For travelers looking to combine wide-open skies, dramatic landscapes, and historical landmarks, a road trip through the Dakotas offers a journey packed with variety and beauty. North and South Dakota are home to some of the most striking scenery in the country—rugged badlands, prairie grasslands, granite spires, and winding mountain roads—all accessible by well-maintained highways and scenic byways.
This loop is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. With national parks, wildlife-rich preserves, and historic sites spaced comfortably apart, it’s easy to create a flexible itinerary that balances outdoor adventure with rest and discovery.
Start in Rapid City, South Dakota
Rapid City is a perfect launching point, offering nearby access to major attractions and convenient travel amenities. From here, head south to begin your loop in Custer State Park. Take the Needles Highway, a narrow, winding road carved through granite spires and tunnels that opens into forests and alpine meadows. Wildlife is a highlight here—bison herds, pronghorn antelope, and burros often wander near the road.
Spend time hiking Cathedral Spires or Sylvan Lake trails, and don’t miss the early morning drive on the Wildlife Loop Road for a quiet start to the day surrounded by nature.
Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills
Just a short drive north is Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a must-see not just for the sculpture but also for its dramatic setting in the Black Hills. Consider visiting during the early morning or later evening hours to avoid crowds and catch the best light. Nearby, Crazy Horse Memorial offers a different perspective on history and culture, with a massive mountain carving still in progress and a museum worth visiting.
Stay overnight in Keystone or Hill City for a mountain-town atmosphere, and take time to explore the Iron Mountain Road, which features spiral bridges and scenic pull-offs with views of Mount Rushmore through natural rock tunnels.
West to Badlands National Park
From the Black Hills, head east toward Badlands National Park, a surreal landscape of layered rock formations, sharply eroded buttes, and sprawling prairies. The Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240) provides access to stunning viewpoints like Pinnacles Overlook, Yellow Mounds, and Big Badlands Overlook. Stop at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center to learn about the area’s fossil-rich history and native wildlife.
For an extra adventure, try a short hike like Notch Trail, which offers dramatic views after a modest climb. Overnight camping is available inside the park, or travelers can stay in nearby Wall, home to the quirky but iconic Wall Drug.
Head North to Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Crossing into North Dakota, set your sights on Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where the badlands take on a more rugged and wild character. The South Unit, near the town of Medora, offers scenic driving routes with frequent bison sightings, painted canyons, and prairie dog towns. The North Unit, a bit more remote, features dramatic cliffs and river views along the Little Missouri River.
This park is ideal for hiking, wildlife photography, and reflecting on the legacy of the 26th president, who found personal transformation in the harsh beauty of this landscape.
Complete the Loop Back to Rapid City
After exploring Theodore Roosevelt, head south through Bismarck or back west toward South Dakota, depending on your timing. The return trip offers open skies, peaceful landscapes, and small-town charm, allowing you to wind down the journey while soaking in the vastness of the Northern Plains.
Conclusion
A scenic loop through the Dakotas offers more than just roadside attractions—it’s a journey through history, geology, and wildlife on a scale that’s hard to match. With iconic stops like Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park, paired with lesser-known gems like Custer State Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, this road trip delivers adventure, variety, and time well spent on the road. For travelers who want to experience America’s wide-open spaces with depth and purpose, the Dakotas are road trip gold.