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.

Explore Rapid City's surroundings by going to Jon Crane Gallery & Custom Framing (in Hill City), Keystone (Mount Rushmore National Memorial & Breezy Point Picnic Area) and Custer (Sylvan Lake, Needles Eye Tunnel, &more). Pack the 5th (Mon) with family-friendly diversions at Rushmore Tramway Adventures. There's lots more to do: look for all kinds of wild species at Bear Country USA, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Reptile Gardens, discover the riches below the earth's surface at Big Thunder Gold Mine, and look for gifts at Alex Johnson Mercantile.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, read Rapid City trip maker website.

Ontario to Rapid City is an approximately 6.5-hour combination of car and flight. You can also drive. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Ontario to Rapid City due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Ontario in July, you will find days in Rapid City are a bit cooler (85°F), and nights are about the same (62°F). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Tue) early enough to drive to Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls is the largest city in the U.S. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Sioux Falls: De Smet (Laura Ingles Wilder Historic Homes & Ingalls Homestead - Laura's Living Prairie) and Lake Vermillion Recreation Area (in Canistota). There's still lots to do: walk around Falls Park, hike along Sioux Falls Bike Trails, see what you can catch with The Outdoor Campus, and admire nature's wide array of creatures at Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History.

To find reviews, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Sioux Falls trip builder tool.

You can drive from Rapid City to Sioux Falls in 5.5 hours. Other options are to fly; or take a bus. Traveling from Rapid City to Sioux Falls, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. In July, plan for daily highs up to 83°F, and evening lows to 62°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sat) so you can go by car to Mitchell.

Mitchell is the county seat of Davison County, South Dakota, United States. Kick off your visit on the 11th (Sun): stop by Sweet Fix Candy & Pop Shop, then learn about all things military at George and Eleanor McGovern Library, then make a trip to Valtiroty Shiloh's Tabernacle, and finally don't miss a visit to Corn Palace.

For more things to do, maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Mitchell day trip planning website.

Traveling by car from Sioux Falls to Mitchell takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In July, daytime highs in Mitchell are 86°F, while nighttime lows are 63°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (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.

Take a break from Badlands National Park with a short trip to Hurley Butte Horseback Riding in Interior, about 40 minutes away. Spend the 13th (Tue) exploring nature at Badlands National Park. There's lots more to do: cruise along Loop Road, hike along Door Trail, stop by Badlands Ranch Store, and take some stellar pictures from Yellow Mounds Overlook.

For photos, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Badlands National Park tour builder.

Traveling by car from Mitchell to Badlands National Park takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of bus and flight. Traveling from Mitchell to Badlands National Park, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. In July, plan for daily highs up to 91°F, and evening lows to 60°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.