8-Day Family Adventure Itinerary: Yellowstone National Park & Mount Rushmore

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Rapid City, South Dakota

10:00AM

Arrive in Rapid City

Begin your adventure by landing in Rapid City, an excellent base for exploring the Black Hills.
Pick up rental car from the airport.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

11:30AM

Breakfast at Tally's Silver Spoon

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at this local favorite featuring exceptional pancakes and breakfast burritos.
Drive 10 minutes to Tally's Silver Spoon.
CURRENCY30, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the Journey Museum and Learning Center

Discover the culture and history of the Black Hills, with interactive exhibits that kids will love.
Drive 5 minutes to the museum.
CURRENCY40, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Downtown Rapid City

Stroll through vibrant downtown and marvel at the various murals and sculptures around the area.
Walk around downtown, only a block away.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Firehouse Brewing Co.

Enjoy a family-friendly dinner with a variety of menu options, great for all ages.
Drive 5 minutes to Firehouse.
CURRENCY80, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your hotel for a good night's rest before the adventure begins.
Drive 5 minutes to the hotel.
CURRENCY150, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Mount Rushmore Tour

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast at your hotel to start the day with energy.
N/A
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Mount Rushmore

Marvel at the iconic American monument and learn about its history through the visitor center.
Drive 30 minutes to Mount Rushmore.
CURRENCY30, 2 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Mount Rushmore Picnic Area

Pack a family-friendly picnic lunch and enjoy dining amidst beautiful views.
N/A
CURRENCY20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Hike the Presidential Trail

Take a leisurely hike along the Presidential Trail, which offers stunning views of the monument.
Start at the visitor center.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

3:30PM

Drive to Custer State Park

Travel to the nearby Custer State Park, known for its scenic beauty and wildlife.
Drive 30 minutes to Custer State Park.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

4:30PM

Wildlife Loop Road

Drive through the Wildlife Loop Road to spot buffalo, pronghorns, and other wildlife.
Begin at the entrance of the park.
CURRENCY20, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at State Game Lodge

Enjoy dinner at the historic State Game Lodge with a menu featuring local flavors.
Dine in the lodge within the park.
CURRENCY70, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your Rapid City hotel for a relaxing evening.
Drive 30 minutes back to Rapid City.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour
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Day 3: Custer State Adventure

Custer, South Dakota

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel the day's adventure.
N/A
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Crazy Horse Memorial

Head out to see the impressive Crazy Horse Memorial and learn about Native American history.
Drive 30 minutes to the memorial.
CURRENCY30, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Custer State Park Exploration

Return to the park for hiking, horseback riding, or nature walks.
Drive 30 minutes back to Custer State Park.
CURRENCY0, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at the Custer Park Lodge

Enjoy a casual lunch at the lodge, offering splendid views and comfort food.
N/A
CURRENCY60, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Scenic Drives

Take in scenic drives like Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road to see stunning landscapes.
Start driving on Needles Highway.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Alpine Inn

Dine at this local gem famous for its German cuisine and kid-friendly meals.
Drive 30 minutes to the inn in Hill City.
CURRENCY75, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Return to Rapid City

Head back to your hotel to prepare for tomorrow's journey.
Drive 30 minutes back to Rapid City.
CURRENCY0, 30 minutes
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Day 4: Enter Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

7:00AM

Check-out and Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before checking out of the hotel and hitting the road.
N/A
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Yellowstone National Park

Embark on a scenic drive to Yellowstone, located about 5.5 hours away.
Drive 5.5 hours west to the park entrance.
CURRENCY0, 5.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Old Faithful Lodge

On arrival, have lunch at this iconic lodge, with views of the famed Old Faithful geyser.
Find your way to Old Faithful area.
CURRENCY50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Witness Old Faithful Eruption

Gather at the Old Faithful geyser to see the famous eruption, a highlight for the entire family.
Position yourself near the geyser.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore the Upper Geyser Basin

Walk the boardwalks around the geysers and hot springs; the sights will amaze everyone in your family.
Explore the designated pathway in the area.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Geyser Grill

End your day with a hearty meal at the Geyser Grill at Old Faithful; perfect after a day of adventure.
Walk to the grill from the geyser footpaths.
CURRENCY75, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Check-in at Lodging

Get settled into your accommodation within Yellowstone to rest up for an exciting next day.
Confirm booking for lodge within Yellowstone.
CURRENCY200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: More Yellowstone Adventures

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

7:30AM

Breakfast at Lodge

Start off your day with a nice breakfast spread in the lodge.
Dine in the lodge restaurant.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

8:30AM

Grand Prismatic Spring

Visit the stunning Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the U.S., known for its vibrant colors.
Drive to Fairy Falls Trailhead parking (30 min drive).
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Hiking at Fairy Falls

Embark on a family-friendly hike to the beautiful Fairy Falls and enjoy the scenery.
1-mile hike from trailhead to the fall.
CURRENCY0, 2.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at the Midway Geyser Basin

Pack a lunch to have at the picnic area while enjoying the views.
N/A
CURRENCY20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Lower Falls at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Explore the beauty of the Lower Falls, one of the most iconic sites in Yellowstone.
Drive 30 minutes to the canyon area.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Scenic Drive through Yellowstone

Take a leisurely drive through the park's scenic routes, spotting wildlife along the way.
Choose one of the park's scenic drives.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Canyon Lodge Dining Room

Enjoy a delicious family meal at the Canyon Lodge, famous for its locally inspired dishes.
Drive to Canyon Lodge from Lower Falls area.
CURRENCY75, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Ranger Program

If available, attend an evening program led by park rangers; it's a great way to learn and engage.
Check the visitor center for the schedule.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour
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Day 6: Scenic Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

7:30AM

Breakfast at Lodge

Enjoy one last breakfast before checking out of the lodge.
N/A
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Jackson Hole

Take a scenic drive to Jackson Hole, approximately 2 hours away.
Drive southward towards Jackson Hole.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art

Discover the rich wildlife heritage of the region through engaging exhibits.
Arrive at the museum in Jackson.
CURRENCY40, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Bird

Dine at The Bird for casual eats featuring local ingredients.
Drive 10 minutes to the restaurant.
CURRENCY60, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Jackson Town Square

Check out the iconic arch made of elk antlers and shop in local stores.
Walk around the Town Square.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

3:30PM

Teton Village Gondola Ride

Take an enchanting gondola ride for breathtaking views of the Grand Tetons.
Drive 30 minutes to Teton Village.
CURRENCY80, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Explore local dining options before heading back to Jackson.
Choose a restaurant in Teton Village.
CURRENCY80, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Jackson

Head back to your accommodation in Jackson for a restful night.
Drive back to Jackson town.
CURRENCY0, 30 minutes
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Day 7: Explore Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Jackson before starting your exploration.
N/A
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Grand Teton National Park

Set off for an adventurous day at Grand Teton, just a short drive away.
Drive less than an hour to the park.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Jenny Lake

Take a leisurely stroll around the beautiful Jenny Lake and soak in the stunning mountain views.
Drive to Jenny Lake parking area.
CURRENCY20, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Take a Scenic Boat Ride

Hitch a boat ride across Jenny Lake to hike to Hidden Falls.
Board the boat at Jenny Lake.
CURRENCY40, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Jenny Lake Lodge

Enjoy lunch with a view at the beautiful Jenny Lake Lodge.
Walk to the lodge from the boat disembark area.
CURRENCY70, 1 hour

1:30PM

Hike to Hidden Falls

Take a family-friendly hike to the remarkable Hidden Falls, great for all ages.
Hike approximately 1 mile to the falls.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

3:30PM

Wildlife Spotting

Bring your binoculars and look out for moose, elk, and bears in the park.
Drive to various scenic pull-offs.
CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Spur Restaurant

Dine at this cozy restaurant offering a wide selection of dishes perfect for families.
Drive back to Jackson for dinner.
CURRENCY75, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Hotel

End the day with a nice walk back to your hotel, reflecting on your adventures.
Drive back to the hotel.
CURRENCY0, 30 minutes
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Day 8: Departure from Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy one final breakfast at your hotel in Jackson.
N/A
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive back to Yellowstone National Park

Take your final drive back to Yellowstone to soak in the last of the park's natural wonders.
Drive north to the park, depending on your exit route.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Mammoth Hot Springs

Explore the unique terrace formations and beautiful landscape at Mammoth Hot Springs.
Drive to Mammoth Hot Springs area.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Drive to Yellowstone Lake

Enjoy a scenic drive through Yellowstone as you make your way to Yellowstone Lake.
Drive 30 minutes to Yellowstone Lake.
CURRENCY0, 30 minutes

11:30AM

Picnic Lunch at Yellowstone Lake

Relax with a family picnic lunch, embracing the serene beauty surrounding you.
Find a picnic area by the lake.
CURRENCY20, 1 hour

12:30PM

Begin Departure

Prepare for your journey back home, filled with wonderful memories of your adventure.
Drive out of the park towards your departure point.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour
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