Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Cedar Rapids, IA to Brandon, SD

Cedar Rapids, IA and Brandon, SD are widely popular holiday destinations for families and solo travelers. The 534-mile drive between the two gives the travelers a chance to explore and make memories at different attractions along the way. An ideal halfway point to recharge is Northwood, IA.

Must-Visit Attractions

Explore Effigy Mounds National Monument

The Effigy Mounds National Monument is a federally protected area where visitors can see approximately 200 ceremonial and sacred Native American earthwork prehistoric mounds. The park offers amazing trails for hiking, birdwatching, and access to the Mississippi River. The preservation of these mounds serves as a reminder of the sacredness of nature. Make sure to carry comfortable clothes, sunscreen, and water for maximum exploration.

Interesting Fact: The monument is home to 31 types of mammals, 186 species of birds, 27 types of reptiles and amphibians, 114 kinds of fish, and 774 different plants.

Visit Mall of America

Mall of America is an indoor shopping center that covers roughly 4.8 million square feet with over 500 stores and attractions including an indoor theme park, movie theater, aquarium, and mini-golf course. The mall also features various restaurants offering different cuisines. Mall of America is a great location to relax and unwind while shopping with friends and family.

Interesting Fact: Every year, the mall hosts over 400 events including concerts, celebrity visits, and beauty pageants.

Explore the Falls of Saint Anthony

Located in Minneapolis, MN, the Saint Anthony Falls features 16 square blocks of the history of milling and manufacturing of cereals. The site demonstrates the development of Minneapolis as a milling and manufacturing town in the 19th century. Visitors can learn about how the milling process happens and how it affects the city's history.

Interesting Fact: The falls at St. Anthony were formed by the Mississippi River's ancient waterfall that was over 50 meters high.

Visit the Corn Palace

The Corn Palace, located in Mitchell, SD, is a giant corn-themed event center that features murals and decorations made entirely of corn cobs. This palace is in the midst of a cornfield, and the interior has murals made of ears of corn. The building also has a live music venue, vendors, and a gift shop. This location is a perfect photo spot and a great place to learn about South Dakota's affinity to their state grain.

Interesting Fact: The Corn Palace has been graced by the likes of Franklin D. Roosevelt and John Philip Sousa.

Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial

The Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a massive sculpture in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The sculpture features the faces of four presidents from left to right: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Visitors can enjoy the exhibits, learn about the making of the monument, and visit the on-site restaurant. The centerpiece sculpture is lit up at night, giving it an entirely different look.

Interesting Fact: The presidents on the monument were chosen to represent the nation's birth, growth, development, and preservation.

The Route and Timeframe

The total distance between Cedar Rapids, IA, and Brandon, SD, is approximately 534 miles, and it takes about eight and a half hours to cover this distance. The route takes the motorists through Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota, which offers different terrains, landscapes, and attractions along the way. However, the real memories are made at these attractions, and that is what makes this trip an adventure.

Making this road trip from Cedar Rapids to Brandon provides not just time with friends and family but also a chance to appreciate nature, history, and modern art. The stops highlighted above offer a chance to learn and appreciate different parts of the Midwest's culture and traditions.