If you’re making the trek for an action-packed getaway in South Dakota’s Black Hills National Forest, why not take in a few more of America’s signature sites along the way. This route takes you through Boise and on to Yellowstone National Park before hitting Casper and Jackson on your way to your final destination. Don't forget to order your Vacation Guide before hitting the road to discover even more South Dakota adventures.

After a light breakfast, buckle up for an easy all-interstate drive on the first day of your epic road trip. Take I-84 east, stopping in The Dalles, OR, for lunch. Fill up on hefty portions of hearty homestyle food at Cousins’ Restaurant & Saloon or go a little upscale at Petite Provence – a bistro, boulangerie and patisserie serving an elegant French menu.

Then continue on I-84 east for another 5.5 hours to Boise, checking into your hotel to freshen up for a night out. Go modern at, well, the Modern Hotel and Bar or cosmopolitan with an urban resort experience at The Grove Hotel.   

For dinner, go European again (but this time, Spanish tapas) at The Basque Market or stick with stick-to-your-ribs fare at Goodwood Barbecue Company.

Fuel up for the day at Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro (try the Andalusia Eggs featured in Bon Appétit!) and maybe a quick tour of the Old Idaho Penitentiary. But don’t dally – you have a long drive ahead to reach the Yellowstone area by dark. Continue on I-84 east, stopping for lunch in Idaho Falls, where local favorites Sandpiper Restaurant and Jakers Bar and Grill will tide you over with hand-cut steaks, seafood, pasta or something a little lighter.

Back on I-84, you’re only 3 hours away from Yellowstone National Park — America’s first national park — and the world of adventure it offers. Rest up at the Stage Coach Inn or Yellowstone Lodge itself for another day of play. 

They’re called the Grand Tetons for a reason, so wake up early this morning for a 2.5-hour drive to Teton Village for crisp mountain adventures in a stunning landscape. Enjoy lunch in Jackson at the casually elegant Snake River Grill or chic wine bistro Bin 22 before taking Routes 26 and 20 east to settle for the night in Casper.

Grab casual starters, salads and burgers at Sanford’s Grub & Pub or splurge on a chef-inspired local meal at Silver Fox Steakhouse. Afterward, check into your room surrounding an inner courtyard at the C’mon Inn Hotel & Suites or soak up jaw-dropping views of Casper Mountain and the North Platte River at Red Butte Ranch.

Now that you have arrived, the adventures that await are endless!

Top Attractions

First up is one of America’s most iconic sites – and sights! Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone is a towering monument to American history, featuring larger-than-life faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln carved into the side of a stone mountain. Another large stone likeness awaits at Crazy Horse Memorial, honoring the culture and living history of Native Americans.

Parks & Trails

Filling more than 70,000 acres in the Black Hills, expansive Custer State Park features granite peaks, rolling plains and clear mountain waters that are home to abundant wildlife and adventure. Camp, hike, bike, swim, fish or just sit back and relax to take it all in. Ready to explore more? Check out these top hiking trails in Black Hills or discover unlimited outdoor activities throughout 1.2 million acres of wilderness. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some incredible wildlife.

Food & Drink

You’ll find plenty of good eats in Deadwood, where Mavericks Steak & Cocktails (688 Main St.) serves top-notch beef, brisket and ribs paired with signature drinks and craft beers. If you’re still thirsty after that, sample a popular moonshine at Deadwood Distillery (645 Main St.). Further south in Custer, Skogen Kitchen (29 N 5th St.) blends local flavors with Norwegian influences, while The Custer Wolf (506 Mt Rushmore Road) serves up sandwiches and entrees featuring beef, fish, chicken, pasta and more.