A 4-Day Roadtrip Through Northeastern Wyoming & South Dakota

This summer, we packed up for an incredible 4-day road trip through Northeastern Wyoming and South Dakota, filled with natural wonders, thrilling adventures, and some of the best food we’ve had on the road. From Devils Tower to Wind Cave National Park, here’s everything we packed into our long weekend.

Hans and Key at Devils Tower

Day 1: Devils Tower & Rapid City Fun

Our adventure began at Devils Tower National Monument, an awe-inspiring geologic formation rising dramatically above the Wyoming landscape. We hiked part of the Tower Trail, taking in close-up views of the cliffs and imagining climbers making their way to the summit.

Afterward, we drove into Rapid City, South Dakota, where we enjoyed a lively hibachi dinner at Fuji Japanese Steakhouse. That night we checked into the La Quinta Inn, which includes free admission to WaTiki Indoor Waterpark. Between the slides, pools, and splash areas, this waterpark quickly became a favorite, and we spent as much time there as possible over the next two days.

Day 2: Badlands & Reptile Gardens

On Saturday, we explored Badlands National Park by driving the scenic Rim Road, which offers sweeping views of the park’s dramatic formations.

We hiked the Notch Trail, a short but adventurous route famous for its wooden ladder and cliffside paths. Then we walked the Fossil Exhibit Trail, an easy, family-friendly boardwalk with displays of ancient fossil replicas.

In the afternoon, we visited Reptile Gardens—a fun stop packed with crocodiles, alligators, tortoises, snakes, and exotic birds. The highlight was the beautiful indoor dome, filled with tropical plants and artwork from Papua New Guinea. The gator show added an exciting finish!

Dinner that evening was at Kathmandu Bistro, a hidden gem serving authentic Nepalese cuisine. It was one of the best meals of our trip.

Day 3: Mt. Rushmore, Thrills & Scenic Drives

Sunday started with a visit to the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Standing at the base of the monument is a bucket-list moment you can’t miss.

Next, we headed to Rush Mountain Adventure Park for the Mountain Coaster, a thrilling downhill ride with fantastic views.

In the afternoon, we drove through Custer State Park along the scenic Needles Highway. The narrow, winding road passes jagged granite spires and squeezes through the one-lane Needles Tunnel—a true highlight of the trip.

That evening, we dined at Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company before indulging in dessert at the popular Purple Pie Place, known for its delicious homemade pies.

Day 4: Wind Cave National Park

We wrapped up our trip at Wind Cave National Park, one of the oldest national parks in the country. We joined the Natural Entrance Tour, a 1.25-hour guided hike underground. This strenuous two-thirds of a mile walk was worth it for the history and the chance to see the park’s unique boxwork formations—delicate honeycomb-like calcite structures rarely found elsewhere.

Above ground, the park delivered even more surprises. We saw herds of bison, countless prairie dogs, and even a coyote crossing the grasslands.

Final Thoughts

In just four days, we covered a wide variety of experiences—towering rock formations, thrilling hikes, unique wildlife, historic monuments, and even waterpark fun. Northeastern Wyoming and South Dakota are packed with adventure, and this itinerary gave us the perfect balance of natural beauty, family fun, and cultural experiences.

✅ Tips for Your Trip

• Book lodging with waterpark access if traveling with kids—it’s a built-in highlight.

• Start early for hikes like the Notch Trail to avoid crowds and heat.

• Don’t miss the Needles Highway—one of the most scenic drives in the Black Hills.

• At Wind Cave, tours sell out quickly—reserve in advance if you can.

✨ Have you explored the Black Hills or Badlands? Share your favorite stops in the comments below!