Our 5-Day Road Trip: Monuments, Landmarks, and National Parks Across the Midwest
We hit the road at 4 a.m. on June 2 to embark on a five-day, cross-state road trip. Our journey took us through Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Nebraska, wrapping up on June 6. In just five short days, we had the incredible opportunity to visit iconic American monuments, immerse ourselves in breathtaking scenery, observe wildlife in their natural habitats, and learn fascinating historical facts. As history enthusiasts, Matt and I were in our element, traveling back in time to better understand events and people, all while coming home with a wealth of new knowledge.
Here’s a breakdown of our trip, along with fun facts about each stop and some tips for fellow travelers.
Day 1: Devils Tower and Deadwood
Our first stop was Devils Tower National Monument in northeastern Wyoming, just a six-hour drive from Colorado. Known as Mato Tipila (meaning “Bear Lodge” in Lakota), this towering geological wonder rises 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River and stands 867 feet from base to summit. As the first national monument designated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, it’s a true American landmark.
The tower is not just a natural marvel—it’s also a sacred site for many Native American tribes, steeped in legend. According to the Kiowa legend, seven sisters were chased by a bear and sought refuge by climbing a tree. As they ascended, the tree grew taller and taller, carrying them into the sky where they became the stars of the Big Dipper. Similarly, the Lakota Sioux legend tells of six little girls escaping bears by climbing the tower, which the Great Spirit raised from the earth to protect them.
While the geologists tell us that the tower formed from volcanic activity, I was completely captivated by the myths and cultural significance of this sacred place. Over 20 Indigenous tribes have ties to Devils Tower, which has been used for ceremonies and practices for thousands of years.
Next, we made our way to Deadwood, South Dakota, a historic gold rush town that instantly transports you back to the Old West. With saloons, casinos, and steakhouses lining the streets, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve stepped into the 1800s.
We hiked up to Mt. Moriah Cemetery to pay respects to Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, two iconic figures of the American frontier. I hadn’t known much about them before, but I quickly learned Wild Bill was a lawman and notorious gunslinger who was famously shot while playing poker in 1876. His “Dead Man’s Hand”—a pair of aces and eights—has become legendary. Calamity Jane, a sharpshooter and adventurous frontierswoman, was buried next to him in 1903.
This stop was a highlight of the trip. I’m now watching the TV series Deadwood, which Matt had introduced to me a few years ago. Having visited the town, I’m more hooked than ever!
Day 2: Theodore Roosevelt National Par
We spent the night in Deadwood and headed to Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota the following morning. Roosevelt, one of America’s greatest conservationists, established 150 national forests and 5 national parks during his presidency. Driving through the park, we were treated to stunning views of the rugged Badlands, diverse wildlife, and unique landscapes.
We also visited the Maltese Cross Cabin, once home to Roosevelt when he lived in the Dakota Territory. The experience felt like stepping back in time to witness firsthand the life of one of our nation’s most influential figures.
Day 3: Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore
On day three, we drove back to South Dakota to visit the Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest mountain carving, which is still under construction. The sculpture, created by artist Korczak Ziolkowski, is dedicated to Crazy Horse, the Oglala Lakota warrior who fought to protect his people’s land and traditions. The project has been in progress since 1948, and while the full sculpture isn’t finished, the 87-foot-tall head of Crazy Horse is awe-inspiring.
Then it was time for a visit to Mount Rushmore National Memorial—a true American icon. The colossal granite faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are a testament to the nation’s history and progress. Despite the rainy, overcast weather that didn’t quite do the photos justice, I was thrilled to cross this iconic landmark off my bucket list.
Day 4: Wind Cave and Badlands
Next up was Wind Cave National Park, one of the longest and most complex caves in the world. Though it’s historically significant as the first cave to be designated a national park in 1903, the cave didn’t quite impress me as much as other sites on our trip. The temperature inside was frigid, and the dark, winding tunnels were a bit eerie.
However, the Badlands National Park more than made up for it. This was one of my absolute favorite stops. With its 244,000 acres of stunning buttes, canyons, pinnacles, and spires, Badlands offers one of the most dramatic landscapes I’ve ever seen. The park’s vastness and rugged beauty took my breath away. I could have driven for hours, lost in the endless vistas.
Day 5: Scotts Bluff National Monument
On the final day of our trip, we visited Scotts Bluff National Monument in Nebraska. Rising 800 feet above the North Platte River, this majestic landmark marked a crucial stop along the Oregon, California, and Pony Express Trails. The monument offers sweeping views of the surrounding prairie and is rich in historical significance, protecting over 3,000 acres of historical remnants from the overland trails.prairie, rugged badlands, and towering bluffs.
Road Trip Travel Tips
As we wrapped up our five-day adventure, there were a few key travel tips that helped make the trip smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what we learned along the way:
- Map Out Your Route in Advance
You might wonder why we didn’t travel directly from Wyoming to North Dakota. We purposely chose a route that took us through South Dakota to avoid the longer drive. When you’re road-tripping, it’s important to plan your route with rest stops along the way. After our six-hour drive from Colorado to Wyoming on Day 1, we didn’t want to tackle similarly long stretches of road. Be sure to incorporate breaks for stretching, eating, hydrating, and recharging during your journey. - What to Pack
To save on expenses and stay comfortable on the road, we packed a cooler with water, seltzers, meats, cheeses, bread, and lots of snacks. It kept us energized between stops. We also made sure to eat breakfast at the hotels where we stayed, which saved both time and money. - Prepare for the Weather
The weather can be unpredictable, so always check the forecast before you hit the road. On our trip, we experienced everything from sunny skies to rainstorms. Be sure to pack clothing suited for various conditions, including sunglasses, an umbrella, and a light jacket. Since road trips often involve a lot of walking, comfortable shoes are essential for exploring parks and landmarks. - Research Park Costs
Many national parks, memorials, and monuments charge an entry fee. We’re lucky to have a National Park pass, which allows us free entry into most of the parks we visit. But even if you don’t have one, it’s worth checking the costs ahead of time so you’re prepared for any fees. - Other Costs
If you’re on a budget, it’s also important to factor in costs for gas, dining, and souvenirs. The gift shops at the parks and memorials have lots of great items, including books, shirts, and magnets (I always collect these!) I ended up purchasing six books, while Matt grabbed some cool stickers for his water bottle.
Road Trip Wrap-up
All-in-all, our road trip was a fantastic experience filled with adventure, learning, and unforgettable moments. Traveling is a wonderful way to explore the world, learn about different places, and gain a deeper understanding of history and culture.
If you’ve visited any of these national parks or monuments, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your tips and stories in the comments below!
