We decided to hit the road last minute (unplanned and unprepared) for an epic journey through South Dakota and beyond, where history, geology, and jaw-dropping landscapes collide. Get ready to feast your eyes on some of America's most iconic sights and delve into the fascinating stories behind them. Plus - I’ll be sharing helpful tips.

TIP #1

If you’ve never been out here, it’s hard to understand just how spread out everything is. Definitely have a plan of the things you would like to see and do. For me I had heard about some of the top places to visit which of course included Wall Drug, The Badlands, Mount Rushmore and more. There are probably 15-20 different things to do in the Black Hills Forest area of South Dakota, and if you have enough time, try and see them all. Unfortunately we were short on time, but crammed as much as we could in with a 2-year old.

DAY 1 - JUNE 30

Our route took us up towards St. Louis and over towards Kansas City. Amelia was excited to be going on a 20-hour car ride! We stopped for a delicious breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Our GPS decided to go a little crazy and took us off the Interstate and onto Hwy 36 which led us to St Joseph MO instead of through Kansas City. On the way, we stopped at Shelbina and ate at the Shelbina Family Restaurant right off the Highway. They let us order off the senior citizens menu which was awesome and lunch for all 3 of us was around $18. Nice! We were treated to a colorful sunset before arriving at the Fairfield Inn and Suites for a good night’s rest. (If you need a hotel partner, I highly recommend becoming a Marriott Bonvoy member - start earning points for free nights today!)

DAY 2 - JULY 1

As we embarked on day 2 of our journey out West, we were greeted with a lot of rain and flooding. We were elated to see the speed limit was 80mph though!

CHAMBERLAIN LEWIS & CLARK INFORMATION CENTER

Nestled along the banks of the Missouri River, the Chamberlain Lewis and Clark Information Center is a vibrant tribute to the legendary expedition of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who traversed this very land over two centuries ago. Established on the historic site where the Corps of Discovery camped, this center offered us a delightful mix of history and adventure, featuring interactive exhibits that brought the explorers' journey to life. We stepped aboard a replica of the iconic 55-foot keelboat used during the expedition, and took some time to explore the scenic nature trails that provided breathtaking views of the river. We really enjoyed the rich Native American history showcased in the exhibits too!

WALL DRUG STORE

In December 1931, Ted and Dorothy Hustead took a leap of faith by purchasing the only drugstore in the tiny town of Wall, South Dakota, which was then affectionately dubbed "the geographical center of nowhere." With just a $3,000 inheritance and a vision, they transformed their struggling pharmacy into a legendary roadside attraction. The secret sauce? A simple yet brilliant idea: offering free ice water to weary travelers. This initiative, paired with catchy signs that beckoned passersby, turned Wall Drug into a bustling oasis in the Badlands, attracting over two million visitors each year. As the Great Depression loomed, the Husteads' creativity and determination not only kept their business afloat but also laid the groundwork for a beloved institution that would grow exponentially over the decades.

Today, Wall Drug is a sprawling 76,000 square-foot complex filled with delightful surprises. Visitors can indulge in homemade donuts, sip on 5-cent coffee, and explore a treasure trove of unique shops and galleries, including a Western Art Gallery boasting over 300 original pieces. The iconic Wall Drug Café, which seats 530, serves hearty meals under the shade of a famous cottonwood tree that once grew right through the roof. For those looking to stretch their legs, the Western Mall and Frontier Town offer a charming glimpse into the Old West, complete with a Travelers Chapel and a variety of quirky shops. Whether you're there for the nostalgia or the adventure, Wall Drug promises a memorable stop on your journey through South Dakota

WALL DRUG DINOSAUR

Located along the bustling I-90 in South Dakota, the Wall Drug dinosaur is a whimsical giant that beckons travelers with its playful charm. This 80-foot-long, two-tone brontosaurus, complete with light bulb eyes, was built in the late 1960s to attract visitors after the interstate bypassed the small town of Wall, turning it into a roadside spectacle. Not only does this dino serve as a colossal "Exit Here!" sign, but it also weighs a staggering 50 tons, making it a true heavyweight in the world of roadside attractions. Interestingly, the dinosaur was designed by Emmet Sullivan, who also crafted the dinosaurs at Rapid City's Dinosaur Park (which we also went to), ensuring that Wall Drug's dino is part of a larger legacy of quirky dinosaur art across the region. So, whether you're a dinosaur enthusiast or just looking for a fun photo op, this towering creature is sure to make your journey unforgettable!

MOSQUITOS ATTACK!

One thing to note if you decide to visit this fella, be wary of mosquito swarms. The photo below was taken as we walked into the area. We joined this family and were going to take photos of each other with the dino. We decided to move to the front and that would turn out to be a bad idea.

As the family got set and ready, one boy swatted at his leg. Then, they all started swatting at their legs. Then Amanda behind me started swatting and at that point everyone took off - bolting back to the cars. We were being attacked by a giant mosquito swarm! Hundreds and hundreds of them it seemed had awoken from the pavement and decided we were their dinner. 2 of the boys had been bit so much there was blood running down their legs. As we ran back to the car and got in, we could see and hear the bugs pelting the windows trying to get in. That was the most insane thing I have ever experienced.

So, if you decide to get off at this exit and take a photo with this guy, be careful and make sure you’ve got bug spray on.

TIP #2

Mosquitos - These things were everywhere not just at this exhibit. Bringing repellant is a must. We had to buy some.

By this point, it was 6:30 and it was getting late. We still had an hour to go to get to Rapid City where we planned to spend the night. Due to the spontaneity of this adventure, we didn’t have a hotel booked for the night and that proved to be a bit of a challenge since “the good” Hilton’s and Marriott’s were sold out. We finally got to a Comfort Inn around 9:30 PM and went right to bed hoping to sleep good and be ready for the next day’s adventures.

DAY 3 - JULY 2

After a lackluster hotel continental breakfast, we were on our way out the door. On the trek up Hwy 16, we passed through the town of Keystone - which was basically a mini-Gatlinburg. Finally we made it to our first stop: Mount Rushmore, the colossal sculpture that'll make you feel like you've shrunk in the wash. Seeing it off in the distance as we came around the bend was an incredible experience! Carved into the Black Hills, this massive monument features the 60-foot-tall faces of four presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. Completed in 1941, it took 14 years and a whole lot of dynamite to create this masterpiece. Fun fact: the sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, originally planned to include the presidents' torsos, but ran out of funding. Talk about a monumental budget cut!

Parking was a breeze and were able to get up and out of the garage in no-time. Since we got there early, it wasn’t packed.

We did the loop around the base of Mt Rushmore and it was a fun walk. Amelia enjoyed it! We started on the left side of the outlook and made our to the base of Mt Rushmore and then to the Sculptor building and out to the parking lot. There are quite a bit of stairs (no ramps) and some elevation to deal with so be aware of that if you have mobility issues.

We spent almost 2 hours exploring the area and then it was time for lunch. We headed back to Keystone and grabbed a burger at Halley’s West Grill and then started our trek to explore the Black Hills National Forest. The weather changed every 15 minutes it seemed from rain to blue skies.

TIP #3

Weather - In the summer time, pop up storms are very common. This will be easy to see as the skies constantly change from clear to cloudy in short timeframes. These seemed to be followed by 15-20 degree drops in temps immediately after it rolled through. Strong wind gusts are very common too. Pack accordingly and don’t be like us - we had to go buy jackets and pants!

Our journey led us first to Sylvan Lake - an incredibly scenic area that was used in the movie “National Treasure 2”.

Next we continued our drive down Needles Highway and took a short break at the Needles Eye Tunnel.

Next up, we're crossing state lines to Wyoming for a close encounter with Devils Tower. This otherworldly rock formation isn't just for alien enthusiasts (though it did star in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"). Standing at 867 feet tall, this geological wonder was formed by the intrusion of igneous material. Native American tribes have long revered this site, with many legends surrounding its creation. One story tells of girls who were chased by bears, prayed for help, and were saved when the rock rose from the ground, leaving the bears' claw marks on its sides. Now that's what I call divine intervention!

When you enter the park, there’s a prairie dog colony lookout area and we did that and saw a few!

After 2 hours at Devil’s Tower, we were ready to head back to the hotel and get some rest. We were staying at the Residence Inn in Rapid City and it was really nice!

DAY 4 - JULY 3

TIP #4

Park Entry Fees - Make sure and account for these. We didn’t. Not a huge deal but just a reminder.

$30 - Badlands, $25 - Devil’s Tower, $10 - Mount Rushmore

Now, let's loop back to South Dakota for a trip to the Badlands, a mesmerizing landscape that looks like it was ripped straight from a sci-fi movie. This 244,000-acre wonderland is a testament to the raw power of erosion, showcasing layered rock formations, steep canyons, and towering spires. The Badlands have been home to ancient creatures like the saber-toothed cat and the rhino-like Titanothere. Today, you might spot bison, bighorn sheep, or prairie dogs – just don't try to take one home as a souvenir!

When it comes to the formation of the Badlands, there's more than one theory in town. Geologists generally agree that these dramatic formations were created over millions of years through deposition and erosion. However, some creationists propose a different timeline, suggesting that the Badlands formed rapidly as a result of the Great Flood described in the Bible. According to this view, the layers were deposited during the flood, and the erosion occurred as the waters receded, all within a much shorter timeframe.

Regardless of which theory you subscribe to, there's no denying the Badlands' ability to spark wonder and curiosity. As you explore this alien landscape, you'll find yourself transported to a world that seems millions of miles away from your everyday life. From the colorful striations in the rock layers to the fossils hidden within, every step in the Badlands is a step through time.

We drove out to the Fossil Trail and walked around. It was pretty neat!

We made one last stop at the Window Trailhead on our way out of the park and were greeted by these guys.

Driving back through the Black Hills and ran into some wildlife on our way to the nighttime viewing at Mt Rushmore.

TIP #5

Clothing - so we definitely messed this up a bit and brought only shorts and t-shirts. While it was in the 70’s in the daytime, as sunset approached it got into the 50’s in the evenings. In July! As a result, we had to run to the store and get some pants and jackets - so that added some extra cost to the trip.

DAY 5 - JULY 4

On our last day in the area before departing for family stuff in Nebraska for the remainder of the trip we wanted to take Amelia to Dinosaur Park. This is a really neat park with lots of dinosaurs the kids can play on. Best part is, it’s free! But there is limited parking. Fortunately we got there mid-morning but there were still only a few spots left. 

So there you have it, folks – a whirlwind tour of some of America's most awe-inspiring landmarks. Whether you're a history buff, a geology geek, or just someone who appreciates a good road trip, this South Dakota adventure has something for everyone. Just remember to bring plenty of water, bug spray, and your sense of wonder. Until our next adventure together…. I leave you with a few shots from the July 4th fireworks show in North Platte, Nebraska.

DAY 6 and 7 were spent with family.

Day 8 and 9 were the drive home which was uneventful.

COST BREAKDOWN ($1,811.52)

For being on the road for 9 days, this was a surprisingly low cost trip. Staying with family a few nights along the way did help save some hotel and food costs. The “other category” is park entrance fees, clothes, and some grocery store snacks etc.