10 days in South Dakota Itinerary

South Dakota's second-largest city, Rapid City has for many years served as a gateway to the West.

Popular historic sites such as Historic Old Town and Adams House are in your itinerary. You'll explore and learn at D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Suzie Cappa Art Center. Change things up with these side-trips from Rapid City: Presidential Trail (in Keystone), Custer (Iron Mountain Road & Sylvan Lake) and Deadwood (Scott Jacobs Studio, Mount Moriah Cemetery, &more). The adventure continues: look for all kinds of wild species at Bear Country USA, admire all the interesting features of Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, visit Downtown Rapid City, and explore the wealth of natural beauty at Wind Cave National Park.

To find where to stay, photos, reviews, and tourist information, read our Rapid City road trip planning site.

Springfield to Rapid City is an approximately 9-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of bus and train. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Springfield to Rapid City due to the time zone difference. In March, daily temperatures in Rapid City can reach 50°F, while at night they dip to 27°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Tue) so you can go by car to Badlands National Park.

Although Badlands National Park's name might not be the most inviting, its landscape of pinnacles, eroded buttes, spires, and an expansive, pristine mixed-grass prairie remain enticing.

On the 17th (Wed), get to know the fascinating history of Sage Creek Wilderness Area, take a memorable drive along Loop Road, then explore the striking landscape at Badlands Wall, and finally explore the striking landscape at Panorama Point Overlook.

Take the guesswork out of planning a Badlands National Park vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

Getting from Rapid City to Badlands National Park by car takes about an hour. Other options: do a combination of bus and taxi. Traveling from Rapid City in March, expect slightly colder with lows of 22°F in Badlands National Park. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Wed) so you can travel to Chamberlain.

Chamberlain is a city in Brule County, South Dakota, United States. Start off your visit on the 18th (Thu): take an in-depth tour of South Dakota Hall of Fame, don't miss a visit to Dignity, head outdoors with Allen's Hillside Guide Service - Day Adventures, then take an in-depth tour of Akta Lakota Museum, and finally browse the eclectic array of goods at Old West Trading Post.

For photos, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Chamberlain trip planner.

Traveling by car from Badlands National Park to Chamberlain takes 2.5 hours. The time zone difference when traveling from Badlands National Park to Chamberlain is 1 hour. In March, plan for daily highs up to 48°F, and evening lows to 25°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Watertown.

Watertown is a city in and the county seat of Codington County, South Dakota, United States. On the 19th (Fri), get engrossed in the history at Codington County Historical Museum, take in the exciting artwork at Redlin Art Center, then view the masterpieces at Terry Redlin Museum, and finally admire the landmark architecture of Mellette House.

For maps, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Watertown online trip builder.

Traveling by car from Chamberlain to Watertown takes 3.5 hours. In March, Watertown is little chillier than Chamberlain - with highs of 39°F and lows of 19°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Fri) so you can travel to Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls is the largest city in the U.S. On the 20th (Sat), get curious at Washington Pavilion, then do a tasting at Strawbale Winery, and then test your problem-solving skills at Escape 605. Keep things going the next day: pause for some serene contemplation at St. Joseph Cathedral and then stroll around Falls Park.

To find where to stay, reviews, photos, and tourist information, use the Sioux Falls tour itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Watertown to Sioux Falls takes 2 hours. In March, plan for daily highs up to 44°F, and evening lows to 24°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sun) so you can travel back home.