DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE AMERICAN ROAD TRIP
The Dakotas
South Dakota - South Dakota
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The Dakotas
Stop 1: City of Presidents 1/12
Before you set off, discover an amazing series of more than 40 life-size statues of US Presidents while browsing the boutiques, galleries and restaurants of Main Street and St Joseph Street in downtown Rapid City. All the US Presidents are represented by these historic figures, which were created by local artists and placed on every corner across this ‘City of Presidents’ district.
The Dakotas
Stop 2: Art Alley 2/12
Near the City of Presidents in downtown Rapid City, there’s a chance to experience art of a very different kind. Step into Art Alley between 6th and 7th Streets to find a long walkway where anyone (with a permit) can paint anything. The result is a vibrant mix of ever-changing graffiti and public art lining a free walkway through the city centre. It has become one of the city’s most popular attractions.
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Stop 3: Badlands National Park 3/12
Southwest Dakota’s Badlands National Park contains some of America’s most extraordinary landscapes. This must-see attraction is a mix of strangely shaped eroded rock formations amid the biggest original mixed grass prairie in the US. It’s a huge wilderness area to explore, so set off on a memorable hike or simply drive the scenic road loop through the park. Learn more at the Visitor Centre and keep a look out for the black-footed ferret, the continent’s rarest mammal.
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Stop 4: Bear Butte State Park 4/12
Located in the Black Hills, Bear Butte State Park is a geological formation that was formed millions of years ago. It was established as a state park in 1961. The mountain of Bear Butte State Park is a sacred site for American Indian tribes, who often come here to hold religious practices. Bear Butte State Park also offers a plenty of hiking, camping, fishing, and boating opportunities.
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Stop 5: Fort Pierre Chouteau 5/12
Further along the Missouri River there’s an opportunity to visit the historic site of one of the most important trading posts between settlers and Native Americans on the Great Plains. Fort Pierre Chouteau was originally a fur trading outpost that became a US military stronghold in the 19th century. Nothing remains of those fort buildings but the inspiring site is marked by a monument that recognises its significance as a National Historic Landmark.
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Stop 6: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park 6/12
As well as boasting scenic hiking trails with views of the majestic Missouri river, Fort Abraham Lincoln is a must-see stop for those with an interest in Native American history and culture. It was here that the legendary General Custer was stationed before his final battle; the home in which he lived has been reconstructed for guided tours. A short walk away is the rebuilt On-A-Slant village where the local Mandan Indians also lived.
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Stop 7: Theodore Roosevelt National Park 7/12
The memorable landscapes at the point where the rolling Great Plains meet the wild Badlands once inspired a young Theodore Roosevelt into a lifetime of conservation. Today they can inspire visitors to hike, explore and camp in a scenic environment along the Little Missouri River. Take the Loop Drive through the park for a simple route around the best sites, and check out highlights like the coloured rocks at Painted Canyon or the old cabin where Roosevelt once stayed.
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Stop 8: Belle Fourche Dam 8/12
Belle Fourche Dam , also known as Orman Dam, is located on Owl Creek in Butte County. It was the world’s largest earth dam when it was built in 1911. More recently it has been designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. The damming of Owl Creek created a beautiful National Wildlife Refuge as well as the popular Rocky Point Recreation area for camping, boating, picnics and walks. And just short drive south, the dramatic scenery of Spearfish Canyon is waiting to be explored.
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Stop 9: Crazy Horse Memorial 9/12
Native tribal chief Henry Standing Bear invited a sculptor to create a spectacular tribute to all Native Americans by carving a mountain in the Black Hills to rival nearby Mount Rushmore. The project started in 1948 and is still being worked on. It will eventually depict the warrior Crazy Horse riding a horse and will be the world’s largest sculpture. Visitors can now see Crazy Horse’s face, as well as the exhibits on display at the visitor centre and museum.
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Stop 10: Mount Rushmore National Memorial 10/12
The giant granite heads of four US Presidents carved into the cliffs of Mount Rushmore have become one of America’s most distinctive landmarks. The project began in 1927 and was finished by 1941. The celebration of some of the country’s most celebrated Presidents - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln - makes the famous National Memorial South Dakota’s most popular attraction. There’s also an extensive visitor centre, shop, restaurant and programme of talks too.
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Stop 11: Custer State Park 11/12
Get a taste of Dakota’s untamed Wild West amid 71,000 acres of spectacular terrain. From the 18-mile wildlife loop road look out for a 1,300-strong herd of bison roaming free, or take the scenic Needles Highway to see rugged eroded spires of rock. Walk in the footsteps of Lt. Col. Custer’s gold prospecting expedition of 1874 or hire a cabin alongside a mountain stream in pristine pine forest. It’s also a great spot for hiring kayaks.
The Dakotas
Stop 12: Dinosaur Park 12/12
Families will love the Dinosaur Park located in Rapid City., Dedicated in 1936, the park features seven full-size dinosaur models that dominate the site. Each dinasour was chosen to reflect fossils found in the region. There’s also an onsite visitor centre and gift shop, where you can pick out a wide selection of dinasour inspired souvenirs and memorabilia to commemorate your trip.
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