Photo of AI-VascoDaGama
01 Feb 2025Updated last time
Edit Trip Edit
Bookmark TripSave

Wisconsin To South Dakota Road Trip Trip Itinerary

Trip Itinerary: Wisconsin to South Dakota Journey

The road trip from Wisconsin to South Dakota covers a diverse range of landscapes and attractions, guaranteeing a memorable experience. Begin in Madison, WI, where you can enjoy the sophistication of this bustling capital city, from its political edifices to the scenic lakeshores. Continuing to the Wisconsin Dells offers an exciting change of pace, with its array of waterparks to bring joy to families and adventurers alike. Next, La Crosse, WI, allows for a peaceful retreat in the beauty of riverfront vistas and recreational activities.

As you venture into Minnesota, Rochester presents a chance to explore the world of medical innovations at the Mayo Clinic, complemented by a thriving arts and cultural scene. Crossing into South Dakota, Sioux Falls showcases the city’s namesake waterfalls and urban charm. A stop in Mitchell to visit the unique corn-themed Corn Palace provides a quirky yet fascinating glimpse into agricultural artistry.

Reaching Badlands National Park, you'll find yourself immersed in an otherworldly terrain, rife with geological marvels and paleontological wonders. The grand finale of the journey, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, offers a reflective moment in front of the monumental carvings of four influential U.S. presidents, etched into the mountain’s granite face, encapsulating the spirit of the nation and the grandeur of the American landscape.


Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Madison, WI

    As the capital of Wisconsin, Madison offers rich history, vibrant cultural experiences, stunning architecture like the State Capitol building, and access to beautiful lakes and outdoor activities.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin2

    Wisconsin Dells, WI

    Known as the 'Waterpark Capital of the World', Wisconsin Dells is a fun-packed destination for families and travelers looking for excitement. It offers a variety of waterparks, amusement parks, and natural scenic beauty.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin3

    La Crosse, WI

    Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, La Crosse is known for its riverfront scenery, charming historic downtown, as well as opportunities for outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, and boating.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin4

    Rochester, MN

    Rochester is home to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, offering visitors a chance to explore its medical history and advancements. The city also provides a variety of cultural attractions, beautiful parks, and a vibrant arts scene.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin5

    Sioux Falls, SD

    Sioux Falls is known for its stunning Falls Park, where the Big Sioux River cascades over beautiful rock formations. The city also boasts a lively downtown with shops, restaurants, and a vibrant arts and music scene.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin6

    Mitchell, SD

    Mitchell is famous for the Corn Palace, an iconic building decorated with murals made from corn and other grains. It's a unique architectural marvel and a tribute to the area's agricultural heritage.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin7

    Badlands National Park, SD

    Visit for the dramatic landscapes with layered rock formations, steep canyons, and towering spires. This park is also rich in fossils and has an abundance of wildlife, including bison and bighorn sheep.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin8

    Mount Rushmore National Memorial, SD

    Mount Rushmore is an iconic symbol of the United States, featuring the 60-foot high faces of four U.S. presidents carved into granite. It's a masterpiece of art and engineering and a site of national pride.
    Open Google Maps Button

Restaurants

  • Safe House

    A spy-themed restaurant in Milwaukee, WI, where guests need a password to enter, offering a fun and unique dining experience.
    Picture for Safe House
  • Restaurant Icon

    Ishnala Supper Club

    Ishnala Supper Club

    Nestled in the woods by Mirror Lake, this restaurant near Wisconsin Dells provides an exceptional view and ambiance with classic supper club fare.
    Picture for Ishnala Supper Club
  • Restaurant Icon

    The Monarch Public House

    The Monarch Public House

    Ireland's oldest serving tavern in Fountain City, WI, offers a historic setting with traditional Irish-American cuisine.
    Picture for The Monarch Public House
  • Al's Oasis

    Located in Oacoma, SD, Al's Oasis offers a nostalgic dining experience with a historic backdrop, traditional Midwestern dishes, and their famous five cent coffee.
    Picture for Al's Oasis
  • Restaurant Icon

    Carnaval Brazilian Grill

    Carnaval Brazilian Grill

    Bringing a taste of Brazil to Sioux Falls, SD, Carnaval offers an interactive dining experience where meats are carved tableside.
    Picture for Carnaval Brazilian Grill
  • Restaurant Icon

    The Corn Exchange

    4.5
    $$$$

    The Corn Exchange

    An innovative restaurant in Rapid City, SD, that uses local ingredients to create inspired dishes reflecting regional flavors.
    4.5
    $$$$
    Picture for The Corn Exchange
  • Restaurant Icon

    Murdo Drive-In

    Murdo Drive-In

    A classic drive-in located in Murdo, SD, famous for its nostalgic charm and traditional American drive-in food.
    Picture for Murdo Drive-In
  • Restaurant Icon

    Black Hills Burger and Bun Co.

    Black Hills Burger and Bun Co.

    In Custer, SD, this spot is known for its gourmet burgers, made-from-scratch ingredients, and cozy atmosphere.
    Picture for Black Hills Burger and Bun Co.

Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    The Don Q Inn

    The Don Q Inn

    Located in Dodgeville, WI, this unique hotel features themed rooms including a cockpit of a 1956 Boeing C-97 aircraft.
    Picture for The Don Q Inn
  • Hotel Icon

    Sundara Inn & Spa

    Sundara Inn & Spa

    An adults-only hotel in Wisconsin Dells, offering a serene retreat with a focus on wellness, including forest bathing and spa services.
    Picture for Sundara Inn & Spa
  • HotelRED

    This boutique hotel in Madison, WI, is stylishly appointed with a distinctively modern and artistic edge, adjacent to the iconic Camp Randall Stadium.
    Picture for HotelRED
  • Hotel Icon

    Hotel Alex Johnson

    Hotel Alex Johnson

    Rapid City, SD's historic hotel, mixes Native American culture with Germanic Tudor architecture to create an unforgettable ambiance.
    Picture for Hotel Alex Johnson
  • Hotel Icon

    Sylvan Lake Lodge

    Sylvan Lake Lodge

    Built in the 1930s, this Custer, SD lodge in Custer State Park designed by Frank Lloyd Wright offers stunning views over Sylvan Lake.
    Picture for Sylvan Lake Lodge
  • Hotel Icon

    Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort

    Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort

    A relaxing oasis in Oacoma, SD, with beautiful views of the Missouri River, ideal for a tranquil retreat.
    Picture for Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort

Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Austin Snell

    Austin Snell

    The event will take place at Captain's Getaway in Arnolds Park.
    Map IconCaptain's Getaway in Arnolds Park (34.16 mi)
    Calendar Icon19 Jul 2024
    Picture for Austin Snell
  • Event Icon

    Wyatt Flores

    Wyatt Flores

    The event will take place at Captain's Getaway in Arnolds Park.
    Map IconCaptain's Getaway in Arnolds Park (34.16 mi)
    Calendar Icon9 Aug 2024
    Picture for Wyatt Flores
  • Event Icon

    Vickis Camp n Country Jam Friday

    Vickis Camp n Country Jam Friday

    The event will take place at Vickis Camp N Country Jam in Redwood Falls.
    Map IconVickis Camp N Country Jam in Redwood Falls (50.39 mi)
    Calendar Icon28 Jun 2024
    Picture for Vickis Camp n Country Jam Friday
  • Event Icon

    Brett Young

    Brett Young

    MUST BE 18+ YRS TO ATTEND, NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES, TICKET REQUIRED TO ATTEND, WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE EXCEPT FOR GRANDSTAND, DACOTAH EXPOSITION CENTER, SHOW 8PM, DOOR 6:30PM, INTERNET SALES THRU TICKETMASTER ONLY
    Map IconJackpot Junction Casino Hotel in Morton (54.16 mi)
    Calendar Icon12 Jul 2024
    Picture for Brett Young
  • Event Icon

    Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

    Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

    The event will take place at the ALLIANCE in Sioux Falls.
    Map Iconthe ALLIANCE in Sioux Falls (66.82 mi)
    Calendar Icon28 Jun 2024
    Picture for Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
  • Event Icon

    Barenaked Ladies w/ Toad the Wet Sprocket

    Barenaked Ladies w/ Toad the Wet Sprocket

    The event will take place at Washington Pavilion of Arts & Science in Sioux Falls.
    Map IconWashington Pavilion of Arts & Science in Sioux Falls (66.82 mi)
    Calendar Icon4 Nov 2024
    Picture for Barenaked Ladies w/ Toad the Wet Sprocket
  • Event Icon

    HYPE

    HYPE

    HYPE
    Map IconWindy City Bites in Sioux Falls (67.21 mi)
    Calendar Icon10 Aug 2024
    Picture for HYPE

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    I'm planning a road trip from Wisconsin to SD in early July. Planning to stay in Rapid City and explore the Badlands and surrounding area, staying in

    Planning a road trip from Wisconsin to South Dakota. Ideas?

    I'm planning a road trip from Wisconsin to SD in early July. Planning to stay in Rapid City and explore the Badlands and surrounding area, staying in

    /r/roadtrip
  • Reddit Icon

    We're planning a family road trip from Wisconsin to South Dakota possibly beginning of Aug. It would be our first "actual" road trip (not visiting and staying with relatives)....

    Road trip to South Dakota (First time visiting) - Anything to know?

    We're planning a family road trip from Wisconsin to South Dakota possibly beginning of Aug. It would be our first "actual" road trip (not visiting and staying with relatives)....

    /r/SouthDakota
  • Reddit Icon

    Next weekend, I'm driving solo from Wisconsin to South Dakota. What do you think of my plans? Anything I should add, subtract, or replace? Day 1

    Planning a 6 day road trip to South Dakota next weekend. Advice?

    Next weekend, I'm driving solo from Wisconsin to South Dakota. What do you think of my plans? Anything I should add, subtract, or replace? Day 1

    /r/travel
  • Reddit Icon

    You're going right through Madison, and the Wisconsin Dells. The former is an interesting town, and the latter is probably the biggest tourist destination in Wisconsin. Withou...

    Stopping point of interest between Michigan and South Dakota? (I-90)

    You're going right through Madison, and the Wisconsin Dells. The former is an interesting town, and the latter is probably the biggest tourist destination in Wisconsin. Withou...

    /r/roadtrip
  • Reddit Icon

    having rapid as your home base is an excellent idea; there's a reason it's called the gateway to the black hills. go to the r/RapidCity subreddit for ideas there. a lot of the...

    South Dakota trip ideas?

    having rapid as your home base is an excellent idea; there's a reason it's called the gateway to the black hills. go to the r/RapidCity subreddit for ideas there. a lot of the...

    /r/SouthDakota

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    An upbeat song that captures the essence of road-tripping and the feeling of freedom on the open road.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway
  • Music Icon

    John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads

    John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads

    A classic song that invokes nostalgia and a sense of belonging, perfect for driving through scenic landscapes.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads
  • Music Icon

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    A rhythmic anthem celebrating the joys of road travel and the adventures that await.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live
  • Music Icon

    Johnny Cash - I've Been Everywhere

    Johnny Cash - I've Been Everywhere

    A high-energy song listing numerous destinations, mirroring the journey of a long distance road trip.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Johnny Cash - I've Been Everywhere
  • Music Icon

    Steppenwolf - Born To Be Wild - Single Version

    Steppenwolf - Born To Be Wild - Single Version

    An iconic rock song that symbolizes freedom and the call of the highway, embodying the spirit of adventure.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Steppenwolf - Born To Be Wild - Single Version
  • Music Icon

    Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster

    Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster

    This song's driving beats and assertive lyrics evoke the independence of travel and the thrill of exploration.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster
  • Music Icon

    Chuck Berry - Route 66

    Chuck Berry - Route 66

    A smooth song that takes you on a lyrical journey along one of the most legendary highways in America.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Chuck Berry - Route 66
  • Music Icon

    Luke Combs - Fast Car

    Luke Combs - Fast Car

    A reflective and hopeful tune that sees the car as a means to a better life and new experiences.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Luke Combs - Fast Car
  • Music Icon

    Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama

    Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama

    A southern rock song that's infectious and perfect for singing along to on any road trip.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama
  • Music Icon

    Eagles - Hotel California - 2013 Remaster

    Eagles - Hotel California - 2013 Remaster

    A mysterious and captivating song that tells a story, fitting for the long stretches of road at sunset.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Eagles - Hotel California - 2013 Remaster