1 7

South Dakota Itinerary (Badlands, Mount Rushmore, and Wind Cave)

South Dakota Itinerary (Badlands, Mount Rushmore, and Wind Cave)

$69.00
$69.00
Sale Sold out

SPECIAL NOTE: This itinerary can only be used from mid-May through September when all park roads are open.

Get ready for an epic national park adventure with this South Dakota National Parks Itinerary! You'll see all the best sights (without the crowds) with a detailed, easy-to-follow schedule — written by former park ranger Ash.

Whether you have 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days in the parks, I've got your hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule covered as you explore Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Wind Cave, Devils Tower, and more. This is the stress-free, crowd-free South Dakota Itinerary you've been looking for!

What's included:

YOUR SOUTH DAKOTA NATIONAL PARKS ITINERARY INCLUDES:

  • 1-Day Itinerary PDF (19 pages)
  • 2-Day Itinerary PDF (29 pages)
  • 3-Day Itinerary PDF (38 pages)
  • 4-Day Itinerary PDF (43 pages)
  • 5-Day Itinerary PDF (49 pages)
  • Lodging Guide
  • Dining Guide

Plus, these bonus items:

  • Weekly updates during peak season!
  • 4 hours of video content, including itinerary walkthroughs, camping and lodging recommendations, and schedule adjustments
  • Extra info about driving an RV, off-season travel, and nearby points of interest

Who it's for:

THIS ITINERARY IS PERFECT FOR YOU IF:

  • You want to focus on making memories instead of feeling stress and overwhelm
  • You're visiting South Dakota between mid-May through September
  • You want a stress-free, crowd-free trip (finding parking is important to you!)
  • You want to save 15+ hours of research time
  • You want to see the best sights in the park + find solitude
  • You're ok with some hiking! (This is not a driving-only itinerary — I'll help you find the best trails for your group)
  • You don't want to follow a questionable AI-generated itinerary or an itinerary that's written by someone who's only been to the park a few times.

How it works:

1. Pick your park and purchase the itinerary

Your trip should be inspiring, rejuvenating, and stress-free. Let's make it happen!

2. I'll email you a step-by-step plan with video walkthroughs

The itinerary will guide you to the best sights at the best times (so you can avoid those notorious peak season crowds).

3. Print and/or save the itinerary to your device

Beautiful PDF documents make it easy to print out or save the hour-by-hour schedule. That way, you'll have everything you need, even when there's no wifi.

4. Follow the itinerary and have fun!

Just show up to the park and follow the itinerary — no extra guesswork or research required. Stop worrying about every little detail and instead start feeling the thrill of your upcoming vacation!

How we give back:

WE DONATE 5% TO THE PARKS!

Dirt In My Shoes is proud to donate 5% of profits from every South Dakota Itinerary purchase to the Badlands National Park Conservancy, an official non-profit partner of the park.

These funds will go toward special projects within Badlands, such as trail maintenance, building a new visitor center, wildlife monitoring and research, and sustainability efforts.

Thank you for your contribution to this amazing national park!

View full details

Imagine your upcoming trip to South Dakota...

You've been looking forward to this trip for a while.

You've made your hard-to-get lodging reservations, using your limited vacation days to travel to one of the most exciting places in America.

AND YOU DESPERATELY WANT IT TO BE UNFORGETTABLE.

In your mind, you imagine a leisurely drive through Badlands. You easily find a fabulous parking spot at the Notch. And look -- you have the infamous ladder all to yourself!

When you visit Mount Rushmore, you don't have to wait in a huge entrance line, and there aren't a thousand people crowding around you trying to get the perfect picture. Everyone oohs and ahhs -- you finally made it here!

At Wind Cave, you don't have to stress about getting tour tickets. It's all taken care of already. After your tour, you come across a picture-perfect herd of bison!

You snap some amazing photos, marvel at these magnificent beasts, and then continue on your way without a hitch.

You breathe in the fresh air...the beauty and solitude of nature rejuvenating your entire body.

Most people want to experience the South Dakota Parks in this way, but unfortunately, a trip like this rarely happens.

Not because it can't, but because it won't without a solid plan.

The reality is, most trips to these parks actually include:

  • Sitting in traffic as you drive between sights
  • Circling parking lots hoping to find a place to park (until your kids are whining and you're super stressed out)
  • Sharing the views with overwhelming crowds that make it difficult to feel the peace and solitude of nature
  • Missing out on some amazing spots simply because they are lesser-known or because you run out of time

You've been spending a lot of time and money making your trip to South Dakota possible. Booking flights, searching for lodging, poring over maps and guidebooks, and packing your gear.

But don't forget about the most important part -- the day-to-day details!


When you get to South Dakota, WILL YOU HAVE THE INFORMATION YOU NEED to confidently navigate around Badlands, Wind Cave, Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and other fun places in the Black Hills?

Timing is EVERYTHING

You need a plan, but not just any plan.

With a Dirt In My Shoes South Dakota National Parks Itinerary in your hand, your trip can be everything you imagined. You'll make amazing memories that will last a lifetime.

You won't have to sit in traffic.

When you arrive at the busiest parking lots, there will be a spot just for you.

You'll confidently navigate through the park, never having to worry about getting lost or wasting time.

Your kids will put down their phones, turn off the TV, and discover a gorgeous outdoor playground that will ignite their sense of adventure.

You'll hike on the park's best trails, including some lesser-known and "secret" spots that you can enjoy without the crowds.

When you breathe in the fresh air, you'll feel rejuvenated and calm.

Most of all, you'll walk away with unforgettable memories and a sense of wonder for this spectacular place. (Your family will be begging for a return trip before you've even left the park.)

Get Your Stress-Free South Dakota Parks Itinerary

Whether you have one, two, three, four, or five days in the Rapid City area, I've got your sightseeing schedule covered.

SPECIAL NOTE: This itinerary can only be used from mid-May through September when all park roads are open.

Your South Dakota National Parks Itinerary includes:

  • 1-DAY ITINERARY

    19 pages that include these main points of interest:

    • Wind Cave National Park
    • Mount Rushmore

  • 2-DAY ITINERARY

    29 pages that include these main points of interest:

    • Wind Cave National Park
    • Mount Rushmore
    • Custer State Park
    • Badlands National Park

  • 3-DAY ITINERARY

    38 pages that include these main points of interest:

    • Wind Cave National Park
    • Mount Rushmore
    • Custer State Park
    • Badlands National Park

    + a few more activities in the Black Hills!

  • 4-DAY ITINERARY

    43 pages that include these main points of interest:

    • Wind Cave National Park
    • Mount Rushmore
    • Custer State Park
    • Badlands National Park
    • Historic Deadwood

    + many more activities in the Black Hills!

  • 5-DAY ITINERARY

    49 pages that include these main points of interest:

    • Wind Cave National Park
    • Mount Rushmore
    • Custer State Park
    • Badlands National Park
    • Historic Deadwood
    • Devils Tower National Monument

    + many more activities in the Black Hills

  • LODGING GUIDE

    See all in-park options, plus my favorite places to stay outside of the park. Options for all budgets are included!

  • DINING GUIDE

    See all in-park dining options, plus my recommendations on food you definitely won't want to miss.

  • WEEKLY UPDATES

    During peak season, I'll update you on any changes you need to make due to unpredictable construction or weather-related closures.

Each South Dakota Parks Itinerary also comes with:

  • Day-by-day instructions – your days are planned out by region to minimize drive time and maximize sightseeing time
  • Driving directions – many people get lost in the park and waste their day, but that won't be you
  • Insider tips – suggestions on exactly when to hit the most popular spots so that you can beat the crowds
  • Hour-by-hour schedule – you will know the exact amount of time needed for driving and hiking, so you won't miss out on anything
  • Helpful links – additional information on lodging, restaurants, camping, maps, ranger programs, and park news
  • 4 hours of video content - including activity descriptions and lodging recommendations
  • Extra info about driving an RV, off-season travel, and nearby points of interest

Get the 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-day itineraries (plus all of these incredible bonuses) for one low price!

SPECIAL NOTE: This itinerary can only be used from mid-May through September when all park roads are open.

Each itinerary is delivered digitally to your email inbox — you'll receive it IMMEDIATELY. Nothing will be mailed to you.

COMMERCIAL USE is prohibited. Please contact me for details.

Let me take away your stress and overwhelm!

Hey there, I'm Ash! I used to be a park ranger, but for the past 10+ years, I've been helping thousands of solo travelers, couples, and families plan incredible trips to the national parks.

I know how overwhelming it can be to put together a plan everybody's happy with. And I know that being the one in charge can completely drain the enjoyment out of the trip for you.

But not this time! I've got you, and everyone will be singing your praises.

I'M THE RIGHT GUIDE FOR YOU IF:

  • You want insider tips from a former national park ranger
  • You're hoping to navigate the park with ease and confidence
  • You feel overwhelmed by all of the information out there
  • You're looking for a mentor who will guide you through the best things to do, when to be there, and why
  • You value logistics and having a detailed plan. We don't "wing it" over here :)
  • You're hoping to go on an adventure and try something new
  • You've found yourself thinking, "I just want someone to tell me what to do."

Let me expertly guide you around the park for less than $15 a day. (That's the price of one mediocre hamburger at an in-park restaurant!)

Please note: This itinerary is self-guided. I will not be joining you on your trip. But it outlines exactly what I would do if I were with you and gives you all the tools you need to make it happen!

Want to preview an itinerary?

Is this itinerary right for you?

THIS ITINERARY IS PERFECT FOR YOU IF:

  • You want to focus on making memories instead of feeling stress and overwhelm
  • You're visiting South Dakota between mid-May through September
  • You want a stress-free, crowd-free trip (finding parking is important to you!)
  • You want to save 15+ hours of research time
  • You want to see the best sights in the park + find solitude
  • You're ok with some hiking! (This is not a driving-only itinerary — I'll help you find the best trails for your group)
  • You don't want to follow a questionable AI-generated itinerary or an itinerary that's written by someone who's only been to the park a few times.

How it Works

  • How do you make a solid plan if you've never been to the park before? Every trip should be inspiring, rejuvenating, and stress-free! Let's turn your dreams into a reality.

  • I'll email you an easy-to-follow itinerary (with multiple-day options) that will guide you to the best sights at the best times so you can avoid those notorious peak-season crowds.

  • Beautiful PDF documents make it easy to print out or save the hour-by-hour schedule. That way, you'll have everything you need, even when there's no wifi.

  • Just show up to the park and follow the itinerary — no extra guesswork or research required. Stop worrying about every little detail and instead start feeling the thrill of your upcoming vacation!

1 4

We donate 5% to the parks!

Dirt In My Shoes is proud to donate 5% of profits from every South Dakota Itinerary purchase to the Badlands National Park Conservancy, an official non-profit partner of the park.

These funds will go toward special projects within Badlands, such as trail maintenance, building a new visitor center, wildlife monitoring and research, and sustainability efforts.

Thank you for your contribution to this amazing national park!

Get the 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-day itineraries (plus all of these incredible bonuses) for one low price!

SPECIAL NOTE: This itinerary can only be used from mid-May through September when all park roads are open.

Are you worried about having the most up-to-date information? Don't be! Weekly updates are included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the itinerary updated for current closures and conditions in the park?

This itinerary can be used whenever you take your vacation — right now, or five years from now. You will receive weekly critical updates from me regarding any alterations, changes, closures, and important news that will affect your itinerary.

You can relax knowing that I will provide any information you need to know before and during your trip.

Will a physical copy of the itinerary be mailed to me?

No. Everything included with your itinerary purchase will be emailed to you immediately — no physical copies will be mailed.

After you receive the email with your itinerary, you can log in and print out physical copies of the itinerary PDFs if desired. Or, if you want to keep the information digital, you can save the PDFs to your device!

Is this itinerary a good fit for my group and me?

If you're hoping to see the main sights, get off the beaten path, and hit some fabulous shorter hiking trails, then YES!

All activities included are family-friendly and good for explorers of all ages.

I've already planned my trip. Will this itinerary still be useful to me?

Definitely! Even if you already know what you want to see and do while you are there, it’s still important to factor in the driving time and the crowds.

I’ve taken all of that into consideration while writing this itinerary, so you can have confidence that you are seeing the attractions in the BEST and easiest way.

This is not my first trip to the park, and I don't plan on seeing the popular spots again. Should I still purchase this itinerary?

This itinerary is designed for those who have either never been to the park before or haven’t been back for many years. If you don’t care to stop at the most popular attractions, this itinerary is probably not for you.

Can I just buy the 1-Day Itinerary for the park? I don't want the whole bundle.

No, your purchase includes all itineraries for that particular park (1, 2, and sometimes 3 and 4 days).

This is because plans often change, and you may decide to spend more or less time in a park after you purchase your itinerary. If you have all the available itinerary schedules for that park, you can easily switch to the one with the perfect number of days for your trip!

Can you make me a custom itinerary?

I do not offer custom itineraries at this time. But trust me, the itineraries on my site are designed to work for almost every group and situation! Very few people would need more customization than what is already included with the standard itinerary purchase.

What if I've already booked my lodging? Does your itinerary consider various lodging locations?

Yes! Each itinerary is written out of a specific location that I feel is best for seeing the park. But if you've already booked your lodging elsewhere, I include detailed written and video instructions for adjusting the schedule based on where you are staying.

I'm traveling outside the itinerary's usable dates. Is it still worth it if I decide to purchase an itinerary?

If you're traveling outside of the usable dates for an itinerary (which you'll find listed right above the Add to Cart), there are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Weekly updates are not included during the off-season.
  2. There is a high likelihood that some roads in the park will be closed, and you'll have to skip out on some activities.
  3. I will not help you change the itinerary or make adjustments if you choose to use it outside the usable dates.

That being said, each itinerary includes general instructions on what to do if you decide to visit the park outside the usable dates.

What if I'm staying at the park longer than the number of days in the itinerary?

The itinerary will help you get to the main can't-miss activities. If you have extra time, each itinerary also includes a list of other activities that I recommend for your additional days in the park!

Is the itinerary kid-friendly?

Yes! And we regularly test out the itinerary activities with our own young kids!

Is the itinerary dog-friendly?

My itineraries are only as dog-friendly as the national park is, which often means no! Most national parks don't allow pets on trails, and that definitely affects the itinerary schedule. Please research where pets are allowed in the park before purchasing an itinerary, so that you have a good idea of what your limitations will be if you bring your pet.

Do we need to have our own vehicle to follow an itinerary?

Yes! Some parks have free shuttle systems that I'll help you navigate, but often, even then, those shuttles won't get you everywhere. I strongly recommend having a vehicle to get to all the places listed in my national park itineraries.

Does the itinerary work if we are traveling in an oversized vehicle/RV?

Yes. I include instructions with every itinerary regarding changes you'll need to make to the schedule if you're in an oversized vehicle or RV.

I stand by my itineraries 100%, and I know that this information will completely transform your experience in the park! That's why I'm happy to give you a full refund if you don't absolutely love your itinerary.

Save it to your device, read through it, and even plan your trip around it. If you still don't feel like it's a good fit for you, simply contact me within seven days for a full refund.

The only thing you have to lose is the trip-planning stress and overwhelm!