Possibly going in June. May hit Omaha (CWS) on the way up. Looking for other things up that way. On the way back (we're driving; still don't want anything to do with flying right now) may hit the Colorado parks we haven't been to (RMNP, the other one...).

I always liked looking at it.

Sorry for the dumb response. (although I chuckled)

Don't forget Crazy Horse nearby. And I'd make the 2 hour drive to see Devil's Tower in Wyoming.

The Badlands, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Monument.

If you're thinking of going through Colorado, you can do Wyoming and southern Montana...Yellowstone, river rafting, Little Bighorn, etc.

If you want a baseball trip, go through KC and the negro leagues museum, Omaha, Field of Dreams, and then go west to South Dakota...

Bluecat_Aggie94 said:

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I always liked looking at it.

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Nice.

Custer State Park is one of the best state parks in America. Let me know the route you plan on taking up and back.

In addition to the Crazy Horse Monument and Devil's Tower, WY,
Sturgis and Deadwood are close by.

And of course you've got the tourist trap of Wall Drug.

Also Badlands NP.

Wicked Good Ag said:

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Custer State Park is one of the best state parks in America.

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This.

Also Wind Cave and Jewel Cave. And the Badlands.

A lot has built up around the area with opportunities to rent side by sides, ATV's, zip lining etc.

The old Ellsworth missile site is worth a visit. If you're in Omaha with kids the zoo is always a good choice.

Custer State Park is a really great park. Needles Highway, Wildlife Loop Rd, Black Elk Peak, Sylvan Lake. Tons of hiking out there too.

Spearfish Canyon has a ton of waterfalls and some swimming holes.

Obviously, you have the Badlands NP to the east and Wind Cave NP to the south.

Custer is a very nice little town for exploring Custer State Park. Rapid City is a worthwhile stopover. Deadwood is a nice diversion as well.

Custer State Park! Must do.

The faces? Lamest national monument. Go and get your picture, but prepare to be underwhelmed.

Crazy Horse, I thought it was worth it 15 years ago, but goodness they have made no progress on it. Just look at it from the road.

Badlands are awesome. Lots of wildlife and crazy formations. Easy to drive through and a few cool trails.

But Custer, it's the best thing up there.

After years of hearing how underwhelming Mount Rushmore is, I was fairly whelmed. It's not a bad stop. It's a fun little stroll around the grounds. Worth an hour or so.

But at least Sandy is right that Custer State Park is the best thing up there.

I did a week up there from Denver
Hit Fort Laramie then Devils Tower and stayed the night in Deadwood.
Then went down to Rapid City and did some excursions from there
Wall Drug->Minuteman Silo ->Badlands. Wall Drug is an interesting stop after seeing all the billboards. Minuteman is a cool site from the cold war era

Spend a day or two at Custer State park. If there weren't like 5 other National Parks there, this one would be. It's amazing.

Hit up Jewel Cave, Wind Cave and Mt Rushmore in a day or two. We went to Rushmore for the evening program and it was nice, but it isn't super great.

Pro Sandy said:

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Crazy Horse, I thought it was worth it 15 years ago, but goodness they have made no progress on it. Just look at it from the road.

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I'm not sure they want to finish it

That's part of its aura.

Mount Rushmore is smaller than many folks expect. Make sure you walk the trail to get a closer and better view.

Rushmore is also a NP that isn't really a NP. If you have a year pass it doesn't work. You pay to park in a parking garage. It's maybe the most blatantly commercial NP I have ever been in.

Mathguy64 said:

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Rushmore is also a NP that isn't really a NP. If you have a year pass it doesn't work. You pay to park in a parking garage. It's maybe the most blatantly commercial NP I have ever been in.

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It's a national memorial, not a national park

The Minuteman missile museum or whatever it's called is pretty cool. If you're in the area, check it out.
The Homestake Mine in Lead is next door to Deadwood basically and is pretty cool also.

Bumping this thread as I'm headed to the area in a couple of weeks.
I've been with the family before to the main sights like Badlands, Custer & Rushmore, but have a few questions on some places I haven't been.

Wind Cave or Jewel Cave? If you're going to do one, which is better?

Spearfish Canyon... what are your favorite not so strenuous hikes? (Big group w/kids & folks in 70's)

Best Casino in Deadwood?

Anything else to do around Devil's Tower besides look at it?

Thanks!

We did this trip last year with the wife, myself and 12yo son. We picked the hottest day and did Wind Save and Jewel Cave in same day. We stayed at one of the lodges in Custer State Park which was awesome on its own, and did the Buffalo dinner / cookout.

I saw nothing else around Devil's Tower. Cool to see but not much besides that.

Didn't gamble in Deadwood but it seemed like your standard low level casino / slot machine parlor.

Once thing I wished we had done was the tour of the gold mine in Lead. Stanford Research Laboratory has a museum and several different tours.

The ICBM main attraction was under refurb when we were there. Would have liked to spend more time seeing it if open.

The AFB there has some awesome aircraft on display.