Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

14-Day Epic Road Trip through Badlands, South Dakota

Viewed by 351 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Rapid City

Rapid City, South Dakota

12:00PM

Check-in at hotel

Settle in at the Holiday Inn Rapid City, a comfortable base for your adventures ahead.
Travel from the airport to the hotel (about 20 mins)
USD100, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Firehouse Brewing Co.

Enjoy a hearty American meal at this brewery known for its local beers and burgers.
A short drive from the hotel (5 mins)
USD25, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Downtown Rapid City

Stroll through the vibrant streets, visiting unique shops and art galleries.
Walk around downtown (20 mins)
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Journey Museum & Learning Center

Savor a meal while immersing yourself in the history of the Black Hills.
Drive to the museum (5 mins)
USD30, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Rapid City

Day 2: Badlands National Park

Badlands, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Badlands Café

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast before heading into the park.
Drive to Badlands (1 hour)
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Badlands Loop Road

Take a scenic drive through the park to enjoy breathtaking views of the rock formations.
Drive on Loop Road
USD30 (Park Entrance Fee), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cedar Pass Lodge

Take a break at this historic lodge and enjoy local favorites.
Return to lodge from sightseeing (10 mins)
USD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hike the Notch Trail

Embark on a moderate hike with stunning views and a breathtaking canyon.
Drive to trailhead (15 mins)
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center

Learn about the park's geology and wildlife before wrapping up your day.
Drive to visitor center (30 mins)
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Wall Drug Café

Head to Wall Drug for a classic diner experience and try their famous homemade donuts.
Drive to Wall (30 mins)
USD18, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Badlands

Day 3: Exploring Wall Drug

Wall, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at Wall Drug Café

Start your day enjoying homemade pastries and coffee right where you are.
Within Wall Drug
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Wall Drug Store

Spend the morning wandering through this iconic 76,000-square-foot roadside attraction.
Walk around Wall Drug Store
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Wall Drug's Art Gallery

Admire Western art and sculptures as you wander the diverse collection.
Walk to the gallery (5 mins)
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at the Steakhouse at Wall Drug

Indulge in their famous beef steaks while enjoying the local atmosphere.
Return to dining area (5 mins)
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Drive to Custer State Park

Hit the scenic road and prepare for adventure in one of America’s largest and best state parks.
Drive to Custer State Park (1 hour)
USD20 (Park Entrance Fee), 1 hour

3:00PM

Wildlife Loop Road

Embark on a drive to see bison, pronghorn, and a variety of wildlife along this famous loop.
Follow Wildlife Loop Road
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at the State Game Lodge

Relax with a fine dining experience featuring local game meat in a historic lodge.
Drive to State Game Lodge (20 mins)
USD35, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Wall

Day 4: Custer State Park Explorations

Custer, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at State Game Lodge

Fuel up for a day of adventure with a hearty breakfast.
Within the lodge
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike Black Elk Peak

Tackle this moderate hike to the highest point in South Dakota for panoramic views.
Drive to the Black Elk Peak trailhead (30 mins)
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Custer Oasis

Grab a quick bite at this convenient spot with sandwiches and snacks.
Drive to Custer Oasis (20 mins)
USD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Crazy Horse Memorial

Witness the impressive ongoing work of this monumental sculpture and its surrounding museum.
Drive to Crazy Horse (30 mins)
USD12, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at the Laughing Water Restaurant

Enjoy a dinner with a view overlooking the Crazy Horse Memorial.
Within Crazy Horse Memorial grounds
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Custer

Day 5: Monumental Mt. Rushmore

Keystone, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Carver's Café

Start your day with a lovely breakfast right in the heart of Mt. Rushmore.
Drive to Mt. Rushmore (30 mins)
USD20, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Mt. Rushmore National Memorial

Experience the iconic granite faces of four presidents while learning their history.
Walk around the monument area
USD10 (Parking Fee), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mt. Rushmore Café

Take a break and dine with scenic views of the memorial.
Within the memorial area
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center

Discover fascinating exhibits and documentaries about the monument.
Within the Park
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hike the Presidential Trail

Enjoy a moderate hike with breathtaking views of the monument.
Starting point of the trail
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at the Powder House Lodge Restaurant

End the day with a delicious meal in a rustic setting.
Drive to the restaurant (30 mins)
USD30, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Keystone

Day 6: Crazy Horse Memorial Journey

Crazy Horse, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at the K Bar S Lodge

Enjoy a tasty breakfast at this comfortable lodge near Mt. Rushmore.
Drive to the lodge (30 mins)
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Return to Crazy Horse Memorial for more exploration

Visit the Indian Museum of North America and the sculptor studio.
Return to Crazy Horse Memorial (30 mins)
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Crazy Horse Memorial's Laughing Water Restaurant

Enjoy local cuisine with scenic views from your table.
Within the memorial grounds
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Scenic drive to the Black Hills

Start your exploration of the beautiful Black Hills region.
Drive through the Black Hills (1 hour)
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Hike the Cathedral Spires Trail

Travel to this unique trail with awe-inspiring rock formations.
Drive to trailhead (30 mins)
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Carriage House

Wind down your day with a delightful dinner featuring local ingredients.
Return to Custer (30 mins)
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Crazy Horse

Day 7: Lead & Deadwood Adventures

Lead, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Deadwood Dicks Restaurant

Fuel up with a hearty meal before exploring the area.
Drive to Deadwood (30 mins)
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Deadwood’s Historic Main Street

Discover museums, shops, and the iconic Wild West atmosphere.
Walk through Main Street
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Mount Moriah Cemetery

Pay respects to Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane at their resting place.
Walk or drive (10 mins)
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Bullock Hotel Restaurant

Experience a meal in a historic location with a ghostly reputation.
Drive to restaurant (5 mins)
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Drive to Lead for Gold Mine Tour

Explore the historic Homestake Gold Mine, one of the largest in the country.
Short drive to Lead (15 mins)
USD15, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Black Hills Mining Museum

Learn about the rich mining history of the area and its influence.
Short drive from mine (10 mins)
USD10, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Deadwood Grille

Enjoy a delicious meal in a rustic environment surrounded by history.
Drive to Deadwood (30 mins)
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Lead

Day 8: Black Hills and Scenic Drives

South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Village Shop

Start your day with a hearty breakfast in Custer.
Drive to Custer (30 mins)
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Take the Needles Highway

Drive through one of the most scenic areas of the Black Hills, filled with granite spires.
Drive along Needles Highway (2 hours)
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Stop at Custer State Park’s Visitor Center

Learn more about the park’s wildlife and watch a short documentary.
Stop by the visitor center (30 mins)
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at the Blue Bell Lodge

Enjoy a lovely meal with views after your scenic morning.
Drive to lodge (20 mins)
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Sylvan Lake

Take a quiet walk around the picturesque lake with dramatic views.
Drive to Sylvan Lake (30 mins)
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Game Lodge Restaurant

Celebrating the day with another delightful meal in the park.
Drive to Game Lodge (30 mins)
USD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in South Dakota

Day 9: Hot Springs Relaxation

Hot Springs, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Woolly's Grill

Fuel up at this favorite local grill for breakfast.
Drive to Hot Springs (30 mins)
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Mammoth Site

Explore the largest excavated site of prehistoric mammoths in the world.
Short drive to the site (10 mins)
USD12, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Relax in Evans Plunge Mineral Springs

Spend a relaxing time in the therapeutic waters of this historic hot spring.
Drive to Evans Plunge (10 mins)
USD15, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at the State Line Bar

Enjoy good food with a local feel, featuring sandwiches and burgers.
Drive to State Line Bar (15 mins)
USD20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Wind Cave National Park

Take a guided tour of one of the longest caves in the world and discover its beauty.
Drive to Wind Cave (30 mins)
USD10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Wagon Wheel

Round off your day with a homestyle meal at this charming restaurant.
Drive to The Wagon Wheel (20 mins)
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hot Springs

Day 10: Scenic Beauty of Spearfish Canyon

Spearfish, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Spearfish Canyon Lodge

Savor a delightful breakfast in a beautiful natural setting.
Drive to Spearfish Canyon (45 mins)
USD20, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Explore Spearfish Canyon National Scenic Byway

Drive this breathtaking route with stunning views and waterfalls.
Follow the scenic byway
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Stop at Bridal Veil Falls

Take a short hike to see this beautiful waterfall along the byway.
Short hike (10 mins)
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Creekside Restaurant

Enjoy a meal with a view of the creek and surrounding scenery.
Drive to restaurant (15 mins)
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Spearfish Canyon Nature Area

Explore miles of hiking trails and the rich wildlife in this picturesque area.
Drive to Nature Area (15 mins)
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Kettle Restaurant

Cap off the day with a delightful meal at this cozy establishment.
Drive to restaurant (30 mins)
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Spearfish

Day 11: Rolling Hills of Sturgis

Sturgis, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Sturgis Coffee Company

Enjoy gourmet coffee and fresh pastries at this local favorite.
Drive to Sturgis (30 mins)
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum

Discover the history of motorcycles, including legendary models.
Walk to the museum (5 mins)
USD12, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Sturgis Rally Main Street

Take a stroll through the historic district filled with biker history and shopping.
Walk around Main Street
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at the Loud American Roadhouse

Experience a lively atmosphere with tasty burgers and beers.
Walk to restaurant (5 mins)
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Drive to the Bear Butte State Park

Enjoy serene landscapes and hike the trail to the summit for stunning views.
Drive to the park (30 mins)
USD8 (Daily Vehicle Fee), 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at the Sturgis Brewing Company

Savor craft beers and a variety of dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
Drive to restaurant (15 mins)
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Sturgis

Day 12: Cultural Insights at Little Bighorn

Crow Agency, Montana

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Indulge in a complimentary breakfast before heading out.
Within the hotel
Free, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Explore the site of the famous battle and learn about its historical significance.
Drive to battlefield (3 hours)
USD20 (Entrance Fee), 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Battlefield Café

Enjoy a casual lunch with a view of the battlefield.
Within the battlefield grounds
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Indian Memorial

Reflect on the significance of Native American history and culture.
Short drive within the grounds (5 mins)
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Drive to Billings, Montana

Travel to Billings for an overnight stay.
Drive to Billings (1 hour)
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Old Chicago Pizza

Enjoy some delicious pizza in a fun atmosphere.
Drive to restaurant (10 mins)
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Crow Agency

Day 13: Exploring Swiftcurrent Pass Area

Glacier National Park, Montana

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day with a complimentary breakfast.
Within the hotel in Billings
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Drive to Glacier National Park

Head towards Glacier for mesmerizing views.
Drive to Glacier National Park (4 hours)
Free, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at the Lake McDonald Lodge

Relax and enjoy beautiful views while having lunch at the lodge.
Within Glacier National Park grounds
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Hiking at Swiftcurrent Pass Trail

Embark on a scenic hike with unbelievable views of the Glacier area.
Drive to trailhead (30 mins)
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Belton Chalet

Enjoy a classic meal at this historic lodge after a day full of nature.
Drive to the chalet (30 mins)
USD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Glacier National Park

Day 14: Return to Rapid City

Rapid City, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lake McDonald Lodge

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before returning to Rapid City.
Within Glacier National Park
USD20, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Scenic drive back to Rapid City

Relax and enjoy the beautiful views on the way back.
Drive to Rapid City (4 hours)
Free, 4 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Dinosaur Park

Revisit your childhood with giant dinosaur sculptures nestled atop a hill.
Drive to Dinosaur Park (10 mins)
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Last-minute Shopping at Prairie Edge

Shop for Native American art before ending your trip.
Drive to Prairie Edge (10 mins)
Variable, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at the Colonial House

Wind down your amazing trip with a farewell dinner in a cozy setting.
Drive to Colonial House (10 mins)
USD30, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Check-out and Departure

Reflect on your memorable journey through the Badlands and beyond.
Drive to airport for departure (20 mins)
Variable, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Rapid City
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Badlands South Dakota Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go