Best Places to Visit on a Trip Between Champlin, Minnesota and Denver, Colorado

Are you planning a road trip from Champlin, Minnesota to Denver, Colorado? Here are five must-see places to visit on your journey.

Halfway Point: Ord, NE

Before we delve into our list, let's talk about the halfway point of this trip: Ord, NE. This small town is perfect for a pitstop. Grab a bite to eat at the infamous Scratchtown Brewing Company, featuring handcrafted beer, burgers, and fries. The town also offers hiking opportunities at the Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area.

Now, let's get to the main attractions on the road ahead:

1. Badlands National Park

Located in southwestern South Dakota, the Badlands National Park offers stunning views of rock formations, canyons, and prairies. Don't miss the opportunity to hike the Castle Trail, capturing miles of breathtaking scenery. There are also opportunities to see wildlife such as bison and bighorn sheep.

2. Mount Rushmore National Memorial

When in South Dakota, a visit to Mount Rushmore should not be missed. Marvel at the colossal 60-foot faces of American presidents carved into the granite mountainside. Be sure to take a stroll on the Presidential Trail, which traverses the base of Mount Rushmore, offering up-close views of the sculptures.

3. Devils Tower National Monument

Heading west, you'll come across Devils Tower National Monument in northeastern Wyoming. This rock formation rises nearly 1,300 feet above the Belle Fourche River, making it quite the sight to see. You may recognize it from its role in the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing are all popular activities in this stunning park.

4. Black Hills National Forest

As you approach the town of Custer, South Dakota, be sure to take a detour into the Black Hills National Forest. This forest offers a variety of scenic drives, hiking opportunities, camping, and fishing. Be sure to check out Sylvan Lake, a crystal clear alpine lake surrounded by towering rock formations.

5. Rocky Mountain National Park

Last but not least, the final stop on our trip brings us to Rocky Mountain National Park, just outside the city limits of Denver. This park boasts over 300 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs. Be sure to take a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road, offering stunning views of the park's mountains and wildlife.

In conclusion, although the journey between Champlin, Minnesota, and Denver, Colorado, may be long, these five must-see stops along the way will make it an adventurous and unforgettable road trip. Happy travels!