The Great American West North & South Dakota

Drive The Dakotas - 14 Nights

“It was here that the romance of my life began.” So said President Theodore Roosevelt of his time spent in what is now the state of North Dakota. Enjoy the unforgettable experience that comes from living life amid the stark beauty of the American West.

Explore South Dakota, a state where, across miles of sweeping prairies, dense forests and breathtaking mountain scenery, history, culture and outdoor adventure await. This land of “Great Faces, Great Places” offers travelers the chance to experience America’s frontier heritage and pioneer spirit.

Day 1: Fargo, North Dakota

Arrive in Fargo North Dakota, a community based on Scandinavian tradition, with a budding downtown for great food options, craft breweries, and shopping. View vintage and modern aircrafts at the Fargo Air Museum and Bonanzaville, USA, a re-created frontier town and museum that allows visitors to experience a small community of the late 19th century.

The streets of Fargo

Day 2-3: Fargo to Bismarck

Visit the Buffalo Museum at Jamestown and the Frontier Village & World’s Largest Buffalo, then on to Bismarck, the capital of North Dakota, and a hub of culture and history. Journey back in time at the North Dakota Heritage Center. Relive General Custer’s military history at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park and visit the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center.

Day 4-6: Bismarck to Medora

While driving to Medora take in the magic of the Enchanted Highway where giant metal sculptures line the highways. Theodore Roosevelt National Park memorialises his contribution to conservation. North Dakota Badlands provide the scenic backdrop to the loop drive where you’ll see buffalo, deer, wild horses, prairie dog towns and more. Trail ride, mountain bike or hike through the Badlands or on the Maah Daah Hey Trail. Check out the Medora Musical -an extravaganza presented nightly in a beautiful outdoor amphitheater and dine at the Pitchfork Fondue.

Medora Musical

Day 7-8: Medora to Deadwood, South Dakota

Explore the northern Black Hills: drive spectacular Spearfish Canyon, explore the mining town of Lead and the gaming tables in historic Deadwood, a Gold Rush-era town. Take the historic tour which tells the history and legends of characters such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Motorcycle enthusiasts can visit the nearby town of Sturgis, where the world-famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally takes place every year. Visitors can learn about the history of the Rally at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

Day 9-11: Deadwood to Rapid City

Tour the wildlife loop of Custer State Park and watch for bison, pronghorn antelope, deer, elk, prairie dogs, coyotes, mountain goats and bighorn sheep. Start at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a massive sculpture the size as a six-story building of four important US Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln! Then stop by Crazy Horse Memorial, the largest mountain carving taking place in the world. Rapid City is the largest city in western South Dakota and serves as the gateway to the Black Hills. Rapid City is home to wonderful museums such as the Journey Museum and a newly-revamped Main Street Square that is home to a number of wonderful places to eat and drink.

Mount Rushmore

Day 12: Rapid City to Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park is a fossil-laden sea bed formed in the Oligocene age, offering spires, pinnacles, wide views and scenic overlooks to see the vistas (best photos at dawn and dusk).

Badlands National Park

Day 13: Badlands National Park

While traveling through the eastern part of the state visit the World’s Only Corn Palace in Mitchell. Travel back in time as a pioneer in De Smet, the homestead of Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of Little House on the Prairie.

Day 14: Sioux Falls

From unique landmarks, including a river that runs through our downtown, to historic theaters that host Broadway shows and local artists, you’ll discover so much to do in Sioux Falls. Visit the triple Falls of the Big Sioux River at Falls Park in the centre of the city and view from three lookout platforms.

“Content and images in this road trip were provided by the Great American West States of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota."

Discover more of the USA with our additional road trips. If you would like to book car hire or motorhome rental in USA, simply use our online booking engine above or contact our friendly reservations staff.