South Dakota Road Trip

Enter Badlands National Park here. You will need to pay the National Parks entrance fee unless you already have the America the Beautiful Annual Pass. From here, drive along the scenic drive west-bound drive. After various scenic viewpoints and trailheads, you will reconnect with highway 90.

The Notch Trail is a nice way to explore the park without going to far. The 1.5 mile out and back trail leads to a nice overlook and passes through some interesting scenary.

A unique spot worth stopping at for food and souvenirs.

Shorter than the Black Elk Peak hike, this is a favorite of mine in the park. Getting to the very top of Little Devil's Tower involves a bit of rock scrambling, but it was manageable and worth it for the beautiful views.

Black Elk Peak is one of the best long hikes within Custer State Park. After beautiful views along the hike, it ends at an old fire lookout.

Great place to stay (although it books out well in advance). Enjoy a swim or paddle in the adjacent Sylvan Lake or head out on a hike on one of the nearby trailheads.

A classic stop on the Needles Highway, connecting the Sylvan Lake area to the rest of the park.

Along the loop you will spot bison, prairie dogs, donkeys, and more. Go in the early morning or late evening for better chances of seeing more wildlife. Feel free to get out of your car to observe but remember to keep wildlife wild and give them their space!

A lovely place to stay within the park. Nearby stables offer a starting point for horseback rides throughout the park.

A classic stop on any American road trip. The extensive gift shop has exhibits, souvenirs, and snacks.

Though incomplete, the memorial is well worth the stop. It explores the history of Native Americans, celebrates the heroism of Crazy Horse, and even offers laser light shows. The adjacent museum showcases Native American art and artifacts from tribal Nations across North America.