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Epic One-Day Road Trip: Mount Rushmore and Badlands Adventure

Viewed by 79 travelers

Day 1: Monumental Adventure

Rapid City, USA

7:30AM

Breakfast at Colonial House Restaurant

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring their signature cinnamon rolls that will keep you energized for the adventures ahead.
Head south on US-16 toward Mount Rushmore, approximately a 30-minute drive.
USD15, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Mount Rushmore

Marvel at the iconic presidential sculptures carved into the Black Hills, and take the easy hiking trails for great viewpoints.
Follow the signs from the restaurant to Mount Rushmore, about a 30-minute drive.
USD10, 2 hours

10:30AM

Explore Crazy Horse Memorial

Visit the world's largest mountain sculpture in progress and learn about Native American history and culture.
Drive 20 minutes via SD-244 to Crazy Horse Memorial.
USD12, 1 hour

11:30AM

Drive to Badlands National Park

Take in the stunning geological formations as you make your way to Badlands—perfect for short hikes and scenic views.
Continue East on I-90, then take SD-34 West to Badlands, about a 1-hour drive.
USD30 (entrance fee), 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Cedar Pass Lodge

Enjoy a delicious meal with panoramic views of the Badlands' rugged beauty; try their buffalo burger!
Located inside Badlands National Park near the Visitor Center.
USD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Devil's Peek and Notch Trail

Embark on a short hike to Devil's Peek for breathtaking panoramas of the Badlands region.
Drive to the Notch Trailhead, approximately 15 minutes from the lodge.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Needles Highway Drive

Take this scenic highway through the Black Hills to appreciate granite spires and stunning landscapes, including the iconic Needles Eye Tunnel.
Leave Badlands and head north on SD-87 to Needles Highway, about a 1-hour drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore Deadwood

Visit this historic gold rush town, check out the shops, and soak in the Old West ambiance.
From Needles Highway, continue North to Deadwood, approximately a 20-minute drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Deadwood Social Club

Indulge in a delectable dinner offering a mix of classic steak and pasta options in a historic setting.
Located centrally in Deadwood, about a 5-minute walk from shops.
USD30, 1 hour

7:30PM

Visit Wind Cave National Park

Before sunset, explore the fascinating cave system or take a short hike to see the unique wildlife in the park.
A 15-minute drive from Deadwood to Wind Cave National Park.
USD20, 2 hours
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