Five-Day Midwest Road Trip: WY, ND, SD, and NE
Summer…what a great time to travel! (Then again, when isn’t?)
We hit the road at 4 a.m. on June 2 to begin our five-day, cross-state road trip. We made our way to Wyoming first then South Dakota, North Dakota, and lastly Nebraska before returning home on June 6. In those five short days, we had the opportunity to visit iconic American monuments, soak up the scenic beauty, see wildlife in their natural habitat, and learn interesting historical facts. Matt and I have a strong interest in American history, making this trip perfect for us. This trip allowed us to travel back in time to gain a better understanding of events and people, and come home with new knowledge.
Here are the details of our trip, as well as some quick and interesting facts about each place, and travel tips.
Day 1: Devils Tower and Deadwood
From Colorado, we drove six hours up to Devils Tower National Monument, which sits across the state line in northeast Wymoing. Also known as Mato Tipila, which means “Bear Lodge” in Lakota, the tower looms 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River and stands 867 feet from summit to base. The astounding geologic feature is composed of igneous rock. In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt designated Devils Tower as the nation’s first national monument.
The tower is a sacred site for many Native American tribes and is steep in Native American legend. According to the Kiowa legend of Devils Tower, seven sisters and their brother were outside playing when suddely the brother was struck dumb. His fingers became claws and his body was covered in fur. The boy turned into a bear. The sisters, terrified, ran and the bear followed, chasing them. They came to the stump of a great tree and the tree bade them to climb upon it. As they climbed, the tree rose into the air. The bear’s claws scratched the bark to get the girls, but could not reach them. The seven sisters were borne into the sky and became the stars of the Big Dipper.
The Lakota Sioux legend shares a similar story. The tower’s columns that grealty resemble claw marks helped six little girls escape bears chasing them. The Great Spirit felt bad for the girls and raised the ground beneth their feeet. The bears tried to chase the girls but they couldn’t get to the top of the newly formed tower. The bears fell off, clawing the sides of the tower.
After some research I learned that geologists determined that the tower was formed as a result of a volcano. Regardless, I found it fascinating to learn of the legends and the cultural significance of this sacred place. Over 20 indigenous tribes claim ties to Devils Tower and the site has been used for tribal practices for thousands of years.
After Devils Tower, we drove about an hour and fifteen minutes to Deadwood, South Dakota. The town brims with history. The old gold rush town resembles the late 1800s Old West with casinos, saloons, and steakhouses. It makes you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. Many saloons and related businesses sold whiskey since it was cheap and available back then, so many bar and restaurant signs promote it today. I found that interesting since I’m used to seeing signs mentinoing mixed drink specials and new beers, not straight up whiskey.
We hiked up to the Mt. Moriah Cemetary to see where Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane were buried. I had heard the names before but didn’t know much about them. I did a quick Google search while in town to learn about them. Hickock was a lawman who helped bring order to the frontier West. He had a reputation as a gunslinger and frequent poker player. He arrived in Deadwood in 1876. While playing poker that same year, Hickock was shot and killed by Jack McCall. I couldn’t find a clear motive, but one is that McCall was hired to kill Wild Bill. McCall was later tried and hanged for the killing. When Hickock was shot, he had a pair of black aces and a pair of black eights plus an unknown fifth card in his hands. This became known as the “Dead Man’s Hand.”
Calamity Jane was a rowdy and adventurous frontierswoman and sharpshooter. She wasn’t the typical woman during that time who wore dresses and tended to the children and household chores. A friend to Wild Bill, before her death in 1903 she requested to be buried next to him on Mt. Moriah overlooking the town of Deadwood.
This was perhaps my favorite stop on our trip. And thanks to this trip, I’m now watching the television series Deadwood. Matt introduced it to me a few years ago but I couldn’t get into it. Now that we’ve visited the town, I’m eager to watch it. I also bought a few books to learn more about Wild Bill, Calamity Jane, and other inconic Old West figures.
Day 2: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
We stayed the night in Deadwood and the next morning headed to North Dakota to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park. President Roosevelt was a big conservationist and had a big impacted on the National Park System. During his presidency, he established 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, 4 national game preserves, 5 national parks, and 18 national monuments on over 230 million acres of public land. We drove through the park, which offers crazy views of rugged badlands, abundant wildlife, and fascinating landscapes.
We also visited the Maltese Cross Cabin, which belonged to Roosevelt. He stayed here when visiting the Dakota territory.
Day 3: Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore
The next day we drove back to South Dakota to visit the Crazy Horse Memorial. I have never heard of this before, and many friends encouraged we visit. I’m glad we did because it was truly something to see. The world’s largest mountain carving and Eighth Wonder of the World, Sculpture Korczak Ziolkowski created this to honor Native American war leader of the Oglala Lakota, Crazy Horse. Crazy Horse fought against the U.S. Federal Government to protect the lands and traditions of his people.
The memorial has been under construction since 1948. While still under construction, it currently features a completed, 87-foot-tall head of Crazy Horse. I bought some books at the store to learn more about Crazy Horse.
It began to hail before we left to make our way to Mount Rushmore. We were hit with dime-sized hail, and it was definitely something else.
My bucket list included visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial, so I’m happy to say I’ve crossed it off. The colossal sculpture carved into the granite features 60-foot-tall faces of presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. It serves to not only commemorate our national history and progress but serves as a symbol of freedom.
Unfortunately, it was a super cloudy day with light rain so my pictures didn’t come out great, but I was able to brighten them using Photoshop so they’re clearer.
Day 4: Wind Cave and Badlands
Wind Cave National Park I wasn’t too impressed by. This South Dakota park is one of the longest and most complex caves. We had the opportunity to go under in the cave to check it out. Of course, it’s very dark and cold. It’s the seventh oldest national park and first cave to be designated a national park. Long regarded as sacred by Native Americans, in 1881 brothers Jesse and Tom Bingham discovered the cave.
We then headed to Badlands National Park, my other favorite place we visited. It reminded me of Arches National Park, minus the red rock. The park spans 244,000 acres with buttes, canyons, pinnacles, spires, and stunning vistas as well as wildlife encounters. I was in sheer amazement at the beauty. I could have driven endlessly around the park in awe of it all.
Day 5: Scotts Bluff
On our last day, we visited Scotts Bluff National Monument in Nebraska. It served as the path marker and essential landmark on the Oregon Trail, California Trail, and Pony Express Trail. It towers 800 feet above the North Platte River and protects over 3,000 acres of historic overland trail remnants. The park offers mixed-grass prairie, rugged badlands, and towering bluffs.
Road Trip Travel Tips
Map out Your Route in Advance
You may wonder why we went from Wyoming to South Dakota then to North Dakota and not straight to North Dakota from Wyoming. We took this route since traveling from Wyoming to North Dakota would require a longer drive. When road tripping, it’s important to take road breaks to get out of the car, stretch, eat and hydrate, and recharge yourself. After driving six hours from Colorado to Wyoming that day, we didn’t want to drive for similiar lengths afterward. Plan your route in advance and ensure it includes rest stops.
What to Pack
To not only help save money, but ensure we eat and stay hydrated, we packed a cooler with water and seltzers, meat and cheese and bread to make sandwhiches and tons of snacks. We always ate breakfast in the morning at the hotel we stayed at.
Prepare for the Weather
Always research the weather in advance so you’re prepared. The weather during our trip went from sunny to rain, so we packed clothing suitable for that weather as well as items like sunglasses, an umbrella, and a light jacket. Also, since the trip involves a lot of walking, wear comfortable walking shoes.
Research Park Costs
National parks charge an entry fee. Memorials and monuments often charge an entry fee as well. We have a National Park pass that we pay yearly so we were able to get into the National Parks using that. But look up the costs in advance so you’re prepared.
Other Costs
If you’re sticking to a budget, consider the costs of gas, ordering/dining out, and any souvenirs you want to purchase. The gift shops offer tons of books and I managed to buy (only) six. I also bought a few shirts and refridgerator magnets (it’s my thing when traveling), and Matt bought stickers for his water bottle.
Road Trip Wrap-up
All-in-all it was a great road trip with much to see and learn. Traveling is such a great way to learn about places and people, and open your eyes to the wonders of the world.
If you’ve visited any of these parks, I encourage you to share your experience and tips in the comments! If they’re on your bucket list and you have questions or want to learn more, feel free to contact me!
