4 days in Minneapolis, Badlands National Park & Wind Cave National Park Itinerary

Start off your visit on the 21st (Thu): explore the different monuments and memorials at Lakewood Cemetery, then explore the world behind art at The Museum of Russian Art, and then indulge your thirst for a good beer at Urban Growler Brewing Company. Here are some ideas for day two: ponder the world of politics at Minneapolis City Hall, admire the landmark architecture of Basilica of St. Mary, and then explore the landscape on two wheels at Mill Ruins Park.

To find traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Minneapolis driving holiday planning tool.

Use the Route module to find travel options from your starting location to Minneapolis. In October, daily temperatures in Minneapolis can reach 60°F, while at night they dip to 43°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Fri) early enough to fly to Badlands National Park.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Sat): explore the striking landscape of Panorama Point Overlook and then trek along Castle Trail.

To find ratings, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Badlands National Park itinerary website.

Fly from Minneapolis to Badlands National Park in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Traveling from Minneapolis to Badlands National Park, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Minneapolis in October, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be little chillier in Badlands National Park, with lows of 36°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sat) early enough to drive to Wind Cave National Park.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Sun): explore the wealth of natural beauty at Wind Cave National Park, hike along Rankin Ridge Nature Trail, and then wander the wide-open spaces of Windcross Conservancy.

To see maps, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, read Wind Cave National Park online itinerary planner.

Drive from Badlands National Park to Wind Cave National Park in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. When traveling from Badlands National Park in October, plan for a bit cooler days and about the same nights in Wind Cave National Park: temperatures range from 57°F by day to 34°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Sun) to allow time to drive back home.