Epic South Dakota Road Trip: Journey Across I‑90 from Sioux Falls to Mount Rushmore

I know, I know, South Dakota isn’t always top of mind when you think of places to vacation, but we toured east to west on I-90 and it was incredible! So, if you decide to take a South Dakota road trip, take an I-90 and you'll see the best the Great Plains has to offer!

From the thundering Falls of Sioux Falls to the towering granite faces of Mount Rushmore, this journey across the state is packed with unforgettable stops. You’ll explore quirky roadside attractions like the Corn Palace in Mitchell, hike the dramatic landscapes of Badlands National Park, browse the legendary Wall Drug Store, and stand in awe at the massive Crazy Horse Memorial. Along the way, you’ll also discover the wildlife, scenic drives, and serene alpine lakes of Custer State Park — making this one of the most iconic road trips in America.

Pro-Tips for Your Epic I-90 Trip:

🚗 Road Trip Essentials:

• Plan for long drives: The stretch from Sioux Falls to the Black Hills is about 5.5–6 hours,

  not including stops. Break it up with planned attractions (Mitchell, Badlands, Wall) to avoid burnout.

• Fill up often: Gas stations can be pretty sparse in between towns, especially near the Badlands, so don’t let your tank dip too low. Fill up when you can.

• Download offline maps: Cell service is spotty in rural stretches and inside Custer State Park and the Badlands.

  
  

🌦 Weather & Packing:

• Layer up: South Dakota weather changes quickly — mornings can be cool, afternoons hot, and evenings chilly, even in summer.

• Bring sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are must‑haves, especially in the Badlands where shade is minimal.

• Prepare for wind: The Great Plains are known for strong gusts, so secure hats and camera gear.

So let’s take the journey together! The video of our trip is located at the end of this blog.

Sioux Falls – Discover the Iconic Falls

Kick off your South Dakota road trip in Sioux Falls, where the Big Sioux River tumbles over rugged pink quartzite at Falls Park. This place is beautiful. Stroll the paved walkways, climb the viewing tower for panoramic photos, check out an old grain mill, and watch the water cascade through a landscape that has been drawing Native Americans, early traders, and travelers for centuries. With its mix of history, natural beauty, and nearby downtown dining, Sioux Falls sets the perfect tone for the adventure ahead. You can easily spend an hour here.

Mitchell – Explore the Famous Corn Palace

As you head west along I‑90, your next stop might be Mitchell to see the world‑famous Corn Palace. Known as the “World’s Only Corn Palace,” this one‑of‑a‑kind attraction is redecorated each year with massive murals made from thousands of bushels of corn, grains, and native grasses. Inside, you’ll find exhibits on South Dakota history, a gift shop, and local art.  Going in the Corn Palace is free, and there’s lots of neat places to take pictures of you and the family.  It’s a quirky and family‑friendly stop that perfectly captures the spirit of the Great Plains. It's well worth an hour or so.

The Badlands – South Dakota’s Painted Desert

About an hour past Mitchell, the scenery changes dramatically as you enter Badlands National Park. Jagged buttes, colorful rock layers, and sprawling prairie create a striking contrast to the flat plains you’ve been driving through. It looks almost o

ther-worldly. Hiking trails like the Notch or Door Trail offer stunning views. We hiked the Door Trail and it was incredible. Remember, the Badlands Loop Road provides convenient pull‑offs for photography. Fossils found here tell stories of ancient animals that once roamed the region, making it both a natural and historical treasure. You really need to plan on spending a couple hours here if you're going to hike one of the shorter trails. Also, make sure you have plenty of water if you go hiking, especially if you take a longer trail.

Wall – Home of the Legendary Wall Drug

Just beyond the Badlands lies the small town of Wall, home to the legendary Wall Drug Store. What started in the 1930s with the offer of free ice water and five cent coffee, has grown into a sprawling roadside attraction with restaurants, gift shops, Western art, and quirky photo spots like the giant jackrabbit. Oh, they still sell coffee for five cents a cup! This really is a must‑stop for stretching your legs, grabbing a bite, and experiencing a piece of South Dakota road trip culture. You can wrap up your visit here in an hour.

The Black Hills – Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse

As you continue west into the pine‑covered Black Hills, history and grandeur come together. Mount Rushmore National Memorial showcases the carved faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, it was created as a tribute to American's Democratic-Republic and ideals. Just down the road, the Crazy Horse Memorial — which is still under construction — honors the Lakota leader and celebrates Native American heritage. Together, these monuments tell the story of America from two really powerful perspectives.

Finally...

Custer State Park – Wildlife & Scenic Drives

Finish your South Dakota adventure in Custer State Park, a crown jewel of the Black Hills. Drive the Wildlife Loop to spot herds of free‑roaming bison, pronghorn, and wild burros, or take the Needles Highway, a breathtaking route winding between towering granite spires. Lakes like Sylvan and Stockade invite you to picnic, kayak, or simply relax. Whether you’re here for wildlife, photography, or peaceful mountain scenery, Custer State Park provides the perfect finale to your cross‑state journey. These drives can take some time, so you will want to allow at least a couple hours. Pro-Tip: You could really explore Southwest South Dakota over two or three days. So, you might want to reserve a hotel in the southern area of Rapid City.

Consider this epic journey...it's well worth it!

From the roaring waters of Sioux Falls to the towering granite peaks of the Black Hills, a road trip across South Dakota is a journey through history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re marveling at the artistry of the Corn Palace, hiking the dramatic trails of the Badlands, snapping photos at Wall Drug, or standing in awe before Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, every stop tells a story. And with the wildlife and scenic drives of Custer State Park to round out your adventure, you’ll leave with memories as vast and unforgettable as the South Dakota skies themselves.