1 Week, Lots to See. Is it possible?

My 15 year old son and I have a week to spend in the Black Hills this summer.

We are flying into Rapid City and spending two nights around Deadwood. We are going to Devil%26#39;s Tower and the area surrounding Deadwood in those two days.

Then we are spending two nights around Wall. We plan to go through the Badlands, the missile site, Wounded Knee.

After that, we are spending a couple of nights in Custer. We plan to go to Mount Rushmore, maybe Crazy Horse, and through Custer Park.

Does that sound ridiculous? I know the drive times aren%26#39;t that bad between these places, but I really felt like spending time in each area. Have I left anything out? We are not big on shopping. We really like to find quirky things to do. Thanks for any suggestions you might have.

1 Week, Lots to See. Is it possible?

Sounds like you have a good plan. We only spent 3 days in Black Hills and saw a lot last June. You might add one of the caves Jewel or Wind if interested, ride the train or do some gold panning.

1 Week, Lots to See. Is it possible?

Your plan doesn%26#39;t really sound ridiculous at all. Many spend time in the northern section of the Black Hills to see Devil%26#39;s Tower and Deadwood and then move to a different area. When people fly in, many of them see the Badlands as a daytrip from Custer, Hill City or Keystone, but since you are looking to see more than just the Badlands, I can understand your reason for staying around Wall.

I agree with CeCe about adding a cave. I%26#39;d choose Jewel since it%26#39;s close to Custer. I do recommend advance reservations here though, as it does get busy in the summer and tours sell out quickly. You can see images of Jewel Cave and Wind Cave by visiting nps.gov and clicking on South Dakota. Here you can click on each of the respective caves.

As far as quirky sights, I immediately thought of the Cosmos Mystery Area outside Rapid City. We didn%26#39;t get a chance to visit here, but ';interesting'; things happen, like balls rolling uphill, water flowing uphill, people%26#39;s heights change. You and your teen might enjoy it. Here%26#39;s their website: cosmosmysteryarea.com.

Have fun, and let us know if you have any more questions.

Just south of Wind Cave National Park in Hot Springs is the Mammoth site. Your son and you may enjoy spending a bit of time there. http://mammothsite.com/

I%26#39;d say you probably have time for this in addition to what else you have listed. i like your intended itinerary.

Have you checked the times and dates the missile site is open and made sure that your stay in Wall coincides with them? We have yet to make our schedule work to visit there.

Thank you so much for all your suggestions. I have not checked the missile site yet, but will now! That cosmo place sounds very cool! My son will love it! I am so looking forward to this trip!