6 days in South Dakota Itinerary

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

Get out of town with these interesting Rapid City side-trips: Keystone (Mount Rushmore National Memorial & Breezy Point Picnic Area) and Custer (Wildlife Loop Road, Custer State Park, & more). There's still lots to do: wander the streets of Downtown Rapid City, admire the striking features of Chapel in the Hills, take in the exciting artwork at Suzie Cappa Art Center, and explore the wealth of natural beauty at Badlands National Park.

To see where to stay, photos, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Rapid City trip planner .

Denver to Rapid City is an approximately 3.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Expect a bit cooler weather when traveling from Denver in April: highs in Rapid City hover around 54°F, while lows dip to 33°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sat) to allow time to 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.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Sun): take in the dramatic natural features at White River Valley Overlook, take in the dramatic natural features at Big Badlands Overlook, explore the striking landscape at Panorama Point Overlook, then take in the dramatic natural features at Badlands Wall, and finally cruise along Loop Road. Here are some ideas for day two: explore the striking landscape of Badlands National Park.

For other places to visit, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, you can read our Badlands National Park trip itinerary maker site .

Traveling by car from Rapid City to Badlands National Park takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In April in Badlands National Park, expect temperatures between 58°F during the day and 30°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Mon) so you can drive to Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls is the largest city in the U.S. On the 23rd (Tue), don't miss a visit to Michelangelo's David replica, trek along SculptureWalk Sioux Falls, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Joseph Cathedral, and finally stroll through Falls Park.

To see reviews, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Sioux Falls online trip planner .

Traveling by car from Badlands National Park to Sioux Falls takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and flight; or take a bus. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Badlands National Park to Sioux Falls due to the time zone difference. In April, plan for daily highs up to 56°F, and evening lows to 34°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Tue) so you can travel back home.