Rapid City and Badlands Self Drive Explorer
Embark on an unforgettable self-drive itinerary through Rapid City and the Badlands. Begin your journey in Rapid City, exploring Main Street Square and the City of Presidents, then visit the iconic Mount Rushmore and the awe-inspiring Crazy Horse Memorial. Venture into the Black Hills National Forest for outdoor adventures and serene hikes. Spend a day discovering the unique culture and attractions of Wall, including Wall Drug and its quirky features. Continue to Badlands National Park, where you’ll marvel at the stunning rock formations and rich fossil beds. Enjoy wildlife sightings of bison, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles, and immerse yourself in paleontology at the Fossil Preparation Lab and the Fossil Exhibit Trail. Conclude your trip with a scenic drive along the Badlands Loop Road, taking in breathtaking views at every turn. This itinerary offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure.
This 7-day/6-night Rapid City and Badlands Self Drive Explorer package includes accommodations of your choice, a rental car, and sightseeing tours of your choice. Please note that this itinerary is flexible, and you can adjust it based on your interests, available time, and any specific attractions or sites you would like to prioritize.
Includes
- Rental vehicle with outlined inclusions
- Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance
- Accommodations of your choice
- Sightseeing tours and/or activites of your choice
Excludes
- Items of a personal nature
- All other items not mentioned as included
- Select local taxes where applicable
- Travel insurance; please inquire with your Keytours travel consultant
Itinerary
Day
1
Arrival - Rapid City
Welcome to Rapid City! Upon arrival at Rapid City Regional Airport, pick up your rental vehicle and drive approximately 20 minutes to the accommodation of your choice. Relax once you get in or enjoy a stroll through the town. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Day
2
Rapid City
Spend your day at leisure exploring the sights of Rapid City or nearby attractions. You may want to spend some time at Main Street Square, where you’ll find year-round activities and a lively atmosphere before heading to the area’s most famous landmark, Mount Rushmore or nearby Custer State Park.
Day
3
Rapid City
Explore the Black Hills National Forest with its dramatic scenery and endless offerings of trails, streams, caves, and peaks. Those feeling adventurous can get their adrenaline pumping with mountain biking or rock climbing, while those seeking a more relaxed experience might consider taking a fishing excursion or enjoying a leisurely hike.
Day
4
Rapid City - Wall
Check out of your hotel in Rapid City and drive about an hour to Wall. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the quirky prairie spirit of the town with a visit to the Wall Drug complex, featuring a shopping plaza, museum, arcade, and the famous 80-foot dinosaur statue. Afterward, take a scenic drive along the Badlands Loop Road, which offers numerous overlooks, each providing more breathtaking views than the last.
Day
5
Wall
Today, head to Badlands National Park to discover the "Land of Stone and Light." This dramatic landscape boasts some of the world's richest fossil beds, containing traces of prehistoric animals such as saber-toothed cats and ancient rhinos. Today, it's home to an array of majestic creatures, including bison, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles. Watch the modern wildlife or delve into paleontology with a visit to the Fossil Preparation Lab or a stroll down the Fossil Exhibit Trail.
Day
6
Wall
Spend another day exploring this stunning area. Visit the awe-inspiring Crazy Horse Memorial, admire the unique artworks at Porter Sculpture Park, or delve into pioneer history at the Prairie Homestead. Each of these attractions offers a unique glimpse into the region's cultural and historical heritage.
Day
7
Wall - Departure
Check out of your hotel and drive to Rapid City Regional Airport where you will return your rental vehicle and check-in for your onward flight.
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