A Summer Family Road Trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota

The Black Hills Area

• Mitchell, South Dakota – The Corn Palace: The family will marvel at the world's only structure made of corn. Enjoy art murals and a place to stretch out before heading out to the next stop. The Corn Palace visit is not lengthy but will provide an opportunity to see this one of a kind venue.

• Chamberlain, South Dakota – Dignity of Earth & Sky: Be in awe of this mammoth stainless-steel sculpture honoring the Native Nations of the Great Plains. This is a perfect photo opportunity and chance to see a majestic piece of art towering over the Missouri River.

• Cactus Flats, South Dakota - Feed the Prairie Dogs and Giant Prairie Dog Statue: Home to the world's largest six-ton prairie dog and the Bad Land Ranch Store this is a must do pit stop. After a long day of travel, my kids loved our last stop feeding the prairie dogs in Cactus Flats.

• Interior, South Dakota - Ben Reifel Visitor Center Ben Reifel Visitor Center | Black Hills & Badlands: The Visitor Center, complete with interactive exhibits and orientation film, will kick start your day of adventures in the Bad Lands.

• Interior, South Dakota - Badlands Interior Loop: Enjoy the views driving along the famous Loop Road and exploring the many scenic overlooks. Our family enjoyed getting out of the car at various locations to climb, explore and get the wiggles out while mesmerized by the spectacular vistas. Bar none, my favorite and most memorable experience.

• Wall, South Dakota - Wall Drug Wall Drug: Wall Drug welcomes two million visitors each year providing a place to souvenir shop, have a home cooked meal and stretch out. It's a unique must do that will fuel up the family for more activities ahead.

• Keystone, South Dakota - Mount Rushmore: View the rock wall of Presidents, hike a trail, visit the sculptor's studio and go to the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center during your visit to Mount Rushmore. My favorite time to visit is at night for the lighting ceremony. It's an inspirational program located in the outdoor amphitheater that starts anywhere between 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm depending on the month. Grab an ice cream and enjoy the show. Pro Tip: To avoid a crowd, plan to visit before 9:00 am or after 3:30 pm.

• Custer, South Dakota - Needles Highway: Needles Highway is a scenic drive that offers breathtaking views and a thrilling experience for travelers. This 14-mile stretch of road winds through granite spires and towering rock formations of the Black Hills National Forest. The highway is known for its narrow tunnels, sharp turns and stunning vistas, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers. A TripAdvisor 2023 Travelers Choice Award recipient and located within Custer State Park.

• Crazy Horse, South Dakota - Crazy Horse: This colossal mountain structure serves as a symbol of Native American Pride, resilience and is dedicated to the cultural preservation of North American Indians. It's a tribute to the Oglala Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse, who played a significant role in Native American history. The Crazy Horse Memorial is a place where visitors can learn, appreciate and celebrate the diverse cultures that make up the fabric of America.

• Rapid City, South Dakota - Bear Country USA: Bear Country USA is a wildlife park located in Rapid City, South Dakota. It's a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers, offering a unique opportunity to observe and learn about a variety of wildlife species, particularly bears.

• Rapid City, South Dakota - Reptile Gardens: Turtles and snakes and birds... Oh my! Reptile Gardens is known as the "World's Largest Reptile Zoo" and has been captivating visitors since its establishment in 1937. The park houses over 225 species of reptiles, making it a haven for reptile enthusiasts.

• Custer, South Dakota - Custer State Park: Custer State Park is named after General George Armstrong Custer, who led an expedition into the Black Hills in 1874. It is renowned for its stunning beauty and is often referred as the "Crown Jewel of South Dakota". Visitors can embark on scenic drives or hike on one of the various trails. Seeing the giant buffalo from our family station wagon was a special vacation memory when I was 10 years old. Pro Tip: There are endless things to see and do in the Black Hills Area of South Dakota. Consider a return trip to build upon a family tradition of time spent together road trip adventuring.

• Rapid City, South Dakota - Fort Hays Chuck Wagon Meal and Music Show - Casual Dining: Constructed as the movie set for Dances with Wolves, the Fort Hays Chuck Wagon and Music Show is a MUST See! Watch live entertainment while feasting on an authentic Chuck Wagon meal. This is an immersive experience that takes visitors back in time to the Old West. Do not miss this experience. It was our family's favorite vacation meal.

• Custer, South Dakota - Skogen Kitchen - Experiential Dining: Rated #1 Restaurant in the Black Hills, reservations recommended. Complete with a kid's menu, feel free to bring the whole family for an upscale dining experience.

• Custer, South Dakota - Miner's Cup Coffee - Quick Bites/Coffee/Drive Through: A great start to any day in the Black Hills. Grab a freshly brewed coffee, real fruit smoothy, Lotus Energy Spritzer or a blended frappe before heading out. Don't forget to order a few breakfast sandwiches to go.

• Keystone, South Dakota - Powder House - Log House Supper Club Vibe: Bring the whole family to the Powder House. Serving American Fare, enjoy the history of this unique eatery. Once home to bootleg liquor, this location was once used for storing blasting powder.

• Custer, South Dakota - The Purple Pie Place - Burgers and Milkshakes: Awarded as the top 10 Best Milkshake Restaurants in South Dakota. You can't miss this all-purple restaurant.

• Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews: Home to 10 lunch options under $10 and boasting over 50 burgers and brews. A 2023 TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Award Winner.

• Deadwood, South Dakota - Jacob's Brewhouse - Burgers: Known for craft beers, gourmet burgers, unique cocktails and friendly staff.

• Hill City, SD - Alpine Inn: "The Alpine Inn Does Not Disappoint" from a recent TripAdvisor Customer Review.