Sioux Falls, SD to Rapid City, SD Road Trip

A 3-day itinerary from Sioux Falls, SD to Rapid City, SD. Drive from Sioux Falls to Rapid City to see the Badlands, Wall Drug, and the Missouri River on this iconic South Dakota road trip across the Great Plains.

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 Itinerary

- **Pacing:** Balanced exploration with 5h 31m of driving and 6h 15m of visiting; a steady transition from the eastern plains toward the Missouri River. - **Vibe:** A mix of quirky roadside Americana and serene lakeside stops, perfect for a route explorer. - **Tip:** The Corn Palace is a unique photo op, but save your appetite for the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village to see the only archaeological site in the plains open to the public. - **Focus:** Since you'll be visiting several lakes like Forsch and Luxemberger, keep a pair of binoculars handy for birdwatching.

Forsch Lake State Public Shooting Area - 25705 435th Ave, Bridgewater, South Dakota 57319, United States
The Worlds Only Corn Palace - 604 N Main St, Mitchell, South Dakota 57301, United States
Welker Lake - Alexandria, South Dakota 57311, United States
Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village - 3200 Indian Village Rd, Mitchell, South Dakota 57301, United States
Lunch at Pizza Ranch - 502 E Norway Ave, Mitchell, South Dakota 57301, United States
Plankinton Baseball Field - E 1st St, Plankinton, South Dakota 57368, United States
Luxemberger Lake - White Lake, South Dakota 57383, United States
Dakota Prairie Lodge and Resort - 35451 253rd St, Kimball, South Dakota 57355, United States
Dinner at Frosty King - 738 S Main St, Kimball, South Dakota 57355, United States
North American Baptist Heritage Center - 2100 S Summit Ave, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57105, United States
Salem Eastbound Information Center - I-90 MRM 362.7, Salem, South Dakota 57058, United States

Day 2 Itinerary

- **Pacing:** High-intensity day with 6h 16m of driving and 7h 55m of visiting; this is your longest stretch on the road. - **Vibe:** A deep dive into South Dakota’s vast landscapes, transitioning from the Missouri River bluffs into the rugged Badlands. - **Tip:** Make sure to stop at the Dignity statue for a panoramic view of the river; it’s one of the most photographed spots in the state for a reason. - **Focus:** As you enter Badlands National Park late in the day, have your camera ready for the 'golden hour' light hitting the rock formations.

Lake Sixteen - Kimball, South Dakota 57355, United States
Al's Oasis - 1000 E South Dakota, Oacoma, South Dakota 57365, United States
Dignity of Earth and Sky - Chamberlain, South Dakota 57325, United States
Brakke Dam - Presho, South Dakota 57568, United States
Byre Lake - Kennebec, South Dakota 57544, United States
Lunch at Hutch's Cafe - 308 East Hwy 16, Presho, South Dakota 57568, United States
Vivian Information Center - I-90, Presho, South Dakota 57568, United States
Fate Dam - Presho, South Dakota 57568, United States
Badlands Narional Park - Kennebec, South Dakota 57544, United States
Dinner at The Small Towner - 909 S Main St, Kadoka, South Dakota 57543, United States
Pearl Hotel - 819 Main St, Kadoka, South Dakota 57543, United States
Mount Vernon Area Historical Society - 319 E 2nd Ave, Mount Vernon, South Dakota 57363, United States
Buffalo Ridge Brewing - 102 N Main Ave, Hartford, South Dakota 57033, United States

Day 3 Itinerary

- **Pacing:** Leisurely driving (only 3h 14m) but heavy on exploration with 9h 10m of visit time. - **Vibe:** An immersive historical and geological journey ending in the vibrant downtown of Rapid City. - **Tip:** The Minuteman Missile Visitor Center requires some focus—it's a sobering look at Cold War history, so give yourself the full allotted time there. - **Focus:** Wear sturdy walking shoes for the overlooks and the Museum of Geology; you'll be doing a lot of standing and light walking today.

Breakfast at Sunset Grill - 411 SD-73, Kadoka, South Dakota 57543, United States
Big Badlands Overlook - Interior, South Dakota 57750, United States
Badlands Natural History Association - 20695 SD-240, Interior, South Dakota 57750, United States
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Visitor Center - 24545 CottonWood Rd, Philip, South Dakota 57567, United States
Yellow Mounds Overlook - SD-240, Wall, South Dakota 57790, United States
Wall Time Capsule - 407 Main St, Wall, South Dakota 57790, United States
Lunch at Wakin' Bacon - 606 Glenn St, Wall, South Dakota 57790, United States
Get Air Trampoline Park - 449 Americas Way, Box Elder, South Dakota 57719, United States
Museum of Geology - O'Harra Building, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701, United States
🍽️ Dinner at Murphy’s Pub & Grill - Rapid City, South Dakota, United States - A local institution housed in a historic building, famous for its lively atmosphere and signature dishes like buffalo meatloaf and walleye.
Hyatt Place Rapid City / Downtown
Lake Vermillion State Recreation Area - 26140 451st Ave, Canistota, South Dakota 57012, United States
Bear Country USA - 13820 US-16, Rapid City, South Dakota 57702, United States
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Visitor Center - 24545 CottonWood Rd, Philip, South Dakota 57567, United States
In town home- above the 1880 train. Walk to Main St!— recently updated! - Hill City, South Dakota 57745, United States
Wall Drug Store - 510 Main St, Wall, South Dakota 57790, United States

Black Hills and Badlands

From: Sioux Falls

Essential Gear

Smart recommendations tailored to your specific itinerary and season.

Safety

Eye and Ear Protection

Essential for safety while visiting the Forsch Lake and Kramer Slaugh State Public Shooting Areas.

Amazon REI

Footwear

Waterproof Walking Shoes

Necessary for navigating the various lake shores and outdoor recreational areas like Welker and Luxemberger Lakes.

Amazon REI

Accessories

Polarized Sunglasses

Reduces glare from the water surfaces at the multiple lake stops and while driving the long stretches of I-90.

Amazon REI

Apparel

Windbreaker or Light Jacket

The Missouri River area near the Dignity statue and various dams can be very windy and cooler than inland areas.

Amazon REI

Optics

Compact Binoculars

Great for viewing the Dignity of Earth and Sky monument details and spotting wildlife at Roam Free Park.

Amazon REI

Tech

Portable Power Bank

Ensures your phone stays charged for photos during the scenic drive from Chamberlain to Rapid City.

Amazon REI

Protection

Reef-Safe Sunscreen and Wide-Brimmed Hat

The Badlands overlooks offer very little shade and the light reflects intensely off the pale rock formations.

Amazon REI

Hydration

Insulated Water Bottle

Crucial for staying hydrated in the arid climate of the Badlands and during the walk through Bear Country USA.

Amazon REI

Footwear

Sturdy Hiking Shoes

Provides necessary traction for the uneven terrain at Falls Park and the various overlooks in Badlands National Park.

Amazon REI

▼

Day 1

🗺️ Google Maps

•Pacing: Balanced exploration with 5h 31m of driving and 6h 15m of visiting; a steady transition from the eastern plains toward the Missouri River.
•Vibe: A mix of quirky roadside Americana and serene lakeside stops, perfect for a route explorer.

🏠

Start Origin

Sioux Falls, SD

🚗

1h 11 min • 51.8 miles

Forsch Lake State Public Shooting Area

9:15 AM

25705 435th Ave, Bridgewater, South Dakota 57319, United States

30m • Leave at 9:45 AM

🚗

47 min • 34.0 miles

The Worlds Only Corn Palace

10:30 AM

604 N Main St, Mitchell, South Dakota 57301, United States

60m • Leave at 11:30 AM

🚗

32 min • 23.1 miles

Welker Lake

12:00 PM

Alexandria, South Dakota 57311, United States

30m • Leave at 12:30 PM

🚗

33 min • 24.2 miles

Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village

1:00 PM

3200 Indian Village Rd, Mitchell, South Dakota 57301, United States

90m • Leave at 2:30 PM

🚗

6 min • 4.2 miles

Lunch at Pizza Ranch

2:30 PM

502 E Norway Ave, Mitchell, South Dakota 57301, United States

60m • Leave at 3:30 PM

🚗

40 min • 29.2 miles

🌲

Plankinton Baseball Field

4:15 PM

E 1st St, Plankinton, South Dakota 57368, United States

20m • Leave at 4:30 PM

🚗

25 min • 18.1 miles

Luxemberger Lake

5:00 PM

White Lake, South Dakota 57383, United States

25m • Leave at 5:30 PM

🚗

17 min • 12.2 miles

Dakota Prairie Lodge and Resort

🌙 Evening: Check-in

35451 253rd St, Kimball, South Dakota 57355, United States

View Deal

🚗

4 min • 2.7 miles

Dinner at Frosty King

7:00 PM

738 S Main St, Kimball, South Dakota 57355, United States

60m • Leave at 8:00 PM

▼

Day 2

🗺️ Google Maps

•Pacing: High-intensity day with 6h 16m of driving and 7h 55m of visiting; this is your longest stretch on the road.
•Vibe: A deep dive into South Dakota’s vast landscapes, transitioning from the Missouri River bluffs into the rugged Badlands.

🚗

9 min • 6.7 miles

Lake Sixteen

8:15 AM

Kimball, South Dakota 57355, United States

30m • Leave at 8:45 AM

🚗

48 min • 34.9 miles

📸

Al's Oasis

9:30 AM

1000 E South Dakota, Oacoma, South Dakota 57365, United States

60m • Leave at 10:30 AM

🚗

4 min • 3.2 miles

Dignity of Earth and Sky

10:30 AM

Chamberlain, South Dakota 57325, United States

30m • Leave at 11:00 AM

🚗

56 min • 40.3 miles

Brakke Dam

12:00 PM

Presho, South Dakota 57568, United States

30m • Leave at 12:30 PM

🚗

11 min • 7.9 miles

Byre Lake

12:45 PM

Kennebec, South Dakota 57544, United States

30m • Leave at 1:15 PM

🚗

20 min • 14.3 miles

Lunch at Hutch's Cafe

1:30 PM

308 East Hwy 16, Presho, South Dakota 57568, United States

60m • Leave at 2:30 PM

🚗

8 min • 6.0 miles

Vivian Information Center

2:45 PM

I-90, Presho, South Dakota 57568, United States

60m • Leave at 3:45 PM

🚗

14 min • 9.8 miles

Fate Dam

4:00 PM

Presho, South Dakota 57568, United States

40m • Leave at 4:45 PM

🚗

10 min • 7.3 miles

Badlands Narional Park

5:00 PM

Kennebec, South Dakota 57544, United States

90m • Leave at 6:30 PM

🚗

2h 25 min • 104.8 miles

Dinner at The Small Towner

9:00 PM

909 S Main St, Kadoka, South Dakota 57543, United States

45m • Leave at 9:45 PM

#10

🚗

1 min • 0.1 miles

Pearl Hotel

🌙 Evening: Check-in

819 Main St, Kadoka, South Dakota 57543, United States

#11

View Deal

▼

Day 3

🗺️ Google Maps

•Pacing: Leisurely driving (only 3h 14m) but heavy on exploration with 9h 10m of visit time.
•Vibe: An immersive historical and geological journey ending in the vibrant downtown of Rapid City.

🚗

1 min • 1.0 miles

Breakfast at Sunset Grill

8:00 AM

411 SD-73, Kadoka, South Dakota 57543, United States

45m • Leave at 8:45 AM

🚗

34 min • 24.9 miles

Big Badlands Overlook

9:15 AM

⚠️ This location is closed. Hours today: 06:00 - 20:00.

Interior, South Dakota 57750, United States

25m • Leave at 9:45 AM

🚗

6 min • 4.2 miles

Badlands Natural History Association

9:45 AM

20695 SD-240, Interior, South Dakota 57750, United States

60m • Leave at 10:45 AM

🚗

12 min • 9.0 miles

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Visitor Center

11:00 AM

24545 CottonWood Rd, Philip, South Dakota 57567, United States

60m • Leave at 12:00 PM

🚗

26 min • 19.0 miles

Yellow Mounds Overlook

12:30 PM

⚠️ This location is closed. Hours today: 06:00 - 20:00.

SD-240, Wall, South Dakota 57790, United States

25m • Leave at 1:00 PM

🚗

19 min • 13.8 miles

Wall Time Capsule

1:15 PM

407 Main St, Wall, South Dakota 57790, United States

60m • Leave at 2:15 PM

🚗

1 min • 0.3 miles

Lunch at Wakin' Bacon

2:15 PM

606 Glenn St, Wall, South Dakota 57790, United States

45m • Leave at 3:00 PM

🚗

1h 22 min • 59.5 miles

Get Air Trampoline Park

4:15 PM

449 Americas Way, Box Elder, South Dakota 57719, United States

120m • Leave at 6:15 PM

🚗

7 min • 4.8 miles

Museum of Geology

6:15 PM

O'Harra Building, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701, United States

60m • Leave at 7:15 PM

🚗

2 min • 1.5 miles

🍴

🍽️ Dinner at Murphy’s Pub & Grill

7:15 PM

Rapid City, South Dakota, United States

50m • Leave at 8:00 PM

#10

🚗

1 min • 0.1 miles

Hyatt Place Rapid City / Downtown

🌙 Evening: Check-in

#11

View Deal

Loading map...