Itinerary Idea for Visiting Mount Rushmore, Badlands, & Custer State Park

Day 1

Arrive in Rapid City, SD and check into a hotel. Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial and learn about the history and significance of the site.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a monumental sculpture featuring the faces of four iconic American presidents, namely George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt, carved into the granite mountainside. The sculpture is considered one of the most famous landmarks in the United States and attracts millions of visitors each year.

The heads of the presidents stand 60 feet (18 meters) tall and are carved into the side of a mountain known as Mount Rushmore. Each head is approximately 500 feet (150 meters) above the surrounding landscape. The sculpture is a testament to the vision, determination, and skill of the sculptors who created it.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial website: National Park Service Mount Rushmore Website

Mount Rushmore National Memorial Trails: Trail options from AllTrails

Day 2

Drive to Badlands National Park and spend the day exploring the unique landscapes and hiking the trails. Return to Rapid City in the evening for dinner.

Badlands National Park covers over 244,000 acres of land and is known for its unique geological formations, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history. The park is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and coyotes.

The park's landscape is characterized by its sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires that have been formed over millions of years. The rock formations consist of multicolored layers of sedimentary rock, including sandstone, shale, and limestone. The park also features several hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds for visitors to explore.

In addition to its geological features, the park has a rich cultural history. The region was once inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Lakota, who considered the area sacred. European settlers later arrived in the area and established homesteads, but the harsh climate and poor soil made farming difficult.

Badlands National Park Website: National Parks Service Badlands Website

Badlands National Park Trails: Trail options from AllTrails

Day 3

Visit Custer State Park and take a scenic drive through the Needles Highway. Stop to hike the Cathedral Spires Trail and see the wildlife in the park.

Custer State Park covers over 71,000 acres and is known for its beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and outdoor recreational activities. It is the largest state park in South Dakota and attracts over 2 million visitors each year.

The park's landscape includes rolling hills, forests, lakes, and streams. Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, pronghorn, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. 

One of the most popular attractions in Custer State Park is the Needles Highway, a scenic drive that winds through the park's stunning granite spires and rock formations.  

Custer State Park Website click here.

Day 4

Spend the morning exploring the city of Rapid City, including the Journey Museum and the historic downtown area. Depart in the afternoon.