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 (via Custer) & Rapid City
- Day 2: Deadwood & Devils Tower, WY (Round Trip from Rapid City)
- Day 3: Reptile Gardens to Colorado Springs (US-385)
- Full Route Overview
- Rapid City: Your Family Base for the Black Hills
- Budget for a Family of Four
- Top Kid-Friendly Stops
- Essential Packing Tips
- Cheyenne → Colorado Springs – FAQs
- 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 in!
*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 picnic—salmon or chicken slice sandwiches with butter, cheese, and tomato, plus bananas and watermelon. 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 (via Custer) & 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 the scenery starts to shift—pine forests and granite outcrops hinting at what’s to come.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Mount Rushmore National Memorial—what an incredible experience! The kids were gobsmacked by the towering sculptures of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln carved into the Black Hills. Seeing them in person was even more impressive than we’d imagined. 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 after a day packed with incredible sights.
Settling into The Foothills Inn in Rapid City
Top Tips:
- Fill up in Lusk—fuel’s cheaper than 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 & Devils Tower, WY (Round Trip from Rapid City)
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 day in the Black Hills.
Deadwood’s Wild West Charm
We set off for Deadwood, excited for a 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 living history. With old-fashioned storefronts, wooden sidewalks, and a vibrant atmosphere, it quickly became a place we’ll always remember.
After soaking up the sights along Main Street, we visited Saloon No. 10, the iconic spot where Wild Bill Hickok met his fate. Filled with Old West memorabilia, it was fascinating to learn stories of outlaws and lawmen. The kids loved it.
We also explored The Bullock Hotel, Deadwood’s oldest hotel and casino, built by Sheriff Seth Bullock. Its 19th-century charm and ghost stories added to the character.
A visit to the Adams Museum was a highlight, with exhibits on Native American culture, the gold rush, and Deadwood’s wild past. We also enjoyed the Days of ’76 Museum with its historic wagons and rodeo memorabilia.
Deadwood truly stole our hearts—full of history, adventure, and memories we’ll cherish. If you're exploring the Black Hills, make sure Deadwood is on your list.
Deadwood Main Street
Devils Tower Wonder
Next, we made our way to Devils Tower, a truly awe-inspiring igneous rock formation that rises from the plains. Famously featured in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, it’s even more impressive in person. The kids loved spotting climbers scaling its sides.
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 to Colorado Springs (US-385)
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.
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 in Chadron (great for a quick bite and fuel) before continuing south.
Alliance Freight Train Sighting
Near Alliance, a freight train with over 100 carriages rolled beside us—an impressive sight across Nebraska’s plains.
Arrival in Colorado Springs
We reached Colorado Springs late, tired but delighted, and checked into our hotel ready for the next adventure.
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
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 for the Black Hills
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, 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 Fees | $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 recent 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 (keep a safe distance!).
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 can hit ~30°C, nights ~15°C—layers like jackets and T-shirts work well.
- Wildlife Safety: Keep a safe distance from wildlife; view from the car where possible.
- Essentials: Cooler with ice, flask, water bottles, sunhats, sunscreen (SPF 50+), wet wipes, binoculars, mosquito spray. Keep toiletries tidy in a handmade shimmer makeup bag, and cables/chargers in a compact electronics organiser.
- Kids’ Gear: Paper and pencils for drawing, small games for the drive. For car naps on long stretches, our two love a penguin neck pillow and a black cat neck pillow.
Download our 3-Day Road Trip Checklist for free!
*What’s your must-pack item? Share below!*
Cheyenne → Colorado Springs – FAQs
Is 3 days enough for the Black Hills with kids?
Where should we stay for easy access?
What’s the best route to Colorado Springs?
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. Visit jbtravelworld.com and follow @jummaiandbobtravel—tag us with your snaps! What’s your next adventure? Happy travels! 🌄🚗
Planning more national parks? See our 5-Day Cheyenne → Yellowstone Family Itinerary and grab the free 3-Day Road Trip Checklist.
About the Authors: Jummai & Bob are founders of JB Travel World, sharing family-tested routes and gear for road trips with kids.
*Ready to plan your own? What’s your first step?*