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7-Day South Dakota Itinerary

A mix of national parks, Native American history, Old West towns, and scenic drives across South Dakota.

Day1

Arrive in Rapid City & Explore

Fly into Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP).

Top Things to Do in Rapid City

  • Visit the City of PresidentsBronze Statues of U.S. Presidents Downtown.
  • Explore Dinosaur ParkFun Hilltop Views of the City.
  • Check Out Art AlleyA Colorful Street of Murals & Graffiti.
  • Dinner at Firehouse Brewing Co.A Historic Firehouse-Turned-Brewery.

Overnight in Rapid City.

Day2

Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse Memorial

Drive from Rapid City to Mount Rushmore (30 minutes).

Top Things to Do

  • See Mount Rushmore National MemorialThe Iconic Faces of U.S. Presidents.
  • Hike the Presidential Trail for Up-Close Views.
  • Drive to Crazy Horse Memorial (30 minutes)A Monument Honoring Native American Heritage.
  • Dinner at Laughing Water Restaurant with a View of Crazy Horse.

Overnight in Keystone or Custer.

Day3

Custer State Park & Wildlife Loop

Drive from Keystone to Custer State Park (20 minutes).

Top Things to Do in Custer State Park

  • Drive the Wildlife LoopSpot Bison, Prairie Dogs & Wild Burros.
  • Hike to Black Elk PeakThe Highest Point in South Dakota.
  • Drive the Needles HighwayIncredible Granite Spires & Scenic Views.
  • Lunch at Blue Bell LodgeKnown for Bison Burgers.

Overnight in Custer or Hill City.

Day4

Badlands National Park & Wall Drug

Drive from Custer to Badlands National Park (1.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Badlands

  • Drive the Badlands Loop RoadStunning Buttes & Rock Formations.
  • Hike the Notch TrailA Short But Epic Trail with a Ladder Climb.
  • Catch Sunset at Pinnacles Overlook.
  • Stop at Wall Drug (30 minutes from Badlands)A Quirky Roadside Attraction.

Overnight in Wall or Back in Rapid City.

Day5

Deadwood & Spearfish Canyon

Drive from Rapid City to Deadwood (1 hour).

Top Things to Do in Deadwood

  • Walk Down Historic Main StreetOld West Saloons & Casinos.
  • Visit Mount Moriah CemeteryFinal Resting Place of Wild Bill Hickok & Calamity Jane.
  • Have a Drink at Saloon No. 10Where Wild Bill Hickok Was Shot.

Top Things to Do in Spearfish Canyon

  • See Bridal Veil Falls & Roughlock Falls.
  • Hike the Spearfish Falls Trail.

Drive from Deadwood to Spearfish Canyon (30 minutes).

Overnight in Spearfish or Deadwood.

Day6

Wind Cave National Park & Hot Springs

Drive from Spearfish to Wind Cave National Park (2 hours).

Top Things to Do in Wind Cave National Park

  • Take a Cave TourHome to One of the Largest Cave Systems in the World.
  • Look for Bison on the Prairie.

Top Things to Do in Hot Springs

  • Visit The Mammoth SiteSee Ice Age Fossils of Ancient Mammoths.
  • Relax at Evans Plunge Mineral SpringsA Natural Warm-Water Pool.

Drive to Hot Springs (30 minutes).

Overnight in Hot Springs or Custer.

Day7

Final Stops & Depart from Rapid City

Drive from Hot Springs to Rapid City (1 hour).

Optional Last-Minute Stops

  • Explore Bear Country USAA Drive-Through Wildlife Park.
  • Pick Up Souvenirs in Keystone or Rapid City.

Fly out of Rapid City (RAP).

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Header photo: Dean Franklin, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.