Plans for 2015 Mt. Rushmore Trip
We are planning a tree week trip to the Mt. Rushmore and Black Hill areas in late June or early July (six days out, seven back and 8 days there). This is our first trip west with an RV. Going west, ...
Forum Discussion
We took a similar route a couple of years ago, starting in North-central Illinois and following as you have listed. Actually had more fun along the way than we did at Rushmore. Once you see it from the parking lot well then, you've seen it! But it is cool and in-person is something everyone should do once.
Someone mentioned the Badlands. Definitely would recommend. If you don't want to waste an overnight there is a beautiful driving loop that will take you through and put you right back on I-90 (loop is 240). No worries with an RV, some slight grades.
Also right on I-90 you can tour a cold-war era missile silo and control center (http://www.nps.gov/mimi/planyourvisit/hours.htm). That was really cool - they just up and left everything exactly as it was after the last missile for the control center was decommissioned, including magazines on the tables and duty roster on the wall. Only takes a couple of hours.
Finally as to the route back, we dropped down through Wyoming back country to hit I-25 and I-80 (roads 16 to 365 to 18 to 85 to 18 again at the split). Beautiful drive. Our itinerary took us as far West as Salt Lake City before we turned back but this is how we got to Cheyenne before dropping further South and over the mountains. Popping back East on I-80 will give you different things to look at vs I-90.
Also I know time is tight on these, but man since you are that far out there might consider trying to hit Rocky Mountain National Park. The climb to Estes IS a little intense but if you take it slow I'd imagine not very many issues.
All roads we were on were RV friendly. Enjoy your trip!
Someone mentioned the Badlands. Definitely would recommend. If you don't want to waste an overnight there is a beautiful driving loop that will take you through and put you right back on I-90 (loop is 240). No worries with an RV, some slight grades.
Also right on I-90 you can tour a cold-war era missile silo and control center (http://www.nps.gov/mimi/planyourvisit/hours.htm). That was really cool - they just up and left everything exactly as it was after the last missile for the control center was decommissioned, including magazines on the tables and duty roster on the wall. Only takes a couple of hours.
Finally as to the route back, we dropped down through Wyoming back country to hit I-25 and I-80 (roads 16 to 365 to 18 to 85 to 18 again at the split). Beautiful drive. Our itinerary took us as far West as Salt Lake City before we turned back but this is how we got to Cheyenne before dropping further South and over the mountains. Popping back East on I-80 will give you different things to look at vs I-90.
Also I know time is tight on these, but man since you are that far out there might consider trying to hit Rocky Mountain National Park. The climb to Estes IS a little intense but if you take it slow I'd imagine not very many issues.
All roads we were on were RV friendly. Enjoy your trip!
