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Mount Horeb to South Dakota: Corn Palace, Mount Rushmore, Historic Deadwood & Black Hills Scenic Tour

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Day 1: Corn Palace & Deadwood

Mount Horeb, WI to Deadwood, SD on June 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Gundersen’s Bakery & Cafe

Begin your day with fresh pastries and coffee to prepare for your journey westward.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Corn Palace, Mitchell, SD

Drive for about 7 hours with breaks; explore the unique corn mural artwork celebrating local culture.
Fuel approx USD50, 7h

3:30pm

Visit Corn Palace

Tour this famous attraction featuring stunning murals made from corn and grains. Free entry.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Drive to Deadwood

Travel about 2.5 hours to Deadwood, a historic Old West town rich with stories and landmarks.
Fuel approx USD10, 2.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Deadwood Social Club

Enjoy hearty American classics in the heart of Deadwood’s historic district.
USD25, 1.5h

8:30pm

Overnight Stay in Deadwood

Settle into your hotel to rest for the next day packed with sightseeing.
USD120, Overnight
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Day 2: 1880 Train & Mount Rushmore

Deadwood & Black Hills, SD on June 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Deadwood’s Midnight Star Buffet

Start with a varied and filling buffet to energize for your busy day ahead.
USD18, 1h

8:30am

1880 Train Ride

Board the historic steam train for a scenic journey from Hill City to Keystone through the Black Hills. Open 9am-6pm, book tickets in advance.
USD40, 2h

11:00am

Drive to Mount Rushmore National Memorial

A 30-minute drive to view iconic presidential carvings and museum exhibits. Open 5am-10pm summer season.
USD10 parking fee, 3h

11:30am

Visit Mount Rushmore

Explore the monument, walk the presidential trail, and visit the Sculptor’s Studio for history on this US landmark.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Carver’s Café at Mt. Rushmore

Enjoy casual café fare with views of the monument.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Drive Needles Highway

A scenic 14-mile drive through granite spires and tunnels, for stunning photo stops.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Custer State Park

Spend late afternoon exploring lakes, wildlife and trails. Park is open dawn to dusk with a vehicle entry fee.
USD20 per vehicle, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Custer Wolf Restaurant

Dine amid forest scenery on regional dishes including bison specialties.
USD30, 1.5h

8:00pm

Overnight in Custer or Deadwood

Rest well for the following day’s wildlife and nature adventures.
USD120, Overnight
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Day 3: Wildlife & Reptile Gardens

Rapid City, SD on June 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Wall Drug Cafe

Classic breakfast fare at this beloved roadside attraction to start your day.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Bear Country USA

Drive-through park featuring bears, wolves, elk and more. Open 8am-7pm in summer.
USD20 per vehicle, 2h

10:30am

Reptile Gardens

Explore one of the largest collections of snakes, alligators, and tropical birds. Open daily 9am-6pm.
USD23, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Firehouse Brewing Co.

Enjoy flavorful pub-style meals and craft beers in a historic Rapid City building.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Sylvan Lake Visit

Relax by this scenic lake for a peaceful stroll and beautiful photos.
Included with park entry, 2h

3:30pm

Check into hotel in Rapid City or Custer

Rest and refresh for the final day’s Badlands National Park trip.
USD120, Overnight
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Day 4: Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park, SD on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local diner

Enjoy a hearty breakfast near your lodging before exploring the Badlands.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Badlands National Park Visit

Discover breathtaking landscapes, hiking trails, and fossil sites. Visitor Center open 8am-6pm.
USD30 per vehicle, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Cedar Pass Lodge

Casual lunch spot inside the park with sandwiches and local flavors.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Additional exploration or start return journey

Flexible time for hiking, photography, or beginning your drive home.
Variable, Flexible
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