Newsletter Special - Custer South Dakota

Discover the beauty and history of Custer, South Dakota, with our exclusive newsletter special! Get the latest updates on events, attractions, and lodging in this charming town.

 

Traveling from Ohio (home state for Pack Your Bags Travel) to Custer State Park in South Dakota for a summer vacation sounds like an exciting adventure! Here are some tips to help you plan your trip:

Route Planning

  1. Distance: The drive from Ohio to Custer State Park is approximately 800 to 1,000 miles, depending on your starting point in Ohio.
  2. Driving Time: Expect around 12 to 16 hours of driving time, so consider breaking it up over two days if possible.

Where are you starting from?  I can help you plan the best route for you!  Contact me today to find out!

 

Stops Along the Way

  • Chicago, IL: A great city to explore with parks, museums, and food.
    • Millennium Park - Famous for the Cloud Gate sculpture (often called "The Bean"), this park features gardens, art installations, and outdoor concerts.
    • The Art Institute of Chicago - One of the oldest and largest art museums in the U.S., housing an extensive collection of artworks including Impressionist and Post-Impressionist pieces.
    • Navy Pier - A popular recreational area with shops, restaurants, a Ferris wheel, and beautiful views of Lake Michigan.
    • Shedd Aquarium - An impressive aquarium featuring a variety of marine life and interactive exhibits.
    • Field Museum - A natural history museum known for its dinosaur skeletons and extensive anthropological collections.
    • Skydeck Chicago - Located in the Willis Tower, offering spectacular views of the city from the 103rd floor.
    • Lincoln Park Zoo - A free, family-friendly zoo featuring a wide range of animals and beautiful gardens.
    • Chicago Riverwalk - A scenic waterfront walkway with restaurants, bars, and activities along the Chicago River.
    • The Magnificent Mile - A famous shopping district with high-end retailers, dining, and entertainment options.
    • Museum of Science and Industry - One of the largest science museums in the world, featuring interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.
    • Wrigley Field - Home to the Chicago Cubs, this historic baseball stadium is a must-visit for sports fans.
    • The Chicago Cultural Center - Known for its stunning architecture and free cultural events.
  • Sioux Falls, SD: A good place to stop for meals and enjoy the beautiful falls.
    • Falls Park - A stunning natural park featuring the iconic Sioux Falls, with walking paths, viewing areas, and picnic spots.
    • SculptureWalk - An outdoor art exhibit featuring sculptures by local and national artists displayed throughout downtown Sioux Falls.
    • Minnehaha Park - A beautiful park that includes the scenic Minnehaha Falls, walking trails, and picnic areas.
    • Washington Pavilion - A cultural center that houses a science center, visual arts center, and a performing arts theater.
    • The Butterfly House & Aquarium - An interactive attraction where visitors can see butterflies and marine life up close.
    • Sioux Falls Zoo - A well-maintained zoo that features a variety of animals and educational programs, ideal for families.
    • Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History - Offers a diverse range of animals and a museum showcasing mounted specimens.
    • Downtown Sioux Falls - A vibrant area with shops, restaurants, and nightlife, perfect for exploring local culture.
    • Pettigrew Home & Museum - A historic home that offers insights into the life of the city's early settlers and showcases local history.
    • The Outdoor Campus - A facility that promotes outdoor recreation and education through classes, exhibits, and events.
    • Falls Overlook Café - A great spot to enjoy a meal with a view of the falls.
    • The Siouxland Heritage Museums - A group of museums that tell the story of the region's history and culture.
  • Badlands National Park: If you have time, detour to see the stunning landscapes.
    • Badlands Loop Road - A scenic drive that offers breathtaking views of the park's dramatic landscapes, with numerous overlooks and pullouts.
    • Wall Drug Store - While technically outside the park, this famous roadside attraction is a popular stop for visitors, featuring shops, restaurants, and quirky displays. 
    • Notch Trail - A popular hiking trail that leads to a stunning overlook, featuring a ladder climb and breathtaking views of the surrounding area. 
    • Big Badlands Overlook - A viewpoint that provides a panoramic view of the rugged terrain and colorful rock formations. 

    • Notch Trail - A popular hiking trail that leads to a stunning overlook, featuring a ladder climb and breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

    • Saddle Pass Trail - A short but steep hike that offers excellent views and access to the park's interior.
    • Fossil Exhibit Trail - An easy, accessible trail that showcases the park's rich fossil history with informative signs about the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the area.
    • Sunset and Sunrise Viewing - The Badlands are renowned for their stunning sunrises and sunsets, with vibrant colors illuminating the landscape.
  • Indianapolis, Indiana: Explore the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500, or visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art and its beautiful gardens.
  • Effingham, Illinois: Visit the Cross at the Crossroads, a massive cross and visitor center, or explore local shops and restaurants.
  • St. Louis, Missouri: Stop by the iconic Gateway Arch, take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River, or explore the St. Louis Zoo, which is free to the public.
  • Kansas City, Missouri: Famous for its jazz heritage, you can visit the National World War I Museum and Memorial, or enjoy the vibrant food scene, especially barbecue.

 

I can help you plan your trip from start to finish!

Custer State Park Activities

  • Wildlife Viewing: Look for bison, elk, and prairie dogs.
  • Hiking: Trails vary from easy walks to more challenging hikes like the Cathedral Spires Trail.
  • Scenic Drives: Don’t miss the Needles Highway and the Wildlife Loop Road.
  • Camping: If you're interested in camping, check the availability of campsites in advance.

Tips

  • Pack Accordingly: Bring clothing for varying weather, as summer can be warm during the day but cooler at night.
  • Reservations: Make reservations for accommodations or campsites ahead of time, especially during the summer months. I can help!
  • Snacks and Drinks: Bring a cooler or reusable bags to stock up on snacks and drinks. Healthy options like fruits, nuts, and granola bars are great for energy, while water bottles help keep you hydrated.
  • Navigation Tools: Ensure you have a reliable GPS device or a navigation app on your phone. Having a physical map as a backup can also be helpful in case of poor signal in remote areas.
  • Organize Your Gear: Use packing cubes or bags to organize clothing and gear. Keep frequently used items, such as snacks and chargers, easily accessible.
  • Local Events: Check for any local events or festivals happening during your visit.
    • Reach out to me and I can find out what is happening along your route and at your destination!

Does this sound like your kind of vacation?

If so, please reach out to me and I can set it all up for you.  From your routes, to you reservations, to any stops you want along the way.  

I can put together your itinerary together so that you don't miss anything along the way.

 

All that you will need to do is Pack Your Bags! 

Contact me today so we can begin planning your next vacation!