Road Trip to Mt Rushmore
Our family road trip to the Black Hills was a perfect blend of adventure, nature, history, and togetherness. Over eight unforgettable days, we traveled from Wexford, Pennsylvania, to South Dakota and Wyoming, exploring iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower, and the Crazy Horse Memorial, while hiking scenic trails, spotting bison in Custer State Park, and discovering underground wonders at Wind Cave and Jewel Cave. Along the way, we experienced the vibrant energy of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, enjoyed quiet moments at campgrounds, and marveled at breathtaking drives through Badlands National Park, Spearfish Canyon, and the Needle Highway. Each day offered a new adventure, unforgettable family moments, and memories we’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Day 1 – August 2: The Journey Begins
Route: Wexford, PA → Onalaska/La Crosse
The adventure began early from Wexford. Excitement was in the air as we packed the car, loaded snacks, and set out on what would be a long day of driving. The kids settled in with their favorite playlists, and the adults enjoyed the quiet of the open road.
We drove steadily through Pennsylvania, stopping occasionally for coffee and quick meals, soaking in the changing scenery as farmland and small towns gave way to the open highways of the Midwest. But the journey wasn’t without its challenges—around Indiana Dunes on I-90, a traffic accident brought everything to a halt, costing us nearly two hours of travel time.
As we approached Chicago, the downtown rush hour traffic added to the delay. By the time we crossed the city, the sun was dipping low, casting golden light across the skyline. We paused for an early dinner and a much-needed rest at Belvidere Tollway Oasis, enjoying the sunset before resuming our journey.
Our plan was to cover at least half the distance on the first day, aiming to reach Onalaska/La Crosse for the night. Though the delays slowed us down, the day was filled with anticipation, laughter, and shared stories, setting the tone for the adventure that lay ahead. Tired but happy, we continued on, knowing that this first day was just the opening chapter of a memorable family road trip.
Day 2 – August 3: Sylvian Lake Campground
Route: Onalaska/La Crosse → Sylvian Lake Campground (via 1880 Town)
We woke refreshed and set out toward our first major destination in South Dakota. Early along the route, we made a special stop at
1880 Town, a living history town that feels like stepping straight into the Old West. We took our time strolling through the old western streets, browsing the gift shop, exploring the Casey Tibbs Museum, and spotting animals on the Longhorn Ranch. Our daughter was thrilled with gemstone panning and live reenactments, while my wife and I enjoyed soaking in the history and unique charm of this roadside attraction.
After resting and stretching our legs at 1880 Town, we continued west along I-90. The scenic stretches tempted us to stop at every overlook, but due to the day’s time constraints, we only managed a couple of quick stops. We knew we would have plenty of opportunities to explore the Badlands more thoroughly later in the week, so most of the overlooks along the highway were skipped.
Just after sunset, we arrived at Sylvian Lake Campground, our base for the next few nights. Our daughter and I set up the campsite while my wife prepared dinner. That evening, the three of us gathered around the campfire, roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, and fully embracing the magic of a family adventure in the great outdoors.
By the end of the day, we felt both relaxed and accomplished—having balanced a full day of driving, exploration, and quality family time perfectly.
Day 3 – August 5: Mt Wind Cave, Bison Sightings
Route: Stockade North Campground → Mount Rushmore → Black Hills Scenic Drives → Needle Highway → Lake Beach → Return
We started the day with a truly iconic American landmark:
Mount Rushmore. Our daughter was
super excited, having been learning about American history in school. Seeing the massive faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln carved into the granite mountainside brought everything to life. We walked the Presidential Trail, snapped family photos, and shared stories about the monument’s history, construction, and the vision behind it. It was a moment of learning and awe, perfectly combining education with family fun.
After Mount Rushmore, we hit the
Black Hills roads again. These scenic drives, including the famous
Needles Highway, were a thrill. Narrow tunnels, sharp switchbacks, and granite spires created stunning views at every turn. And, as on previous days, the roads were alive with
bikers from the ongoing Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, revving engines, groups riding together, and energy flowing through every scenic pull-off. Our daughter waved at passing bikers excitedly, and even on the winding roads, it was impossible not to be drawn into the excitement of the rally while appreciating the natural beauty around us.
Later, we stopped at a
lake beach, a perfect spot to relax and unwind. Our daughter played along the shore while my wife and I soaked in the scenery and chatted about the day. The combination of thrilling drives, monumental history, and quiet lakeside moments made this a day that captured the best of the Black Hills.
By sunset, we returned to Stockade North Campground, tired but happy. Between the historic wonder of Mount Rushmore, the adrenaline of winding roads, and the energy of bikers all around, it was a day full of memories we would cherish for years.
Day 4 – August 4: Devils Tower, Spearfish Canyon, and Deadwood
Route: Sylvian Lake Campground → Jewel Cave National Monument → Devils Tower → Spearfish Canyon → Deadwood → Sylvian Lake Campground
We started the day with plans to visit
Jewel Cave National Monument, but unfortunately, the cave tours were fully booked, so we had to skip it. Undeterred, we headed straight to
Devils Tower, one of the region’s most iconic landmarks.
At Devils Tower, the parking lot was packed, and it wasn’t just tourists—
hundreds of bikers from the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally filled the area. Shops and convenience stores buzzed with energy, motorcycles revving, and riders chatting. Despite the lively scene, we walked the trail around the base, our daughter wide-eyed at the massive monolith while we soaked in the vibrant mix of nature and biker energy.
Next, we drove along the
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, a breathtaking route through narrow canyons, waterfalls, and pine forests. On the way back toward Sylvian Lake, we stopped in
Spearfish for a quick lunch, picking up
pizza and Subway sandwiches to refuel before continuing the drive.
Our final stop of the day was
Deadwood, a historic town full of old saloons, lively streets, and charming Old West vibes. We wandered the town for a short time, taking in the history and sights before heading back to
Sylvian Lake Campground.
By the time we returned to the campground, the day had been a perfect mix of natural wonders, historic exploration, and lively experiences. Our daughter shared her favorite moments, and we all reflected on the unique blend of scenery, history, and the ongoing energy of the bike rally that made the day unforgettable.
Day 5 – August 6: Stockade North Campground, Badlands, Custer State Park, and Black Hills Drives
Route: Sylvian Lake Campground → Stockade North Campground → Minuteman Missile Visitor Center → Badlands Loop → Wall → Custer State Park → Black Hills Scenic Drives → Needle Highway → Hikes → Stockade North Campground
We started the day by moving to Stockade North Campground, a convenient base for exploring the Black Hills over the next couple of days. After setting up our campsite, we hit the road for a full day of sightseeing.
Our first stop was the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Visitor Center, located along the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway. The visitor center offered fascinating insights into Cold War history, and our daughter was curious about the missiles and the stories behind the historic sites.
Continuing along the
Badlands Loop Scenic Byway, we drove through the dramatic landscapes of
Badlands National Park, marveling at jagged peaks, layered rock formations, and sweeping vistas. Along the way, we were thrilled to spot a few
bighorn sheep navigating the rocky cliffs—graceful and majestic, a highlight of the day for all of us.
By midday, we stopped in
Wall, South Dakota, for a practical break—laundry and a quick lunch. While there, we also learned a little about the town’s
unique history. Wall started as a small settlement near the railroad and the nearby Badlands, growing over the years into a hub for travelers exploring the region. Today, it’s best known for
Wall Drug Store, which famously began as a small pharmacy in 1931 and became a roadside legend through clever advertising, free ice water for travelers, and quirky attractions that drew visitors from all over the country. Walking through Wall, it was easy to see how this small town became an iconic stop for adventurers like us.
After Wall, we headed toward
Custer State Park, where the wildlife encounters continued. Dozens of
bison roamed freely, and we also stopped at the
prairie dog grounds, where our daughter laughed at the playful animals popping in and out of their burrows. We made a quick stop at the
Custer State Park Visitor Center to learn more about conservation and the park’s ecosystem.
After the park, we drove along the Black Hills scenic roads, including the famous Needles Highway, known for its tunnels, pigtail bridges, and dramatic granite spires. Short hikes along the way let our daughter scramble over rocks while we enjoyed the panoramic views of the surrounding forests and valleys.
Later, we relaxed at a lake beach, letting our daughter splash around as the sun began to dip toward the horizon. The combination of history, wildlife sightings, thrilling scenic drives, and peaceful lakeside moments made this day a perfect mix of adventure and family bonding.
By sunset, we returned to Stockade North Campground, tired but fulfilled—ready to rest before another exciting day exploring the Black Hills.
Day 6 – August 8: Mammoth Site, Custer, and Crazy Horse Monument
Route: Stockade North Campground → Mammoth Site → Custer → Crazy Horse Monument → Return to Stockade North Campground
On our final day in the Black Hills, we made a
morning stop at the Mammoth Site before lunch. This fascinating site is a
fossilized hotspot of Columbian mammoths that roamed the plains over 10,000 years ago. Walking through the partially excavated site, we saw the preserved skeletons in situ, imagining the massive creatures that once inhabited the region. Our daughter was fascinated, asking questions about how the mammoths lived and why they became extinct. The on-site exhibits explained the history of the excavation and the scientific significance of finding so many specimens together, making it both educational and awe-inspiring.
After exploring the Mammoth Site, we drove into the nearby
city of Custer for a short shopping break. Though small, the town offered a charming selection of local shops and souvenirs, giving us a chance to pick up some keepsakes from our trip.
Our next stop was the
Crazy Horse Memorial, a monumental tribute to the Lakota leader who resisted the U.S. government during the 19th-century conflicts. The sculpture, still under construction, is intended to honor
Crazy Horse riding a horse with arm outstretched, symbolizing courage and the spirit of the Native American people. We explored the visitor center, learned about the history and culture of the Lakota and other Plains tribes, and saw detailed models showing the future vision of the massive monument. Our daughter was fascinated by the story of Crazy Horse and the ongoing work that preserves his legacy for future generations.
After a full day of
history, culture, and exploration, we returned to
Stockade North Campground, our base for the night. Sitting around the campsite, we reflected on the week’s adventures—the towering rock formations, bison and bighorn sightings, scenic drives, lively bikers from the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse.
It was a peaceful night, the
last in the Black Hills at Stockade North Campground, before beginning our journey home the following morning—a perfect ending to an unforgettable family trip.
Day 7 – August 8: Return Journey and Historic Stops
Route: Stockade North Campground → Custer State Park → Agate Fossil National Monument → Scotts Bluff National Monument → Chimney Rock National Historic Site → The Archway → Wexford, PA
As our incredible trip came to an end, we
packed up our campsite at Stockade North and began the long drive home. Even though the journey was lengthy, we made several stops to soak in the natural beauty and history along the way.
Our first stop was
Custer State Park, giving us
one last chance to enjoy the rolling landscapes and wildlife. We admired the bison herds in the open plains and reflected on how much we had experienced in this park over the past few days.
Next, we visited Agate Fossil National Monument, a fascinating site preserving fossils and petrified bones of creatures from the Miocene epoch, around 20 million years ago. Walking through the area, we marveled at the prehistoric history embedded in the rocks and soil, imagining the ancient ecosystems that once thrived here.
Continuing east, we stopped at
Scotts Bluff National Monument, a
striking geological formation that served as a landmark for pioneers traveling the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. Standing at the base, we snapped a family photo and discussed the significance of the bluff as a guidepost for early settlers forging their way westward.
Next was
Chimney Rock National Historic Site, another iconic landmark along the historic pioneer trails. Rising dramatically from the plains, Chimney Rock was one of the first landmarks visible for travelers heading west. It was easy to imagine the challenges faced by the pioneers as they crossed vast, open plains with only natural formations like this to guide them.
We drove past
The Archway, a massive museum and monument spanning I-80 that commemorates the westward expansion of the United States. Though we didn’t stop, we appreciated its scale and the stories it represents about pioneer journeys, railroad development, and the movement of people across the continent.
By evening, we were midway home and stopped for the night in Avoca, Iowa. It was a restful pause, giving us a chance to stretch our legs, enjoy a quiet dinner, and reminisce about the week-long journey through natural wonders, historic landmarks, and unforgettable family adventures.
Day 8 – August 9: Final Drive Home
Route: Avoca, IA → Truck Stop Lunch Stop → Commodore Service Plaza, Ohio → Biggest Truck Stop on I‑80, Ohio → Wexford, PA
We started the day a bit later than usual, around 10 a.m., after a restful overnight stay at Avoca, Iowa. The morning was relaxed as we packed up and prepared for the final stretch of our journey home.
Around midday, we stopped at a truck stop for lunch, spending over an hour enjoying a leisurely meal, stretching our legs, and exploring the amenities. We also made a quick stop at the biggest truck stop along I‑80 in Ohio, which offered an impressive selection of food, souvenirs, and travel necessities. My wife and daughter enjoyed browsing the stores and picking up a few small mementos, making it a fun, quirky addition to the final day of the trip. It was a nice pause to recharge before the long drive ahead.
After lunch, we continued east across Indiana. As the afternoon wore on, the sun began to descend toward the horizon. Just before sunset, we stopped at the Commodore Service Plaza in Ohio to take a final break—stretching our legs, filling up the gas tank, and giving ourselves a few minutes to rest. Since it was the last day of the trip, we didn’t rush, making sure to drive safely while still enjoying the last stretches of open road and fading light.
From there, it was mostly straight driving back to Wexford, Pennsylvania, reflecting on the week-long adventure: bison and bighorn sheep sightings, scenic Black Hills drives, historic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse, and the lively energy of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Every stop, every view, and every story felt like part of a rich, unforgettable experience.
By night, we finally arrived back in Wexford, marking the end of a truly remarkable family road trip—one full of nature, history, adventure, and cherished family memories, savored at a comfortable pace all the way through the last day.
