Badlands National Park

[Mousemates]

A couple more Black Hills suggestions...if your coming in via the interstate from east to west take the time to stop by the Corn Palace in Mitchell SD (Its a hoot if you enjoy "roadside America" stuff.)

And if you make it to Deadwood...stop by Waterhole Number Nine (not sure if my number is correct) which has Wild Bill's death chair hanging on the wall over the door...its also the place where the summertime re-enactment of his shooting occurs and culminates in a chase of the shooter up the street and a mock trial where the audience help the professional actors by filling out the jury....lots of fun.

ITs a great little vacation area that folks really ought to do at least once.

[Advnt05]

I took a two week trip from Atlanta, GA out west roughly 8 years ago. Just me, my car, and a tent. Camped one night in the badlands and enjoyed it. Pretty cheap if you don't mind staying in the tent. The Ranger took us on a night walk looking for snakes. We didn't see any since our group was so large.
It is hot but not unbearable if you have a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
I asked one of the most stupid questions in my life at Badlands. I was looking for the prarie dog village that was on their park map and couldn't find it. I pulled up to a ranger and asked, "Did you guys move the village" which made him laugh.
Mt Rusmore is cool but I really enjoyed Devil's Tower as well. You can camp there too.

[one2goofy]

Just an FYI-

We found out (as we are planning a trip to the Badlands, Black Hills, Devil's Tower) that the 2010 firework display at Mt. Rushmore on July 3rd has been cancelled due to infestation of Mountain Pine Beetles and concern of wildfires...

I am assuming it means there very well could be a fire ban for the entire area as well then (which makes camping not as fun)...

[TheVBs]

So glad you mentioned that! I was just reading about those fireworks in a great travel book on the Black Hills that I picked up from the library. Now I know they won't be happening. Thank you!