When we first picked South Dakota for a quick getaway, we honestly weren’t sure what to expect. But three days later, with dusty boots, full hearts, and camera rolls overflowing with wildlife, rock formations, and endless skies, we realized we had stumbled upon one of America’s most underrated treasures.
This trip reminded us exactly why we started Our Libra Chronicles — to share the adventures that surprise us, ground us, and bring us closer together.
Day 1 — Mount Rushmore & Iron Mountain Road
We kicked off the trip with one of the most iconic landmarks in the country: Mount Rushmore. Instead of just viewing the monument from afar, we hiked the Presidential Trail, which gave us quiet pockets of shade, close-up angles of the carvings, and moments to take it all in.
In the afternoon, we hopped in the car and cruised along the Iron Mountain Road — a scenic drive full of winding curves, narrow tunnels, and surprise viewpoints. Each tunnel perfectly frames Mount Rushmore in the distance, like tiny cinematic Easter eggs. Windows down, breeze flowing, and beautiful pine forests all around… it set the tone for the rest of our trip.
Day 2 — Crazy Horse, Cathedral Spires & Wildlife Encounters
Day 2 was packed in the best way.
Our first stop: the Crazy Horse Memorial, a powerful and still-evolving tribute to Native American history and culture. Standing at the base and imagining it completed was breathtaking.
Next, we made our way into Custer State Park, which quickly became our favorite part of the trip. The Cathedral Spires Trail was everything we love in a hike — peaceful, moderately challenging, and surrounded by towering granite spires that made us feel tiny in the best possible way.
Then came the wildlife!
As we drove the Wildlife Loop, we spotted bison, prairie dogs, and even deer. Watching the bison roam freely felt like stepping into a documentary.
We ended the day on the scenic Needles Highway, with sharp rock pinnacles slicing into the sky and curves that force you to slow down — literally and metaphorically.
Day 3 — Badlands National Park
For our final day, we made our way to Badlands National Park, and wow… the landscapes here are otherworldly. Dramatic ridges, striped rock layers, and winding canyons created views that didn’t seem real. It was the perfect place to reflect on our trip, watching the sun stretch across formations that have been shaped for millions of years.
Badlands was quiet, humbling, and strangely calming — a powerful reminder of how vast and beautiful our world really is.
Where We Stayed
📍 Custer, South Dakota — the perfect home base for exploring everything in the Black Hills.
Final Thoughts
South Dakota surprised us in every way — the wildlife, the peaceful trails, the stunning rock formations, the scenic drives, and the feeling of stepping into untouched nature. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t need filters or fancy angles.
Just you, the open road, and incredible landscapes waiting around every corner.
We left with unforgettable memories and a new appreciation for this underrated state. If you’re looking for a mix of nature, adventure, and stillness, South Dakota deserves a spot on your list.
Trip Highlights at a Glance
- 🏞️ Hiked Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore
- 🚗 Drove Iron Mountain Road
- 🪶 Visited Crazy Horse Memorial
- 🥾 Hiked Cathedral Spires Trail in Custer State Park
- 🦬 Spotted bison, prairie dogs, deer along Wildlife Loop
- 🗻 Took in views on Needles Highway
- 🌄 Explored Badlands National Park
Our Libra Chronicles 
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