Family Road Trip Guide: Cheyenne to Colorado Springs via Mount Rushmore, Deadwood, and Devils Tower in 3 Days
Table of Contents
- Why This Road Trip’s Brilliant for Families
- Day 1: Cheyenne to Mount Rushmore & Rapid City
- Day 2: Deadwood and Devils Tower
- Day 3: Reptile Gardens and Colorado Springs
- Full Route Overview
- Rapid City: Your Family Base
- Budget for a Family of Four
- Top Kid-Friendly Stops
- Essential Packing Tips
- Final Reflections
Hello, fellow family travellers! We’re Jummai, Bob, and our two young explorers from JB Travel World, a British family passionate about affordable adventures that bring us together. Our 3-day July journey from Cheyenne to Colorado Springs via the Black Hills—featuring giant president faces, Wild West history, and a volcanic tower—was simply unforgettable. Inspired by USA’s Best Trips by Lonely Planet, we tweaked their Black Hills Loop with a detour to Devils Tower. Want our top tips for your own trip? Let’s dive into what might just be the best family road trip guide ever!
*Planning a family escape? Where are you headed? Tell us below!*
Why This Road Trip’s Brilliant for Families
- Affordable: Mount Rushmore’s free to see (just $10 parking), and most stops are wallet-friendly.
- Kid-Friendly: Huge carvings, reptiles, and cowboy stories keep the kids entertained.
- Flexible: Picnics or quick takeaways, hotels or camping—it’s up to you.
- Scenic: From Wyoming plains to Dakota hills, the views are stunning.
Top Tip: We always pack a decent picnic lunch—salmon or chicken slices sandwiches with butter, cheese, and tomato on bread, plus bananas and watermelon to keep us going. A flask of tea with honey is perfect for a roadside cuppa—bring a cooler to keep everything fresh!
Day 1: Cheyenne to Mount Rushmore & Rapid City
Route: Cheyenne, WY → Lusk → Custer → Mount Rushmore → Rapid City, SD | Distance: 300 miles (5-6 hours with stops) | Date: Sunday, 20 July
Route: Cheyenne to Rapid City via US-85 and US-18
Starting in Cheyenne
We kicked off in Cheyenne, Wyoming’s capital, buzzing with anticipation for the journey ahead.
Pit Stop in Lusk
First stop: Lusk. We made a stretch break here and enjoyed a picnic with our trusty packed lunch..
Exploring Custer
Next up was Custer, a charming little town nestled in the Black Hills where we felt the adventure ramping up. The scenery was already shifting to something special.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Mount Rushmore National Memorial—what an incredible experience! The kids were absolutely gobsmacked by the towering sculptures of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln, intricately carved into the Black Hills. Seeing them in person was even more impressive than we’d imagined. We couldn’t help but admire the dedication of the 400 workers who spent 14 years crafting this colossal masterpiece—a true testament to perseverance and ambition. After a quick snack stop in Keystone, we carried on with our journey.
Mount Rushmore
Family at Mount Rushmore
Settling in Rapid City
We settled into The Foothills Inn in Rapid City—a fantastic start to our trip after a day packed with incredible sights.
Settling into The Foothills Inn in Rapid City
Top Tips:
- Fill up in Lusk—fuel’s cheaper ($3.50/gallon vs. $4+ in the hills).
- Stay for Mount Rushmore’s evening lighting if you’ve got energy—it’s magical.
- Watch for deer near Custer—drive carefully!
*What’s your favourite road trip snack? Share below!*
Day 2: Deadwood and Devils Tower
Route: Rapid City → Deadwood → Devils Tower → Rapid City | Distance: 220 miles round trip (4-5 hours with stops) | Date: Monday, 21 July
Route: Rapid City to Devils Tower via I-90 and US-14
Leaving Rapid City
Starting from Rapid City, we ventured out for a brilliant adventure in the Black Hills, South Dakota.
Deadwood’s Wild West Charm
We set off for Deadwood, excited for a brilliant family adventure in the heart of South Dakota’s Black Hills! This historic Wild West town was full of charm, and just strolling down Main Street felt like stepping into a living, breathing piece of history. With its old-fashioned storefronts, wooden sidewalks, and vibrant atmosphere, it quickly became a place we’ll always remember.
After soaking up the sights along Main Street, we made our way to Saloon No. 10, the iconic spot where Wild Bill Hickok met his fate. Filled with Old West memorabilia, it was fascinating to learn about the stories of outlaws and lawmen. The kids loved it, and we enjoyed the lively vibe and the mix of history and fun.
We also explored The Bullock Hotel, Deadwood’s oldest hotel and casino, built by Sheriff Seth Bullock. Its 19th-century charm and intriguing ghost stories added to its character, making it feel like a piece of living history.
A visit to the Adams Museum was a highlight for the whole family, with its fascinating exhibits on Native American culture, the gold rush, and Deadwood’s wild past. And we couldn’t miss the Days of ’76 Museum, where we were amazed by the collection of historic wagons and rodeo memorabilia from one of America’s oldest rodeos.
Deadwood truly stole our hearts—this place is so special, full of history, adventure, and memories we’ll cherish forever. If you're exploring the Black Hills, make sure Deadwood is on your list. It’s a place we’ll never forget!
Deadwood Main Street
Devils Tower Wonder
Next, we made our way to Devils Tower, a truly awe-inspiring volcanic rock formation that rises dramatically from the plains. You can spot it from miles away as you drive, its towering presence seemingly growing bigger with every passing mile. Famously featured in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, it’s even more impressive in person. As we got closer, we couldn’t help but marvel at its sheer size and unique shape—it’s like nothing else we’ve ever seen. The kids were absolutely thrilled to see climbers scaling its sides, which made the experience even more exciting. It’s a natural wonder that leaves you in awe, and definitely one of those moments we’ll always remember!
Devils Tower View
Family at Devils Tower
Return to Rapid City
We returned to The Foothills Inn in Rapid City after a brilliant day of exploration.
Top Tips:
- Park free on Deadwood’s Main Street—plenty of space to explore.
- Bring binoculars for Devils Tower—watching climbers is a treat.
- Leave by 5 p.m. from Devils Tower for daylight driving back.
*Which stop would you pick first? Tell us below!*
Day 3: Reptile Gardens and Colorado Springs
Route: Rapid City → Reptile Gardens → Chadron → Alliance → Sterling → Colorado Springs, CO | Distance: 410 miles (6.5-7 hours with stops) | Date: Tuesday, 22 July
Route: Rapid City to Colorado Springs via US-385
Reptile Gardens in Rapid City
We kicked off our final day at Reptile Gardens in Rapid City. Home to snakes, lizards, and giant tortoises—some over 130 years old—it’s a must-see. The kids loved getting their faces painted with reptile patterns, and we all enjoyed watching the giant tortoises up close. It’s a fun, interactive place where you can easily spend half the day exploring!
Reptile Gardens
Giant Tortoises at Reptile Gardens
Quick Stop in Chadron
After leaving Reptile Gardens, we hit the road to Colorado Springs, making a fun stop at McDonald's in Chadron, much to the kids' delight. It's also a convenient place to fill up on petrol before continuing the journey!
Alliance’s Freight DG6Train Sight
Near Alliance, a freight train with over 100 carriages rolled beside us, an impressive sight across Nebraska’s vast plains.
Arrival in Colorado Springs
We reached Colorado Springs late, tired but delighted, checking into our hotel ready for our next adventure in Colorado Springs tomorrow.
Hotel in Colorado Springs
Top Tips:
- Arrive early at Reptile Gardens to beat the crowds.
- Grab snacks in Chadron for the long haul ahead.
*What’s your favourite roadside moment? Share below!*
Full Route Overview
Distance: ~710 miles total | Key Stops: Lusk (75 miles), Custer (220 miles), Mount Rushmore (250 miles), Rapid City (300 miles), Deadwood (335 miles), Devils Tower (410 miles), Colorado Springs (710 miles) | Roads: US-85, US-18, I-90, US-14, US-385—plains to hills in style | Time: 3 days—short but sweet!
Full Route: Cheyenne to Colorado Springs
Our Inspiration: USA’s Best Trips by Lonely Planet
Top Tips:
- Watch for deer near Custer—they pop up unexpectedly.
- US-385 has gorgeous views—keep your camera ready.
- Fill up in Rapid City or Chadron before the long drive south.
*Driven this route? What’s your favourite stop?*
Rapid City: Your Family Base
Location: Heart of the Black Hills—35 miles to Deadwood, 25 to Mount Rushmore | Options: The Foothills Inn ($100-$120/night, sleeps 4) or camping ($30/night) | Amenities: Nearby food (chains and local spots), fuel ($4/gallon), easy access to sights | Atmosphere: Busy but welcoming—perfect for families
Breakfast in Rapid City
Top Tips:
- Book early—summer gets packed.
- Main Street Square has free kids’ activities if you’ve time.
*Hotel or camping? What’s your choice?*
Budget for a Family of Four
| Category | Cost (Family of 4) |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee | $10 (Mount Rushmore parking), ~$62 (Reptile Gardens) |
| Fuel | $85-$100 (710 miles) |
| Hotel | $200-$240 (2 nights) |
| Food | $100-$150 (sandwiches, takeaways, ice creams) |
| Total | $450-$550 |
*Note:* Fuel based on 2025 estimates—expect slight increases by July.
Top Tips:
- Buy supplies in Cheyenne—cheaper than hill shops.
- Skip souvenirs—photos are free and just as good!
*What’s your top budget tip? Share it!*
Top Kid-Friendly Stops
- Mount Rushmore: Giant faces that wow the little ones.
- Deadwood: Cowboy stories to spark imaginations.
- Devils Tower: Spotting climbers is a treat.
- Reptile Gardens: Reptiles up close—brilliant!
- Wildlife: Bison and deer from the car (100 yards away!).
Top Tips:
- Bring a notepad—kids can sketch the sights.
- Pack lightweight raincoats—weather can surprise you.
*Which stop would your kids love? Tell us!*
Essential Packing Tips
- Weather Prep: July highs hit 30°C, nights drop to 15°C—layers like jackets and T-shirts work well.
- Wildlife Safety: Keep 100 yards from bison—view from the car!
- Essentials: Cooler with ice, flask, water bottles, sunhats, sunscreen (SPF 50+), wet wipes, binoculars, mosquito spray.
- Kids’ Gear: Paper and pencils for drawing, small games for the drive.
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*What’s your must-pack item? Share below!*
Final Reflections
Our Cheyenne-to-Colorado Springs trip was a family triumph: Mount Rushmore’s grand faces, Deadwood’s Wild West magic, Devils Tower’s quirky wonder, and a comfy end in Colorado Springs. Just $10 unlocks the monument, and the rest? Affordable fun for us all! Visit jbtravelworld.com and follow @jummaiandbobtravel—tag us with your snaps! What’s your next adventure? Happy travels! 🌄🚗
*Ready to plan your own? What’s your first step?*