7-Day Family-Friendly Road Trip Itinerary to Mount Rushmore

Day 1: Arrival in Rapid City

Rapid City, South Dakota

3:00PM

Check into Hotel

Arrive and settle into your hotel, the Comfort Suites Rapid City, which offers spacious family rooms and free breakfast.
20 minutes from Rapid City Regional Airport.
USD150, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Downtown Rapid City

Take a leisurely stroll through downtown, enjoying the many art pieces and the City of Presidents walking tour featuring bronze sculptures.
15-minute walk from hotel.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Popular Restaurant

Dine at the famous Firehouse Brewing Co., which has a kid-friendly menu and fun atmosphere for the whole family.
5 minutes drive from downtown.
USD70, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Visiting Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with waffles, eggs, and pastries provided by the Comfort Suites before heading out.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Head to Mount Rushmore

Drive to the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial and enjoy the breathtaking views of the famous granite sculptures.
30-minute drive from Rapid City.
USD10 (Parking), Half day

12:30PM

Lunch at Carver's Café

Have lunch at Carver's Café with a view of the monument, featuring sandwiches and homemade soups.
1-minute walk from the memorial.
USD60, 1 hour

2:00PM

Participate in Junior Ranger Program

Let the kids take part in the Junior Ranger Program while exploring the visitor center and surrounding trails.
At the memorial site.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore the Avenue of Flags

Stroll along the Avenue of Flags for a perfect family photo opportunity with stunning views.
Near the visitor center.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return to Rapid City for Dinner

Drive back and enjoy dinner at the popular Outback Steakhouse, offering a variety of family-friendly dishes.
30-minute drive back to Rapid City.
USD80, 2 hours
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Day 3: Custer State Park Day

Custer, South Dakota

7:30AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at the hotel, perfect to energize for an adventurous day ahead.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Custer State Park

Take a scenic drive (about 30 minutes) to Custer State Park, where you can witness charming landscapes and wildlife.
30-minute drive from Rapid City.
USD20 (Entry Fee), Half day

10:00AM

Wildlife Loop Road Drive

Enjoy a family-friendly wildlife tour along the Wildlife Loop Road, perfect for spotting bison, elk, and pronghorn.
Within the park.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Picnic Lunch in the Park

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst nature at one of the beautiful picnic areas in the park.
Choose a scenic spot along the way.
USD30 (Grocery supplies), 1 hour

1:30PM

Hiking at Cathedral Spires

Take a family hike at Cathedral Spires Trail, an easy trail perfect for families to experience amazing rock formations and views.
Within the park.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Rapid City

Drive back to Rapid City to unwind after an exciting day out.
30-minute drive back.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Peking Restaurant

Savor delicious Chinese cuisine at Peking Restaurant, with plenty of options for everyone in the family.
5 minutes drive from the hotel.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Adventure at Badlands National Park

Badlands, South Dakota

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Have breakfast before taking on another adventurous day exploring stunning landscapes.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Badlands National Park

Travel to Badlands National Park, approximately 1 hour from Rapid City to see its unique rock formations.
Park entrance.
USD35 (Entry Fee), Half day

10:00AM

Visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center

Stop by the visitor center for informative exhibits and jumpstart your exploration of the park.
Within the park.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Scenic Drive of Badlands Loop Road

Enjoy breathtaking views of the park by driving along the Badlands Loop Road, stopping for photos along the way.
Within the park.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Cedar Pass Lodge

Eat lunch at Cedar Pass Lodge while enjoying the views of the mountains surrounding you.
Within the park.
USD50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hiking the Notch Trail

Experience a short family-friendly hike on the Notch Trail with its beautiful views and a fun ladder climb.
Within the park.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Drive Back to Rapid City

Return back to Rapid City to relax after a day filled with nature.
1 hour drive.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Texas Roadhouse

Enjoy classic American steakhouse food at Texas Roadhouse, which is famous for its rolls.
5 minutes from hotel.
USD80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Exploring Wall Drug and Area

Wall, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Eat breakfast at the hotel before heading out for another exciting day.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Wall Drug

Take a short 30-minute drive to the iconic Wall Drug Store, famous for its free ice water and quirky attractions.
30-minute drive from Rapid City.
Free, Half day

10:00AM

Explore Wall Drug Store

Wander through Wall Drug with fun shops, exhibits, and family-friendly attractions.
At Wall Drug.
Free (exhibits and shops), USD10 (food/snack), 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Wall Drug Café

Enjoy lunch at the Wall Drug Café, which offers great burgers and family favorites.
At Wall Drug.
USD50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Wall Drug’s Art Studio

Explore the art studio and perhaps create your own souvenir to remember the trip.
At Wall Drug.
USD15 (indicator for activity), Free to explore., 2 hours

3:30PM

Drive to Badlands National Park

Take a scenic drive from Wall to Badlands National Park again to enjoy a different vantage point.
30 minutes to the park.
Included in previous entry fee., 1 hour

5:00PM

Family Photo Ops in Badlands

Stop at various scenic overlooks for memorable family pictures.
Within the park.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Drive Back to Rapid City

Head back to Rapid City to prepare for dinner.
1 hour drive.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Pizza Ranch

Conclude the day with a delicious dinner at Pizza Ranch, featuring a fun buffet perfect for families.
20 minutes drive from hotel.
USD70, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Deadwood Exploration

Deadwood, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Deadwood.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Deadwood

Embark on a 45-minute drive to Deadwood, a historical gold rush town with rich stories.
45-minute drive from Rapid City.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Deadwood Historic Old Town

Explore the historic streets of Deadwood, where family-friendly activities and interesting history await.
Main street of Deadwood.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Deadwood Grille

Savor a delicious lunch with a variety of options at The Deadwood Grille, including regional favorites.
Within Deadwood.
USD70, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Deadwood Mountain Coaster

Enjoy an exhilarating family ride on the Deadwood Mountain Coaster, an Alpine-style coaster that's fun for all ages.
Near the town.
USD50 (per person), 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Adams Museum

Discover the history of Deadwood and hear fascinating stories through exhibits at the Adams Museum.
Within Deadwood.
USD40 (total family pass), 1 hour

5:30PM

Drive Back to Rapid City

Return to Rapid City after an exciting day of adventure and history.
45-minute drive back.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings

Wrap up the week with an exciting dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings, where you can customize your wings and enjoy the atmosphere.
20-minute drive from hotel.
USD100, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Scenic Highway 385

Scenic Highway 385, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel, packing your bags for a scenic drive.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive Along Highway 385

Embark on a scenic drive along Highway 385, known for beautiful views and lovely state parks along the way.
Connecting roads lead to Highway 385.
Free, Half day

11:00AM

Explore Spearfish Canyon

Making a stop at Spearfish Canyon for incredible views and some family-friendly short hikes.
Along Highway 385.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Latchstring Inn

Enjoy lunch at the Latchstring Inn, nestled along the creek, with burgers and salads on the menu.
Within Spearfish Canyon.
USD55, 1 hour

2:30PM

Continue Scenic Drive

Continue your scenic drive through the picturesque northern Black Hills, soaking in the natural beauty.
Along Highway 385.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Rapid City for Departure

Wrap up your family trip by heading back to Rapid City, packed with unforgettable memories.
45-minute drive back.
Free, 1 hour
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