Epic 10-Day Road Trip from Crown Point, Indiana to Yellowstone National Park with Badlands and Jackson Hole

Day 1: Journey to Badlands

Badlands National Park, SD on April 6, 2025

11:00AM

Arrive at Badlands National Park

Begin your adventure in the stunning Badlands, known for its dramatic landscapes, rock formations, and fossil beds. It's a must-see for nature lovers.
USD0, 5 hours

4:00PM

Hike the Notch Trail

Experience the breathtaking views from the Notch Trail, which includes a ladder climb for an amazing perspective of the park.
USD0, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cedar Pass Lodge

Savor local dishes at Cedar Pass Lodge, which offers a menu highlighting South Dakota's flavors, including bison burgers and locally sourced sides. Open until 8 PM.
USDFixedPrice, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Explore Rapid City

Rapid City, SD on April 7, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Catfish Café

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Catfish Café, which features home-cooked meals and some of the best pancakes in town. Opens at 7 AM.
USDFixedPrice, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Journey Museum

Explore Native American history, geology, and the history of the Black Hills at the Journey Museum, which is both educational and engaging.
USD10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Firehouse Brewing Co.

Enjoy a craft beer and delicious pub fare in a historic fire station. Lunch is served until 2 PM.
USDFixedPrice, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Walk around downtown Rapid City

Stroll through downtown Rapid City, known for its eclectic shops, art galleries, and many statues of US presidents.
USD0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Monks Ale House

End the day with dinner at Monks Ale House, famous for its high quality menu and laid-back atmosphere. Closed on Sundays.
USDFixedPrice, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Mount Rushmore Visit

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, SD on April 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Colonial House Restaurant

Indulge in a classic American breakfast with a variety of options at the Colonial House. Opens at 6:30 AM.
USDFixedPrice, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Mount Rushmore

Explore the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial, featuring the famous faces of four presidents carved into the mountain. Open 5 AM - 11 PM.
USD10, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Alpine Inn

Sample German food at this cozy restaurant known for its delicious schnitzels. Lunch is available until 2 PM.
USDFixedPrice, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Custer State Park

Spend the afternoon driving through Custer State Park, known for its bison herds and beautiful scenery.
USD0, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Ruby Room

Dine at The Ruby Room, nestled in Custer and known for its upscale regional cuisine. Reservations recommended.
USDFixedPrice, 2 hours
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Day 4: Travel to Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park, WY on April 9, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Wylie’s Coyote Café

Start with a delicious breakfast at Wylie’s, featuring pancakes, bacon, and great coffee. Opens at 7 AM.
USDFixedPrice, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Travel to Yellowstone

Set off on your journey to Yellowstone National Park, taking in the scenic beauty along the way.
USD0, 5 hours

3:30PM

Check in at Yellowstone Lodge

Arrive and check into your lodge at Yellowstone. Take a moment to relax before your evening activities.
USD0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening wildlife viewing

Head out for a chance to spot bison, elk, and possibly wolves in their natural habitat. Best time for viewing.
USD0, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at the Roosevelt Lodge

End your day with a rustic dining experience at Roosevelt Lodge, known for their Western-style menu. Reservations recommended.
USDFixedPrice, 2 hours
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Day 5: Full Yellowstone Exploration

Yellowstone National Park, WY on April 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Old Faithful Lodge

Enjoy breakfast at Old Faithful Lodge with a view of the famous geyser. Opens at 7 AM.
USDFixedPrice, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Old Faithful Geyser

Witness the spectacular eruption of Old Faithful, one of the most famous and predictable geysers in the world. Check eruption times.
USD0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Geyser Grill

Enjoy a casual lunch offering burgers and sandwiches at Geyser Grill, located near Old Faithful. Open until 4 PM.
USDFixedPrice, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Take a hike to the viewpoints of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, known for its stunning waterfalls and colorful canyon walls.
USD0, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Canyon Lodge

Dine at the Canyon Lodge, serving American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients. Reservations recommended.
USDFixedPrice, 2 hours
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Day 6: Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park, WY on April 11, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lake Lodge Café

Enjoy breakfast at the Lake Lodge Café with stunning views of the Tetons. Opens at 7 AM.
USDFixedPrice, 1 hour

10:00AM

Scenic Drive in Grand Teton National Park

Take a scenic drive through Grand Teton National Park to witness breathtaking views and wildlife observing opportunities.
USD0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Signal Mountain Lodge

Dine at Signal Mountain Lodge, known for its superb views of the Teton range. Open until 2 PM.
USDFixedPrice, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hiking at Jenny Lake

Hike around Jenny Lake or take a boat ride; explore the beautiful scenery at this iconic location.
USD0, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Bistro

Enjoy fine dining at The Bistro, featuring fresh, local ingredients and expertly prepared dishes. Reservations recommended.
USDFixedPrice, 2 hours
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Day 7: Explore Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole, WY on April 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Persephone Bakery

Enjoy artisanal pastries and a warm breakfast at Persephone Bakery. Opens at 7 AM.
USDFixedPrice, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art

Discover an impressive collection of wildlife art at the National Museum of Wildlife Art overlooking the National Elk Refuge.
USD0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Samples fine local cuisine at one of Jackson Hole's popular eateries, such as The Local, known for fresh ingredients. Lunch until 2 PM.
USDFixedPrice, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Stroll through Town Square

Take some time to wander through Jackson's Town Square with its iconic elk antler arches and boutique shops.
USD0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Handle Bar

Finish your day at The Handle Bar, known for its craft beers and hearty fare, perfect for a quick meal. Open until 10 PM.
USDFixedPrice, 2 hours
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Day 8: Return to Rapid City

Rapid City, SD on April 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Brakeman

Fuel up with a great breakfast at The Brakeman, known for its brunch-style menu and house specialties. Open until 3 PM.
USDFixedPrice, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel back to Rapid City

Begin your journey back to Rapid City, enjoying the beautiful landscape once more.
USD0, 5 hours

2:00PM

Check into Rapid City Hotel

Arrive and check into your hotel. Take a break before heading out again.
USD0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Bear Country USA

Experience Bear Country USA, a drive-through wildlife park that provides the chance to see North American animals up close.
USD20, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Market

Dine at The Market, featuring farm-to-table cuisine that highlights local ingredients. Reservations recommended.
USDFixedPrice, 2 hours
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Day 9: Return to Badlands

Badlands National Park, SD on April 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Filling Station

Start with breakfast at The Filling Station, known for its hearty portions and delicious dishes. Opens at 6 AM.
USDFixedPrice, 1 hour

9:30AM

Return to Badlands National Park

Head back to Badlands National Park to explore areas you may have missed.
USD0, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Hike the Door Trail

Take the Door Trail for a scenic hike that showcases the stunning scenery of the Badlands. It’s accessible and family-friendly.
USD0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cedar Pass Lodge

Enjoy a mid-day meal at Cedar Pass Lodge, trying different local dishes from your previous visit. Lunch available until 3 PM.
USDFixedPrice, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore more of Badlands

Continue to explore the park, taking in the views from various overlooks and spotting wildlife.
USD0, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Badlands Saloon

Finish your day with dinner at The Badlands Saloon, known for its casual atmosphere and comfort food. Open until 9 PM.
USDFixedPrice, 2 hours
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Day 10: Return to Crown Point

Crown Point, Indiana on April 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a breakfast at your accommodation before the journey home, ensuring you're fueled for the drive.
USD0, 1 hour

10:00AM

Depart for Crown Point

Begin your return trip back to Crown Point, reflecting on the amazing journey you’ve had.
USD0, 12 hours

10:00PM

Arrive at Crown Point

Arrive back home with unforgettable memories of your epic road trip.
USD0, 0 hours
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