In Midweek Mini Episode 128, our listener, Emily, shares her roadtrip through Black Hills National Forest and Badlands National Park. If you'd like to plan a trip of your own, download the sample itinerary below!

This Black Hills road trip offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, iconic landmarks, and engaging roadside attractions. The journey kicks off in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with optional stops like Palisades State Park and the Great Plains Zoo. From there, travelers head west to explore quirky Americana at the Porter Sculpture Park, the Mitchell Corn Palace, and the 1880 Town, culminating in a stay at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore. Highlights include a full day at Mount Rushmore, complete with the Presidential Trail and Sculptor’s Studio, followed by scenic drives on the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road with stops at Sylvan Lake and Custer State Park.

Midway through the week, the trip shifts to wildlife and geological wonders with visits to Wind Cave National Park, Hot Springs’ Mammoth Site, and the wildlife-rich NPS 5 & 6 backcountry roads. The journey concludes with a day in Badlands National Park, where families can enjoy adventurous hikes like the Notch Trail and scenic drives along the Badlands Loop and Sage Creek Rim Road. With a mix of hiking, history, and hidden gems, this road trip offers a memorable summer adventure through some of South Dakota’s most iconic landscapes.

Join Our Email List