Daily discoveries

Day 1: Drive to Badlands via the so-touristy-you-gotta-see-it-for-yourself “town” of Wall (I-90 East). Continue south into Badlands National Park for a drive on the Loop Route. Hike Notch Trail (1.5 miles) and/or Cliff Shelf Trail (0.5 mile). Watch the sun set with a drink at local dive, Horseshoe Bar, in Interior. Drive back to Rapid City via town of Scenic (Highway 44).

Day 2: Drive up to Hill City for a stroll down Main Street before continuing on to Custer for lunch at Sage Creek Grill. Cruise the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road with a stop along the way to hike Cathedral Spires Trail (1.5 miles). Rest your bones back in Rapid City via a movie at Elks Theatre ($3, balcony seats).

Day 3: Relax by the Black Hills’ Sylvan Lake and swim, paddle boat, fish, or hike. Tour caves in Wind Cave National Park or stop for a brief photo op among the throngs at a more recent landmark, Mount Rushmore. Try to avoid the insta-musement parks along Highway 16 as you head back into Rapid City for grand finale dinner at Corn Exchange (call ahead for a reservation).

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