We are now going to drive from Chicago to the Bad Lands(and or Mt. Rushmore) and we need suggestions for things to see and restaurants we need to stop at along the way. We are a more adventerouse and outdoorsy family. We like national landmarks and maybe some historical landmarks. We are also in need of some resturants that aren't McDonalds and Burger King. We also have 3 teen and tween agers so we can handle more adventurouse stuff. Thanks for suggestions!
My "tween" was helping me with this posting so I will now take it over :)
Our real destination is Estes Park Colorado where we have rented a house for a week. I thought we would take 3 days (I know that is not much time) to drive through the Badlands and see Mt. Rushmore. We have 3 drivers. We are also considering bringing our Lab. This may be a problem in the Badlands. We will stop of Wall Drugs. I like the suggestion of taking route 14. We haven't decided exactly when we will leave but I am thinking early morning.
If you belong to AAA, just get the books for the states you will be in. It will
give you all the info you need and then some.
If you take 80 across South Dakota, you will find that from St. Pierre till Wall Drugs there is NOTHING. So, fill up on gas, eat something, and pee, before you leave that area. This is the most important info you will have for that state. LOL.
When we did that state we went to where Laura Ingalls lived during Little House on Silver Lake years. *I* loved it more then anyone else, lol. Then we headed north up to a place that let us feed the buffalo, it was named something like Country Charm Ranch I think.
Along 80 there is really only Wall Drugs to stop at, there is no choice really as you'll need to fill up with gas and pee and you'll be hungry.
At Mt Rushmore area make sure you go both during the day and at night. We loved seeing all the animals in Custer State Park. There is a cool slide thing that our kids were too young for that you should do too. We loved Bear Country and the Reptile place the best out of everything there though.
In Estes you will have a great time just hiking all over. If you go down to the 7 sisters falls you will like that a lot too. We did a gold mine tour in that area, an old time train ride, and a cog railway.
Don't make much of a plan if you dont have to.
I have found that stopping at something that peaks your interest is the best way to go.
Hub and I have had more fun getting lost than anything else. That's where you find the good places to eat, stay and the nicest people.
Sounds like a fun trip, I'd LOVE to see Mt Rushmore.
I grew up in the Black Hills and am so excited we're heading there this weekend to visit family. If you're driving all the way through to the Badlands, go to Mt. Rushmore. Also, if time permits, go through Custer State park and hike some of the Harney Peak trail around Sylvan Lake (in the park). If you have time, hike the whole trail to the top, spectacular views and too cool to pass up if you guys are 'hikers'. Definitely hit the Needles highway within Custer State Park, you can pull off in some areas and take great pictures and climb on the rocks. If you have limited time, take iron mountain road and the shortcut 'playhouse road' (not sure the name, but it is the directions/road to the Black Hills Play House and it is a shortcut that gets you straight to the needles highway, it is only on select maps, but totally safe and paved). Some really cool spots between rocks and tunnels to view Mt. Rushmore. If you like caves, Jewel Cave is great, but a little out of the way so if pressed for time, skip it. Definite musts - Custer State Park - needles highway and Sylvan Lake with Harney Peak trail, at least around the lake (place to eat and shop right there as well), Bad Lands (Wall Drug - is nothing more than a few shops, but they have some awesome maple donuts) and hit Mt. Rushmore. Crazy Horse is great to see if time permits, but those are the main attractions with some great 'off the path options' in them. Oh, and be prepared for the weather, it can be 35 degrees, or 105 degrees at any given time. Sylvan Lake is the cooler spot for the 105 degree weather, will only be about 80-85 there. Have a great time!
There is a great place behind Mt. Rushmore to stay, Palmer Gulch. They have a lodge/hotel, cabins of all sizes and amenities, you can tent or use a camper (not sure what you're bringing along). Otherwise, there are options in Custer State Park as well, or any of the surrounding small towns.
I-90 goes through SD. There is a town along the river with restaurants (east side of the river has a large restaurant right off the expressway). Have fun in Estes Park, so beautiful with lots of outdoorsy stuff to do!
Updated
Here's a new site I just came across. May have some fun options for you.
http://www.howtoenjoytheblackhills.com/
If you haven't been to the Mall of America before, then I'd suggest taking the I-94 route through the Twin Cities, and stop off there. Actually, the Twin Cities has a TON of stuff to do, but if you are just passing through, the Mall is a pretty cool thing and has lots of restaurants too.
If the mall is not your thing, there's the Science Museum of MN & the Children's Museum, both in downtown St. Paul.
If you need other ideas let me know. If I knew what you were interested in I might be able to offer some more on-point suggestions.
I've done that drive, and also stopped in Mpls, although my parents lived there at the time so it was on the way. I think in general there is a whole lot of nothing along the way. Wisconsin -- House on the Rock and Taliesin in Spring Green. MN -- Twin Cities... once in SD, definitely Mt Rushmore and Badlands, also check out Crazy Horse and Custer State Park. Man, do I love the Black Hills, it's awesome around there!
It really depends on the time of year you are going.
Please add more information, like what highway you're driving on, what time of day you think you'll be in what state, some might have an awesome breakfast place but it's one of those that you don't eat lunch at....what month, how long are you planning on taking for the drive, day or two or is it more about the adventure....
More info please.
Ok - are you "adventerous" enough to get off the interstate? If so, trying driving 14 at least part of your trip - it runs along the railroad and you'll probably still pass towns that have 1-digit populations! Until you get to a bigger town, there won't be much restaurant stuff, but you can wing it for whatever strikes your fancy as you go!
Not sure if you'd hit the Dells on your plan, but that is an option on either end of your trip. Also, if anyone likes any Little House on the Prairie stuff - you'll be right along the path for part of it! I'm sure you have Wall Drugs on your itinerary!
Give a little more info and I'll see what else can come up with! Son lives in Rapid City - so he'll know other things that I can't think of right now (if you get there!) PM if need to so you don't have to put all info out there!
