So my wife's brother is stationed at Grand Forks AFB in ND. We'll be flying out next Tuesday to visit him and his family. Being the opportunist that I am, I suggested we all head to South Dakota to see all the sites. Keep in mind, my wife and I have a 6 and almost 2 year old and they have a 2 year old as well. Dreading the 9 hour drive with them down but maybe it won't be so bad.
July 23rd: Arrive to Grand Forks AFB - spend the night.
July 24th: Depart for Hill City, SD (9 hrs). This is where we'll be staying for 4 nights (base camp so to speak).
July 25th: Custer State Park. Wildlife Loop and Needles Hwy. Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse later that evening if time allows.
July 26th: Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse if we didn't get to do the day before. (Won't be spending much time at these places). Then head to the Mammoth Dig site.
July 27th: Depart Lodge for Devils Tower. Stop at Spearfish Canyon on the way. Maybe look around at Sundance on our way back to the lodge. What to do in Sundance?
July 28th: Check out of lodge and drive to the Badlands (1.5 hrs away). Spend 4 or so hours there. Maybe check out Minuteman Missile site. Depart and spend the night somewhere near Bismarck (halfway point back to Grand Forks).
July 29th: Depart Bismarck for Grand Forks.
July 30th : Open (will be back in ND).
July 31st: Open (will be back in ND).
Aug 1st: Depart Back to VA
See anything that I'm missing? I know Deadwood isn't far but not sure if its worth the time? Anything else you'd try to squeeze in?
And then the highlight trip of the year....
Sept 17th: Drive to CO to elk hunt
July 23rd: Arrive to Grand Forks AFB - spend the night.
July 24th: Depart for Hill City, SD (9 hrs). This is where we'll be staying for 4 nights (base camp so to speak).
July 25th: Custer State Park. Wildlife Loop and Needles Hwy. Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse later that evening if time allows.
July 26th: Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse if we didn't get to do the day before. (Won't be spending much time at these places). Then head to the Mammoth Dig site.
July 27th: Depart Lodge for Devils Tower. Stop at Spearfish Canyon on the way. Maybe look around at Sundance on our way back to the lodge. What to do in Sundance?
July 28th: Check out of lodge and drive to the Badlands (1.5 hrs away). Spend 4 or so hours there. Maybe check out Minuteman Missile site. Depart and spend the night somewhere near Bismarck (halfway point back to Grand Forks).
July 29th: Depart Bismarck for Grand Forks.
July 30th : Open (will be back in ND).
July 31st: Open (will be back in ND).
Aug 1st: Depart Back to VA
See anything that I'm missing? I know Deadwood isn't far but not sure if its worth the time? Anything else you'd try to squeeze in?
And then the highlight trip of the year....
Sept 17th: Drive to CO to elk hunt