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

7-Day Family Adventure in South Dakota

Viewed by 79 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Rapid City

Rapid City, South Dakota

10:00AM

Arrival

After arriving in Rapid City, pick up your rental car and prepare for an exciting week ahead.
Rental car pick-up at Rapid City Regional Airport.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Dinosaur Park

Explore Dinosaur Park which features over 100 life-sized dinosaur sculptures, delighting kids and adults alike.
Drive 10 minutes to Dinosaur Park in Rapid City.
CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Da Vinci's

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at Da Vinci's, known for its delicious pizza and Italian cuisine.
Drive 5 minutes to Da Vinci's.
CURRENCY50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Storybook Island

Immerse in playtime at Storybook Island, featuring whimsical play structures based on beloved fairy tales.
Drive 10 minutes to Storybook Island.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Jacky's Restaurant

Relish the taste of authentic Mexican fare at Jacky's for a delightful family dinner.
Drive 15 minutes to Jacky's.
CURRENCY80, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Rapid City

Day 2: Mount Rushmore Trip

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your Rapid City hotel to fuel up for an exciting day.
Walk downstairs to the hotel dining area.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Drive to Mount Rushmore to see the iconic presidential faces carved into the Black Hills.
Drive 30 minutes from Rapid City to Mount Rushmore.
CURRENCY10, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Carvers Cafe

Dine within the park at Carvers Cafe offering sandwiches and salads with a stunning view of Rushmore.
Located within Mount Rushmore grounds.
CURRENCY60, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hiking the Presidential Trail

Take the Presidential Trail for a closer look at the monument and beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Trailhead located near the visitor center.
CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Alpine Inn

Enjoy a hearty German meal at The Alpine Inn, known for its schnitzels and cozy atmosphere.
Drive 15 minutes to The Alpine Inn in Hill City.
CURRENCY70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mount Rushmore

Day 3: Custer State Park Adventure

Custer, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Carrot Seed Kitchen Co.

Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at The Carrot Seed, known for its fresh, organic options.
Drive 30 minutes to Custer.
CURRENCY50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Wildlife Loop Road

Experience an exhilarating drive along the Wildlife Loop Road to spot bison, elk, and other wildlife.
Access the loop directly from Custer State Park.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch Picnic at Custer State Park

Pack sandwiches for a picnic at one of the scenic overlooks in the park, enjoying nature's beauty.
Various picnic areas throughout the park.
CURRENCY30, 1 hour

1:30PM

Hiking the Cathedral Spires Trail

Embark on a family hike to the magnificent Cathedral Spires, perfect for photo opportunities.
Trailhead accessible from Custer State Park.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at The Custer Wolf

Delight in a casual meal of burgers and pizza at The Custer Wolf, perfect for families.
Drive 10 minutes to The Custer Wolf.
CURRENCY60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Custer

Day 4: Badlands National Park

Badlands, South Dakota

7:00AM

Breakfast at Baker's Bakery

Grab a delicious pastry and coffee at Baker's Bakery to energize for a day of exploration.
Drive 40 minutes to Baker's Bakery in Custer.
CURRENCY20, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Badlands National Park Visitor Center

Start your adventure at the visitor center to gather information and enjoy the park's exhibits.
Drive 1 hour to the visitor center.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Badlands Loop Road

Drive the scenic Badlands Loop Road, stopping at overlooks to appreciate the unique geological formations.
Access directly from the visitor center.
CURRENCY0, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Cedar Pass Lodge

Stop for lunch at Cedar Pass Lodge, known for its buffalo burgers and fried chicken.
Located at the Badlands National Park.
CURRENCY50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hiking the Notch Trail

Hike the Notch Trail, a family-friendly trek with stunning views and a ladder for excitement!
Trailhead located near the lodge.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Drive to Interior, SD

Drive to the nearby town of Interior for dinner and to settle in for the night.
Drive 30 minutes to Interior.
CURRENCY0, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Prairie Dog Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed meal at Prairie Dog Cafe, offering comfortable diner-style food.
Located in Interior, SD.
CURRENCY50, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Badlands

Day 5: Sioux Falls Exploration

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel in Interior

Fuel up for the day with a complimentary breakfast at your hotel in Interior.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Sioux Falls

Head to Sioux Falls for a day of exploring the vibrant city.
Drive approximately 2 hours to Sioux Falls.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Falls Park

Explore the stunning waterfalls and walking trails at Falls Park, a must-see in the city.
Access directly on site in Falls Park.
CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Minervas

Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring fresh ingredients at Minervas, loved by locals and tourists alike.
Drive 10 minutes to Minervas.
CURRENCY100, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

SculptureWalk

Stroll along the SculptureWalk, where you can admire beautiful public art installations throughout downtown.
Change to walking around downtown Sioux Falls.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

4:30PM

Dinner at The Market

Indulge in a farm-to-table experience with delicious dishes from seasonal ingredients at The Market.
Drive 5 minutes from SculptureWalk.
CURRENCY80, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Sioux Falls

Day 6: Journey to Deadwood

Deadwood, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Grab breakfast at your hotel before departing for Deadwood.
Hotel dining area.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Deadwood

Leave Sioux Falls and head to the historic town of Deadwood, renown for its Wild West history.
Drive approximately 3.5 hours to Deadwood.
CURRENCY0, 3.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Deadwood Social Club

Delight in a casual lunch at The Deadwood Social Club, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and tasty dishes.
Located downtown Deadwood.
CURRENCY70, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Mount Moriah Cemetery

Pay your respects at Mount Moriah Cemetery, the final resting place of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.
Drive 10 minutes to Mount Moriah Cemetery.
CURRENCY5, 1 hour

4:00PM

Wild West Show

Experience the Wild West Show, showcasing a reenactment of classic cowboy tales, perfect for the whole family.
Check for local venues hosting shows in Deadwood.
CURRENCY60, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Last Sacrifice

Savor a classic American meal at The Last Sacrifice, a unique venue with historical decor.
Located in downtown Deadwood.
CURRENCY80, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Deadwood

Day 7: Scenic Spearfish Canyon

Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before venturing to Spearfish Canyon.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Deadwood.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Spearfish Canyon

Set off to Spearfish Canyon, famous for its breathtaking views and nature trails.
Drive approximately 30 minutes to the canyon.
CURRENCY0, 30 minutes

9:30AM

Hiking the Roughlock Falls Trail

Hike the remarkable Roughlock Falls Trail to experience one of the canyon's beautiful waterfalls.
Access the trailhead directly in Spearfish Canyon.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Spearfish Canyon Lodge

Relax over lunch at The Spearfish Canyon Lodge, known for its delicious comfort food in a beautiful setting.
Located in Spearfish Canyon.
CURRENCY60, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Bridal Veil Falls

Continue to Bridal Veil Falls, a picturesque spot with a short walk to the viewing platform.
Short drive or hike access from the lodge.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relaxing Scenic Drive

Take a leisurely drive through Spearfish Canyon to soak in the stunning scenery and fresh air.
Drive along the canyon road.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

4:30PM

Drive Back to Rapid City

Return to Rapid City for the end of your family adventure, reflecting on the wonderful memories made.
Drive approximately 1 hour back to Rapid City.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Firehouse Brewing Co.

End the trip with a farewell dinner at Firehouse Brewing Co., serving great burgers and local craft beer.
Drive 10 minutes to Firehouse Brewing Co.
CURRENCY90, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Spearfish Canyon
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 7 day family adventure south dakota Trip

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