in the car. This is a demanding 10–11-hour drive to Sioux Falls, following US-26 toward Casper, then I-25 north and I-90 east; expect roughly $90–140 in fuel, plus construction delays and sudden Wyoming weather. Treat Casper, Gillette, and Rapid City as practical fuel and meal points rather than trying to make one long push. Keep the rental agreement handy if you are dropping the car in Sioux Falls, and confirm the hotel’s parking arrangement before arrival.
If the schedule is holding, take about 45 minutes at Independence Rock State Historic Site, near Alcova, Wyoming, just off US-287. The short walk to the enormous granite landmark gives you a worthwhile stretch and a glimpse of the emigrant-trail inscriptions left by travelers heading west. The site is generally open during daylight hours, with no admission charge, though facilities are limited—use a restroom and buy supplies in Casper. If you are running late, this is the easiest stop to shorten or skip so you can still reach Spearfish before evening.
Break up the final stretch with a restorative hour at D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery in Spearfish. Its quiet grounds, historic buildings, and shaded paths are a welcome contrast after the interstate; check the current seasonal hours before relying on indoor exhibits, and allow extra time for the walk from the parking area. Continue east on I-90 to Sioux Falls, check in, and leave the car parked if possible. Finish at Falls Park, where the waterfalls are illuminated after dark; the paths and viewing areas are free and open year-round, although some attractions and the visitor center keep seasonal hours. For a relaxed dinner afterward, walk or drive downtown to Phillips Avenue Diner for burgers, sandwiches, shakes, and other classic American fare—plan on about $15–30 per person and check closing time before setting out, as hours can vary.
Leave Sioux Falls around 6:00 AM with coffee, breakfast, and a full tank. If it is operating that morning, make a quick stop at the Falls Park Farmers’ Market before getting on the road; allow about 30 minutes for coffee, fruit, or road snacks. The market’s schedule can vary, so check its current hours the evening before. Then follow I-90 east toward Sioux City, I-29 south, and I-80 east across Iowa. This is an 11–12-hour driving day, so rotate drivers if possible and plan fuel stops roughly every two hours rather than waiting until the tank is low.
Around lunchtime, leave the interstate briefly for Des Moines’ East Village, an easy place to stretch your legs and have a proper meal. A short walk along East Grand Avenue and East Locust Street gives you a choice of casual cafés and counter-service restaurants; budget about $15–30 per person and keep this stop to roughly an hour. Parking is generally easier in the daytime than downtown, but confirm business hours before committing to a particular restaurant. Return to I-235 and then I-80 east, allowing extra time for Iowa roadwork and summer construction.
Continue across Iowa and Illinois, then use I-64 toward St. Louis. If you are running close to schedule, take a brief 45-minute break at Gateway Arch National Park: park near the riverfront, walk the grounds beneath the Gateway Arch, and use the restrooms before the final leg. Skip the stop if traffic is building or you are already behind—the St. Louis interchange can add significant time, especially during the afternoon commute. From there, remain on I-64 east through southern Illinois and continue to Du Quoin, arriving in the evening. Keep at least 60–90 minutes of contingency time for construction, fuel, and traffic, and treat the Arch visit as optional rather than something that should delay your return home.