Bad lands area

Your travel plans seem to be a bit backward, Badlands then past the Black Hills to Devils Tower then back to the Black Hills.
Anyway:
Badlands 4 Stars
Wall Drug 2 stars
Minute Man 3 stars if silo tour included
Rushmore 2 stars
Crazy Horse 1 star
Two NM Caves 4 stars
Custer SP 4 stars
And lots of other small stuff

Definitely Mt. Rushmore (be sure to get the view driving around the left end of it -- very impressive) and Crazy Horse. We also enjoyed Bear Country USA, not far from Rapid City.

You're in for a treat. My wife and I have been in every one of the 50 states, many of them numerous times, and in over 35 foreign countries, and believe it or not, our South Dakota trip was one of the most enjoyable trips we've ever taken. We talk about it often. Be sure to take a bag of carrots for the donkey's in Custer SP.

Definitely Mt. Rushmore (be sure to get the view driving around the left end of it -- very impressive) and Crazy Horse.

And so you see opinions vary a lot on those two attractions.

Badlands 4 Stars
Wall Drug 2 stars
Minute Man 3 stars if silo tour included
Rushmore 2 stars
Crazy Horse 1 star
Two NM Caves 4 stars
Custer SP 4 stars
And lots of other small stuff

Agree with this assessment. Add Keystone SD though. Touristy, kitschy and lots of fun.

I had to look up Keystone, never heard of it until then.

We stumbled across Keystone when we were on our honeymoon in 1984. Went back about 10 years ago and it hadn't changed a lot. If you like drive-through wildlife parks go to Bear Country USA.

A whirlwind schedule. Drive through of Badlands, Devils Tower, Blue Bell, Custer SP, then Spearfish appears more like a bucket list to be emptied rather fthan fulfilled.
The ratings given are skewed to each persons interest and knowledge. Note how some rate Mt. Rushmore against Crazy Horse.
The geography, history of aboriginal peoples to today and the region are intertwined, spend time in the visitor centers.

In Custer SP the Needles Highway is a great drive. However, not for an RV.

BTW, if you don't get to Wall Drug, it's no big deal. Definitely a "1 star" attraction in our book

Remember, opinions vary. You make the call.

Many years ago Crazy Horse and Deadwood were 4 star places but they have become tourist traps. You can get a good view of Crazy Horse from the road and save a expensive entrance fee. Gambling has ruined Deadwood unless you like gambling. The boot hill cemtary is worth a short vist. "here lies Less More - four shots fro a 44 - no less no More!