Have you ever dreamed of exploring the wild, rugged beauty of the American West? Then, a road trip through South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wyoming should be at the top of your travel list. This unforgettable journey takes you through sweeping plains, majestic mountain ranges, and fascinating historical sites. With stops at some of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, including the Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Park, Medora, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Devils Tower, and the Black Hills, this road trip through the American West offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and American heritage. Late Spring through Fall is the perfect time of year to explore this area.
Rapid City and the Badlands
Start Your Adventure in Rapid City
Begin your journey in Rapid City, South Dakota, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Black Hills.” After a hearty breakfast at one of the local cafes, gear up for your first adventure in the Badlands National Park. Just an hour southeast of Rapid City, the Badlands offer a landscape unlike any other. The park’s stunning geological formations—tall spires, deep canyons, and jagged peaks—are the result of millions of years of erosion.
Exploring the Badlands
The best way to take in the dramatic landscape is to drive the Badlands Loop Road, a scenic route that offers spectacular views and plenty of opportunities to stop for photos. For those who want a more intimate experience, the park offers several hiking trails, including the popular Notch Trail, which leads to a breathtaking view over the canyon. While exploring, keep an eye out for wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs.
The Badlands are one of the most iconic parts of the Midwest, so be sure to take your time and fully absorb the natural beauty that surrounds you. I recommend getting an early start, as it gets pretty hot in the summertime.
Evening in Rapid City
After a day of exploration, head back to Rapid City for dinner and a chance to unwind. Rapid City is full of charming local restaurants and cozy places to relax, making it a great place to spend the night before you continue on your road trip. Or you could head to the iconic Wall Drug to check out the 80-foot dinosaur or grab some yummy ice cream at the Wall Drug Store. 
Where To Stay
Best Western Plus, Rapid City is located outside of Rapid City’s vibrant historic downtown district. With easy access to the highway that leads you to Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands National Park.
The Rushmore Hotel & Suites is just steps away from shopping, entertainment options, the city of Presidents Walk, and events at the Monument Convention Center. You can explore art galleries, museums, fashionable boutiques, and an array of restaurants. You’ll find great entertainment, from music to live performances, and have easy access to the nightly light show at Mount Rushmore.
Where to Eat
The Firehouse Brewing Company is one of my favorite restaurants to eat at in Rapid City. Located in the old town district of Rapid City, they have a wine cellar, souvenir shop, and restaurant with live music, all located in an old firehouse.
Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse
Morning Visit to Mt. Rushmore
No road trip through South Dakota would be complete without a visit to the legendary Mt. Rushmore National Memorial. Just a 30-minute drive from Rapid City, this iconic monument features the faces of four U.S. presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln—etched into the granite mountainside.
There is a short hike around the grounds, or if you are an avid hiker, take the strenuous 425-stair Presidential Trail to get an up-close view of Mt. Rushmore.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Your next stop after Mt. Rushmore should be the Crazy Horse Memorial. This monumental sculpture, still under construction, honors the Lakota warrior Crazy Horse and is expected to be the world’s largest sculpture when completed. It is just a short drive from Mt. Rushmore, and the site includes a museum that offers fascinating insight into Native American history and culture.
Custer State Park
A Scenic Drive to Custer State Park
After taking in the grandeur of Mt. Rushmore, continue your journey to Custer State Park, located about an hour south. This massive park, spanning over 71,000 acres, is home to one of the largest free-roaming bison herds in the United States. The park’s Wildlife Loop Road is an excellent route to see bison, wild turkeys, pronghorns, and deer in their natural habitat. If you are up for a beautiful and scenic drive through Custer State Park, be sure to check out the Needles Highway. The Needles Highway is a drive through pine and spruce forests, surrounded by birch and aspen trees, and rugged granite mountains.
Afternoon at Custer State Park
Spend the afternoon exploring the Custer State Park’s stunning landscapes. Whether you’re hiking through the Black Hills or taking a leisurely drive through the park, the scenery is simply breathtaking. Stop in at the visitor center to learn why this state park is a must-visit on your road trip through the American West.
Overnight in Custer or Keystone
For the evening, consider staying in the quaint town of Custer or Keystone. Both are known for their Old West charm and welcoming atmosphere. They offer several cozy lodging options, including historic bed and breakfasts and campgrounds for those who prefer to sleep under the stars. Or book a stay at the Summer White House.
Buffalo Safari Jeep Trip Through Custer State Park
The travel guide will take you to places you can’t usually get to on this Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour. Take the sunset tour and enjoy a wonderful chuckwagon dinner and show. If you don’t choose the sunset tour, you can enjoy a wonderful dinner at the restaurant located inside the State Game Lodge.
Where To Stay
The State Game Lodge is located inside the Custer State Park. It was the Summer White House for President Calvin Coolidge and President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Where To Eat
The State Game Lodge offers casual but elegant breakfast and lunch options. For dinner, it is a more formal ambiance and they recommend reservations. Call 605-255-4541 for more information.
Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Cross into North Dakota
The next leg of your journey takes you Northwest into North Dakota, where you’ll find the historic town of Medora. You’ll have about a four-hour drive time to the city that borders the state of Montana. Known for its Old West ambiance and as the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Medora is a great place to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat.
Exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Named after the 26th president, who fell in love with the area during his time as a rancher, Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers a blend of scenic views, wildlife, and history. The park is divided into two sections: the South Unit, which is more developed and accessible, and the North Unit, which offers more remote and rugged terrain.
Drive Or Hike
Take a scenic drive along the park’s main road and stop at the various overlooks to admire the striking Badlands landscape. If you’re feeling adventurous, several hiking trails provide more intimate experiences with the park’s natural beauty. Keep an eye out for bison, elk, wild horses, and prairie dogs, which are often seen roaming freely across the park. You may even get a chance to experience a bison roadblock.
Evening in Medora
For a true taste of the Old West, spend your evening in the small town of Medora, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and experience the Medora Musical. This unique outdoor performance celebrates the spirit of the American West. It’s the perfect way to end your day before retiring to your hotel or campground for the night.
Where To Stay
The Badlands Hotel is a perfectly located western-themed hotel that offers flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. The Badlands Motel has a perfect view of the northern Badlands and offers wonderful amenities for your Medora excursion. There is an outdoor pool, “NEW” Point to Point Park activities, a children’s park, and you are within walking distance of downtown Medora shops, restaurants, and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Where To Eat
The Pitchfork Steak Fondue Dinner and catch the Medora Musical Show after dinner- The cowboy chefs load New York Strip steaks onto pitchforks, and dunk them in barrels of oil.
While you are waiting on your steak, you will head to the barbecue-style buffet and get all your favorite fixin’s: baked beans, baked potatoes, garlic toast, coleslaw, vegetables, fresh fruit salad, brownies, cinnamon-sugar donuts, lemonade, and coffee. Enjoy live music as you devour your amazing dinner.
The show of how they create this amazing meal for so many people is worth the experience. I highly recommend this dinner and show on your trip to Medora.
Devils Tower And The Black Hills
Leaving Medora behind, it’s time to head south into Wyoming to visit one of the country’s most remarkable natural landmarks—Devils Tower. This striking geological formation rises 1,267 feet above the surrounding landscape and is one of the most sacred sites to Native American tribes. It was also famously featured in the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind. This is one of the most popular national parks, and during peak season, be prepared for a wait to get to the parking area. There are great trails, with rock climbing options as well, but these are not for the faint of heart.
Exploring Devils Tower
Take a walk around the base of Devils Tower on the 1.3-mile Tower Trail. This relatively easy trail offers close-up views of the tower’s vertical columns and provides an opportunity to learn about the history and geology of the monument. If you’re an avid rock climber, Devils Tower is one of the most sought-after climbing destinations in the country.
Evening in the Black Hills
After you visit Devils Tower, head back into the Black Hills of South Dakota for the evening. There’s no better way to spend the night than in one of the region’s charming towns like Deadwood, which offers a combination of Old West history and modern entertainment, including casinos, live music, and delicious dining options. This is a must-see stop, especially if you are a fan of the TV series “Deadwood”.
Where To Stay
There are many places to stay in Deadwood, and if you like to gamble, there are many hotels that have connected casinos. I had the opportunity to stay at the Four Points Hotel in downtown Deadwood, and it was located right on Main Street. Perfect for checking out the scene on foot, and connected to restaurants, casinos, and a coffee house.
Where To Eat
There are so many options when it comes to restaurants in Deadwood.
I recommend the Maverick’s Steak & Cocktails. They have a large food menu, a bar for libations, and a casino located downstairs.
National Parks Underground
Wind Cave National Park
Spend your final day exploring the underground wonders of the Black Hills. Start by visiting Wind Cave National Park, known for its impressive calcite formations and unique boxwork formations.
If you’re interested in spelunking, take a guided tour of the cave to learn about its history and geology.
Jewel Cave National Park
If you’re up for more underground exploration, head to Jewel Cave National Monument, located near Custer. Jewel Cave is the third-longest cave in the world and features incredible crystal formations and narrow passages.
Check Out the Hot Springs
Just south of Wind Cave National Park is Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Springs/Spa. Get a day pass to soak in the hot springs and then grab a bite to eat at The Dragonfly at Moccasin Springs restaurant. Be sure to check out the different spa treatments they offer as well.
A Relaxing Drive Through The Black Hills
After exploring the local caves, take a drive through the Black Hills. Chase some waterfalls, its a great way to reflect on your amazing adventure through South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wyoming.
Let Southwest Adventure Tours Do All The Work For You
If you are looking for tailor-made tours or a custom trip with a tour guide, I highly recommend booking through Southwest Adventure Tours. They offer a variety of small group tours, large group tours, self-drive tours, and custom guided tours. You may even get me as a tour guide.
Related – Stress-Free Holiday Travel Experience
Road Trip Tips
- Always check the weather conditions in high elevations as they can change quickly, especially at higher elevations.
- Pack extra water, as you want to stay hydrated, especially when hiking.
- Check your car before heading out on a road trip.
- Have the air in your tires checked, and the necessary fluids checked and filled.
- Be sure to check the windshield wipers, as this area of the country is known for sudden storms.
- Pack Rain coats and extra shoes.
- Have snacks packed, time can escape you, and the restaurants are few and far between in some places.
- Download a guide app; these are great for learning about the area you are driving through.
- Plan a road trip itinerary so you can map out different places you want to stop.
- When visiting so many National Park sites, stop at the park entrance and get a National Park Pass. It is good for a year at all National Parks and Park sites.
A Road Trip Through The American West to Remember
This road trip through South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wyoming offers something for everyone. Breathtaking natural wonders like the Badlands and Devils Tower. Iconic landmarks like Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Historic musicals for the whole family. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a scenic getaway, a journey through the American West will leave you with memories for a lifetime. Pack your bags, hit the road, and experience the beauty and history of the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains.
