First Timer on a Schedule...

Looking for advice from an area expert...here%26#39;s my scenario: We are traveling throught the area on our way to Yellowstone either late August or early September. I know I don%26#39;t have time to ';do it right';, but I would like to hit the high points. My plan right now is to do the Badlands loop on the way in from Sioux Falls and then spend the night in Keystone, possibly taking in the Crazy Horse monument and light show deal that night and doing a half-day the next morning at Mt. Rushmore....then north through the BH Forest to Deadwood for the evening and check in late for a second night in Sturgis before continuing down I-90...whew!

All that being said, and keeping in mind that I have an evening and one full day, does this itinerary make the best use of time? We%26#39;re not hikers...just ';tourers;-)';, so don%26#39;t need a great deal of trail time...just don%26#39;t want to get off-track to something that isn%26#39;t worth seeing and miss something that is.

Also, anyone have any recommendations on lodging in Keystone for one night...comfortable and clean at good rates?

Thanks for the help!

First Timer on a Schedule...

We love K Bar S Lodge and you can see Mt. Rushmore from the lodge. Also has a great full hot breakfast.

First Timer on a Schedule...

Thanks for the info!...how far from downtown is this property?

I like your idea on seeing the Badlands on the way in from Sioux Falls and then spending the night in Keystone. However, I don%26#39;t know if I%26#39;d base out of Sturgis the 2nd night; I think I%26#39;d stick to Deadwood for more choices, or even stay in Keystone for an extra night.

I haven%26#39;t seen the light show at Crazy Horse, but I have seen the night ceremony at Rushmore, and it%26#39;s very moving---well worth seeing. I think I might consider spending a little time at Crazy Horse by day and then heading over to Rushmore for their lighting ceremony that honors our veterans. The next day you could see Rushmore by day.

You will need an early start to come in from Sioux Falls, seeing the Badlands, and then heading to Keystone. You will need 2-3 hours to drive through the Badlands, get out of the car at the overlooks, take a few short walks, and snap some pics.

Personally, Deadwood is ok, but with your limited time, I don%26#39;t know if I%26#39;d put tremendous time into it. It%26#39;s definitely a must see for a longer time frame. It%26#39;s a cute western town with some historical facets and small casinos. If you are interested in Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, etc, then keep it in the itinerary.

I personally prefer Custer SP or one of the caves (Jewel or Wind) to fill up the remainder of your time. Custer SP is beautiful and is fine for those driving through or hikers. Special areas of interest include Sylvan Lake, Iron Mountain Rd., Needles Hwy, %26amp; Wildlife loop.

Also, be sure to see Devil%26#39;s Tower enroute to Yellowstone. This is one of the must sees of the area.

As for lodging in Keystone, K Bar S gets great reviews on here but doesn%26#39;t have a pool if that%26#39;s important to you. I have personal experience at the Roosevelt Inn (rosyinn.com) and was very satisfied with my stay. They have internet rates; just be sure to ask for them as they are not automatically offered.

Have a great trip!

K Bar S Lodge is about 2-3 blocks from downtown area but has plenty of parking and great views plus lots of wildlife in the area.

Hi CeCe,

Thanks for the information. I really didn%26#39;t think you could walk to town from K Bar S. Looking at the website and seeing it was a little less than a 1/2 mile to town, I just assumed it was too far out. It looks so remote...wonderful! It%26#39;s amazing to hear it%26#39;s only 2-3 blocks out.

Thanks for educating me. :) I had posted that I didn%26#39;t think you could walk it.

We never walked to town but lots of people walked down the road to town when we were there. It is a narrow little road but can be walked. Hope I didn%26#39;t confuse anyone!