Rapid City, South Dakota, is the gateway to the Black Hills and some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the United States. One of the most popular day trips from Rapid City is a visit to Badlands National Park. This park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, and visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. If you’re planning a road trip from Rapid City to Badlands National Park, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about the distance, drive hours, stops, and the best driving route.
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Rapid City to Badlands National Park Drive
The distance between Rapid City and Badlands National Park is approximately 62.1 miles (99.9 km), and the drive time is approximately 1 hour and 6 minutes. The best way to reach the park is by taking I-90E and exiting at exit 131.
Rapid City to Badlands National Park: How Far is It?
Badlands National Park is located approximately 62.1 miles (99.9 km) east of Rapid City. The most direct route to the park is via I-90E, which will take you about an hour to reach your destination.
How Far is Rapid City to Badlands National Park by Plane?
The flight distance between Rapid City to Badlands National Park is approximately 60 miles (96.5 km).
What is the Time Difference Between Rapid City and Badlands National Park?
Rapid City and Badlands National Park are both located in the same time zone, which makes travel between these two destinations very convenient.
Visitors do not need to worry about adjusting their watches or dealing with jet lag as they move from one city to another. This means that visitors can spend more time exploring the natural beauty and attractions of Badlands National Park without worrying about the time difference or any potential travel fatigue. Additionally, the close proximity of these two destinations and their shared time zone make Rapid City an ideal base for exploring the area’s many natural wonders, including Badlands National Park, the Black Hills, and Mount Rushmore. Overall, the shared time zone between Rapid City and Badlands National Park is just one of the many reasons why this area is such a popular destination for travelers from around the world.
The Cheapest Way to Get from Rapid City to Badlands National Park
The cheapest way to get from Rapid City to Badlands National Park is by car. Visitors can rent a car from the Rapid City Regional Airport or from one of the many car rental companies located in Rapid City. The cost of renting a car will vary depending on the time of year and the type of car rented.
Rapid City to Badlands National Park Drive – Rent A Car In Rapid City
Visitors can rent a car in Rapid City from a number of car rental companies, including:
- Alamo: starts at $45 per day
- Avis: starts at $46 per day
- Budget: starts at $43 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $45 per day
- Hertz: starts at $46 per day
- National: starts at $45 per day
The cost of renting a car will depend on the time of year, the type of car rented, and the length of the rental period. Visitors should book their car rental in advance to ensure availability and to get the best rates.
Gas prices will also vary depending on where you fill up, but you can expect to spend around $50 for a full tank. This is based on an average of $3.314 per gallon, and a standard car that holds 15 gallons of gas.
Rapid City to Badlands National Park – Driving Stops Along The Way
There are several driving stops along the way from Rapid City to Badlands National Park that visitors can enjoy. These include:
Wall Drug Store
Wall Drug Store is a famous roadside attraction located in Wall, South Dakota, near Badlands National Park. It has been in operation since 1931 and is known for its unique marketing campaigns, including billboards across the country. Visitors can stop at the store to shop for souvenirs, eat at one of its restaurants, and learn about the town’s history. It is a popular stop for tourists on their way to or from Badlands National Park.
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is located along I-90, east of Rapid City. It tells the story of the Cold War and the role South Dakota played in protecting the United States from nuclear attacks. Visitors can tour a decommissioned missile silo and learn about the history of the Cold War. It is an interesting and informative stop on the way to Badlands National Park.
Bad lands Loop Road
The Badlands Loop Road is a scenic drive through Badlands National Park in South Dakota. It covers a distance of 31 miles and offers visitors breathtaking views of the park’s rugged terrain, colorful rock formations, and unique wildlife. The road is one of the park’s most popular attractions and is a must-see for visitors looking to explore the beauty of the Badlands.
Pinnacles Overlook
Pinnacles Overlook is a scenic viewpoint in Badlands National Park that offers panoramic views of the park’s rugged terrain. From this viewpoint, visitors can see the unique rock formations that the park is known for, as well as the surrounding prairies and grasslands. Pinnacles Overlook is accessible via a short hiking trail, making it a great stop for visitors looking to stretch their legs and take in the park’s stunning scenery.
Fossil Exhibit Trail
The Fossil Exhibit Trail is a short and easy hike in Badlands National Park that showcases the park’s unique geologic history. The trail is less than a mile long and features interpretive signs that explain the different types of fossils found in the park. Visitors can see fossils of ancient horses, rhinoceroses, and even camels. The trail is a must-visit for anyone interested in paleontology or geology.
Rapid City to Badlands National Park – Best Driving Route
The best driving route from Rapid City to Badlands National Park is via I-90E and exiting at exit 131. Visitors should follow signs for SD-240E, which will take them directly to the park’s entrance. The drive is approximately 65 miles and should take around 1 hour, depending on traffic and any stops along the way.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, a road trip from Rapid City to Badlands National Park is a must-do for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With a distance of approximately 65 miles and a drive time of just over an hour, visitors can easily make a day trip out of exploring the park’s stunning landscapes, scenic drives, and hiking trails. Along the way, there are plenty of interesting stops to make, such as the iconic Wall Drug Store and the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. Whether visitors choose to drive or fly to Rapid City and rent a car, a visit to Badlands National Park is sure to be an unforgettable experience.