From Devils Tower to Mount Rushmore: A Road Trip Around Rapid City

We spent a week road-tripping through the southwestern corner of South Dakota and the northeastern edge of Wyoming, diving deep into the natural wonders and historic sites within a two-hour drive of Rapid City. Beyond the previously shared Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, and Badlands National Park, this area is filled with unique attractions. Here are some highlights from our trip—a route map is included at the end! 🗺️✨ ｜Devils Tower National Monument 🗻 Rising 386 meters above the vast prairie, Devils Tower is a nearly vertical rock monolith and one of the world’s most challenging climbs. Each year, about 5,000 people attempt to summit it, yet only around 17,000 have ever succeeded and returned safely. Its striking formation, made of igneous rock columns, is a true geological marvel. ｜Geographic Center of the Nation Monument 🇺🇸📍 A small park we passed on the way to Devils Tower, marking the geographical center of the United States. It’s a quick stop perfect for a photo op! On the drive back from Devils Tower to South Dakota, the views were endless grasslands under wide-open skies, dotted occasionally with grazing cattle. 🐄🌾 ｜Mount Rushmore 🗽 South Dakota’s most iconic landmark. Photos don’t quite capture its grandeur—seeing it in person is awe-inspiring. Even before entering the park, you can spot the massive sculptures from the road, emerging impressively from the forested mountains. ｜Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway 🚙💨 A beautiful mountain drive winding past streams, waterfalls, and forest-covered valleys. Perfect for slowing down and soaking in the serene views. ｜Town of Lead ⛏️ Home to the largest and deepest gold mine in the Western Hemisphere—2,500 meters deep! Although mining has ceased, the town’s rich industrial history is still visible everywhere. ｜Town of Deadwood 🤠 Once a bustling Gold Rush town, Deadwood still retains its 19th-century Western charm. We even stumbled upon a street performance that felt like a flashback to the era of cowboys and gamblers. ｜Route Map 🗺️👇 #SouthDakota #AmericanWest #NaturePhotography #ShareTheOutdoors #Travel #RoadTrip