South Dakota Memorials, State and National Parks

Travel through South Dakota parks, visit memorial highlights, and journey on scenic drives at Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, and Crazy Horse Memorial. Best of all, Mt Rushmore, Badlands, Custer Park and more can all be visited on a long weekend road trip.

South Dakota Mt Rushmore Badlands Custer Park Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 of Mt Rushmore Badlands Custer Road Trip

1. Mount Rushmore Memorial

2. Crazy Horse Memorial

3. Custer State Park Wildlife Viewing

Day 2 of Mt Rushmore Badlands Custer Road Trip

1. Iconic Road Trip Landmark: Hustead’s Wall Drug Store

2. Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

3. Badlands National Park

Where to Stay for Mt Rushmore, the Badlands, Custer Park Road Trip

1. Nearest to the Mt Rushmore Memorial for hotels and restaurants is the former gold mining town of Keystone – 3 miles

2. Hill City, South Dakota – 13 miles
3. Custer, South Dakota – 20 miles
4. Rapid City, South Dakota – 24 miles

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Located in the picturesque Black Hills of South Dakota are the granite sculptures of Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Start your South Dakota road trip by driving from your lodging to Mt. Rushmore. Moreover, if traveling during peak summer season consider arriving prior to 9 A.M.

Mount Rushmore Presidents

Towering 60 feet high are the faces of four United States presidents. These amazing sculptures depict presidents holding office during critical times in American history as viewed from the sculptor’s point of view.

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson,Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are the four presidents sculpted into the granite face of Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Mount Rushmore History

As the sculptor, Gutzon Borglum chose those four presidents for their role in the history of the United States. Borglum viewed the key turning points in American history as the birth of the nation, the nation’s growth, its development, and the country’s struggle for preservation.

Why Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Roosevelt as the Mount Rushmore Faces?

1. George Washington was a general in the American Revolutionary War and the first president of the United States. As the first president of the new country he helped lay the foundation for democracy. Because of this important initial step in the young country’s history, Borglum faces Washington forward and his statue is the most prominent on the memorial.
2. Another early president chosen by Borglum was Thomas Jefferson. Third in the line of presidents for the young nation Jefferson doubled the size of the country. By purchasing the Louisiana Territory in 1803 from France he was instrumental in the growth of the nation. Additionally, Thomas Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence.
3. Next to Jefferson on the mountain is Theodore Roosevelt. “Teddy” Roosevelt led the United States through a time of meteoric economic development. Fighting for the common working man he was also influential in breaking up corporate monopolies. Additionally, Roosevelt was a significant negotiator for the Panama Canal. Thereby opening up the waterways and transportation routes from the East to West Coasts aiding in the development of the country.
4. Finally, adjacent to Theodore Roosevelt is Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was the16th president of the United States during the time of the Civil War between the Northern and Southern States of America. To Lincoln, the most sacred duty of his office as president was preservation of the union. To this end, he was also adamant that slavery must end.

When to Visit Mount Rushmore

Given the history and natural beauty of the Mt. Rushmore Memorial the park receives over two million visitors a year.

As expected, the summer months of June to August are the busiest. Shoulder season months of May, September, and October are popular although less crowded.

Another way to go when it is less crowded is to arrive after 3:30 p.m. or prior to 9 a.m.

What to Do When Visiting Mount Rushmore Memorial

Entering the National Memorial you walk through a gateway of United States state flags. Next, go directly to the Grand View Terrace to capture the images of the Mount Rushmore Presidents.

Afterwards, go below the terrace to the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center to watch a 15 minute video to learn about Mount Rushmore’s history. Also, the film includes the carving techniques employed. At the same time, browse the center’s exhibits. Likewise visit the Sculptor’s Studio to learn about Gutzon Borglum. 

Next, take a half mile walk along the Presidential Trail to get closer to the Mount Rushmore sculptures. Note there are over 400 stairs on the trail.

Similarly, if you are spending longer than two days on this suggested itinerary, consider allocating more time hiking in the area. The National Park Service offers details on additional hikes in the Black Hills and at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. 

Furthermore, tour the gift shop to chose your souvenirs.  Finally, refuel at Carver’s Cafe or at the next stop on the day’s itinerary, Crazy Horse Memorial. Afterwards, finish with a scoop or two at the Memorial Team Ice Cream Shop.

Doane Robinson Tunnel

On the way to Crazy Horse Memorial, see a view of Mount Rushmore through the Doane Robinson Tunnel.

The tunnel carved into the mountain lines up exactly with the four presidents of Mt. Rushmore sculptures.

Unfortunately, I missed this opportunity! Taking photos of what I saw as historic engineering I did not know about the view of Mount Rushmore. As I started the day at Crazy Horse I must have been driving through in the wrong direction. Hopefully, my itinerary correction and direction is your gain. 

Crazy Horse Memorial

Next on the road trip and not far from Mount Rushmore Memorial is Crazy Horse Memorial.

Getting to Crazy Horse Memorial

Take the scenic drive through the Black Hills of South Dakota to visit this memorial as well.

After leaving Mount Rushmore the drive is 18 miles and around thirty minutes to the entrance of Crazy Horse Memorial.

Visiting Crazy Horse Memorial

Still in progress of sculpting the memorial today, the Crazy Horse Monument offers multiple attractions for a visit.

First, there is an orientation video included in the admission price. Then viewing the Crazy Horse Memorial is possible from inside at the Wall of Windows as well as the Outdoor Viewing Veranda.

Next, you will want to take a tour to the base of the mountain memorial sculpture. The bus tour is an additional nominal fee allowing for closer viewing.

After the half hour bus tour visit the museums. Several museums are on site including the Indian Museum of North America, Native American Educational and Cultural Center, Sculptor Home and Studio of Korczak Ziolkowski, and the Mountain Carving Gallery. 

Of course there is a gift shop available with Native American pottery, jewelry, prints, and souvenirs.

Before you leave enjoy a meal at the Laughing Water Restaurant. Open year round it offers a menu of traditional Native American cuisine and classic comfort food. Best of all, dine while taking in the view of the Crazy Horse Memorial and mountain scenery of the Black Hills.

At this time, the Crazy Horse sculpture remains under construction. Eventually it will depict the Oglala Lakota warrior on horseback. Crazy Horse will be pointing towards his tribal lands.

Before arriving for your vacation, visit the Crazy Horse Memorial official site to see the schedule for special events.

Note, there is an entrance fee and the Crazy Horse Memorial is not included in the National Parks’ passes.

If expanding the number of days of this itinerary then plan to watch their Legends in Light Laser Show offered during the summer season evenings. End the day after visiting the two memorials. Then visit Custer State Park the next morning. 

South Dakota Custer State Park

Custer State Park offers up close American wildlife viewing. Herds of Bison are found in the park as well as deer and other indigenous wildlife including burros.

Driving the wildlife loop road it is possible to explore the park as part of a day trip. Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop is 18 miles and designated a State Scenic Byway.

Plan to spend an hour or so to drive through the park.

Getting to Custer State Park

Leaving from either Crazy Horse Memorial or Mount Rushmore National Memorial the trip is around forty minutes to South Dakota Custer State Park.

There is a map sign at the entrance to the park. Follow the directions for the Custer Wildlife Loop.

South Dakota Custer State Park Wildlife

Viewing wildlife on the drive is best early in the morning or near sunset. Conveniently, the Custer Wildlife Loop is open year round although winter driving conditions can be expected seasonally.

The main attraction at the park are the herd of bison. At the same time Custer Park is home to elk, deer, coyotes, colonies of prairie dogs, wild turkeys, native birds, pronghorn and bighorn sheep.

However, the wildlife viewing is only part of the attraction of Custer State Park. Likewise, the natural scenery is spectacular with walled canyons in red hues, hills dotted with pine trees, and prairie grasslands.

Custer State Park ends Day 1 of the suggested weekend South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary.

Day 2: Mt Rushmore, Custer, Badlands Road Trip

Today’s key attraction is the Badlands National Park. Along the way, stop at a renowned road trip landmark and visit a National Historic Site where Minuteman Missiles from the Cold War Era are preserved.

Leaving from the Mount Rushmore area the drive to the first stop, Wall Drug Store, is approximately an hour and a half on Highway 90. Depending on where you stayed the night the drive time and directions will vary.  Keep an eye out for the famous Wall Drug Store billboards along the way.

Hustead’s Wall Drug Store

Wall Drug Store is one of those historic road trip tourist stops you want to pin drop on your road trip.

Started in 1931 the drugstore now features 76,000 square feet of tourist shopping, a pharmacy, restaurant, treats and sweets, and retro road trip style attractions.

Even though founded during the Great Depression a marketing scheme helped divert traffic off the highway to the small town of Wall.

Frequent billboards offering free ice water enticed weary road trippers. Once they reached the turn off for the town of Wall they would be eager to stop at Hustead’s Wall Drug Store.

Then as the heyday of the Great American Road Trip Era took hold, Wall Drug continued to attract motorists with frequent billboards.

Although travelers now have the option of carrying coolers and thermos water bottles there are still fun reasons to stop at this iconic landmark. In fact, over two million travelers visit each year! Yet, free ice water is still available. 

While at Wall Drugs, stock up on road trip snacks. Try the fudge. Browse the bookstore. Take lots of crazy pictures. Next, search souvenirs to remember your trip.

Of course, the Wall Drug’s Western Art Gallery Restaurant is a great option for breakfast, a snack, or an early lunch. As the largest privately owned Western Art collection in the country take some time to view the 300 plus paintings and illustrations. 

Lastly, don’t miss the giant jackalope in the backyard.

Wall Drug Store in the town of Wall is near the turn off for Badlands National Park when you are driving from Mt. Rushmore to the Badlands.

Of note, there is a National Grasslands Visitor Center in Wall near Wall Drug Store.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Visiting the Badlands National Park in South Dakota is awe inspiring. Steep canyons of multi-colored rock layers span across your view from scenic lookouts. Then driving through the Badlands you dive into the depths of the canyons that are graced with mighty spires.

The cliffs dusted with snow or reflecting the hues of sunset and sunrise make this a national park to add to your travel bucket list.

What to Do at Badlands National Park in One Day

1. Badlands Scenic Loop Road (Highway 240)
2. Badlands Fossil Exhibit Trail
3. Ben Reifel Visitor Center
4. Big Badlands Overlook
5. Badlands National Park Prairie Homestead
6. Sunset at Pinnacles Overlook
7. Optional: Stargazing at Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater

Getting from Mount Rushmore to the Badlands

From Mount Rushmore Memorial to the Badlands National Park Pinnacles Entrance Station is about an hour and a half drive. Although from the town of Wall the park is about ten minutes away.

Badlands National Park Scenic Loop Road

Highlighting your visit is taking the scenic drive through the Dakota Badlands. Take Highway 240 for the Badlands Scenic Loop Road.

Likewise, stop at the turnouts and overlooks to capture the vistas of the South Dakota Badlands National Park. Overall the Badlands Scenic Loop drive will take at least an hour or two depending on how frequent you stop.

The Scenic Loop Road is the most popular route through the park. Yet, there are several driving options through the park as well as hiking trails if you have additional time.

Keep in mind, some roads are dirt. Additionally, some routes close seasonally. Check with the NPS for current road conditions and closures.

Badlands Fossil Exhibit Trail

On the Badlands Scenic Loop Road stop at the Fossil Exhibit Trail. Displayed in a boardwalk are fossils uncovered from the park.

Ben Reifel Visitor Center, Badlands

Coming from the Pinnacles Entrance Station the Ben Reifel Visitor Center is around forty minutes not including stops. The visitor center houses a museum and bookstore. Watch the park film and explore a fossil preparation lab.

Big Badlands Overlook

Continue on the Badlands Scenic Loop Road towards the Badlands NE Entrance Station. On the way, stop at the Big Badlands Overlook. Inhale the sea of pinnacles and geological formations. The Eagle Nest Butte is visible on clear days. Lastly, capture your social media images.

Wildlife Viewing at Dakota Badlands National Park

American Bison herds are located in the park. Also at home in the Badlands are Bighorn Sheep and colonies of prairie dogs.

Badlands National Park Prairie Homestead

Depending on the schedule of your day, the next step in the itinerary is to head in the direction of the park exit. After visiting the Ben Reifel Visitor Center continue the loop trail and map a route to the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site.

Stop at the Badlands National Park Prairie Homestead. The Prairie house was built in 1909 of sod bricks with a prairie grass roof by Mr. and Mrs. Ed Brown.

Leave the park at Badlands NE Entrance Station to Highway 90. Follow directions to the Minuteman Missile Historic Site. 

Where to Watch the Sunset at Badlands National Park

After visiting the Minuteman Missile Historic Site return to the park to watch the sunset at Pinnacles Overlook.

The return drive will be on Highway 90 towards Wall and likely in the direction of your hotel. Then there is a short, 10 minute double back. Re-enter the park at the Pinnacles Entrance and drive through the Badlands Park to Pinnacles Overlook.

Be cautious of wildlife while driving at dusk or after dark.

Stargazing at Badlands

Optionally, end the evening with stargazing. This requires driving back 40 minutes from Pinnacles Overlook through the park to the Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater. Or, going directly to Cedar Pass from Minuteman Missile Historic Site takes about 25 minutes.

During the summer months the evening ranger program provides telescopes at Cedar Pass Amphitheater for night sky viewing.

Minuteman Missile Historic Site

Across the Great Plains of the Unites States Air Force personnel manned the nation’s Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles continuously for decades. Spanning 150 missile silos the launch facilities were commanded at 15 Launch Control Facilities.

Now, the Minuteman Missile Historic Site preserves two of those 165 facilities. One is Launch Control Facility Delta 01 and the other is the missile silo Launch Facility Delta 09. Delta 01 includes the underground Launch Control Center.

Cold War

During the Cold War between 1963 and the early 1990s the Minuteman Missiles were a strategic part of the United State’s national defense. Acting as a deterrent for aggressors towards the U.S.A. or its allies the massively destructive force of the nuclear missiles helped to provide peace during those decades tense with the fear of nuclear war and global destruction.

Specifically, the Cold War was continuous battles fought on economic, political, and cultural arenas as well as indirect military confrontations. In simplest terms it was fought between the Soviet Union and the United States with their respective allies until the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Minuteman Missile Visitor Center

As a reminder, the Minuteman Missile Visitor Center exhibits act as a storyteller of this epic time in American and World History. Now the history is preserved for how the Minuteman Missiles played a role in the deterrence of nuclear disaster during the Cold War.

Alternative Itinerary for Badlands and Minuteman Missile Historic Site

There are two options for including the Minuteman Missile Historic Site in the day’s itinerary. The first option detailed above visits the highlight of the day first, South Dakota’s Badlands National Park. Then you visit the Minuteman Missile site. On the way back to your lodging you stop to watch the sunset at The Badlands.

An alternative is to go directly to the Minuteman Missile Historic Site from the town of Wall and then visit the Badlands National Park afterwards. Enjoy the sunset at Pinnacles Overlook at the end of the day.

Going in the direction from the missile site you would enter the park at Badlands NE Entrance Station. Next, stop at the Big Badlands Overlook on the way to the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. After visiting the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, continue on the Badlands Scenic Loop Road. Stop at the Fossil Exhibit Trail. End the day at Pinnacles Overlook for sunset viewing.

What to Pack for a South Dakota Road Trip

Weather in South Dakota

Weather can vary in South Dakota and will determine what you should pack in terms of clothing.

Check the weather for the time of year you are planning to travel to Badlands Park.

In addition, visit the National Park Service site for up-to-date road conditions and closures when you are planning to visit the Badlands National Park in South Dakota.

There was snow on the ground and in the mountains which made the scenery beautiful when we visited Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands in March.

Packing List for Mt Rushmore Badlands Custer Park Trip

Start your packing with our general tips for a Packing List for Travel.

Then add appropriate clothing based on the weather forecast for the season to the Badlands. Find the perfect fit with Amazon Prime Try Before You Buy.

Include in your packing a hat (for sun protection or warmth), water bottle, hiking shoes, daypack, and binoculars.

A small commission is paid at no additional cost to the buyer if a purchase is made. This helps fund the expenses associated with this blog including the Mt Rushmore Badlands Custer road trip. 

Flights to Mt Rushmore Badlands Custer Park

• The closest airport is Rapid City Regional Airport at 33 miles from Mt. Rushmore
• Or, book a flight to National County International Airport, Casper, Wyoming with a four hour drive to Mount Rushmore Memorial
• Denver International Airport may offer more flight options at 5.5 hours from Mount Rushmore

Enjoy your South Dakota Mt Rushmore, Badlands, Custer Park Road Trip!