Family Friendly Adventure Road Trip in Deadwood, South Dakota

Day 1: Old West Charm

Deadwood, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cheyenne Crossing

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Cheyenne Crossing, a quaint roadside diner known for its delicious pancakes and cinnamon rolls.
Drive 20 minutes southwest on US-14
$20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Historic Main Street

Take a leisurely stroll along Historic Main Street in Deadwood, lined with charming shops, saloons, and historic buildings from the Gold Rush era.
Walk along Main Street
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Deadwood Social Club

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Deadwood Social Club, housed in a former Masonic Temple with a unique menu featuring local ingredients and flavors.
Located in the heart of Deadwood
$30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Adams Museum

Explore the rich history of Deadwood at the Adams Museum, featuring exhibits on the early days of the town, including its infamous outlaws and Wild West legends.
Head to Sherman Street
$10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Deadwood Social Club

Wrap up the day with a delicious dinner at The Deadwood Social Club, known for its elevated comfort food and historic ambiance.
Located in the heart of Deadwood
$40, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Iconic Attractions

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bob's Big Boy

Kick off the day with a classic breakfast at Bob's Big Boy, a diner with a retro vibe and delicious American breakfast favorites.
Drive 50 minutes southeast on US-385
$25, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Spend the morning marveling at the iconic faces of Mount Rushmore, a national symbol of American democracy and an engineering marvel.
Follow the signs from US-385
$10 (parking fee), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Carvers Cafe

Enjoy a tasty lunch at Carvers Cafe, located near Mount Rushmore with a menu of American classics and beautiful views of the Black Hills.
Located near Mount Rushmore
$20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Drive through Black Hills National Forest

Embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque Black Hills National Forest, offering stunning landscapes, wildlife viewing opportunities, and serene nature escapes.
Drive through the forest
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Deadwood

Head back to Deadwood, where you can relax and enjoy dinner in town after a day of exploring iconic South Dakota attractions.
Drive back on US-385 and US-385 N
Gas costs, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Natural Wonders

Custer State Park, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at Black Hills Burger & Bun Co.

Start your day with a tasty breakfast at Black Hills Burger & Bun Co., known for their mouthwatering burgers and homemade buns.
Drive 1 hour south on US-385
$15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Wildlife Loop Road Drive

Embark on a scenic drive along the Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park, where you can spot bison herds, pronghorn antelope, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Start at the Wildlife Loop Road entrance
Park entrance fee, 2 hours

12:30PM

Picnic Lunch at Legion Lake

Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch at Legion Lake, surrounded by serene waters and lush forests, providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxing meal.
Head to Legion Lake within the park
$15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hiking at Sylvan Lake

Embark on a scenic hike around Sylvan Lake, known for its sparkling waters and unique rock formations, offering picturesque views and opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Drive to Sylvan Lake Trailhead
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Deadwood

Drive back to Deadwood, where you can unwind and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, reminiscing about the natural wonders you experienced in Custer State Park.
Drive back north on US-385
Gas costs, 1.5 hours
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