There’s nothing like hitting the open road on a rambling adventure that takes you to some of the U.S.’s most iconic sights and beautiful natural phenomena. From Old Faithful to the stone faces of Mount Rushmore, this classic road trip takes you from Seattle to some of the American West’s most iconic spots. So when you’re ready to safely travel, pack your bags, the kids & the dog, and get ready for the road trip of a lifetime. And, don't forget to order your Vacation Guide before hitting the road to discover even more South Dakota adventures!

Head east on I-90 to the other side of the state. Stop for lunch at Clover Restaurant & Bar, which serves lunch and brunch until 2 p.m. 

If you’re ready to stop for the night, consider Stone Creek Lodge. If it’s dinner time, order from Five on Black, which serves Brazilian street food with a healthy twist. Got time to spare? Don’t leave town without getting a beer (or growler) at Tamarack Brewing Company.

Not ready to settle in quite yet? Head to Bozeman.

Whether you’re staying or passing through, check out Museum of the Rockies. If you’re overnighting, The LARK Bozeman and RSVP Hotel are great options. Get breakfast or lunch at Main Street Overeasy.

About 20 minutes into your journey, get ready to head south on Highway 89 toward Yellowstone National Park to say hello to Old Faithful and take in all the natural wonders the U.S.’s oldest national park offers. Places to stay nearby include Old Faithful Inn (a short walk from the geyser) and Lake Yellowstone Hotel.

This is the long haul. Head north on 89 once again, then catch I-90 westbound. The drive is scenic, as you’ll pass gorgeous mountains and high-desert landscapes on the way. East of Billings, you’ll catch Highway 212 to Route 112, which will bring you to Devils Tower, a dramatic monolith in Eastern Wyoming. It’s a great place to go climbing, hiking or wildlife spotting, and you’re guaranteed some amazing photos. Devils Tower Lodge is a great overnight option.

Take U.S. 14 west to I-90. You’ve finally arrived in the Black Hills! A fun and funky town, Spearfish is a great base camp for your exploration of this wild and wonderful corner of South Dakota, where legendary attractions and Old West experiences await.

Attractions

Spearfish and the surrounding area have enough things to do to pack your itinerary for days. First, all that time on the road warrants a good Black Hills hike in iconic Spearfish Canyon. You might not expect waterfalls in South Dakota, but this canyon is home to three of them: Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls, and Roughlock Falls. Enjoy one or all as well as the area’s lush beauty.

Set aside at least part of a day to mosey on down to Historic Deadwood, a town whose gold rush-era sights and sounds are still alive – from casino poker to saloons where the player pianos spit out old-timey tunes.

No South Dakota road trip is complete without a stop at Mount Rushmore, where you’ll find great vantage points for taking in those iconic stone faces about an hour from Spearfish and Deadwood. And speaking of stone homages to historic figures, the Crazy Horse Memorial is only about 40 minutes away. This tribute to one of history’s finest Native American leaders is the world’s largest in-progress sculpture. While you’re in these parts, roam with the buffalo at Custer State Park, where timing your trip right means you can see a herd 1,300 of these majestic creatures.

Also about an hour outside Spearfish is Black Elk Peak, a bucket-list hiking spot that offers several short and long trail options. Whether your chosen loop is seven miles or 13, the summit rewards you with awe-inspiring panoramas.

Now that you’ve seen the Black Hills from great heights, it’s time to explore them from below. See sparkling crystals millions of years in the making at Jewel Cave National Monument. Once you’re done here, why not make a day of caving? About half an hour from Jewel Cave is Wind Cave National Park, where the buffalo, elk and other wildlife roam above the expansive caverns below.

Restaurants

When you stay in Spearfish, you’ll find plenty of great places to eat within a small radius. Good Day Café (541 W Jackson Blvd) is a great spot to get breakfast and coffee to fuel the day’s adventures. Other notable eateries include DoughTrader Pizza (543 Jackson Blvd), Nonna’s Kitchen (544 N Main St.) and Steerfish Steak & Smoke (701 5th St.). Looking for an adult beverage to cap an activity-filled day? Hear to Spearfish Creek Wine Bar (127 W Grant St.) or get a beer at Crow Peak Brewing (125 US-14) or Sawyer Brewing Co. (2537 Yukon Place).

Deadwood also has some pretty tasty options, including Mavericks Steak & Cocktails (688 Main St.) and Creekside Restaurant at Deadwood Gulch Gaming Resort (304 Cliff St.)

Places to Stay

As for a place to spend the night, Spearfish Canyon Lodge (10619 Roughlock Falls Road) just west of Lead offers great access to all the attractions alongside an Old West-inspired atmosphere, while there are plenty of familiar hotel brands in and around town, like Fairfield Inn & Suites (2720 1st Ave.). Intrigued by the idea of glamping? Check out Beneath the Pines (404 S Canyon St.).