9 days in Black Hills & Badlands 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 Devils Tower (Tower Trail & Devils Tower National Monument), Crazy Horse Memorial (in Crazy Horse) and Custer (Sylvan Lake, Needles Eye Tunnel, &more). There's lots more to do: look for all kinds of wild species at Bear Country USA, take a stroll through Downtown Rapid City, take in the exciting artwork at Suzie Cappa Art Center, and go deep underground at Big Thunder Gold Mine.

To see photos, reviews, and more tourist information, read Rapid City day trip site.

Columbus to Rapid City is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference when traveling from Columbus to Rapid City is minus 2 hours. Plan for a bit cooler temperatures traveling from Columbus in June, with highs in Rapid City at 78°F and lows at 57°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Sat) early enough to 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.

Spend the 18th (Sun) exploring nature at Badlands National Park. There's lots more to do: cruise along Loop Road, explore the striking landscape at Yellow Mounds Overlook, explore the striking landscape of Panorama Point Overlook, and hike along Notch Trail.

Start your trip to Badlands National Park by creating a personalized itinerary on Inspirock.

Drive from Rapid City to Badlands National Park in an hour. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi. In June, daytime highs in Badlands National Park are 83°F, while nighttime lows are 54°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Tue) to allow time to fly back home.