South Dakota

Great plan. I love that area of America!

I did a trip several years ago with a similar itinerary. Was a great trip. In Rapid City area there is a church like the Stave Church in the Norway pavilion. I can't remember exactly where it is located, we were on a bus trip, but it is on a hill, overlooking a beautiful valley. The church was gorgeous!! If you have time Devil's Tower is out there. Enjoy.

So I went on Google. The church is called Chapel in the Hills, 3788 Chapel Ln, Rapid City. I hope you have time to visit coz it is beautiful!

Sorry that I missed Chapel in your itinerary! I was just so excited for you! But if you like the Stave Church in the Norway pavilion you will absolutely love the Chapel in the Hills! I love reading your posts and can't wait to read your notes from this trip.

Mt. Rushmore and Crazy won't take that much time to see. FYI, you can drive by the infamous Sturgis.

FYI, pretty decent hospital out in Rapid City.

One of the windiest places by far.

bleen3162;2524468 wrote: Sorry that I missed Chapel in your itinerary! I was just so excited for you! But if you like the Stave Church in the Norway pavilion you will absolutely love the Chapel in the Hills! I love reading your posts and can't wait to read your notes from this trip.

I thought of the Norway pavilion too when I saw it.

Jeff;2524443 wrote: Great plan. I love that area of America!

Any other must-dos that you know of?

texas211;2524472 wrote: Mt. Rushmore and Crazy won't take that much time to see. FYI, you can drive by the infamous Sturgis.

FYI, pretty decent hospital out in Rapid City.

One of the windiest places by far.

Good to know about the wind. I get cold easily.

I saw Sturgis, but I don't ride a motorcycle. Is it worth going there still?

Crazy Horse is very expensive, you can see it just fine from outside in a small parking lot.

As mentioned, Devil's Tower is a highlight, but will take a half a day from the Black Hills area to see properly. Mark sure to do the Joiner trail.

Custer State Park wildlife loop.

If you arrive a half hour before official opening, you can park at Mt. Rushmore for free in the garage. The only fee there is the parking fee and it is not covered by any National Park Pass.

I think Sturgis is worth seeing, just to say you been there.

Don't forget to have your 5 cent coffee at Wall Drug (unless they've raised the price in the last 10 years). That was a last minute stop for us, and it turned out we loved it. Custer State Park was gorgeous-we stayed in a resort inside the park. Loved Wind Cave NP also.

Simba's Mom;2524611 wrote: Don't forget to have your 5 cent coffee at Wall Drug (unless they've raised the price in the last 10 years). That was a last minute stop for us, and it turned out we loved it. Custer State Park was gorgeous-we stayed in a resort inside the park. Loved Wind Cave NP also.

Was it the Blue Bell Lodge by chance?

Cinderelley;2524621 wrote: Was it the Blue Bell Lodge by chance?

Yes, actually that's the one! We loved it.

Simba's Mom;2524683 wrote: Yes, actually that's the one! We loved it.

Sweet! That's where I am planning on staying.