Badlands

[camperbrian]

Traveling from Michigan to Custer State park,SD, we would like to drive thru the Badlands on the way. Any specific routes or advice?
Thanks!

[PSD Andy]

A few years ago we spent a night at the KOA in Interior, SD. Gave us time to check out the Badlands.

The next day we headed over on hwy 44 to the Black Hills. Not a lot to see on that road the further west it goes away from the Badlands. Interesting to drive but I won't likely do it again since we've driven it before.

Enjoy your trip, we love going to the Black Hills and look forward to returning in a year or two.

[notanlines]

Brian, basically you will enter Badlands National Park at highway 240 south from I-90. You will then re-enter the interstate farther west where highway 240 crosses the interstate again. You can see all there is to see in about 2 hours. It would be my opinion that you would NOT plan on spending a couple days there, particularly if you are travelling with children. It is interesting to see one time, but your kids would be bored to tears. Upon exiting the park, go into Wall Drug and have a soda....and stretch your legs. EVERYBODY goes to Wall Drug one time!

[JRTJH]

While in the area of the 240/I-90 interchange, just north of the exit, on 240 is the Minuteman Missile Visitor Center, a part of the national park system. If you're going to be in the area, make reservations and spend a couple hours touring the facility. It's an interesting (if you are into the Cold War/history) end to the "hours long drive" through the Badlands. Then, head west to Wall Drugs and possibly a little further west to Ellsworth AFB. The museum there has quite a bit of Air Force history and several aircraft on display. If you are going to be in the Rapid City/Hill City area, the Badlands, Wall Drug and the Minuteman Missile Center are "doable" as a combined day trip.

[camperbrian]

Brian, basically you will enter Badlands National Park at highway 240 south from I-90. You will then re-enter the interstate farther west where highway 240 crosses the interstate again. You can see all there is to see in about 2 hours. It would be my opinion that you would NOT plan on spending a couple days there, particularly if you are travelling with children. It is interesting to see one time, but your kids would be bored to tears. Upon exiting the park, go into Wall Drug and have a soda....and stretch your legs. EVERYBODY goes to Wall Drug one time!

This is exactly what we did. The Badlands are amazing. Wall Drug on the other hand...

[notanlines]

Brian, see? Now you've become one of "us." Us meaning those who have been there, shook their heads at the wonderment, and piled back into the RV minus the $50 that was mysteriously left behind "somewhere/somehow." For the remainder of your natural born life you will wonder how some little town in the middle of virtually nowhere has managed to become the trinket capital of the world. Am I correct in guessing that Custer State Park made up for the little stop in Wall Drug?
Jim

[SummitPond]

I suggest a stop in Mitchell, SD to see the Corn Palace. It won't take much time, but it is quite the sight.

There's also the Minuteman Missile Silo National Monument near the Badlands/Wall Drug, but you need 24-hour notice to the Park Service. See their web site for details.