Traveling Through The Dakotas

Within three bordering states and a few hours between, you can visit three national parks, four notable national sites, and one outstanding state park. If you want to add more days to your trip, you can visit several towns that transport you back into the western days. Nature lovers and history buffs alike can plan the ultimate road trip through the Dakotas.

South Dakota

Before entering the Badlands, you can stop at the visitor center for the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. Here you have the rare opportunity to view one of the nuclear missiles from the cold war. Afterward, head down the road to Badlands National Park entrance - the fee is $30 per vehicle. *add details*

Next up. head to Custer State Park. Blue Bell Campground has several cabins, among the parks lodge rooms and campsites. The park is gorgeous and deserves its own time to explore and savor. Custer has an abundant wildlife, several lakes, and stunning scenic drives. What makes Custer even more special is that it is right in the middle of Wind Cave NP and Mount Rushmore. South of Custer is Wind Cave National Park, where you can take a tour and learn more about it’s beginnings. There are three different tours ranging in time and difficulty. We went on the Garden of Eden tour, which allowed us to see different geological formations, such as boxwork and cave popcorn. As well, we learned about the start of the cave from the perspective of the Natives and a family searching for gold. North of Custer is Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Take in stunning views of Mount Rushmore from Iron Mountain Road, where the monument dramatically appears through a series of scenic tunnels along the route.

Wyoming

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North Dakota

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