15 days in South Dakota Itinerary

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

Change things up with these side-trips from Rapid City: Crazy Horse Memorial (in Crazy Horse), Custer (Custer State Park, Wildlife Loop Road, &more) and Keystone (Mount Rushmore National Memorial & Goodtyme Photo). And it doesn't end there: take in the dramatic natural features at Devils Tower National Monument, find something for the whole family at Rushmore Tramway Adventures, wander the streets of Downtown Rapid City, and learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Reptile Gardens.

To see traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Rapid City day trip tool.

Munich, Germany to Rapid City is an approximately 25-hour combination of car and flight. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time (CET) to Mountain Standard Time (MST), which is usually a -8 hour difference. In May, daily temperatures in Rapid City can reach 21°C, while at night they dip to 8°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sun) so you can drive 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.

Spend the 8th (Mon) exploring nature at Badlands National Park. The adventure continues: take a memorable drive along Loop Road, take in the dramatic natural features at Badlands Wall, explore the striking landscape of White River Valley Overlook, and hike along Notch Trail.

To find reviews, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Badlands National Park trip planner.

You can drive from Rapid City to Badlands National Park in an hour. Another option is to do a combination of bus and taxi. May in Badlands National Park sees daily highs of 24°C and lows of 6°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Wed) so you can drive to Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls is the largest city in the U.S. state of South Dakota. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Sioux Falls: De Smet (Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes, Ingalls Homestead - Laura's Living Prairie, &more), Corn Palace (in Mitchell) and Lake Vermillion Recreation Area (in Canistota). There's still lots to do: walk around Falls Park, look for all kinds of wild species at The Blood Run Nature Area, hike along SculptureWalk & Arc of Dreams Monument, and appreciate the history behind Porter Sculpture Park.

For reviews, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Sioux Falls travel itinerary planner.

Drive from Badlands National Park to Sioux Falls in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or do a combination of taxi and bus. The time zone difference moving from Mountain Standard Time (MST) to Central Standard Time (CST) is 1 hour. In May, daytime highs in Sioux Falls are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 9°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sun) so you can catch the flight back home.