Trip from Eastern PA to Mt. Rushmore

[kraftengr]

DW and I are planning a trip this summer from Eastern PA to Mt. Rushmore. Any suggestions about places to sight-see or stop along the way? We're probably looking to spend a day or so in the Chicago area along the way, too.

[KMP44]

Not sure what your interests or time frame are, but - might want to do a loop - go out via Chicago then through Wisc and MN. On the return, head for Duluth MN and across northern Wisc and the UP of Michigan. We did a trip to St. Paul that way and really enjoyed the UP, especially Lake Superior and then went over the Mackinac Bridge and down to Dearborn tto spend a couple days at the Henry Ford Museum - which is amazing.

[Keystone]

I've been from Eastern PA allot over the years (I grew up in Bucks County). I also go to the Blackhills every year.

When I go back to Bucks County I take the "southern" route. I do this to avoid most of the toll roads and it tends to have a bit less traffic. This route is only 20 miles longer than the Shorter more direct route. But the toll routes take you right to Chicago.

When you get to the Blackhills I recommend Crooked Creek Campground in Hill City, SD. This will put you minutes away from Rushmore. Make sure you take the time to go into Custer State park while there and drive the wild life loop. There is an old steam train route that runs between Hill City and Keystone. Worth riding.

[greymedic]

On our last trip west from NEPA we stopped at Mercer, PA; Henry Ford Museum/Greenfield Village/Ford Assembly Plant; Indiana Dunes SP; Wisconsin Dells; Mall of America then thru ND and MT. Great route!


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[bob caldwell]

Also take in Crazy Horse Monument....and check out the T-shirt shops in Hill City

[stevensmith2859]

I live in York, PA now, but Grew up just outside of Baltimore and went to college in Montana, so I've made the drive a few times. Wall drug store is cool, the Wisconsin Dells are also really cool!

[kraftengr]

Thanks for the great tips. Hope we can fit a lot of those sites into the itinerary!

[TreeLady]

Make sure to stop at the welcome stations in each state. Wonderful free magazines of the state, what to see, etc.

[CaptnJohn]

Well ~~~~ we did the scenic route! From PA to St Louis and the arch. Picked up US 160 and on it is 4 corners, Mesa Verde, Grand Canyon, Great Sand Dunes Natl Park, Hoover Dam, into Las Vegas. Then north to I-80 to Salt Lake City, the Tabernacle, Mt Rushmore, and all that mentioned above. Why not see it all?

[Retired Air Force]

I recommend that you stop at the Air Museum at Wright Patterson AFB, Dayton. Plan on spending a good day to see most of it or 2 days atleast to see it all.

[Retired Air Force]

Oops forgot Stop at the Mall of America in Mn.

[hotice]

Wife and I doing the same trip from east Pa in Aug. Staying at Big Pine in Custer , worried about Sturgis rally . I'll keep an eye on info offered here.

[Husker country]

You might want to avoid the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally August 8-14. 700,000 visitors give or take and lots of bikes on the roads. Campgrounds double their prices that week if you can even get in. The Badlands just east of the Black Hills is a loop off the interstate so easy to do. Very unique landscape and interesting so worth doing. Don't miss the beautiful Needles Drive in the Black Hills. Don't take your rv on that road because there are tunnels and switchbacks. Some tunnels are planned to give you a view of Mt. Rushmore as you drive through them. Mt Rushmore has a nightly program and lighting which is nice. You buy a parking permit for there and can use it for the year so can visit during the day if you want to take the walks around the area and go back at night for the program. Just west a short drive into Wyoming is Devils Tower which is an interesting sight also. You will find lots of information at the manned rest stops.

[retired on a mountain]

Been to Rushmore many times. It's great trip bad lands wall drug hot springs crazy horse needles highway deadwood black hills and Devils tower. And the town of a Alladen population was 11 people last year . The question is how much time do you have to see everything . I also like the southern rt to St. Louis staying away from tolls and chicgo. Also Custer state park got to see the buffalo

[cwc510117]

Lot of people talking Henry Ford where do you stay when there? We have made a day trip out of it from NE Ohio but would like to go up and stay a few days.


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[greymedic]

Henry Ford, Deerfield Village and the Ford assembly plant are all next to each other an d each deserve a one day visit. CG nearest is county run and another is in Ypsilanti, MI. Indiana Dunes State Park is worth a stay if you're continuing west.

[radman]

One thing to check before you go make sure it is not during the Sturgis Bike week. I was going thru SD back to Wa from my son's wedding and I saw a lit Hiway sign saying there were no Hotel rooms within 50 miles of Sturgis and I would guess the same for campgrounds. But do see Mt Rushmore, Deadwood and also the Devils Tower nearby in WY.

[Plug32]

unless you like motorcycles and the scenery from a bike, by all means go during bike week..