Your 3-Day Family Adventure Checklist: Cheyenne to Colorado Springs via the Black Hills

Created by Jummai and Bob

A budget-friendly journey through history and nature for families with small children – Plan your perfect trip with this guide.

Before You Go

Book Lodging: Reserve a family-friendly hotel in Deadwood, SD (e.g., Deadwood Gulch Resort, $80-$120/night) and Colorado Springs (e.g., Garden of the Gods Resort, $100-$150/night) 1-2 days ahead—we found great last-minute deals!
Budget Check: Plan for $450-$550 for a family of four: $20-$25 fuel (400 miles one-way), $150-$200 food, $50 Mount Rushmore parking, and lodging. Add $15-$20 for kids’ treats or souvenirs.
Buy Supplies: Stock up in Cheyenne at Albertsons for healthy packed lunches—sandwiches, fruit, and snacks.
Route Preparation: Map the 400-mile one-way trip: Day 1 (Cheyenne to Deadwood, 250 miles, 4-5 hours), Day 2 (Deadwood to Mount Rushmore, 30 miles, 1 hour), Day 3 (Mount Rushmore to Colorado Springs, 120 miles, 2-3 hours). Plan 2 extra stops for kids.
Vehicle Preparation: Refuel in Cheyenne ($3.50/gallon vs. $4+ in rural areas). Check car seats/boosters. Pack a roadside kit (torch, spare tyre, jump leads).
Crowd Planning: Visit Mount Rushmore early on Day 2 (before 10 a.m.) to avoid peak crowds—ideal for a calm family experience.
Tech Prep: Download offline maps (Google Maps or NPS app) for the Black Hills—signal can be spotty.
Educational Fun: Pack a Mount Rushmore kids’ book or Wild West stories to excite little explorers about history.
Gear & Essentials Prep:
- Check pushchair (clean, with shade) for Mount Rushmore trails and Garden of the Gods.
- Assemble first aid kit (plasters, children’s pain relief, antiseptic wipes, travel sickness bands).
- Gather entertainment (notepad, crayons, travel games, iPad with headphones, preloaded shows).
- Review safety rules with kids (stay on paths, no climbing rocks).
- Start collecting family gear and children’s essentials (see Packing Essentials section).

Daily Itinerary Checklist

Day 1: Cheyenne to Deadwood (250 miles, 4-5 hours)

☐ Stop in Lusk, WY (100 miles) – Rest area with picnic tables for a quick break.
☐ Arrive in Deadwood – Check into hotel and explore Main Street (free Historic District walk).
☐ Dinner at Deadwood Legends Steakhouse ($15-$20/person) – Kids’ menu available.
☐ Wild West Fun: Watch the free 6 p.m. shootout reenactment—perfect for little adventurers.

Day 2: Deadwood to Mount Rushmore (30 miles, 1 hour)

☐ Breakfast at hotel – Pack a lunch for Mount Rushmore.
☐ Visit Mount Rushmore ($10 parking) – Pushchair-friendly trails; arrive by 9 a.m.
☐ Picnic at Mount Rushmore – Use tables near the visitor center.
☐ Explore the Avenue of Flags – Easy walk for kids to spot state flags.
☐ Stay in Deadwood – Relax after a short drive back (or book a second night if preferred).

Day 3: Mount Rushmore to Colorado Springs (120 miles, 2-3 hours)

☐ Breakfast in Deadwood – Pack snacks for the drive.
☐ Drive to Colorado Springs – Check into hotel.
☐ Visit Garden of the Gods (free entry) – Short, paved walks with stunning rock views.
☐ Lunch at Garden of the Gods Trading Post ($10-$15/person) – Quick bites with views.
☐ Photo Op: Snap family pics at Balanced Rock—easy access for kids.

Packing Essentials

Weather & Comfort

☐ Layers: Lightweight jackets, hoodies, breathable shirts (July: 10°C mornings, 28°C days).
☐ Children’s sun hats, suncream (SPF 50+), sunglasses – Strong sun at higher elevations.
☐ Comfy walking shoes – For short trails and town strolls.

Food & Hydration

☐ Healthy Packed Lunches: Sandwiches (tuna, chicken), bananas, watermelon – Cooler with ice.
☐ Reusable water bottles – Refill at hotels or parks.
☐ Flask of tea with honey – Soothing for drives.

Family Gear

☐ Binoculars – For spotting details on Mount Rushmore.
☐ Wet wipes – For sticky hands after picnics.
☐ Phone charger for car – Keep devices ready for photos.
☐ Picnic mat – For outdoor lunches.

Children’s Essentials & Safety

☐ Notepad, crayons – Sketch Mount Rushmore or rocks.
☐ Travel games, iPad with headphones – Preload shows for drives.
☐ Blanket, small toys – Comfort for naps.
☐ Pushchair with shade – For trails and town walks.
☐ Light Packing: Give kids a small bag for their gear—keeps them happy.

Highlights

Deadwood Main Street – Wild West history and free shootout reenactments.
Mount Rushmore – Iconic presidential faces carved in stone.
Avenue of Flags – Colorful state flags for kids to spot.
Garden of the Gods – Towering red rock formations.
Balanced Rock – Fun photo spot for kids.

Top Tips for Families with Small Children

Save Money: Picnic at Mount Rushmore, skip big souvenirs, buy snacks in Cheyenne.
Stay Safe: Secure car seats, watch for traffic in Deadwood.
Plan Timing: Hit Mount Rushmore early, Garden of the Gods late afternoon for cooler temps.
Engage Kids: Tell Wild West tales in Deadwood or count the presidents at Rushmore.
Take Breaks: Stop every 1-2 hours for stretching or nappy changes.
Eat Well: Pack nutritious lunches in a cooler for energy on the go.
Enjoy Family Time: Unplug and soak in the views—no signal needed!
Safety Note: Keep kids on paths at Garden of the Gods—rocks are tempting but steep.

Final Notes

A 3-day, 400-mile road trip ending in Colorado Springs—perfect for kicking off your next adventure around Garden of the Gods (stay tuned for our next blog)!

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Happy travels from Jummai, Bob, and the JB Travel World Team! 🌍