July 4th trip

Is the area crowded over the 4th of July? I can plan a trip anywhere from June 24th to July 5th for four nights. I was wondering if it would be desirable to make plans to be in the area specifically on that date, or try and avoid it. I would prefer smaller crowds. Also, I was wondering if I should plan to stay in Rapid City for two nights in order to see the Badlands one day and go to Devil%26#39;s Tower another. Then move on to Custer or Keystone or Hill City to spend another two nights to see Custer State Park, Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse. I know other posts have encouraged two days to see Badlands and Devil%26#39;s Tower, but I am not clear on an itinerary for those two days and what to include for each day. Some have mentioned Spearfish Scenic Byway, but included in which day? Also, what is the Badlands drive loop? Has anyone ever participated in the 1880 train ride from Hill City to Keystone? How about Custer State Park chuckwagon cookout vs. other chuckwagon dinners? Sorry for such a lengthy post. Lots of questions. Thanks.

July 4th trip

Based on your requirement of trying to avoid crowds, I would suggest the weekend of June 28 for your trip instead of July 4. July 3 is the fireworks display at Mount Rushmore. It is a huge event and I%26#39;d advise to stay away that day if you%26#39;re looking to avoid crowds.

You could still schedule your visit for the July 4 weekend and by scheduling your Mount Rushmore stop as long as possible after the night of July 3, you%26#39;ll be fine.

How many nights you stay in each town can vary depending based on what time you arrive. I assume you%26#39;re riding in on the airlines if you%26#39;re coming for a four day trip from Cincinatti. If you%26#39;re arriving in the morning or early-afternoon, I%26#39;d recommend only one night in Rapid City. Fly in, go to the Badlands, stay overnight in Rapid, go to Devils Tower and then stay the next night in Hill City or Custer. However, a late arrival in Rapid City might make it best to spend a full day in the Badlands with two nights in Rapid City.

For your Devils Tower day, I%26#39;d leave Rapid City in the morning, go to the Tower and then drive through Spearfish Canyon to Deadwood and then take 385 to Hill City. That would be a good day%26#39;s trip.

After all of this, I would give yourself a minimum of two full days to see Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park and Crazy Horse.

The Badlands Loop is the way you%26#39;ll primarily see the Badlands. It%26#39;s labeled as SD 240 on highway maps.

July 4th trip

Accomodator has given you a great suggested itinerary. The only thing I would add to is your question about the 1880 Train. We did this during our 11 day visit here. While it was enjoyable, I would not make the ride a priority. The other attractions you are seeing are more worthwhile, so I would ride only if time permits. Keystone, where you would be riding to, is pretty touristy with lots of souvenir shops. It%26#39;s a nice central base for touring (we used it when we visited), but I wouldn%26#39;t recommend spending a lot of time in town. We spent one of our 8 nights in the ';downtown'; boardwalk, and that was really enough. They have t-shirts galore!

We didn%26#39;t try the chuckwagon dinners, but I think other posters have enjoyed them. We did enjoy the Blue Bell Lodge in Custer SP and the Alpine City in Hill City.

Actually, my mother and I are driving in from her home in Lawrence, KS. We are taking two days to drive to SD. We will be arriving in Rapid City around 4:00 in the afternoon or so. I think we had best plan on staying in Rapid City for two nights. We are both on such limited budgets and was wondering if anyone is aware of very reasonable (under $80) motels or acommodations in Rapid City and near Mt. Rushmore. Everything I look at is well over $100 a night. Am I dreaming? All we require is clean.

If you are driving the interstates then the Badlands are on your way and you might be able to stop and see them on your second day of driving.

I checked kayak.com for hotel rates on June 28, just as an example. I found 2 with rates under $80 - Quality Inn for $72 and Econo Lodge for $76. I%26#39;ve never stayed in either, but maybe someone else can comment on them.

For our trip this year, to save money, we%26#39;re staying in camping cabins. You may be able to find one as low as $50, with electricity, lights and beds, but no bedding and no plumbing. You would use the campground facilities. I know that%26#39;s not for everyone but its something to consider.

You can get a cabin a for $85 just outside of Keystone. The Holy Smoke Resort with a queen bed.

We stayed here in 2002 and found it adequate.

Being that you are coming in prime time, I would grab it.They have 3 avaliable as of today.

It is a very good central location.

Also if looking for a good place to dine, go to the Alpine Inn in Hill City, very reasonable and very good.

These should fit your budget.

Phone # 605-666-4616

toll free 866-530-5696

Forgot to mention those are the phone numbers of the Holy Smoke Resort.These cabins would be better than the 2 hotels previous poster mentioned IMO.They also have their own restaurant,but we did not eat here...

Nice and quiet here,cabins up in the hills and very close to Mt Rushmore.Make sure to attend the evening lighting ceremony at Mt Rushmore,see Crazy Horse from the road,Custer State Park a must.Deadwood IMO if you are not going to gamble skip it...

Hill City much nicer...