There is absolutely nothing that can compare to a good ole’ fashioned American road trip! While the drive between the Dakotas may be long, flat, and uneventful, there are ways to make it fun! Making the time to stop and enjoy your surroundings will really help to break up the drive (and give you a chance to stretch your legs). While the drive from Rapid City to Theodore Roosevelt National Park is around 4 hours, I decided to stay the night before my road trip in the town of Spearfish, SD. This helped to give me a leg up on the drive and cut out about 30-45 minutes. Plus, the speed limit on these back roads is generous and I saw exactly zero police officers. Pedal to the metal! Here’s my road trip itinerary from Rapid City to Theodore Roosevelt National Park!
Geographic Center of the Nation
If you’re driving directly out of Rapid City, this won’t be along the most direct route. Though, if you’re willing to go a sliiightly longer way, I think it’s worth a stop! While the geographic center of the continental United States is in Lebanon, Kansas, this is the dead center including Alaska and Hawaii (which in my opinion, makes it the real center). It is located in the town of Belle Fourche, which will be the biggest town you’ll see on your drive for another 3 hours. There is also a small museum next to the monument, but I was there too early to go inside. Snap some pics of you standing in the very center of America!
State Line
While not a ton to do other than take pictures, it will be a welcome stop after a few hours of driving through a whole lot of nothing. There are small gravel pull offs in front of both the North and South Dakota signs for you to safely pull over and snap some pics. If you’re like me, I usually get a little embarrassed as people drive by me taking pictures and honk. However, these roads are so rural, I was able to have a full on photo shoot and only have a few cars pass by. Perfect opportunity to document your time visiting new states!
Painted Canyon
Once you reach Painted Canyon, you’re in the home stretch of your drive! The overlook is technically part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park (there will be a sign for photos) and is a quick stop off the highway. There is a flat walkway that runs along the rim of the canyon for you to stretch your legs after the drive. There are even some short nature trails if you need to really move your legs. Snap some pics, grab a snack in the visitors center, and then get back on the road. The views will only get better, trust me!
Town of Medora
The town of Medora is an old western town that is the gate to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It’s a small, old Western town that will give you all the nostalgic feels (for times that you weren’t even around for)! Drive through the small streets among the old-time wooden buildings, and stop for an ice cream cone at one of the many options in town. You may even see a horse or two in the streets!
Later in the evening, grab a ticket to the famous Medora Musical! This 2 hour show in an outdoor amphitheater will give you all the patriotic vibes, make you laugh, and want to sing and dance. It was a little cheesy, but only in the best way!
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
After a long journey, you have finally made it from Rapid City to Theodore Roosevelt National Park! Spend your day driving around the Scenic Loop and taking in the breathtaking views of the Badlands. My favorite view in the whole park though? Wind Canyon Trail. Don’t miss it! If you’re lucky, you’ll even run into a herd of buffalo or wild horses!
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