We are driving north through Kansas City, Omaha, Sioux City, Sioux Falls, and then west to Rapid City/Keystone area. We have a list of must see's from friends, but want to ask any locals for ideas that may not be so common. Gun shops, eateries, any other ideas? Any input is much appreciated. We are SO looking forward to this trip.
Road trip to Mt. Rushmore
- Thread starter robrossk
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Be sure you have lodging reservations. Last time I was there with wife
and daughter we didn't have reservations, and spent half the night trying
to find a place. We finally did, but it was the most expensive in town.
and daughter we didn't have reservations, and spent half the night trying
to find a place. We finally did, but it was the most expensive in town.
After Labor Day so not as many tourists, though they are still around. Crazy drivers still here, so be aware and careful! Very dry here, and fire danger varies from high to extreme. Had up to 10" of snow, depending on exact location, the other day, but melted in 24 hours! Over the next week or so highs in the 80's and lows in low 50's at night. Rushmore is free, but parking is $10. Great time to visit, just be careful with flammables, and watch out for the other guy!!!
Check!, but I believe Jewell Cave and Wind Cave, actual cave and visitor centers are closed due to Covid 19. Outside parks in both locations are open as is Custer State Park. Crazy Horse is open. Badlands roads are open but inside buildings are closed. Deadwood is open, but some restrictions are possible on some indoor areas. Purple Pie Place in Custer typically closes at the end of September, Alpine Grill in Hill City is open.
Check!, but I believe Jewell Cave and Wind Cave, actual cave and visitor centers are closed due to Covid 19. Outside parks in both locations are open as is Custer State Park. Crazy Horse is open. Badlands roads are open but inside buildings are closed. Deadwood is open, but some restrictions are possible on some indoor areas. Purple Pie Place in Custer typically closes at the end of September, Alpine Grill in Hill City is open.
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Deadwood is nice . . .
if stopping in Omaha, the Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the countries best.. but requires a reservation because of the "plague".. Purple Pie Place in Custer was a great treat last time thru there... and the WWI Museum in KC is worth it..
almost forgot Sylvan Lake early morning is special
almost forgot Sylvan Lake early morning is special
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So many great places to see. We discovered Custer State Park in July - it's a 'do not miss' in our opinion.
The WWI museum in KC is very impressive. Also, wonderful bar-b-que in KC. The falls in Sioux Falls are nice. The South Dakota Battleship memorial is also there.
The Norseman
Member
Rapid Trip
The Black Hills here is just crammed packed full of things to do.
As usual I would grab one of the Tourist Maps.
Don't know how long your staying, or what, but....Gasoline is
approx. $2.09. I think there is reasonable rates for Motels now
that Sturgis is over.
Shopping? Bring a Mask. A brand new Fleet Farm by the Interstate
just opened, bad deal here of course. We have all the usual
places, but Down Town is the neatest.
For eating...we have all the usual places, and Down Town,
and Mount Rushmore Road too has nice places. One bad thing
is recently Govt put in Parking Meters, but there are side streets
that don't have them.
Four nice Golf Courses if you like to do that. We have an Indoor
Gun Range with Machine Guns, by the Interstate, coming into
Rapid City, Marker 61.
If your into fly fishing/fishing, we have Rapid Creek running
through Rapid City, here.
One interesting Plan for a Day is, Keystone has an actual 1880
Steam Engine Train that takes you through Magnifcant Forest
to Hill City Train Depot and returns to Keystone. You'll have to
check for dates and times.
Just so much to do.
The Black Hills here is just crammed packed full of things to do.
As usual I would grab one of the Tourist Maps.
Don't know how long your staying, or what, but....Gasoline is
approx. $2.09. I think there is reasonable rates for Motels now
that Sturgis is over.
Shopping? Bring a Mask. A brand new Fleet Farm by the Interstate
just opened, bad deal here of course. We have all the usual
places, but Down Town is the neatest.
For eating...we have all the usual places, and Down Town,
and Mount Rushmore Road too has nice places. One bad thing
is recently Govt put in Parking Meters, but there are side streets
that don't have them.
Four nice Golf Courses if you like to do that. We have an Indoor
Gun Range with Machine Guns, by the Interstate, coming into
Rapid City, Marker 61.
If your into fly fishing/fishing, we have Rapid Creek running
through Rapid City, here.
One interesting Plan for a Day is, Keystone has an actual 1880
Steam Engine Train that takes you through Magnifcant Forest
to Hill City Train Depot and returns to Keystone. You'll have to
check for dates and times.
Just so much to do.
Attachments
Johnrh
Member
When we were out there a few years ago we went to the Crazy Horse place. Unless you want to take an extra expense ride up to the sculpture I would look at it from the road before paying to go in. We thought it was a waste of money and time. It's purely a commercial place and the rate their going it could be a 100 years before it's done. Just my opinion.
South Dakota Air and Space Museum is really nice. Deadwood for sure if you're a history buff. We had a great time in the Rapid City area.
South Dakota Air and Space Museum is really nice. Deadwood for sure if you're a history buff. We had a great time in the Rapid City area.
Dingotech
Member
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That place was FUN! I fired their M34 Styer and my friend fired the Browning M1919 (I think it was sixty rounds). I also bought a used LMT AR-10 while there.
AS far as things to see, Devil's Tower was k00l. And some of the drives we took were beautiful. I'm fixin' to get back this fall on the bike.
Have fun!
BearBio
Member
Drives are nice; Mt Rushmore not so much. Better pictures from the highway viewpoints!
Baggy Wrinkle
Member
The mammoth dig is in Hotsprings - very interesting. Wind Cave NP and Custer SP have good size bison herds. Wind Cave also has good size prairie dog towns. Badlands NP is an interesting drive through. Don't waste your time in Wall. The Spearfish Canyon is a cool drive indeed - stop for a meal or coffee at Cheyenne Crossing. In Deadwood it is worth going to the rebuilt Saloon No. 10 where Bill Hickcock was shot. Wander up the hill to see his gravesite.
bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
The Minuteman missle museum, Corn Palace, and Wall Drug Store.
Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk
Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk
Agreed that Rushmore is a bunch of nuthin'. Custer Park Wildlife Loop is the best scenic drive in the hills. Spearfish Canyon is a wonderful ride, in both direction. Best Indian Taco is at the Cheyenne Crossing store, at the top of Spearfish canyon.
Approach the Hills from the Badlands, via rez rte. 2 across Cuny Table. This allows for a cold beverage in Buffalo Gap, a welcome oasis of shade after Cuny Table. If the Cuny Table Cafe is open, stop there for an indian taco as well. I don't know if the place survived after Nellie Cuny's passing several years ago. After Buffalo Gap, go through the gap on 7-11 road and drive up the back side of Wind Cave Park on Red Valley Road. Where the road forks, bear right to come out on the Custer loop.
Another good drive is Cement Ridge and Salt Creek Canyon, "The Grand Canyon of the Black Hills". Unpaved, but pretty good road.
Moonshine Gulch Saloon in Richford is a good place for a beer and a burger.
Sugar Shack on US385 has excellent burgers if you are in the neighborhood of Lake Pactola.
There is no end of stuff do do in the area. I am usuall there for motorcycling, but it is also an excellent place for a family vacation.
Approach the Hills from the Badlands, via rez rte. 2 across Cuny Table. This allows for a cold beverage in Buffalo Gap, a welcome oasis of shade after Cuny Table. If the Cuny Table Cafe is open, stop there for an indian taco as well. I don't know if the place survived after Nellie Cuny's passing several years ago. After Buffalo Gap, go through the gap on 7-11 road and drive up the back side of Wind Cave Park on Red Valley Road. Where the road forks, bear right to come out on the Custer loop.
Another good drive is Cement Ridge and Salt Creek Canyon, "The Grand Canyon of the Black Hills". Unpaved, but pretty good road.
Moonshine Gulch Saloon in Richford is a good place for a beer and a burger.
Sugar Shack on US385 has excellent burgers if you are in the neighborhood of Lake Pactola.
There is no end of stuff do do in the area. I am usuall there for motorcycling, but it is also an excellent place for a family vacation.
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I concur with Johnrh, might as well checkout Crazy Horse, we parked off the road near the entry gate and was able to see Crazy Horse just fine, not gonna spend $30 per car or $12 per person. Used that money at Philly Ted's for lunch, not bad cheesesteaks.
What, no pics?
Devils Tower
Devils Tower
twodog max
Member
We did the Rushmore trip a few years ago and loved it. We took a bus tour out of Rapid City so we could pay attention to the sights and not the driving. That worked for us. It went to Custer and Crazy Horse and other places. An all day trip. We have been thinking of going back to see the Badlands and Devils Tower.
I do not like big cities so I would not stop in KC unless an emergency situation. No offense to KC just big cities in general.
I do not like big cities so I would not stop in KC unless an emergency situation. No offense to KC just big cities in general.
twodog max
Member
Gotta do Wall Drug everyone does. Just follow one of the 1000 signs LOL
OP
Thanks for all replies and input. We will add this info to our travel folder.
Dinner and dancing with the Governor would be on my short list of things to do in SD!! 
I was born and raised in SD and spent about half of it in the Black Hills area.
Here's my suggested list in more or less order along the route:
1) Telstar Motors in Mitchell SD and Pioneer Auto Museum in Murdo SD.
If are coming to the Black Hills on I-90, and you are a Mustang fan Telstar Motors in Mitchell is a definite stop. If you like old cars the Pioneer Auto Museum is an excellent vintage car museum.
2) The Badlands loop.
It's a great drive, and it's even better in the early morning or evening with low angle light. After a rain, it's spectacular.
3) Wall Drug.
While you are in Wall for the Badlands loop, you might as well see Wall Drug. Everyone should go there. Once. They used to have a gun shop, western themed, and if it's still there it's worth a look.
4) South Dakota Air and Space Museum
It's located just outside the gate at Ellsworth AFB. The museum itself is great, and there is also a shuttle bus that does tours of a Minuteman III missile silo that was used for training. I'm not sure if they are doing the solo tour at present but the museum has a training control booth in the main museum as well that used to be over in the Pride hangar when I was a sprout.
5) Jack First Gun Parts and First Stop Gun shop
Jack First is on the east side of Rapid City. It used to have a gun shop on site and it was a fantastic shop for old or unusual firearms. The gun shop is closed, but it's still worth a stop if there are any odd parts you might need.
First Stop is downtown and they have traditionally had an excellent selection of surplus firearms as well as an excellent selection of new and used guns and reloading supplies.
6) HS Precision
It is in the same area of town and well worth a tour if you can call ahead and arrange one.
7) Black Hills Ammo
It's also located in RC. I don't know if Jeff and Christy do tours for non relatives, but it's worth calling and asking. I've always been very proud of Jeff as he takes quality seriously, is willing to think outside the box, and has nan amazing ability to create mass produced loads that shoot well in a wide range of firearms.
8) SDSM&T Museum of Geology
It's a superb museum of geology and natural history. If you like rocks or dinosaurs it's a must see museum.
9) Dinosaur park
It's located above the "gap" in RC, and while it's quaint and a little hokey, the life sized, improperly colored, and in some cases incorrectly posed (they were made in 1936) dinosaurs are still interesting. Plus it offers a great view of Rapid City.
10) Dakota Arms
It's located in Sturgis and again a tour is awesome if you can call ahead and arrange one.
11) Bear Butte
It's just east of Sturgis and it is a great hike to the Summit.
12) Boulder Canyon.
As you come back into Sturgis, just keep going through town and under the interstate on 14A. Keep going up boulder canyon on 14A to Deadwood. Boulder canyon was stunning before they widened the road, cleared some trees and removed some curves, but it is still a nice drive, and much more scenic than taking I-90 to Spearfish. I used to live in a hundred year old cabin just past rainbow curve and just below the golf course. It was a very nice place to live.
13) Fish Hatchery in Spearfish.
As you come up boulder canyon, just before going down hill into Deadwood you can turn right on 85 and go up and over the hill to I-90 just east of Spearfish. Turn left and go into spearfish and look for the Hatchery signs. You'll see both an active hatchery and some impressively large trout used for breed stock in both above water and underwater exhibits. The park and creek are also a nice place to picnic.
14) Devils Tower
It's not in the Black Hills but rather in the Bear Lodge mountains and it's a couple hours away from Spearfish but it's a nice drive and well worth the trip. It's a nice hike around the tower and very pleasant (usually) in September.
15) Spearfish Canyon
Back in Spearfish, follow the signs to Spearfish Canyon, which is on the other end of the same 14A you took to Deadwood. The must see items there are:
- the trees in fall colors. The colors peak for a week or so anytime between mid September and early October. If it's been a dry year, you'll see a lot more stunning red colors. In a wet year, mostly oranges and yellows but still very pretty.
- Bridal veil falls. How much water you'll see depends on the recent rain. It's worth walking down by the creek there, we well as in numerous other spots.
- Roughlock Falls and the Latchstring Inn. They are located off the main road to the right, once you reach the curve where the Latchstring Inn is located. My son got his start as a chef there and the food is usually excellent.
- Cheyenne Crossing. It's at the top of the Canyon where 14A meets highway 85 and as someone else mentioned it is worth the stop if you didn't eat at the Latchstring Inn.
16) Terry Peak.
If you turn left at Cheyenne crossing and stay on 14A towards Lead/Deadwood, you'll go up hill and come to a road leading to the top of Terry Peak. It offers great views. There's also the terry peak ski area slightly lower on the mountain. They normally operate the chairlift taking people to the top of Terry Peak and that's a fun ride. That may or many not be happening with COVID and it may or may not be happening this time of year past the peak tourist season.
17) Lead/Deadwood
14A will take you into Lead and then Deadwood. Lead used to be the proverbial "company town" and even after Homestake closed the town council and most of the citizen had a hard time adapting. That's too bad as the town is much more historically interesting and picturesque than what Deadwood has become. Part of the problem is that Deadwood used to play second fiddle to Lead until gaming came along. The mine closing 15 or so years later didn't help. That makes it hard for people in Lead to see how they can collaborate with Deadwood and provide the actual history and local color that Deadwood lost to gaming.
In Lead there is the open cut mine to look at which is interesting, as well as an interesting main street and 1 or 2 good places to eat. There's also a very interesting 5/8 geodesic dome house up over the ridge on the east side of Lead, designed by Dick Termis. It used to be mine. I can't speak to what the new owners may have done to it.
Deadwood has gaming. While they have restored the exterior of the buildings they have gutted and totally ruined the interiors. They are just casino interiors like you'd find anywhere, with old ladies dumping their social security checks into slot machines. It's too bad as, pre-gaming, Deadwood used to be an awesome historical town with wonderful old building and quaint stores worth seeing. There are still a couple old houses worth touring like the Adams house, and Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried in the cemetery above the town.
18) Highway 85 south
In between Lead and Deadwood, highway 385 goes south and it's a very pretty drive pretty much all the way to Hot Springs. It'll take you by Silver City, through Hill City, past Mount Rushmore, and through Custer.
19) Pactola lake
It's quite pretty, especially up the lake away from the highway. There is a beach on the south side and a Marina there does pontoon boat rentals. Ir Nancy is serving Chicken Tortilla soup, get some.
20) Mt Rushmore.
It's the obvious stop. It used to be very scenic back before they modernized it. It used to have walking trails through the trees down to a scenic overlook that really presented the faces as the prime attraction in a natural looking setting. Now it has the feel of a granite memorial in DC, or one of the uglier office buildings like the Reagan building. The buildings, rather than blending with the site and showcasing the faces seem to be trying to overshadow the faces themselves, while prominently displaying and promoting the gift shop. It ain't what it used to be but it's still worth the trip.
21) 1880 Train
You can travel between Hill City and Keystone on a vintage steam train. The current route isn't as scenic as the old route but it's still well worth the trip.
22) Crazy Horse.
I'm putting it on the list because it's there. Just go with the expectation that not much actual work ever gets done and it hasn't changed much in the last few decades since the old man died. It appears the goal isn't to finish, it's to collect tourist money. Still it's interesting.
23) Custer State Park
It worth the drive through the park. Just don't pet the fluffy cows.
24) The Mammoth site
Located in Hot Springs it's a very interesting stop.
25) Evans Plunge
If your kids want to go for a swim, it's a worthwhile stop.
Here's my suggested list in more or less order along the route:
1) Telstar Motors in Mitchell SD and Pioneer Auto Museum in Murdo SD.
If are coming to the Black Hills on I-90, and you are a Mustang fan Telstar Motors in Mitchell is a definite stop. If you like old cars the Pioneer Auto Museum is an excellent vintage car museum.
2) The Badlands loop.
It's a great drive, and it's even better in the early morning or evening with low angle light. After a rain, it's spectacular.
3) Wall Drug.
While you are in Wall for the Badlands loop, you might as well see Wall Drug. Everyone should go there. Once. They used to have a gun shop, western themed, and if it's still there it's worth a look.
4) South Dakota Air and Space Museum
It's located just outside the gate at Ellsworth AFB. The museum itself is great, and there is also a shuttle bus that does tours of a Minuteman III missile silo that was used for training. I'm not sure if they are doing the solo tour at present but the museum has a training control booth in the main museum as well that used to be over in the Pride hangar when I was a sprout.
5) Jack First Gun Parts and First Stop Gun shop
Jack First is on the east side of Rapid City. It used to have a gun shop on site and it was a fantastic shop for old or unusual firearms. The gun shop is closed, but it's still worth a stop if there are any odd parts you might need.
First Stop is downtown and they have traditionally had an excellent selection of surplus firearms as well as an excellent selection of new and used guns and reloading supplies.
6) HS Precision
It is in the same area of town and well worth a tour if you can call ahead and arrange one.
7) Black Hills Ammo
It's also located in RC. I don't know if Jeff and Christy do tours for non relatives, but it's worth calling and asking. I've always been very proud of Jeff as he takes quality seriously, is willing to think outside the box, and has nan amazing ability to create mass produced loads that shoot well in a wide range of firearms.
8) SDSM&T Museum of Geology
It's a superb museum of geology and natural history. If you like rocks or dinosaurs it's a must see museum.
9) Dinosaur park
It's located above the "gap" in RC, and while it's quaint and a little hokey, the life sized, improperly colored, and in some cases incorrectly posed (they were made in 1936) dinosaurs are still interesting. Plus it offers a great view of Rapid City.
10) Dakota Arms
It's located in Sturgis and again a tour is awesome if you can call ahead and arrange one.
11) Bear Butte
It's just east of Sturgis and it is a great hike to the Summit.
12) Boulder Canyon.
As you come back into Sturgis, just keep going through town and under the interstate on 14A. Keep going up boulder canyon on 14A to Deadwood. Boulder canyon was stunning before they widened the road, cleared some trees and removed some curves, but it is still a nice drive, and much more scenic than taking I-90 to Spearfish. I used to live in a hundred year old cabin just past rainbow curve and just below the golf course. It was a very nice place to live.
13) Fish Hatchery in Spearfish.
As you come up boulder canyon, just before going down hill into Deadwood you can turn right on 85 and go up and over the hill to I-90 just east of Spearfish. Turn left and go into spearfish and look for the Hatchery signs. You'll see both an active hatchery and some impressively large trout used for breed stock in both above water and underwater exhibits. The park and creek are also a nice place to picnic.
14) Devils Tower
It's not in the Black Hills but rather in the Bear Lodge mountains and it's a couple hours away from Spearfish but it's a nice drive and well worth the trip. It's a nice hike around the tower and very pleasant (usually) in September.
15) Spearfish Canyon
Back in Spearfish, follow the signs to Spearfish Canyon, which is on the other end of the same 14A you took to Deadwood. The must see items there are:
- the trees in fall colors. The colors peak for a week or so anytime between mid September and early October. If it's been a dry year, you'll see a lot more stunning red colors. In a wet year, mostly oranges and yellows but still very pretty.
- Bridal veil falls. How much water you'll see depends on the recent rain. It's worth walking down by the creek there, we well as in numerous other spots.
- Roughlock Falls and the Latchstring Inn. They are located off the main road to the right, once you reach the curve where the Latchstring Inn is located. My son got his start as a chef there and the food is usually excellent.
- Cheyenne Crossing. It's at the top of the Canyon where 14A meets highway 85 and as someone else mentioned it is worth the stop if you didn't eat at the Latchstring Inn.
16) Terry Peak.
If you turn left at Cheyenne crossing and stay on 14A towards Lead/Deadwood, you'll go up hill and come to a road leading to the top of Terry Peak. It offers great views. There's also the terry peak ski area slightly lower on the mountain. They normally operate the chairlift taking people to the top of Terry Peak and that's a fun ride. That may or many not be happening with COVID and it may or may not be happening this time of year past the peak tourist season.
17) Lead/Deadwood
14A will take you into Lead and then Deadwood. Lead used to be the proverbial "company town" and even after Homestake closed the town council and most of the citizen had a hard time adapting. That's too bad as the town is much more historically interesting and picturesque than what Deadwood has become. Part of the problem is that Deadwood used to play second fiddle to Lead until gaming came along. The mine closing 15 or so years later didn't help. That makes it hard for people in Lead to see how they can collaborate with Deadwood and provide the actual history and local color that Deadwood lost to gaming.
In Lead there is the open cut mine to look at which is interesting, as well as an interesting main street and 1 or 2 good places to eat. There's also a very interesting 5/8 geodesic dome house up over the ridge on the east side of Lead, designed by Dick Termis. It used to be mine. I can't speak to what the new owners may have done to it.
Deadwood has gaming. While they have restored the exterior of the buildings they have gutted and totally ruined the interiors. They are just casino interiors like you'd find anywhere, with old ladies dumping their social security checks into slot machines. It's too bad as, pre-gaming, Deadwood used to be an awesome historical town with wonderful old building and quaint stores worth seeing. There are still a couple old houses worth touring like the Adams house, and Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried in the cemetery above the town.
18) Highway 85 south
In between Lead and Deadwood, highway 385 goes south and it's a very pretty drive pretty much all the way to Hot Springs. It'll take you by Silver City, through Hill City, past Mount Rushmore, and through Custer.
19) Pactola lake
It's quite pretty, especially up the lake away from the highway. There is a beach on the south side and a Marina there does pontoon boat rentals. Ir Nancy is serving Chicken Tortilla soup, get some.
20) Mt Rushmore.
It's the obvious stop. It used to be very scenic back before they modernized it. It used to have walking trails through the trees down to a scenic overlook that really presented the faces as the prime attraction in a natural looking setting. Now it has the feel of a granite memorial in DC, or one of the uglier office buildings like the Reagan building. The buildings, rather than blending with the site and showcasing the faces seem to be trying to overshadow the faces themselves, while prominently displaying and promoting the gift shop. It ain't what it used to be but it's still worth the trip.
21) 1880 Train
You can travel between Hill City and Keystone on a vintage steam train. The current route isn't as scenic as the old route but it's still well worth the trip.
22) Crazy Horse.
I'm putting it on the list because it's there. Just go with the expectation that not much actual work ever gets done and it hasn't changed much in the last few decades since the old man died. It appears the goal isn't to finish, it's to collect tourist money. Still it's interesting.
23) Custer State Park
It worth the drive through the park. Just don't pet the fluffy cows.
24) The Mammoth site
Located in Hot Springs it's a very interesting stop.
25) Evans Plunge
If your kids want to go for a swim, it's a worthwhile stop.
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Don't forget to go feed the donkeys. Ask anybody up there where to go from or to Rushmore. That and Needles hiway. The sanford lab in Lead is very interesting also.
Robossk I replied to your PM
Have a good trip and enjoy SD!
Bring a sweater for evenings!
Have a good trip and enjoy SD!
Bring a sweater for evenings!
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