Seeing Devil's Tower and where to stay

My husband and I are spending 9 nights in western South Dakota. I have booked the first 2 nights in the Cedar Pass Lodge. Then I have booked 3 nights at the Sylvan Lake Lodge.

WE are thinking that after this we want to see things north of Rapid City including Devil%26#39;s Tower. I am not sure where we should stay. We love to hike and we love to sight see - but I am thinking after staying the first part of the trip inside of parks we might want to stay where we could walk to dinner in the evening and be more in the middle of night time activity.

Do you have any suggestions? Would there be a good place to stay for the next four nights, or should we split it up?

Thanks for your advice!

KitKat

Seeing Devil's Tower and where to stay

There are not that many towns that have night time activity in western SD. Maybe base the rest of your time in Deadwood?

You can do a day trip from there to Devils Tower.

Seeing Devil's Tower and where to stay

Deadwood would fit the bill of what you describe. You might also consider staying in the adjoining town of Lead to save a bit of $. We did this; we found the lodging a little cheaper here, and the towns literally join each other. The downside---you would not be able to walk to dinner as you mention. It would strictly be a money saver.

I don%26#39;t know if I would spend 4 nights here. IMO, 2 nights would be max. Devil%26#39;s Tower is an easy day trip from Deadwood or Lead, allowing you time to drive the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway (very worthwhile) and see the historical sites in Deadwood (i.e. Adams House/Museum, Wild Bill Hickok%26#39;s/Calamaity Jane%26#39;s graves etc). Of course, you also have the casinos, but they are pretty small. Keep in mind I am from Jersey and used to Atlantic City. :)

We found more to do in the central hills (Keystone, Hill City, Custer) than in the northern region, but it is a matter of preference. If you haven%26#39;t already done so, check out the South Dakota travel guide (travelsd.com) to see what interests you in the area. If you think you would have enough to fill the remaining nights, great. If not, you might want to re-think.

Hope this helps. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.