Itinerary
Trip Overview
I began my planning with lots of reading a research. We will begin by traveling 2 days for the 1100 mile trip to Sioux Falls. We will stop somewhere after about 600 miles. Not sure where yet as we still have to decide on which route to take. Beginning with Sioux Falls I have created basically a big loop.
I began my planning with lots of reading a research. We will begin by traveling 2 days for the 1100 mile trip to Sioux Falls. We will stop somewhere after about 600 miles. Not sure where yet as we still have to decide on which route to take. Beginning with Sioux Falls I have created basically a big loop.
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- travel directly north through the Coteau Des Parire Region to the Sheyenne River Valley of North Dakota
- travel across North Dakota to Theodore Roosevelt National Park,
- travel south to the Black Hills of South Dakota
- travel to the Badlands National Park
- travel to Pierre
- follow the Native American Scenic Byway and the Lewis and Clark trail along the Missouri River
- 2 days back home.
Sunday September 12
We will drive approximately one third of the way. 435 miles. (Not our original plan but so glad we did this in 3 days so about 400 miles is our limit)
Accommodations:
Monday, September 13
We will travel another third of the way to Waterloo, IA 397 miles
Accommodations:
We will drive approximately one third of the way. 435 miles. (Not our original plan but so glad we did this in 3 days so about 400 miles is our limit)
Accommodations:
- Comfort Inn, Crawsfordsville, IN
- 2991 North Gandhi Street, Crawfordsville, IN
- 765-361-0665
Monday, September 13
We will travel another third of the way to Waterloo, IA 397 miles
Accommodations:
- Comfort Suites, Cedar Falls
- 790 Nordic Drive
- 319-273-9999
Sioux Falls
- On Tuesday September 14 we will drive the rest of the way to Sioux Falls. 307 miles
- We will stay in Sioux Falls 3 nights which will give us 2 days exploring the Sioux Falls area: Wednesday, 9/15 and Thrusday 9/16.
- Places to visit outside but close to Sioux Falls.
- Pallisades State Park - NE of Sioux Falls ( Loved this one)
- There are mostly short trails - pick up a trail map at the visitors center. Split Rock Creek flows through the park and it is lined with pink quarzite cliffs. Pallisades is 27 miles, a 30 minutes drive.
- Devils Gulch and Split Rock Park in Garreston - This is about 10 miles north of Palisades State Park and has some of the same features. It has a walking bridge over the gulch. (Not so much to see, wouldn't do it again)
- Big Sioux Recreation Area
- Be sure to take the Valley of the Giants Trail with old growth trees. Trails are also short here. It is 20 miles from Sioux Falls on the way to Palisades and Devils Gulch ( We liked this one - did the Trail of the Giants and part of the Archery Trail)
- Good Earth State Park - SE of Sioux Falls - a cultural and historical site of Native Americans- 11 miles south of the city (This one was good - we enjoyed the history - however the trails aren't marked well so download a map or you will backtrack a lot like we did)
- See Google Map I made of these places (Link Here), on the Maps page, and also page 59 in South Dakota Gazetteer
- Pallisades State Park - NE of Sioux Falls ( Loved this one)
- Things to see in Sioux Falls
- Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum - a park in Sioux Falls with trails and nature - south east of our hotel and city center ( small but nice gardens)
- Falls Park - there is an information center and a viewing park. Also close by Terrace Park with a Japanese Garden. Close by is the Washington Pavillion, an arts venue. There is also a sculputre walk in downtown take the Phillips to Falls walking trail. CH Patissere is a French bakery famous for their macroons. ( we did spend a lot of time here - the bakery was closed on the days we were there. We did enjoy the Japanese Gardens and saw many of the sculptures.
- Accommodation for Tuesday 9/14, Wednesday 9/15, and Friday, 9/16 ( This was a terrible hotel - well the hotel itself was OK but the neighborhood was not - also it was hard to get out of and get anywhere because of its location next to an exit. We decided that it wasn't safe so we only stayed one night. The other two nights we stayed at the Holiday Inn downtown and liked being in walking distance of the park and Phillips Ave)
- Sioux Falls Super 8
- 2616 East 10th Street, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57103
- 605-679-6699
- Sioux Falls Super 8
Eastern South Dakota to North Dakota
- We will leave Sioux Falls on the morning of Friday, 9/17 and explore the Coteau des Prairie region seeing city of Dell Rapids, Fort Sisserton State Park, Roy Lake State Park and Sica Hollow State Park. If time we will stop at the Nicollet Tower Intrepretive Center in Sisseton, if not leave until the next day. We will stay at the Super 8 Wyndham in Sisseton, South Dakota one night. Things to see and do along the way:
- Things to see along the way:
- Dell Rapids - home of granite queries. There is a walking tour of downtown. (Didn't stop here since Karen needed an doctor for a bladder infection)
- Fort Sisserton State Park - this is a historic site of a fort but it also has a great view of this region. We will be there on Friday but there is a Harvest Festival there the next day with arts and crafts - but it doesn't start until 10, not sure we will have time to come back. (liked this one - well done)
- Roy Lake State Park - this park is know for outdoor activities on a lake. There is a lake trail ( this was really only a campground)
- Sica Hollow State Park - an interesting park with stories of Native American culture and redish bogs. There is a Trail of the Spirits Interpretive Trail and and scenic overlook. (this one wasn't marked very well and there was no visitor center and very little information. If it hadn't been for a lady we met we wouldn't have known where anything was. We did do the Trail of the Spirits but only partway since it was getting late in the day)
- We will travel back to Sisseton to spend the night but close to Sisseton is the Nicollet Tower Intrepretive Center which is an historic overlook tower - it closes at 5pm and is not open on Saturday. If we are running short on time we might want to come here and do Sica Hollow on Saturday. It is only 20 minutes from Sica Hollow and 30 minutes from Roy Lake - which we could easily see the next day (Saturday)
- Accommodations for Friday 9/17
- Super 8 Wyndham Sisseton
- 2104 South Dakota 10
- 605-742-0808
On Saturday 9/18 we will travel first to the Sheyenne National Grassland, then on the Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Highway and stop at the suggested places along the Sheyenne River Scenic Byway. We will stay in Valley City 2 nights which will give us time to go back on Sunday 9/19 if we miss some sights along the way. Without any stops it is 130 miles and 3.5 hours so these should be doable. (See Map on Maps page).
Places to Stop on the Byway.
- Sheyenne National Grassland - It is the only National Grassland in the tallgrass prairie region of the United States. There is a visitors center in the middle of the drive through the grassland at McLeod, ND.
- Travel through the grassland to Lisbon where the Sheyenne River Scenic Byway begins. Be sure to take the Valley View road - the GPS wants to take the shortest way to Fort Ransom, which is not on the byway.
- Map of the Sheyenne River Scenic Byway which begins in Lisbon. See copy which I printed and put in the North Dakota Atlas.
- Fort Ransom State Park - This is one of the horse riding parks of South Dakota. There are many trails under 2 miles that go through forests, grasslands and along the river. Get a trail map at the park or if there is a service there is a trail map and descriptions at the link above. See the Pyramid on Viking Hill and other historic buildings.
- In the city of Fort Ransom see Standing Rock Church in the TJ Walker Historic District.
- Sheyenne State Forrest Overlook
- Standing Rock State Historic Site
- Little Yellowstone Park
- Wadeson State Historic Site
- Clausen Spring Park
- King School
- Things to see in Valley City
- Rosebud Visitor Center
- Baldhill Dam is a Corpe of Enginers Dam - Lake Ashtabul
- National Fish Hatchery
- Medicine Wheel Park
- Bridges History Tour Map
- Accommodations in Valley City for Saturday 9/18 and Sunday 9/19
- Grand Stay Hotel and Suites
- 271 Wintershow Road SW, Valley City, North Dakota 58072
- 701-490-3500
Bismark
- Monday, September 20 we will explore the area of the highway north of Valley City and then drive to Bismark and stay in the Mandan area. We should have time to see some of Bismark this day since it is only a 2 hour drive from Valley City.
- Things to see in Bismark
- Bismark Capital Grounds - there are trails here and parks and even an arboretum.
- North Dakota Hertiage Center - this is on the capital grounds
- Lewis and Clark Riverboat - This seems much like the riverboat in Knoxville
- Fort Abraham Lincoln Historic Site
- Tuesday, September 21 we will explore Bismark a little more and then drive on two scenic highways to Watford City - entrance to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Travel on Highway 1806 (numbered for Lewis and Clark) to Sakakawea Scenic Byway to Lake Sakakawea State Park back on 1806 to Killdear to Watford City. This is 218 miles and 4 hours if no stops. We will return through some of this area on the way to Medora.
- Double Ditch Indian Village - an archeological site of homes of the Mandan tribe.
- Lewis and Clark Intrepreative Center in Washburn and Fort Mandan - at beginning of Sakakawer Scenic Byway
- Knife River Indian Village Historic Site (at the end of the Sakakawea Scenic Byway north of Stanton)
- Lake Sakakawea State Park - several trails that are part of the long North Country Scenic Trail that runs from here to Vermont.
- Accommodations for Monday 9/20
- Baymont by Wyndam
- 2611 Old Red Trail Northwest, Mandan, North Dakota 58554
- 701-663-7401
- Baymont by Wyndam
Theodore Roosevelt National Park - See NPS app for this park
- We will stay in Watford City and explore the North Unit for 2 nights (Tuesday 9/21, Wednesday 9/22) and one complete day, Tuesday 9/2
- Things to See in TRNP - North Unit - Wednesday 9/22
- Scenic Drive - 14 miles. Stop at all overlooks, especially Cannonball Connections, Oxbow Overlook across from Juniper Campground and Rivebend Overlook. Oxbow Overlook is a good place for stargazing.
- Check at Visitor's Center for any ranger lead sessions - open from 9-5 everyday of the week through September.
- Hiking Trails - that are less than 2 miles - the others are 5-12 miles.
- Little Mo Nature Trail - short 0.7 mile loop
- Caprock Coulee Nature Trail - This trailhead may be closed due to construction in the parking lot - until Mid-September. It is part of the longer Caprock Coulee Trail. Here is a guide to the Nature Trail part. 1.6 miles. This trail is not good after rain since it can get muddy and the mud is more like cement.
- Prairie Dog Town - Start at the Caprock Coulee Trailhead and follow the Buckhorn Trail to a prairie dog town. Be sure to plan some extra time for wildlife viewing; where there are prairie dogs, there are often lots of other animals, too! 1.5 miles. This one may not be accessible due to the construction - check at the park to see if there is another way to get there.
- Sperati Point via the Achenbach Trail - Begin at Oxbow Overlook. A gently rolling walk leads to an overlook of the Little Missouri River. Along the way, pay attention to the wide variety of forbs and grasses. The prairie ecosystem is one of the most diverse on the planet! 1.5 miles
- Travel to Medora
- Thursday 9/23 travel to Medora. On the way to Medora we will backtrack a short way to New Town and visit the Three Affiliated Tribes Museum. And then also look for Four Bears bridge over Lake Sakakawea in New Town - look for Crow Flies High Butte Overlook on Highway 23 in New Town - Great place for sunrise or sunset. Then travel on the Killdeer Mountain Four Bears Scenic Highway from New Town to Manning and then on to Medora. Could eat at Trapper's Kettle Restaurant in Belfield or save for another day we are in Medora.
- Stops along the Killdeer Mountain Four Bears Scenic Highway:
- Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge has natue trail with wildlife viewing.
- Little Missouri State Park - has many trail through the North Dakota Badlands - also has many unusual rock formations that are some of the most awe inspiring scenery in ND.
- Things to See in TRNP South Unit - Friday 9/24 and Saturday, 9/25 - and also travel days Thursday 9/23 and Sunday 9/26 may have some time
- Scenic Drive - part of this loop is no longer in use due to wash-outs so it isn't a loop any more - 36 mile total length.
- The South Unit Visitor's Center is in Medora and is open 9-5 everyday of the week through September. The Maltese cross Cabin is here. There is also a Visitor's Center at the Painted Canyon area. It is a rest stop off of I-95 and it isn't an entrance to the park that is in Medora. The website doesn't give hours but will assume it is the same as the other ones. Ask for information about petrified trees - it is mentioned on the website but only as part of a long trail - maybe that is the only way to get there. Also check for ranger led programs and hikes.
- Hiking Trails
- Skyline Vista - very short - This flat, paved nature trail is perfect for those who want to step out for just a moment, mostly just an overlook of I-95 and Medora
- Boicourt Trail - very short mostly to an overlook. One of the most beautiful South Unit overlooks is accessible by this easy nature trail with slight grade. This overlook is a ranger favorite for sunsets over the badlands!
- Buck Hill - You'll be on top of the world when you climb to the highest accessible point in the park. This is a short, (0.2) miles but steep trail. The view from the top is worth every step.The Buck Hill Overlook is a good place for sunset.
- Wind Canyon Trail - (0.4 miles) Enjoy hiking this nature trail alongside a wind-sculpted canyon as you climb to the best view of the Little Missouri River the South Unit has to offer. Another ranger favorite for sunsets!
- Ridgeline Nature Trail - (Link to Trail Guide) Explore the badlands environment along a nature trail with moderate to steep grades. Take along a trail brochure, available at the trailhead, to learn as you adventure. This trail has stairs.
- Coal Vein Trail - short nature trail guide - Although the coal vein is no longer burning, this nature trail is an excellent place to learn about badlands geology and ecology. Take along a trail brochure, available at the trailhead. This trail has stairs.
- Painted Canyon Nature Trail - The canyon looks amazing from the rim, but wait until you experience a hike down into it! Get up close and personal with the rock layers, junipers, and wildlife. Remember, every step down means a step back up on the return.
- Medora Activites
- There are several things to do in Medora including an outdoor theater - but most of these things close on Labor Day so I don't think we will see much here.
- Accommodations
- We will stay in Watford City for 2 nights - Tuesday 9/21 and Wednesday 9/22
- Little Missouri Inns and Suites Watford City
- 109 9th Avenue South,
- 701-842-6262
- Little Missouri Inns and Suites Watford City
- We will stay in Medora and explore the South Unit for 3 nights (Thursday 9/23 through Saturday 25).
- Badlands Motel
- 501 Pacific Ave, Medora, ND 58645-0198
- 1-800-Medora-1 Translation: (800-633-6721)
- See TRNP book and Visitor's Center to plan specfic activites based on current conditions
- Badlands Motel
Black Hills and Custer State Park
- Spearfish Canyon - On Sunday 9/26 on the way to Spearfish Canyon from Medora backtrack slightly to Gladstone and travel to Regent along the Enchanted Highway ( there are sculptures made from scrap metal along the highway). We will then travel to an area called Castles National Landmark. It is located between Reva and Buffalo, ND - take (Forest Road 3126. Turn right into Reva Gap Campground. The south end of the campground has an information board and a nice view of Castles National Landmark.) This will be our last stop in North Dakota. Then on to Belle Fouche, the geographical center of the United States - with a marker in the center of the town. This is a long 5 hour drive without stops, 284 miles.
- Spearfish Canyon September - will have Monday 9/27 and Tuesday 9/29 to explore this area. The lodge is directly on the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Highway.
- For these days use the map from the South Dakota department of tourism book on Spearfish - I pulled out the page with hikes - it is in the South Dakota Atlas. It has all the hikes on the byway and things to do in Spearfish.
- In the town of Spearfish there is a National Fish Hatchery with beautiful gardens and trail, High Plains Heritage Museum, and the Termesphere Gallery
- Custer City - will have Thursday, 9/30 to explore this area; however there are many things to see in this area that are within an hour or less driving time, e.g. Mt. Rushmore, Deadwood, and Rapid City. We will also be in Custer State Park for 4 nights and could do some of these things from there.
- While in Custer will visit Jewel Cave National Monument ( See NPS app). Since the elevator is closed there is only one limited tour, the Discover Tour. There are no longer advanced tickets so will need to show up when the monument opens at 8:00 am. It is closed Monday - Wednesday. Also no backpacks or purses are allowed inside the cave. It does not mention anything about tripods and cameras. Might need to take only the Platypod. There is a short hike to begin this tour.
- Bear Butte State Park - this is near Sturgis. It is a place sacred to the Lakota people. There is an easy hike around the Bear Butte lake, 2.5 miles. There is a more challenging hikes the top of the butte that will give a view of 4 states, 1.85 miles. There is a visitor's center open 8-6 through September.
- Crazy Horse Memorial is also close to Custer. There have been night time laser shows in the past so will need to check on this when in Custer.
- Deadwood is a very touristy town of the old west with casinos. The Whitewood Creek Trail which connects the historic parts of the town. Best time to visit is early morning before the tourist get going.
- Peter Norbeck scenic highway (which is made up of the Needles Highway and the Iron Mountain Highway) goes to Rushmore - so could do this on the way to Custer State Park when leaving the city of Custer. We have been to Rushmore in the past so we won't go there but may go if there is a laser show which we missed in 2017 when we were there. Iron Mountain Highway is 17 miles - with 3 tunnels that frame Mt. Rushmore and three pigtail bridges or corkscrew like bridges that gain elevation and preserve natural features. Needles Highway is 14 miles going between giant meddle like rock formations and granite tunnels - it is inside Custer Park.
- Keystone - this is the gateway city to Rushmore. There is a tram here that gives an interesting view of Rushmore - this would be different way to see Mt. Rushmore then when we were here in 2017.
- Rapid City - the largest town in the Black Hills - we will travel this direction on the way to the Badlands so we some of these things could wait until that day. The Chapel in the Hills is a Scandinavian type church close to Rapid City. Also in Rapid City there is a walking tour with a statue of every president and the Journey Museum - this might be good for a rainy day.
- Custer State Park ( See app) - We will stay in the park but since we will be here for 4 nights we will have time explore areas outside the park. We will have the complete days of Saturday, 10/2, Sunday, 10/3, and Monday 10/4, and then the travel days of Friday,10/1 and Tuesday 10/5.
- Check the Visitor's Center for programs and suggestions for trails - Link to Map; Link to Guide
- Blue Bell Lodge is on the Wildlife Loop which will also be good for sunrise and sunset.
- Wildlife Loop road - 18 miles. Mount Coolidge Fire Tower is the highest point in Custer State Park - it is on the Wildlife Loop Road on a 1.7 mile gravel road. The Creekside Trail is at GraceCoolidge campground
- Needles Highway - see especially Mt. Coolidgedge fire tower and the Heddy Dawn Overlook.
- Lovers Leap Trail is close to the Peter Norbeck Education Center
- Sylvin Lake Region - many hiking trails leave from here:
- Sunday Gulch Trail - best to begin in the northwest corner and go counter clockwise - a 3 mile loop. Will have to check on rain - some videos of this trail show a lot of walking up a creek, but others don't show any water on the trail.
- Black Elk Peak Trail - a 7 mile loop to the highest point in the Black Hills - there are are network of trail here - will need to get a good trail map. There is an historic fire tower here. The Cathedral Spires trail also intersects with this trail. We may not be able to do the whole trail but could go as far as Cathedral Spires.
- Legion Lake - there is a short lakeside trail here
- Badger Creek Trail - new Badger Hole Pull Out - 1.2 mile loop
- Prairie Trail
- One day we will drive south out of the park (this could also be the travel day to Badlands which would make for a long day) since the Lodge is in the southern part of the park here we will see:
- Wind Cave National Park - (See NPS app) is south from our lodge. In September only the Natural Entrance Cave Tour is available. The first one is at 9am. There are no registrations or advance tickets must be present at the window at the visitor's center - opens at 8am.
- Scenic Drives and Trails
- Bison Flats Drive - starts at the South entrance from US 385
- Rankin Ridge Drive - starts at North entrance via Highway 87 -
- Ranking Ridge Loop - 1 mile loop that goes by a Lookout Tower - which is not open to the public or staffed.
- Wind Cave Canyon - easy 1.8 mile trails follow the canyon - good trail for observing birds and wildlife.
- Cold Brook Canyon Trail - 1.5 mile goes through Cold Brook Canyon
- Scenic Drives and Trails
- Hot Springs with Evans Plunge and the Mammoth site
- Angostura State Recreation Area which his great views and bluffs.
- Wind Cave National Park - (See NPS app) is south from our lodge. In September only the Natural Entrance Cave Tour is available. The first one is at 9am. There are no registrations or advance tickets must be present at the window at the visitor's center - opens at 8am.
- Accommodations in the Black HIlls
- Spearfish Canyon Lodge - Sunday 9/26, Monday. 9/27, Tuesday 9/28
- 10619 Roughlock Falls Road Lead, SD 57754
- 877-975-6343
- Chalet Motel - Wednesday 9/29 and Thursday 9/30
- 933 Mount Rushmore Road Custer, SD
- 605-673-2393
- Blue Bell Lodge Cabins - Friday 10/1, Saturday 10/2, Sunday 10/3, Monday 10/4
- On the Wildlife Loop
- 888-875-0001
- Spearfish Canyon Lodge - Sunday 9/26, Monday. 9/27, Tuesday 9/28
Badlands National Park - See NPS app for this park
- The Buffalo Gap National Grassland surrounds the Badlands National Park - there is a visitor's center in Wall.
- Travel to Badlands from Custer State Park There are two ways - We could see things we didn't see earlier -
- Rapid City (Chapel in the Hills) and Sturgis could be stopping points and the Tramway in Keystone. - This drive is 2.25 hours - 120 miles. (See Maps page) This way goes south from Rapid City to Scenic, SD and enters the park from the south
- Through Wall - this would start the same to Rapid City and then travel on I-90 to Wall and enter the park from the north.
- We will have full days in Badlands: Wednesday 10/6. Thursday 10/7 and partial days on Tuesday 10/5 and Friday 10/8.
- Things to See/do in Badlands
- Badlands Loop Road - many pullouts on this road - get a map at the Visitor's Center - Badlands Loop Road features a number of overlooks and pull-offs to park safely and enjoy the view. From east to west, the overlooks on Badlands Loop Road are: Big Badlands Overlook, White River Valley Overlook, Bigfoot Pass Overlook (includes a picnic area), Panorama Point, Prairie Wind Overlook, Burns Basin Overlook, Homestead Overlook, Conata Basin Overlook, Yellow Mounds Overlook. Conata Picnic Area, Ancient Hunters Overlook, Pinnacles Overlook.
- Sage Creek Rim Road - "Sage Creek Rim Road (SD 590) is a dirt/gravel road that travels through the Sage Creek Wilderness Area of Badlands National Park. It provides access to several overlooks and the Sage Creek Campground, as well as opportunities for backcountry access and wildlife viewing. Overlooks from east to west are: Hay Butte Overlook, Badlands Wilderness Overlook, Roberts Prairie Dog Town, and Sage Creek Basin Overlook"
- "Bison, bighorn, prairie dogs and a wide variety of birds are frequently seen from Sage Creek Rim Road. Sage Creek Rim Road connects SD 44 and the Badlands Loop Road (240). It intersects with SD 44 just east of the town of Scenic and with the Badlands Loop Road just north of the Pinnacles Overlook. Sage Creek Rim Road may be temporarily closed during or after heavy rain or snow. Contact the park for up-to-date information on the status of Sage Creek Rim Road."
- Best Places for Sunrise and Sunset
- "For sunrise try the Big Badlands Overlook, the Door Trail, the Norbeck Pass area, the Dillon Pass area, and Panorama Point, just west of Bigfoot Pass. Each of these areas provide views of the sunrise itself, along with the first rays of light that hit pinnacles facing east.
- For sunset try Pinnacles Overlook, Conata Basin Overlook, Bigfoot Pass Picnic Area, and the Norbeck Pass area. Walking the Castle Trail (west for sunrise, east for sunset) is a great way to view the changing light on the north side of the Wall and provides a wonderful opportunity to explore and immerse yourself in the environment."
- Trails
- "Cliffs Shelf Nature Trail - 0.5 miles/0.8 km (round trip) Moderate. This loop trail follows boardwalks and climbs stairs through a juniperforest perched along the Badlands Wall. A small pond occasionally exists in the area and draws wildlife, such as deer or bighorn sheep. Climbs approximately 200 feet in elevation. Please stay on the trail.
- Window Trail - 0.25 miles/0.4 km (round trip) Easy. This short trail leads to a natural window in the Badlands Wall with a view of an intricately eroded canyon. Please stay on the trail.
- Door Trail - 0.75 miles/1.2 km (round trip) Easy. An accessible ¼ mile boardwalk leads through a break in the Badlands Wall known as "the Door" and to a view of the Badlands. From there, the maintained trail ends. Travel beyond this point is at your own risk. Watch for drop-offs.
- Notch Trail - 1.5 miles/2.4 km (round trip) Moderate to strenuous. After meandering through a canyon, this trail climbs a log ladder and follows a ledge to "the Notch" for a dramatic view of the White River Valley. Trail begins at the south end of the Door and Window parking area. Watch for drop-offs. Not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights. Treacherous during or after heavy rains."
- Accommodations
- Cedar Pass Lodge inside the Park for 3 nights, Tuesday 10/5, Wednesday 10/6, Thursday 10/7.
- 20681 South Dakota Highway 240 - Interior SD 57750
- 605-433-5460
- Cedar Pass Lodge inside the Park for 3 nights, Tuesday 10/5, Wednesday 10/6, Thursday 10/7.
Pierre and the Native American Scenic Byway
- Friday, October 8 we will travel from the Badlands to PIerre exploring the Fort Pierre area along the way and staying in Pierre. On the way to Pierre out of Badlands National Park stop at the Prairie Homestead Historic Site - 6 miles north of east entrance to the park. It is only a 2.5 hour drive from Badlands to Pierre so we have time to do another sunrise and a short hike.
- Things to See in Pierre:
- Oahe Dam and Chapel - 4 miles north of the city in Fort Pierre - also there is the Verendrye Museum
- South Dakota Cultural History Center - open 9-4:30
- "South Dakota State Capital and grounds - Around Capitol Lake, you’ll find the Fighting Stallions Memorial, Vietnam War and Korean War memorials, the Law Enforcement Officer Memorial, and the World War II Memorial.
- LaFramboise Island – Driving across the causeway south of Steamboat Park, you’ll find a great view of the river and the city of Pierre. The island itself contains a popular trail system ideal for hiking, biking, walking, photography, and nature viewing. It’s easy enough for all ages to enjoy and has a large number of diverse species that call it home. Common sightings are deer, wild turkeys, and bald eagles."
- Accommodations for Friday 10/8
- Quality Inn Pierre
- 410 W. Sioux Ave
- 605 224-037
- Quality Inn Pierre
- Things to See in Pierre:
- Saturday,October 9 we will drive the Lewis and Clark Trail and the Native American Scenic Byway to the Chamberlain and Fort Thompson area.
- Things to see on the drive.
- Lower Brule - Buffalo Intrepretive Center
- Fort Thompson and Fort Thompson Recreation Area
- In Chamberlain see the Dignity Statue - we saw this in 2017, when we stopped at the rest stop - this time it might be neat to see it at night since it is lighted.
- Also in Chamberlain see the Akta Lakota Museum
- Famous restaurant and dining attraction - (seems kind of like a little Wall) is Al's Oasis in Chamberlain off of I-90.
- Accommodations for 10/9
- Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort
- 1500 Shoreline Drive Oacoma, SD 57365
- 605-234-6375
- Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort
- Things to see on the drive.
- Sunday, October 10 we will continue on the Native American Scenic Byway and stay at the Lewis and Clark Resort in Yankton, SD
- Things to see on the drive:
- Platte Bridge
- Buryanek State Recreation Area
- Randall Creek Recreation Area - look for eagles here
- Karl E Mundt National Wildlife Refuge
- Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge
- Lewis and Clark Recreation Area - take the nature trail
- Accommodations for 10/10
- Lewis and Clark Resort
- 43496 Shore Dr. Yankton, SD 57078
- 605-665-2680
- Things to see on the drive:
Journey Home
- On Monday, October 11 we will begin the journey home - 3 days approximately 1100 miles, staying somewhere along the way.
- Quality Inn South Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- 390 33rd Ave. S.W.
- 319 363-7934
- Quality Inn South Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Tuesday, October 12 drive to Indianapolis
- Wednesday, October 13 - drive the rest of the way home.