Rapid City SD / Omaha NE via I-90, US 83, US 20, US 275

[MIKE44460]

Has anyone taken this route?

Rapid City SD / Omaha NE via I-90, US 83, US 20, US 275, etc.

Good, bad, or UGLY.

TIA,

Mike

[sundawg]

WOW... Talk about a looonngg boring drive! Not even sure what the roads are like through the reservation

You'd be better off taking 385 south to Sidney and hopping on I-80 and heading east or take I-90 east to Sioux Falls and go south

[MIKE44460]

Originally Posted by sundawg

WOW... Talk about a looonngg boring drive! Not even sure what the roads are like through the reservation

Mapquest says, interstates 8:43 582 miles, off interstates 9:19 542.

By your reply, you are assuming it is a long drive, but you don't know for sure, correct?

[hairmommy]

Take I-90 to Sioux Falls and then I-29 to Omaha. The extra miles will be worth it. You never know about 83 and 20 and 275, they are in no mans land. If you have problems you might have a hard time getting help vs being on the interstate. We were on hwy 20 2 years ago with camper and had tire problems. Not much around for help.

[Len & Cheri]

I'd stay on the interstate as well. I lived in Rapid City for 6 years and made frequent trips back to OH. Seemed all the shortcuts aren't really shortcuts at all. Besides, if you take that route you'll miss the Corn Palace in Mitchell

[sundawg]

Originally Posted by MIKE44460

Mapquest says, interstates 8:43 582 miles, off interstates 9:19 542.

By your reply, you are assuming it is a long drive, but you don't know for sure, correct?

I don't know the specific route but have travelled in the same area and would advise you to stick to the interstates. Cell service is pretty spotty and people/ traffic are few and far between. Driving at interstate speeds it makes for a long trip, but having to drive slower along back roads can make the trip "feel" even longer.

Conversely, if you enjoy getting off the beaten trail and exploring what SD and Nebraska have to offer , farm fields as far as the eye can see, have at it. Just wanted you to know that that part of the two states is very rural and could bring some unwanted adventures to your trip that you may or may not want to experience.

[MIKE44460]

Your replys have got me thinking, and you make some very good points I haden't thought of, cell phone for one. I would like to see some of the country other than the interstate. Maybe going to Salem SD then US81 south may be just enough off roading to make me happy, yet near enough to the interstate to get back to it if needed.

Thanks for the good points.

[hairmommy]

I live in central South Dakota and last year took 81 down to Omaha because I-29 was underwater at Sioux City, the road isn't bad but if you are pulling a camper I would still stick to Interstate all the way. Time wise it is probably faster on Interstate since you aren't slowing down for every little town all the way to Omaha.