The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Custer, South Dakota to Platte City, Missouri

[Custer, South Dakota] - Nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Custer is a small town with big appeal. The town is surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, including Custer State Park and the iconic Mount Rushmore. From Custer, travelers can embark on a scenic road trip to Platte City, Missouri, passing through the charming town of Humboldt, SD, which is the halfway point.

Custer State Park - Custer State Park is one of the most popular destinations in the Black Hills, offering stunning scenery, a variety of wildlife, and plenty of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, fishing, and even a wildlife loop that offers the chance to see bison, deer, and other native animals in their natural habitat. The park also features the famous Needles Highway, a scenic drive with impressive rock formations and sweeping views.

Interesting fact: Custer State Park is home to one of the largest publicly-owned bison herds in the world, with around 1,300 bison roaming the park.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - No trip to the Black Hills would be complete without a visit to Mount Rushmore. This iconic American landmark features the larger-than-life faces of four U.S. presidents carved into the granite cliffs. Visitors can explore the presidential trail, museum, and the sculptor's studio, learning about the history and significance of this impressive monument.

Interesting fact: The 60-foot-tall faces of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln were carved into the mountain over a 14-year period, from 1927 to 1941.

Badlands National Park - As travelers head east from Custer, they'll have the opportunity to explore Badlands National Park, a striking landscape of rugged rock formations, canyons, and prairies. The park offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Visitors can also learn about the area's natural and cultural history at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.

Interesting fact: The Badlands have been home to Native American tribes for thousands of years, and the park contains one of the world's richest fossil beds.

Humboldt, SD - Humboldt, South Dakota is a small town that offers a charming glimpse of rural Midwestern life. Travelers can stop in Humboldt to stretch their legs, grab a bite to eat, and experience the friendly hospitality of a small South Dakota community. The town is the perfect place to take a break and soak in the slower pace of life.

Interesting fact: Humboldt was named after the famous German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, and the town's history is closely tied to the railroad industry.

Kansas City, Missouri - As travelers near the end of their journey, they'll arrive in Kansas City, a vibrant metropolis known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and delicious barbecue. Visitors can explore the city's museums, art galleries, and historic sites, or sample some of the region's famous barbecue at one of the many local restaurants.

Interesting fact: Kansas City is often referred to as the "City of Fountains," boasting more fountains than any other city in the world outside of Rome.

In conclusion, the road trip from Custer, South Dakota to Platte City, Missouri offers travelers the chance to experience some of the most iconic landmarks and natural beauty in the American Midwest. The route covers approximately 650 miles and can be completed in about 11 hours of driving time, not including stops. Whether exploring stunning national parks, visiting historic monuments, or enjoying the hospitality of small-town America, this road trip provides an unforgettable adventure for those looking to experience the heartland of the United States.