See antelope, elk, bison, bear, Prairie Dogs, giant Crazy Horse Memorial underway for 30 years, Mount Rushmore, and amazing rock weathering and erosion.
The southwest edge of South Dakota is a tourist’s dream. Since the rest of the state is a little flat and unspectacular, both our trips are in the southwest. You begin in Hot Springs, 53 miles south of Rapid City, and drive thirteen miles north on U.S. 385 to the entrance of Wind Cave National Park. It is seventeen miles straight through Wind Cave and Custer State Park to U.S. 16 Alt., but you might want to take the Wildlife Loop Road for the twenty-mile ride around Custer Park. The Prairie Dogs, bear, antelope, elk, bison, and other woodland friends are out waiting for you. Turn west on Route 16
Alt. to Custer and north9 miles on U.S. 385/16 to Route 244 east. Take that 8 miles to U.S. 16 Alt., south to Route 36, west 8 miles to Route 40, then southeast about 25 miles to Badlands National Park. The highways may still be gravel back here.
If you back out, go through Rapid City to Scenic. Follow signs to the Visitor Center, then turn north twelve miles to Route 44 at Scenic. From this point, you can drive around in the Badlands for 70 to 90 miles. Custer Parks and Wind Cave are an animal lover’s paradise. Four miles north of Custer on U.S. 385 is the Crazy Horse Memorial, the biggest statue in the world that has been under construction for more than 30 years. Mount Rushmore (You know–the Presidents chiseled in rock?) follows next to where Route 244 crosses U.S. 16 Alt. The Badlands contain spectacular examples of erosion and rock weathering, much like the Grand Canyon.
Starting Point:
Hot Springs, SD
Distance of Drive:
136-246 miles
Must Eat:
The Pheasant Dining Room
State Game Lodge, Hwy 16a, Custer State Park, SD 57730
Phone: 605-255-4541
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Spring to fall
Points of Interest on Drive:
Crazy Horse Memorial
Mount Rushmore
Wind Cave
Tagged with: best time:spring and fall • South Dakota • summer destinations
Filed under: Best Road Trips