The Ultimate 250th Anniversary National Parks Road Trip

July 14, 2026

Here’s why you need to take the ultimate 250th Anniversary National Parks Road trip through the National Parks of Americas West. Exploring this beautiful country by visiting National Parks and small towns that surround them during your summer vacation is a great way to explore North America. Here are some of my highlights, from historic sites the towns that surround these must visit national parks.

Corn Palace In Mitchell South Dakota

We stopped in Colorado for the night before making our way to South Dakota. Our first stop was a fun little town known for their quirky but historic Corn Palace. Mitchell, SD is located in eastern South Dakota off of I90 and is totally worth the out of the way trip. The Corn Palace is made up of 12 different kinds of corn and constructed by the local high schoolers and college students. They change the theme every year, and this year is a tribute to the 250th Anniversary of the United States. It was created back in 1892 to encourage settlers to stop in Mitchell and hopefully stay. In later years it became a community town hall, and has grown over the years into a museum, gift shop, and tourist attraction showcasing art, culture, and history.

The Badlands National Park

Our first National Park visit on this trip was a stop at The Badlands National Park. It was hot but worth the stop. There is a short and quick hike as well as a scenic long hike I have previously done. I opted for the short hike on this trip called the door and window trail. It has a boardwalk on one side that is very easy for pretty much anyone to do, this also leads to the yellow post hike out to the center of the Badlands. The Window trail is a little harder but has an amazing view. Be sure to stop at the Visitor Center and get your National Park Passport stamp and check out the gift shop.

Minute Man National Historical Park

If you have the time, I recommend a stop at the Minute Man National Historical Park. They offer tours to the missile silos, and a 30-minute film detailing the cold war and missile program.

Wall Drug South Dakota

Another great stop is Wall Drug, where they have free ice water and 5 cent coffee. If you stop, the first thing you want to get is the maple glazed donut, I never go here without getting one. This town is the best place to shop for souvenirs, ice cream, and be sure to grab lunch at the restaurant. You can get everything you don’t need but definitely want in Wall Drug. Don’t forget to stop by the 80-foot dinosaur and the wood carved Jackalope that you can walk inside of.

Hill City South Dakota

Our trips next stop took us to Hill City. This is one of my favorite towns in the Black Hills. We stayed at the pet friendly Allen Gulch Cabins; they even have their own Tap House.

The cabin was perfect with a breakfast area, kitchenette, bedroom, and full bathroom with a shower. It is walking distance to town, where you will find my favorite restaurant, the Alpine Inn, built in 1892, which makes it one of the many historic landmarks in Hill City. This German style restaurant has some of the best Spaetzle and Schnitzel I have ever had, my grandma made the best, just go give you a reference.

1880 Train from Keystone South Dakota

Hill City is also where you can catch the 1880 Train from Keystone. I usually start it in Keystone on the train and end the trip in Hill City, but it’s also an option to do a roundtrip in Hill City.

Mount Rushmore Evening Ceremony

That evening we headed to Mount Rushmore for the night ceremony. This is one of my favorite National Park because of the patriotism you feel when you walk through the Trail of Flags and see our founding fathers sculpted into the mountainside. I have visited Mount Rushmore during the day, but the best time to see it is at night during the lighting ceremony.

Honoring America and Our Military

They do an honor of America presentation, show a movie sharing the history of our nation, and invite our military veterans, currently serving servicemen and women, and gold star families down for the lowering of the flag. The clapping and thank you go on for what seems like forever and not long enough all at the same time. This is a must stop when you are in South Dakota, you can really feel the amazement of Mount Rushmore as people view George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln in lights for the first time.

Rapid City South Dakota

If you have time, I highly recommend a stop on the main streets of Rapid City to view the Walk of Presidents. There are sculptures of 45 of our presidents throughout the city, along with great restaurants like the Firehouse Brewery, and Armadillos Ice Cream Shop.

State Game Lodge in Custer State Park

Before leaving South Dakota, we made a stop in Custer State Park at the State Game Lodge, also known as the Summer White House. Calvin Coolidge stayed here during the summer months and ran our country out of the State Game Lodge. Eisenhower also visited it many times during his presidency. There is an actual lodge that you can stay at and the restaurant serves an amazing buffet and full menu for lunch and dinner.

Jeep Safari

My favorite thing to do there is the Jeep Safari. You will see bison, pronghorn, and burros during your adventure, and we may have gotten an off-road tour during my visit, though they don’t usually do that.

Deadwood South Dakota

We stopped in Deadwood on our way out of South Dakota, they have street shows throughout the day, and there is a fun bus tour you can take around town. The Original Deadwood Bus Tour takes you through the history of this gold mining town, and up to the cemetery where Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane are buried. The tour is fun, and full of information about some of the most interesting American history.

Devil’s Tower

Next on our agenda we started our way west to Wyoming. Our first stop was Devil’s Tower which became the first National Monument in the states back in 1906. It stands 1267 feet tall and is still considered sacred land by the Native Americans. There are many legends as to how Devils Tower was formed, and it has appeared in a few movies, most notable was the 1980’s film, Close Encounters of the Third Kind. There are a few different hikes you can take around this Devil’s Tower, which is known as one of our nation’s natural wonders. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife, especially rattle snakes if you decide to take the long hike.

Lunch in Sundance Wyoming

I always make a stop at Uncle Louie’s restaurant when I am in the area. Dave the owner saved my “bacon” during one of my guided tours and opened the restaurant specially for my guests and me when everywhere else in the surrounding area was closed. I will give all of my business to him, and shout from the rooftops how amazing his food is. Be sure to try the Sammy’s grilled cheese and tomato soup.

Cody Wyoming, My Favorite Place on Earth

Our next stop on great American road trip was my favorite place on earth, Cody Wyoming. We stayed in a cute little Airbnb this time because we had the pups with us.

I usually stay at the Chamberlin Inn and have dinner at the Irma Hotel and Saloon. Cody is located about an hour and a half from the East entrance to Yellowstone National Park, which was our next National Park on our list. After settling into our Airbnb, we headed to the Chamberlain Inn for their famous Old Fashioned and flatbread pizza, it was amazing as always.

Related – Cody Wyoming Road Trip

Yellowstone National Park

We headed into Yellowstone National Park bright and early. One reason we opted for the Airbnb was to be able to leave the pups while we explored the park. I don’t recommend bringing your dog into the park, unless you are camping or staying the night there. It’s not safe for pets inside the park when hiking or driving around viewing wildlife.

We saw big horn sheep as we entered in the East entrance on our way to Fishing Bridge.

Old Faithful

After visiting the Upper Falls and Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone we headed to Old Faithful for lunch at the Lodge. The buffet at this historic lodge is amazing, they don’t take reservations, but the wait isn’t usually too long. There is also a cafeteria, and cafe located on the grounds. Be sure to stop at the gift shop and get some ice cream, I recommend the huckleberry.

Grand Prismatic Springs

After lunch we made a quick stop at Grand Prismatic Springs and the Paint Pots. If you have time, take the hike up Fairy Falls overlook to see a beautiful view of Grand Prismatic Springs.

The Irma Hotel and Saloon

We headed back into town for the night and made a stop at one of Cody’s historical sites for dinner. The Irma Hotel & Saloon offers a buffet dinner and full menu; the buffet has prime rib and some of the best salmon I’ve ever had.

The Snake River in The Grand Tetons

We knew the next day was going to be full day with a trip to The Grand Tetons, so we started off early. I made breakfast at the Airbnb, which is a great way to keep costs down, and eat healthy. The Grand Tetons would be our 5th and final National Park on this road trip. The view on the drive to the Tetons was amazing, and one of my husband’s favorite parts of this trip. We saw a black bear, elk, bison, and a grizzly before making our way to Moose Village for a scenic float down the Snake River. This float is a must if you are in the area and have time. It only takes about 2-3 hours, and we saw a moose and a bald eagle. It is a relaxing float, and a great way to take in the natural beauty of where you are.

Jackson Wyoming

Next was a trip into Jackson for lunch at my favorite restaurant, Cafe Genevieve. They offer a brunch style menu with breakfast and lunch items, and a full bar.

Scenic Drive Through The Park

It was not a short drive back to Cody, but in the summer months the sun stays out longer. The animal sightings are plentiful, so take your time. Enjoy one of the most scenic drives with some of the most beautiful views you’ve ever seen.