South Dakota--Wind Cave, Rushmore, and the Badlands

The southwest corner of South Dakota is a tourist's dream. Since the rest of the state is a little flat and unspectacular, both our drives are in the southwest. You start in Hot Springs, 53 miles south of Rapid City, and drive 13 miles north on U.S. 385 to the entrance of Wind Cave National Park. It is 17 miles straight through Wind Cave and Custer State Park to U.S. 16 Alt., but you might want to take the Wildlife Loop Road for the 20-mile ride around Custer Park. The antelope, elk, bison, bear, Prairie Dogs, and other woodland friends are out waiting for you. Turn west on Route 16 Alt. to Custer and north nine miles on U.S. 385/16 to Route 244 east. Take that eight miles to U.S. 16 Alt., south to Route 36, west eight miles to Route 40, then southeast about 25 miles to Badlands National Park. The roads may still be gravel back here.

If you lose your nerve, go through Rapid City to Scenic. Follow signs to the Visitor Center, then turn north 12 miles to Route 44 at Scenic. From here, you can drive around in the Badlands for 70 to 90 miles. Wind Cave and Custer Parks are an animal lover's paradise. Four miles north of Custer on U.S. 385 is the Crazy Horse Memorial, the largest statue in the world that has been under construction for over 30 years. Mount Rushmore (You know--the Presidents chiseled in rock?) follows near where Route 244 crosses U.S. 16 Alt. The Badlands contain spectacular examples of rock weathering and erosion, much like the Grand Canyon.

Starting Point:
Hot Springs, SD

Distance of Drive:
136-246 miles

Must Eat:
The Pheasant Dining Room
State Game Lodge, Hwy 16a, Custer State Park, SD 57730
Phone:  605-255-4541
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.

Best Time of Year for Drive:
Spring to fall

Points of Interest on Drive:
Wind Cave
Mount Rushmore
Crazy Horse Memorial

UsedCars.biz Road Trip in the Same State:
South Dakota--The Black Hills

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