South Dakota , Deadwood, Custer area

[Maverick]

I have heard of many good roads in this area, but figure those that have already been there may have some suggestions of favorite roads to ride??  All suggestions welcome! I also know the state posts ride routes also, but how about good places to eat?  Best things to see? Will be traveling from Illinois so better routes than 90 would also be help full. Thanks in advance!!!   

[Oss]

I took 20 in Nebraska west to 83 north but it would have been more fun if I continued to 385/18 to Keystone

Stayed at motel you could see Rushmore in Keystone

From there all are day rides, Needles, Lead, Deadwood and Sturgis

Taking 16 west will get you to the Big Horn Mountains, which are some serious climbs

I went over 14 from Ranchester, just past Sheridan  14A will take you to Powell 14 to Cody

Yellowstone entrance is there but I took 120 to 296 Chief Joseph Highway to 212 Beartooth Pass

You will love the area, mind the tar snakes in Wyoming they are thick and slippery

[Davemn]

I have taken 14 out there but 90 is your best route from Illinois. Its fast and if it isn't windy its pretty good. Don't miss the Badlands Loop near Wall.

[cookiedough]

Yes,  definitely drive thru the 35-40 miles of badlands well worth it for the scenery and can stop and rest and walk around if you want as well.

WE also enjoyed Spearfish canyon worth the drive there and keep going and see in Wyoming right next to South Dakota  Devils Tower National Monument.  Don't just drive by it, go and walk the 1 mile around it to me it was amazing to go up and touch it and see how odd it really is built.

I think it was Custer State Park you should see some buffalo causing havoc blocking the roads if you are lucky just don't piss them off. 

[Moonshot_1]

Was just out that way couple weeks ago. On return from Colo. trip.

Roads of interest

Iron Mountain Road. aka 16a. Fee/Pass required if entering Custer Park
Start in Keystone/Mt. Rush area and end in Custer State Park

Needles Hwy. aka Hwy. 87. Fee/Pass required entering Custer Park

Spearfish Canyon Road. aka Hwy 14

Hwy. 244
This starts in the Hill City area and goes to Mt. Rushmore from the back side.

Badlands loop. aka Hwy. 240. Fee Required to enter Badlands National Park

Stop at Wall, SD.


Places to eat.

Purple Pie Place in Custer. Great pie.

Otherwise no shortage of quality places to eat

[Prometheus]

I took 20 in Nebraska west to 83 north but it would have been more fun if I continued to 385/18 to Keystone

... mind the tar snakes in Wyoming they are thick and slippery

Roger that, especially in the summer heat!

[BobB]

Going through the Bad Lands is a must, but if you take that in, you can also drop down to the town of Interior (Pop 67).  On SD-240 at Cedar Pass lodge take SD-377 SW about 2.5 miles.  It was closed two years ago, but now, it appears to be under new ownership.  The Horseshoe Bar there is a very interesting stop.   

[fudgie]

Take 80 to Iowa city and head north of cedar rapids to US 20. Take it to IA 4 then over to IA 7. It comes out in Vermillion SD. Take 50 to 44 by Wagner Sd. 44 goes all the way to Rapid City. It goes thru the badlands at Interior SD. That's usually all of the badlands you need to see. 44 is fresh paved and is nice. I usually will hit 100 mph for a few miles on this stretch. At RC jump on 90 and take it to where you are staying. If you take 44 stay in Winner Sd. Its the last hotel for 200 miles. Biker friendly hotel is Warrior Inn.
Aladdin WY is a neat 6 person town. Real old building. One Eyed Jacks is open in Sturgis now and is always a good time. At least at rally time. Exit 32 -Sturgis- is Vanocker Canyon Rd. It a little known road but very scenic and a must. Its a back way to Rapid or the other scenic drives as mentioned. Also you can take 90 and hit a deadwood exit and take it to deadwood. Another little known way to get there. Nice sweepers. Sturgis to deadwood is awesome on 14a. If you go to Mt Moriha in deadwood to see hickocks grave, be carefully on the parking lot. It sloops and is hard to see.

[Patrick]

The last time I was at Hickok's grave site ['71] Jane wasn't there. Its my understanding they dug her up and stuck her next to him. I'm sure she was happy with that, I wonder what he thinks.

[Hoser]

Iron Mountain road and the Needles highway are musts if at Keystone, under Rushmore.  Also Spearfish Canyon.

[fudgie]

Theres a nice mom and pop bbq in Keystone. Its in a little strip mall on the main drag next to diary queen.

[DirtyDan]

WALL DRUG

free ice water

worth the trip

dan

[Dagwood]

Here's my trip report from awhile back.

http://www.tealnet.net/mcr2006.html

You can treat it like a home movie that has a back button 

Really wanted to do devil's tower but fires kept us away.

[Moonshot_1]

Take 80 to Iowa city and head north of cedar rapids to US 20. Take it to IA 4 then over to IA 7. It comes out in Vermillion SD.

If you do this, it will take you through a town in NW Iowa called Cherokee (IA 7 will turn into Hwy 3 and then C-38) and you can stop and see ME!!!

[cookiedough]

Yah, if we ever go again,  thru Iowa has to be 10 times better than going to MN and thru SD.  1/2 of MN and over 1/2 of SD is totally boring on the super slab with NOTHING, and I do mean NOTHING, to see not even a fricking tree or bush or house or anything.  I couldn't wait to get off that slab of interstate was totally boring going 80 mph wish I could legally go 100 mph without getting a ticket just to get outta that boring land.

[Maverick]

Everyone has been very helpful and to summarize, skip I90 take I80, connect with US20 probably at Omaha to Rte83 or 73 to 44 into the Bad Lands.
Sites to see, 14a canyon rd, Needles Hwy, Iron Mountain, Deadwood, Custer etc..

Which would seem more like the "Old West" if there is such a thing?   

Current goal is to leave on 20th early and be in SD on the 21st and hope for good weather. Best laid plans of mice and men.
Roughly 500mi per day if US20 runs fast?

[fudgie]

Take 80 to Iowa city and head north of cedar rapids to US 20. Take it to IA 4 then over to IA 7. It comes out in Vermillion SD.

If you do this, it will take you through a town in NW Iowa called Cherokee (IA 7 will turn into Hwy 3 and then C-38) and you can stop and see ME!!!

Why yes it does! I been thru there a few times. If I had known I would have stopped. I ate at the McD there last yr.

[fudgie]

Everyone has been very helpful and to summarize, skip I90 take I80, connect with US20 probably at Omaha to Rte83 or 73 to 44 into the Bad Lands.
Sites to see, 14a canyon rd, Needles Hwy, Iron Mountain, Deadwood, Custer etc..

Which would seem more like the "Old West" if there is such a thing?   

Current goal is to leave on 20th early and be in SD on the 21st and hope for good weather. Best laid plans of mice and men.
Roughly 500mi per day if US20 runs fast?

Yes US 20 is fast. 4 lane thru 3/4 of Iowa. I maintain 75 easily. At IA 4 it goes to 2 lanes and is a little rough, hence why i go north. You want a old west feel, stop in Scenic SD. Its on 44. Not sure if its open since it was sold a few yrs ago. Still cool to stop and walk around.