South Dakota is an ideal road trip destination packed with natural wonders, iconic monuments, and Wild West history.
In one week, you can wander among the alien-looking cliffs of Badlands National Park, gaze up at the carved faces of Mount Rushmore, watch bison roam in Custer State Park, and stroll the historic streets of Deadwood.
This 7-day itinerary is designed to be family-friendly and fun for all ages – kids will love clambering over Badlands rocks and spotting prairie dogs and bison up close, while adults appreciate the scenic drives and rich history.
We’ll assume you start in Rapid City (the region’s main travel hub) and make a loop through the Badlands and Black Hills.
Each day is organized with clear stops, short drives, and travel tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable adventure.
Get ready for an unforgettable road trip through the “Mount Rushmore State”!
Day 1: Welcome to South Dakota – Badlands Bound
Morning/Afternoon – Arrival and Wall Drug
Arrive in Rapid City (by flight or drive) and pick up your car.
Head east on I-90 toward Badlands National Park (about 1 hour to the park turnoff).
On the way, you can’t miss the barrage of billboards for Wall Drug, a legendary roadside stop.
What started in 1931 as a small-town drug store offering free ice water to travelers grew into a massive Western-themed complex of shops and eateries.
Stop in the town of Wall for lunch and a look around Wall Drug – pose on the giant jackalope, sip a cup of 5¢ coffee, and browse the souvenirs.
It’s kitschy but fun, and a true South Dakota experience (and yes, they still give out free ice water!).
Afternoon – Enter Badlands National Park
From Wall, it’s just a 10-minute drive south to Badlands National Park.
Take the Badlands Loop Road (SD-240) that winds through the park’s otherworldly landscape.
You’ll be greeted with jaw-dropping views of jagged rock pinnacles, steep canyons, and banded colors in the sedimentary cliffs.
Pull over at overlooks like Big Badlands Overlook (near the east entrance) or Yellow Mounds Overlook (where the hills are surreal yellow and purple).
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – bighorn sheep often graze near the road and prairie dogs scamper in the distance.
Evening – Sunset in the Badlands
Badlands sunsets are magical.
Drive to Pinnacles Overlook on the western end of the loop road around dusk.
The fading sunlight sets the cliffs aglow in shades of orange and pink – one of the best sunset spots in the park.
It’s a peaceful, awe-inspiring sight as the shadows grow long over the endless badlands.
After sunset, exit the park and head back to Wall for the night (hotels and motels here are convenient).
Travel Tip: If you’re up for it, Badlands is also an excellent spot for stargazing – the area has very little light pollution. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way spilled across the sky.
Where to Stay
Wall has a few simple motels (nothing fancy, but adequate for one night).
Staying here gives you quick access to the park for sunrise.
Alternatively, you can camp or stay in cabins at the Cedar Pass Lodge inside Badlands NP if you prefer to immerse yourself in nature (just be prepared for very limited dining options in the park).
Day 2: Sunrise in the Badlands and Black Hills Scenic Drive
Start your day early to catch the sunrise – it’s worth it!
Morning – Badlands Sunrise & Hikes
Drive back into Badlands National Park before dawn.
At Dawn, the sun paints the sky and the rocky spires in soft pastels.
Sunrise at a viewpoint like Big Badlands Overlook or Zabriskie Point (just east of the visitor center) is quiet and beautiful, with the cool morning air and perhaps some wildlife stirring.
After sunrise, consider a short hike while the day is still cool.
Two popular, family-friendly trails start near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center:
- Door and Window Trails – Easy boardwalk and gravel trails (¼ to ½ mile each) that lead you up close to the badlands formations. These give a great perspective walking into the cliffs and through natural “windows” in the rocks.
- Notch Trail – A slightly more adventurous 1.5-mile (2.4 km) round-trip trail that features a log ladder climb. It leads to a dramatic overlook of the White River Valley. (Kids usually find the ladder exciting, but keep a hand on younger ones on the cliff sections.)
After a hike or two, stop by the Visitor Center to see the fossil exhibits.
The Badlands are rich in fossils of ancient creatures – you can view fossil displays and sometimes watch paleontologists working on finds.
If you’re lucky, you might even hear about recent fossil discoveries (visitors occasionally stumble upon fossils; the park asks that you leave them in place and inform a ranger).
Midday – Minuteman Missile Site (Optional)
As you leave the Badlands area around midday, you have an option for a quick, unique detour.
Just north of the park, off I-90 Exit 131, is the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site.
Here you can visit a deactivated underground Delta-09 missile silo (visible through a glass enclosure) and a small museum/visitor center that tells the story of the Cold War nuclear missiles that once stood ready on the Great Plains.
It’s a short stop (self-guided visits to the silo take 15 minutes) and provides a fascinating historical contrast after the natural landscapes.
Note: If you want a guided tour of the Launch Control Facility (Delta-01) you’d need to reserve in advance, but casual visitors can still see the silo and visitor center exhibits without a tour.
Afternoon – Drive to the Black Hills
Continue west on I-90 toward the Black Hills.
It’s about 1.5 hours from the Badlands to the Mount Rushmore area.
The drive will take you through rolling prairie and into forested hills.
If you need a pit stop, the town of Rapid City (about 60 minutes from Badlands) is the last larger city for supplies.
Otherwise, head south on US-16 from Rapid City toward Keystone, the gateway town near Mount Rushmore.
The scenery changes as you climb into the Black Hills – ponderosa pines and granite outcrops emerge as you approach the famed monuments.
Evening – Mount Rushmore Illumination
Aim to arrive in Keystone/Mount Rushmore by late afternoon or early evening.
Check into your hotel or campground (there are many in this area).
In the summer months, an awesome way to cap the day is to see Mount Rushmore National Memorial in the evening.
Each night in the summer, the park holds a lighting ceremony at the outdoor amphitheater.
Rangers give a brief talk and film, and then the four presidential faces light up against the night sky.
It’s a moving, patriotic experience to see Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Lincoln illuminated on the mountainside.
The ceremony typically starts around 9:00 pm (earlier in spring and fall).
Even if you miss the formal program, you can still view the majestically lit sculpture until about 10 pm.
Travel Tip: Bring a light jacket; evenings in the hills can get cool.
Parking at Mount Rushmore costs $10 per vehicle (keep your receipt, it’s valid for multiple days), but entry to the monument itself is free.
If you’re too tired tonight, don’t worry – you can visit in daylight tomorrow.
Overnight
Stay in Keystone, Hill City, or at a lodge in Custer State Park (if you booked ahead).
Keystone is very close to Rushmore (5 minutes away) with many hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions (it’s a bit touristy and busy in peak season, but very convenient).
Hill City is a little further (20-30 min) but has a quieter small-town charm with wineries and a historic 1880s train.
Choose what suits your style.
Day 3: Monumental Mornings – Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse
Morning – Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Start your day with one of America’s most iconic sights.
Arrive at Mount Rushmore in the morning light (the site opens at 5 a.m., and early arrival around 8 a.m. beats the crowds).
Take the short Presidential Trail loop (0.5 mile) that starts at the Grand View Terrace; this paved trail and boardwalk brings you closer to the base of the mountain for different angles of the 60-foot-tall presidential faces.
Along the way, you’ll find signs and statues for each president.
Don’t miss the Sculptor’s Studio (usually open mid-morning onward) where you can see scale models and tools used by sculptor Gutzon Borglum and learn how the monument was carved.
Inside the Visitor Center and museum, explore interactive exhibits about the carving process and the lives of the four presidents featured.
It’s very educational for kids and adults alike – you’ll learn, for example, why these four presidents were chosen to represent the nation’s birth, growth, development, and preservation.
Before you leave, grab a treat at the Memorial Team Ice Cream shop – they serve Thomas Jefferson’s original ice cream recipe!
Fun fact: Jefferson wrote one of the first ice cream recipes recorded in America.
Late Morning – Crazy Horse Memorial
Next, drive about 30 minutes southwest to the Crazy Horse Memorial.
This monument is still in progress, but when finished it will be the largest mountain carving in the world – depicting the Lakota warrior Crazy Horse riding a horse and pointing out over his lands.
Even though it’s not complete, the site is open and absolutely worth visiting.
At the entrance, you’ll see the massive face of Crazy Horse already carved into the mountain, which alone is larger than the Rushmore faces.
In the Welcome Center, watch a short film about the monument’s history – it’s a fascinating story of a family-led project started in 1948, with no government funding.
Explore the Indian Museum of North America on site, which houses a rich collection of Native American artifacts and art.
You can also view a scale model of what the finished sculpture will look like.
Outside, there are often Native American cultural performances or craft demonstrations (in summer).
Lunch
The Crazy Horse complex has a casual cafe where you can grab bison stew, Indian tacos, or a simple sandwich for lunch.
Enjoy lunch with a view of the carving from the deck.
(Note: There is an entrance fee for Crazy Horse Memorial, which goes toward funding the project and the museum/education center.)
Afternoon – Into Custer State Park via Scenic Byways
After taking in two monumental achievements, shift gears back to nature.
Drive south into Custer State Park, one of the gems of South Dakota.
A great way to enter the park from Crazy Horse is to head for the Needles Highway (SD-87) entrance on the northwest side.
This famous scenic road winds through the park’s granite “needles” formations – slender spires of rock that tower above the roadway.
As you drive, you’ll navigate sharp hairpin turns and even squeeze through the Needles Eye Tunnel, a narrow rock tunnel only about 8 feet wide!
Take it slow and pull off at overlooks to appreciate the views (and to let nervous drivers breathe).
This area is a highlight for photography. Eventually the Needles Highway leads to Sylvan Lake, a pristine lake surrounded by boulders and pine trees.
Stop here and stretch your legs – Sylvan Lake has a flat one-mile shore trail that is perfect for all ages, offering postcard-worthy views at every turn.
(Disney fans might recognize Sylvan Lake from the movie National Treasure 2).
It’s a lovely spot to let kids scramble on rocks or even rent a paddleboat in summer.
Continue on, making your way deeper into Custer State Park.
By later afternoon, aim to start the Wildlife Loop Road (an 18-mile scenic loop in the southern part of the park). Late afternoon or early evening is prime time to see wildlife.
Custer State Park is famous for its large herd of American bison – roughly 1,300 of them roam freely.
As you drive the loop, you may encounter a “buffalo traffic jam” where dozens of bison decide to cross the road, bringing cars to a halt (an incredible up-close experience – but stay in your vehicle and be patient).
You’ll also likely see groups of pronghorn antelope grazing (often mistaken for deer at first glance), and prairie dogs popping up from their towns.
Don’t be surprised if a group of wild burros pokes their heads into your car window – the friendly donkeys in the park are known to beg for snacks (they’re descendants of burros once used for trail rides).
It’s like a safari, South Dakota style!
Evening – Relax in the Park
After the Wildlife Loop, check in to your lodging.
Custer State Park has several historic lodges (like the State Game Lodge or Blue Bell Lodge) and campgrounds.
Alternatively, the town of Custer just outside the park offers hotels and restaurants.
In the evening, enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
You might have dinner at Blue Bell Lodge (rustic restaurant known for buffalo burgers and local trout) or in Custer town.
If you’re up for a unique Western experience, some park lodges offer chuckwagon supper shows – for example, Blue Bell Lodge runs a hayride that leads to a chuckwagon BBQ dinner under the open sky, complete with cowboy music.
Under the stars with a full belly of steak and beans, you’ll truly feel the spirit of the Old West.
Travel Tip
When in Custer State Park, always keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Bison may seem calm but can charge if provoked – stay at least 100 yards away on foot.
In your car, if they are on the road, just yield and let them pass.
Never approach or feed the bison.
Also, cell service in the park is spotty, so download maps offline.
Lastly, remember there is a park entrance fee (around $20 per vehicle for 7 days), which you likely paid upon entering on Needles Highway – keep the pass visible in your car.
Day 4: Wild Wonders of Custer State Park
After yesterday’s introduction, dedicate today to fully exploring Custer State Park.
This 71,000-acre park is a paradise for nature lovers, offering a mix of wildlife, scenic drives, and outdoor activities.
Morning – Hiking or Driving Adventure
If you’re an early riser, dawn is a magical time in the park.
You could take another quick drive along part of the Wildlife Loop to catch the morning light on the hills and possibly see elk or deer when they are most active.
Otherwise, start your morning with one of the park’s many hiking trails or outdoor activities:
- For a family-friendly stroll, head back to Sylvan Lake and do the Sylvan Lake Shore Trail (if you missed it yesterday). It’s easy and you might spot chipmunks and waterfowl along the way.
- For a more ambitious hike (with older kids or just adults), consider the trail to Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak). This 7-mile round-trip hike climbs to the highest point in South Dakota (7,242 feet) (Ultimate 7-Day South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary) and rewards you with a breathtaking 360° view from a historic stone fire lookout tower at the summit. It’s a half-day endeavor – start early with water and snacks if you go.
- Another moderate hike is Cathedral Spires Trail (2.5 miles round-trip), which takes you right up among the dramatic granite spires on Needles Highway (Ultimate 7-Day South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary). It’s a shorter option than Black Elk Peak but still offers wow-worthy scenery.
Not into hiking? You could opt for a morning horseback ride instead.
Blue Bell Stables in the park offers guided trail rides through the hills – a fun way to feel like a cowboy/cowgirl.
Or, if biking is your thing, some of the park roads (like the Wildlife Loop) are popular for cycling in the cool morning hours.
Midday – Scenic Drives & Lakes
Take the famous Iron Mountain Road (US-16A) if you haven’t yet.
This road connects Custer State Park back toward Mount Rushmore and is known for its pigtail bridges (wooden spiral bridges) and one-way tunnels that perfectly frame Mount Rushmore in the distance as you drive north.
Even if you’re not heading to Rushmore again, driving a portion of Iron Mountain Road is a thrill.
There are pullouts where you can stop and take a photo of the distant Mount Rushmore in the tunnel “framed” view – a very cool perspective!
By late mid-day, you might be ready for a break.
Custer State Park has several picnic areas – one idea is to pack a lunch (or grab sandwiches from a deli in Custer town in the morning) and picnic at Stockade Lake or Center Lake.
These lakes have picnic tables and restrooms, and maybe even a chance to dip your feet in the water.
On a hot summer day, a quick swim at the beach area of Stockade Lake is refreshing.
Afternoon – More Park Fun or Nearby Sights
With the rest of your afternoon, you have some choices depending on your interests:
- Wildlife Loop (again): Wildlife is never guaranteed on a single drive. If you want another chance to see animals you missed, you could drive the loop road again in opposite direction. Perhaps you saw bison but not the burros, or vice versa. Each drive is a new adventure.
- Rushmore Cave or Reptile Gardens (for families): If the kids are itching for something different, the region has a couple of classic roadside attractions. Reptile Gardens (on the highway between Custer SP and Rapid City) is a reptile park and botanical garden home to snakes, crocs, and the famous giant tortoise named Tank. Or Rush Mountain Adventure Park (near Keystone) has a cave tour (Rushmore Cave) plus fun zip-lines and an alpine coaster. These could be fun detours if you need a break from scenery and want some touristy fun. (They do require an entry fee and time, so fit only if you have the extra time and interest.)
- Jewel Cave National Monument: If you are a cave enthusiast, Jewel Cave is about a 30-40 minute drive west of Custer and offers tours of the world’s third-longest cave (more on caves tomorrow). It might be tight to do today unless you got an early start, but it’s an option if Wind Cave (tomorrow’s plan) isn’t enough or if you want to swap things around.
Evening – Stars and Firepit
For your last night in Custer State Park, enjoy the calm of nature.
Many lodges have evening campfires or you can make your own s’mores if your accommodation allows.
The night skies here are pretty dark – step outside and gaze at the stars.
You might hear the howl of coyotes in the distance.
After four busy days, a relaxed evening is well-deserved.
Rest up, because tomorrow you delve underground and then journey to the Wild West!
Day 5: Underground Adventures – Wind Cave & Mammoth Fossils
Today you’ll head south to explore Wind Cave National Park and the town of Hot Springs, then make your way north to Deadwood by evening.
It’s a day of diverse experiences: underground caves, ancient mammoths, and a change of scenery as you transition from the southern hills to the northern hills.
Morning – Wind Cave National Park
Drive about 30 minutes south from Custer or CSP lodges to Wind Cave National Park (aim to arrive early, around opening time ~8:00 or 8:30 am).
Wind Cave is famous as one of the longest caves in the world and the very first cave to be designated a national park in the world (established in 1903).
The cave is known for a rare formation called boxwork, found in abundance on its walls and ceilings.
The only way to see the cave is on a guided ranger tour.
There are several tour options, but the Garden of Eden (short and easiest), Natural Entrance, or Fairgrounds Tour are popular for first-time visitors.
Tickets are first-come, first-served (no online reservations), so getting there in the morning is key, especially in summer when tours can sell out by afternoon.
While waiting for your tour time, you can explore the small Visitor Center museum which explains how the cave was discovered (by a young man who noticed wind blowing out of a hole in the ground, hence the name).
When your tour is called, a ranger will lead you down into the cave (via elevator or stairs depending on the tour) and through a series of lit passageways.
It’s a surreal experience walking 200+ feet below the prairie!
You’ll see intricate honeycomb-like boxwork formations and hear about the cave’s geology and history.
Tours typically last 1 to 1.5 hours.
Tip: Bring a light jacket or sweater – the cave is around 54°F (12°C) year-round, so you’ll feel the chill.
Above ground, Wind Cave National Park is also beautiful prairie land full of wildlife.
As you drive in or out, you might see bison (Wind Cave has its own bison herd, genetically pure and historically important), prairie dogs, or even elk.
There’s a short Rankin Ridge Nature Trail near the visitor center if you want a quick walk to a fire tower with views after your cave tour, but since we have more stops, you may skip extensive hiking here.
Late Morning – Hot Springs and Mammoth Site
From Wind Cave, continue south about 20 minutes to the town of Hot Springs, SD.
This small town is known for – you guessed it – natural hot springs.
In the late 1800s it was a spa town; today one of the big attractions is Evans Plunge, a historic hot springs water park with a large indoor pool fed by warm spring water (87°F).
But first, we recommend visiting The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, especially if you have any interest in fossils or if kids are in tow.
The Mammoth Site is a unique active paleontological dig where bones of mammoths are preserved in situ.
Over 60 mammoth skeletons (mostly Columbian mammoths) have been found in what was a prehistoric sinkhole.
When you arrive, you can join a guided tour of the building that houses the dig site – you’ll walk on an elevated pathway around a huge pit where fossil bones are partially excavated from the earth.
It’s amazing to see massive tusks and femurs still sticking out of the soil where the animals died 140,000 years ago.
The guides explain how the mammoths likely slipped into the sinkhole and couldn’t escape.
There’s also a small museum exhibit with a full mammoth replica and other Ice Age creatures.
Tours run continuously and last about 30 minutes, and you can wander on your own after.
This site is very engaging for all ages (kids even have a sandbox dig area). Plan about 1 to 1.5 hours here.
By now you might be hungry – grab lunch in Hot Springs at one of the local cafes or fast-food spots in town.
If you’re craving a quick dip, you could also check out Evans Plunge for an hour; it has slides and pools (fun for kids) and is the oldest tourist attraction in the Black Hills (opened in 1890, still using the natural spring water).
But if you’d rather keep moving, it’s time to head north for the next leg of the journey.
Afternoon – Drive to Deadwood (Northern Black Hills)
The drive from Hot Springs up to Deadwood will take about 2.5 to 3 hours (approximately 120-130 miles).
You have a couple of route options:
- The fastest is to backtrack north via Custer then take Highway 385 all the way through the Black Hills to Deadwood. Highway 385 is scenic, passing by Jewel Cave and through Hill City and Lead-Deadwood.
- Alternatively, for a change of scenery, you can go east toward the plains and then north, swinging by Rapid City and then west to Deadwood on I-90. That route is less mountainous (easier driving, maybe a bit longer in distance).
Either way, you’ll see the terrain change from the southern hills (more open prairie and Ponderosa pines) to the northern hills (denser spruce forests and higher elevations).
As you approach Deadwood, you might notice signs for Lead – a sister town where a famous large gold mine (Homestake Mine) is located. Deadwood and Lead are only a few miles apart.
Evening – Historic Deadwood
Welcome to the Wild West! Deadwood is a National Historic Landmark District – essentially the entire town preserves the look and feel of an 1876 gold rush town (with a healthy dose of 21st-century entertainment mixed in).
Check in at your Deadwood lodging (there are modern hotels, casinos, and historic inns mainly along Main Street and the hill above).
Then step out onto Main Street, Deadwood.
You’ll walk the same streets where legends like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane once roamed (and where lawlessness was the order of the day in the late 1800s).
The town today capitalizes on that history: many buildings are restored saloons and casinos, and there are free re-enactments of shootouts on Main Street in summer.
Stroll the brick-paved street and take in the sights: old-timey facades, vintage street lamps, and perhaps actors in costume.
A must-stop is Saloon No. 10 – this is a re-creation of the saloon where Wild Bill Hickok was famously shot in the back during a poker game.
Inside, you’ll find lots of Wild West memorabilia (and yes, they do allow families in before nightfall despite being a bar).
You might even catch the re-enactment of Wild Bill’s assassination, which is sometimes performed in the afternoon.
If you’re interested in history, the Adams Museum (Deadwood’s local history museum) is excellent and kid-friendly, showcasing everything from Wild Bill’s guns to a rare plesiosaur fossil found nearby.
Another site is the Mount Moriah Cemetery up on the hill, where Wild Bill and Calamity Jane are buried side by side – it’s a bit of a walk or quick drive up, but offers a view over Deadwood and some colorful history on the tombstones.
For dinner, you have plenty of options: Deadwood has buffets and steakhouse restaurants associated with its casinos, as well as casual eateries.
You could dine in an old saloon (try the Deadwood Social Club above Saloon 10 for Italian/American fare, or Kevin Costner’s Midnight Star restaurant if it’s still open, as it houses some movie memorabilia).
After dinner, enjoy some free evening entertainment – many of the casinos have live music, or simply soak in the atmosphere.
Keep in mind, later at night the town’s focus is on gambling and bars, so if you have young kids you might head back to the hotel after dinner or opt for an evening swim if your hotel has a pool.
But if adults want to try their luck, Deadwood’s casinos range from small slots in saloons to larger gaming resorts.
Even if you’re not gambling, popping into the Old Style Saloon #10 or Buffalo Bodega to listen to a live band can be a hoot.
Deadwood is relatively compact – you can walk most places in the historic downtown.
The town often runs a trolley service that loops to hotels and attractions for a small fee, which is handy if you don’t want to drive or walk up the steep streets.
Also, for history buffs, there are daytime guided walking tours available that give more context to the famous sites.
If you spend two nights here, you could take one in the morning.
But with one night, simply wandering on your own is delightful enough.
Day 6: Scenic Drives – Spearfish Canyon & the Northern Hills
Today is about natural beauty in the northern Black Hills.
You’ll explore Spearfish Canyon, one of the most scenic spots in the state, and have a leisurely day with short hikes and waterfalls.
In the evening, you can either loop back to Rapid City or stay one more night in the northern Hills.
Morning – Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
From Deadwood, it’s a quick 15-mile drive to the start of Spearfish Canyon.
Take US Highway 14A south from the town of Spearfish (or you can go via Lead).
The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is a 19-mile stretch of road that winds through a deep limestone canyon carved by Spearfish Creek.
Towering cliff walls, some over a thousand feet high, rise on either side, and the road curves gently alongside the creek.
In fall, this drive is famous for golden aspen and birch leaves; in summer, it’s lush green and cool in the mornings.
Drive slowly and enjoy the views – you’ll likely have the car windows down to feel the fresh pine-scented air.
There are several easy stops to make along Spearfish Canyon:
- Bridal Veil Falls: About 6 miles into the canyon from Spearfish, watch for the pull-off on the right. This roadside waterfall streams down a sheer cliff and is easily viewed from a platform next to the road. It’s named for its delicate, veil-like appearance. During spring snowmelt it’s more impressive, but even in late summer it’s a pretty sight. Snap a few photos.
- Hike to Spearfish Falls: Further down the road at Savoy (where there’s the Latchstring Inn restaurant and Spearfish Canyon Lodge), park your car. Behind the Latchstring Restaurant, you’ll find the Spearfish Falls Trailhead. This short trail (about 1 mile round-trip) takes you down into the canyon bottom and to Spearfish Falls, a lovely waterfall pouring into a pool. The hike is mostly dirt path and some stairs – very doable in 30 minutes to an hour. The falls were once dried up when water was diverted for a power plant, but now flow again and are one of the canyon’s highlights.
- Roughlock Falls: If you have a bit more time at Savoy, consider visiting Roughlock Falls. You can drive a gravel road (about 1.5 miles) or hike a 2-mile trail from Savoy to the falls area. Roughlock Falls is a series of cascading waterfalls on Little Spearfish Creek. There’s a picnic area and viewing platforms – it’s a peaceful spot to relax and maybe enjoy a snack. The drive is fine for most vehicles in good weather.
Midday – Lunch in Spearfish or Canyon Picnic
Depending on your pace, you might be ready for lunch around now.
If you packed a picnic, any of the waterfall areas make a great picnic spot (Savoy has tables).
If you prefer a restaurant, continue driving through the rest of Spearfish Canyon toward the town of Spearfish (the northern end of the canyon).
Spearfish is a charming small city with plenty of dining options.
You could try a local café or brewery.
One popular spot is Leone’s Creamery for homemade ice cream as a treat.
Or if you want a hearty meal, The Green Bean or Dough Trader Pizza are well-liked.
Afternoon – Northern Hills Exploration
After lunch, you have a few options for how to spend the afternoon in the Northern Hills area:
- If you love the outdoors, you could head back into Spearfish Canyon for one more hike. A local favorite is the Devil’s Bathtub trail (located in a side canyon off Spearfish Canyon). It’s an unofficial 1.5-mile round-trip hike that involves some stream crossings and leads to a natural pool and small waterfalls where you can wade or even slide down smooth rocks. It’s a bit adventurous (can be slippery), so wear proper shoes. It’s best done on a hot day when getting wet is fun.
- For a taste of the Wild West outside of Deadwood, drive to the town of Belle Fourche (30 minutes from Spearfish). There, you can visit the Center of the Nation Monument – Belle Fourche is near the geographic center of the 50 United States. There’s a park with a giant compass and flag display marking the spot (actually the true center is on a private ranch, but this monument represents it). It’s one of those “I’ve been there” quirky stops. The Tri-State Museum next to it has some local history artifacts.
- Optional Side Trip – Devils Tower, WY: If you’re up for a longer excursion (and perhaps have an extra couple of hours to spare), consider a side trip to Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. It’s about 1 hour 45 minutes one-way from Spearfish (so ~3.5 hours round-trip). This could be a lot for one day, but Devils Tower is an extraordinary natural formation – a huge volcanic monolith that juts out of the plains (famous from the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind). Many visitors to the Black Hills add it as an extra day or half-day trip. If you decide to do this, you’d drive west into Wyoming, visit the tower (there’s a 1.3-mile loop trail at its base with views of climbers often scaling the columns), and then drive back. It would make for a very full day though, so only if you’re keen and perhaps if you plan to stay a night in Spearfish or Sundance, WY. Otherwise, it might be best left for a future trip.
If you skip Devils Tower, your afternoon is relatively relaxed.
As you wrap up exploring, start making your way back toward Rapid City (if that’s where you plan to depart) or you can return to Deadwood for another night if you really love the area and have time.
The drive from Spearfish to Rapid City via I-90 is about 1 hour.
En route, you might pass by Sturgis, the small town famous for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally each August.
Outside of rally time, Sturgis is pretty quiet, but bikers might enjoy a stop at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum downtown (open year-round).
If it’s rally time (early August), expect the highways to be full of motorcycles and the area extremely busy – some travelers might avoid it unless they are there for the event.
Evening – Back in Rapid City
By evening, arrive back in Rapid City (or if you chose to stay north, settle in Spearfish/Deadwood for one more night).
In Rapid City, you can enjoy a final dinner at one of the local restaurants – perhaps try South Dakota’s famous chislic (seasoned, cubed steak tips) at a downtown pub, or buffalo steak if you haven’t had the chance yet.
Downtown Rapid City has a nice walkable area with shops and the City of Presidents bronze statues on the corners, so it’s nice to stroll in the evening and maybe find that statue of your favorite president for a selfie.
Spearfish Canyon has limited cell phone reception due to the high walls.
Download or print any maps or info you need ahead of time.
Also, bring water shoes if you plan to wade in any creeks (like Devil’s Bathtub) to protect your feet.
When driving back east toward Rapid City at dusk, watch out for deer on the roads – wildlife is active in the evening and collisions can happen, so drive cautiously.
Day 7: Farewell to the Mount Rushmore State – Rapid City & Departure
It’s your final day.
Depending on your schedule, you might have a few hours in the morning to enjoy Rapid City before you leave.
Morning – Rapid City Highlights
Rapid City is known as the “Gateway to the Black Hills” and has some attractions of its own worth seeing:
- Take a walking tour of the Downtown’s City of Presidents statues. Every street corner features a life-size bronze statue of a U.S. President, from Washington to Obama (a fun scavenger hunt for kids to find specific presidents). You can grab a coffee from a local café (like Essence of Coffee or Pure Bean) and enjoy the stroll.
- If you have youngsters (or are young at heart), drive up to Dinosaur Park on Skyline Drive. This free hilltop park has seven giant green dinosaur sculptures built in 1936, overlooking the city. Kids can climb on a brontosaurus and T-Rex, and you get a panoramic view of Rapid City and the surrounding plains. It’s a quick, quirky stop with a dose of nostalgia.
- For history buffs or if the weather is rainy, the Journey Museum & Learning Center is a great choice. It’s an immersive museum that traces the history of the Black Hills from the age of dinosaurs and mammoths, through Native American Lakota culture, to the pioneer era. There are interactive displays and it’s very well done for a smaller city museum.
- Souvenir hunting: If you still need to pick up gifts or mementos, check out Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries downtown. It’s part museum, part high-end gift shop featuring beautiful Native American artwork, crafts, jewelry, and even an old-time trading post interior. Even if you don’t buy, it’s interesting to browse the beadwork and quillwork items. For more budget-friendly souvenirs (Black Hills gold jewelry, T-shirts, etc.), the shops around Main Street have plenty.
Mid-Day – Departure
Sadly, all adventures must come to an end. If flying out, Rapid City Regional Airport is about a 20-minute drive east of downtown.
It’s a small airport, so returning your rental car and checking in is typically quick (arrive 1.5 hours before your flight just to be safe).
If you’re driving home eastward on I-90, you’ve got a full day’s drive across South Dakota – you could break it up by revisiting any stops you missed (maybe drop by Wall Drug again for one more doughnut and coffee, or stop in Mitchell to see the Corn Palace if you didn’t on the way in).
As you leave South Dakota, reflect on the incredible variety you’ve experienced in just 7 days: the eerie beauty of the Badlands, the carved grandeur of Mount Rushmore, the cultural significance of Crazy Horse, the roaming wildlife and nature in Custer State Park, the hidden depths of Wind Cave, the ancient treasures at Mammoth Site, the rough-and-tumble history of Deadwood, and the serene waterfalls of Spearfish Canyon.
You’ve covered hundreds of miles and countless years of history – from primordial fossils to frontier legends. Every stop added a new chapter to your adventure.
Goodbye and Happy Trails!
As the Westerners say, “Happy trails to you, until we meet again.”
South Dakota’s friendly folks, big skies, and rugged landscapes will be here to welcome you back whenever you’re ready for more.
Safe travels home, with memories to last a lifetime and stories to share of your epic 7-day South Dakota road trip!
